When a remake is in development, I like hearing about big, creative swings. There's no point to a filmmaker simply making a copy of a movie that already exists, so when there are reports of a specific vision being implemented and significant changes being made, the making of the new film sounds far more exciting. But not every report of a big swing being taken is true – and if you've been getting your hopes up in the last few days regarding rumors that the upcoming adaptation of American Psycho would feature a gender-swapped Patrick Bateman played by Margot Robbie, I have some bad news to share.

Following up on reports from this past weekend, Deadline has published word from sources saying not only that the Margot Robbie casting isn't accurate, but also that there are no plans to gender swap the story's protagonist. Not much is known about the project, which was first announced as being in development a year ago, and it may very well end up making some big changes from the source material, but it will evidently continue to have a male lead.

It's a move that is probably for the best, if not just because it means that there won't be months/years of people comparing the remake to American Psycho II: All American Girl – the 2002 direct-to-video sequel starring Mila Kunis and William Shatner.

Luca Guadagnino, best known for films including Call Me By Your Name, Suspiria, Challengers, and Bones And All, is attached to direct, but a star has not yet been announced. There were reports a few months ago that Austin Butler would potentially be playing the new Patrick Bateman (following up Christian Bale's turn in the 2000 adaptation), but that rumor was also eventually shut down as well, and the hunt is still on.

Based on the satirical and hyper-hyper violent novel of the same name by author Bret Easton Ellis, the American Psycho remake is being penned by Scott Z. Burns, who is best known for his collaborations with director Steven Soderbergh (The Informant!, Contagion, Side Effects and The Laundromat). In addition to the question about who will play the lead, there are a number of other mysteries surrounding the project as well. For example, will it still be set in the 1980s, or will it be getting an updated setting that reflects yuppy/capitalist culture in the 21st century? And will the violence be a closer reflection of the extreme content in the book, or will Guadagnino take a page out of director Mary Harron's book and work to make the horror more pallatable?

While we don't know a whole lot about the new American Psycho movie, curiosity is definitely high, and that means you can expect to hear plenty more about it here on CinemaBlend. Be on the look out for more news and updates, and if you're in the need for a fix right now, the 2000 film is now available to stream with either a Peacock subscription or a Paramount+ subscription.

If you're like me, you have a dark streak in your sense of humor. There is really nothing too twisted that can't be laughed at if it's presented in the right way. It's really hard for movies to get this right, but when they do, it's nothing short of brilliant.

It might be cynical, but laughing at the worst things we deal with is a better way to deal with those things. Pretending they don't exist is even worse. So here is my list of just how much dark humor can make us laugh when it's done well

Fargo

The Coen Brothers are masters of the darker arts of comedy, and there is no movie in their filmography that highlights this more than Fargo. It's a movie that is about a brutal kidnapping and murder, yet audiences howl with laughter at so much of it. Even the wood chipper joke at the end, with one leg sticking out. Masterful.

The Cable Guy

Jim Carrey's character in The Cable Guy is exceptionally funny, but equally dark and depressing. There are times when you don't know whether to laugh or cry at the character; that's where the brilliance lies. It showed Carrey could be so much more than just a clown, as he had been for most of his career before it. It wasn't a movie that everyone loved at first, but today, it's thought of as one of Jim Carrey's best performances.

Thank You For Smoking

Any movie making a joke out of the seriousness of cancer and how smoking is linked to it has to be dark. Thank You For Smoking is just that. It's bright and light, but the subject is just so dark. It's a brilliant contrast.

The Royal Tenenbaums

Director Wes Anderson has never been as cynical as he was in his early movies. The Royal Tenenbaums is pretty much the zenith of his dark humor. The family is so awful to each other and to themselves that it's hard to believe the money could be as funny as it is. It's one of those movies that might not be funny the first time you see it, but watch it enough, and it doesn't take long to find the humor, and love it.

Better Off Dead

John Cusack in the 1980s and '90s was a master of dark humor, and one of his first movies, Better Off Dead, is one of his darkest. Look at it on the surface, he's playing a character so depressed he's trying to off himself throughout most of the movie. Yet, he's charming and funny at the same time. That's a hard combo to pull off, and Cusack seems to do it with ease.

The Banshees of Inisherin

Brendan Gleeson and Colin Farrell have teamed up for a couple of dark comedies. The Banshees of Inisherin is really dark, as Gleeson's character is threatening the worst if Farrell's character doesn't leave him alone. It's disturbing and hilarious.

Saltburn

Saltburn is one of those movies that is impossible to pin down in one genre. It's a steamy thriller, wrapped in a horror movie, wrapped in a really funny and biting commentary on class. It's a brilliant movie that isn't really "laugh out loud funny," it's just brilliant satire.

Birdman Or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)

Birdman Or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance), as it's fully known, is mostly known for the one-shot style. It was a little ahead of its time in that respect. It's one of the few comedies on this list that won the Best Picture Oscar. In fact, if you're writing a comedy and want to win a Best Picture, you'd better get pretty dark.

Heathers

For Generation X, their humor was defined by comedies like Heathers. The "heroes" of the movie are, essentially, serial killers. It has a bubblegum-like lightness to its aesthetic, but boy, is the humor dark. It's a biting satire, and a horrifying commentary on high school, cliques, and the disillusionment of '80s and '90s teenagers. It's disturbing, but it made its point well.

Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb

There is nothing funnier than nuclear war, right? What if it were during the height of the Cold War when people genuinely thought a nuclear holocaust was just around the corner? Scared yet? Well, learn how to stop worrying and love "The Bomb" with Stanley Kubrick's comedic masterpiece, Dr. Strangelove. Peter Sellers really could make anything hilarious.

American Psycho

It's fun to make fun of the 1980s. It's not easy to make a movie, or write a story, as dark yet as funny as American Psycho is. Christian Bale is brilliant in the role of Patrick Bateman, and it really doesn't matter whether you think the whole thing was in his head or not, as is implied by its ending, the satire works on every level. Laughing at a psychotic serial killer is weird, but not laughing with this movie is even weirder.

The Death Of Stalin

Joseph Stalin was one of the worst monsters to ever live in history. His death should be celebrated and made fun of. Laughing at monsters is as powerful as calling them out seriously. The Death of Stalin not only mocks the dictator's death, but it mocks all the jokers who thought they could fill the void in power in the USSR, and it's a riot, in every way.

Anora

Comedies don't often win the Oscar for Best Picture, and Anora was a little bit of a surprise to many. It's a brilliant movie, and some of the scenes are just downright hilarious. When Anora is screaming at the top of her lungs when her boyfriend's goons are trying to control her is both disturbing and funny, and that's the kind of thing that makes dark comedies great.

Office Space

Imagine if Office Space wasn't funny. It would be the most depressing movie ever made. No one wants to live a life as listless as Peter's life. The subject and Peter's feelings are what make it dark; the jokes and the characters are what make it so funny. Neither side works without the other.

Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels

Guy Richie's early movies about crime and moronic criminals are some of the funniest movies of the last 30 years. His first, Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, puts the characters in a very bad place, and yet somehow they emerge more or less unscathed. It's lucky, and it's sure funny.

The Lobster

No one makes movies like Yorgos Lanthimos. No one looks at the world like the celebrated director. All of his movies make the audience uncomfortable, but they also never fail to make you laugh. Or, at least, they make you think about laughing until you realize it might make you uncomfortable to do so. A sure sign of brilliant dark humor. The Lobster is the pinnacle of this for Lanthimos. At least so far, who knows what the future holds for the brilliant director?

Don't Look Up

Making a movie about the end of the world funny is hard to do, especially if it's grounded in reality, like Don't Look Up is. Sure, it's a satire that takes shots at the news media, the political elites, and even the naivety of the public, but there is something very real about it. That makes it both funny and scary. A great combination.

Happiness

Happiness is probably the darkest movie on this list. It's so dark that it's really hard to find the humor in it, and if you aren't disturbed by it on some level, seek help. You have to get really dark to see the humor, but it's there. It's definitely there. I think.

The Ref

Who says you can't make a dark comedy Christmas movie? In fact, it's only natural that a holiday that makes so many people nuts, when they have to deal with their crazy families, makes for a perfect dark comedy. There are a few dark Christmas comedies, but this one is maybe the best. It's a cult classic for good reason.

Grosse Pointe Blank

Any movie that makes the life of a hit man hilarious has to be a brilliant bit of dark humor. Grosse Point Blank takes John Cusack back to high school for his reunion after spending the previous decade as a contract killer. It's a really funny movie, but there is still violence and death, and another killer looking to unionize the killers. Yeah, that's dark.

Serial Mom

Serial killers, it turns out, are fertile ground for comedy. Serial Mom isn't the most popular movie on this list, but that's likely because, for whatever reason, not enough people have seen the hilarious John Waters-directed comedy. Waters is a master of the genre.

Scrooged

Christmas is a tough time of year for a lot of people. Notably, in Scrooged, Bill Murray's character really struggles. He's as cynical as they come, and he gets called out on it. It ends on a high note, but it's pretty dark before it gets there.

In Bruges

Brendan Gleeson and Colin Farrell are idiotic criminals in In Bruges, and it makes this one of the funniest movies of the 2000s. It's not as dark as their next dark comedy, The Banshees of Inisherin, but it's certainly not light-hearted.

American Beauty

It's hard to call American Beauty a true comedy, but it's meant to be, and there are a lot of uncomfortably funny moments. Kevin Spacey's character is a terrible person, but the character is impossible not to laugh at and with. It's another rare example of a comedy winning Best Picture, so the trend of dark comedies winning big awards is intact.

The War of the Roses

After successfully collaborating on Romancing The Stone and Jewel of the Nile, two decided not dark movies, Danny DeVito, Kathleen Turner, and Michael Douglas took their next movie in a very different direction. It's still hilarious, but man, oh man, is it dark. It's a wonderful follow-up to the rom-com vibes of their biggest hits of the '80s.

Throw Mama From The Train

Turning the classic Hitchcock film Strangers on a Train into a comedy has to get pretty dark, right? That's what director and star Danny DeVito did with Throw Mama From The Train. The story of the Hitchcock thriller is the same: two men agree to "trade" murders. Somehow, DeVito and co-stars Billy Crystal and Anne Ramsey make it a laugh riot.

Being John Malkovich

Once again, John Cusack showed just how well he could lead a dark comedy with 1999's Being John Malkovich. His character couldn't be more depressing to watch, and yet, the humor is there the whole time. When Malkovich himself enters the movie, it gets even funnier. Spike Jonze hit this one out of the park.

Election

Election wasn't an instant hit, but over the last 25 years, it has become a beloved cult classic. Reese Witherspoon and Matthew Broderick both give outstanding performances as a student and her teacher, respectively. It starts fairly innocent and just gets darker and darker as it goes.

Do the Right Thing

There are so many buckets that Do the Right Thing can fit in. It's a brilliant social commentary, it's a biting satire, it's a cultural revolution, and it's a heck of a start to Spike Lee's career (just his second movie). It's also really funny in a way that makes really uncomfortable when you laugh at the jokes.

The Truman Show

It turns out that Jim Carrey really knows how to express a dark pathos in his humorous characters, and nowhere is it on display better than in The Truman Show. A man trapped in a TV show without his knowledge from the time he was born is disturbing, and yet the movie is just so funny, mostly on the back of Carrey's wonderful performance.

Idiocracy

Mike Judge's Idiocracy gets darker and darker the more and more it seems like the whole prediction could come true. It won't, or at least we hope it won't, but still, the more we race towards the future, the darker and funnier the jokes get in this movie.

Ruthless People

Hapless kidnappers and an uncaring husband of the kidnapped woman are the perfect combination for some really dark humor. Danny DeVito, Bette Midler, and Judge Reinhold have perfect performances, making this movie as charming as it is dark, like all the best movies on this list.

The late '80s and early '90s (for the most part) were the very brief time when Generation X ruled the culture. Movies, including classics like Reality Bites, The Breakfast Club, and so many others, are what helped define the generation, both for better and for worse. So here they are, some of the most important cultural movies of the era.

Reality Bites

Reality Bites is definitely the movie that best fits the purpose of this list. There are so many ways this movie defines Gen X, from the cast, including Winona Ryder, Ethan Hawke, Janeane Garofalo, and Ben Stiller, who also directed, to the plot about struggling to find purpose, to the music. It's number A1 on any list like this.

Singles

Seattle in the 1990s. There is nothing more iconic to Gen Xers. Singles brought that scene to the rest of the country. It includes many of the best bands from the city at the time, bands that were themselves defining a big piece of the culture, and also manages to highlight a lot of the angst that the generation also felt at the time.

The Breakfast Club

High school in the '80s and '90s was defined on the big screen by director and writer John Hughes, and his impactful film on an entire generation has to be The Breakfast Club. It's a movie that people who grew up in the era still quote endlessly and rewatch whenever it strikes their fancy.

Do The Right Thing

Spike Lee set the standard for telling the African-American side of the Gen X experience, and he opened up a lot of white eyes with his iconic movie Do the Right Thing. The movie remains just as powerful today as when it hit theaters in 1989, and at a time when only one side of the culture was really shown in movies, it was incredibly groundbreaking and important.

Heathers

There is no darker, more cynical comedy than Heathers. Cynical is often a word used to describe Gen X, so it makes sense that a movie with such a biting sense of humor would be so iconic. Oh - and it stars a few Gen X heroes like Shannen Doherty, Christian Slater, and Winona Ryder.

Slacker

The name says it all. Slacker. For years, that was the label that Boomers and even Gen Xers put on the generation. It wasn't ever a fair label, but it stuck for a long time. It turns out, Gen Xers mostly just want to be left alone, but they'll strive just as hard as anyone for what they want. Director Richard Linklater might be a Boomer himself, but he tapped into the culture like few others.

Pump Up The Volume

Disillusionment and frustration are definitely two things that Gen X thought about their lives while in high school, and that made Christian Slater's renegade DJ character in Pump Up The Volume an icon. He said out loud what many of us thought in our adolescence, even if we were wrong most of the time.

Dazed And Confused

Dazed and Confused might have been about the generation that preceded most of Gen X, but it still spoke to the generation like few other comedies did. Life in the '70s wasn't all that different from high school in the '90s. The internet changed everything for Millennials, but for about 20 years, life was pretty similar for teenagers.

Boyz N The Hood

Like Spike Lee, director John Singleton's work landed like a bomb on suburban America. Boyz N The Hood is one of the best movies about urban life in the '90s. It was an aspect of life that white America really didn't have any real insight into until Singleton and Lee told us. Boyz N The Hood remains one of the most important movies of the '90s.

Say Anything

There is no bigger Gen X icon than John Cusack, and the role that most exemplifies that is Lloyd Dobler in Say Anything. It would be impossible to count just how many people took their style and musical tastes from Lloyd. He was a cool as cool got in the era.

Reservoir Dogs

Quentin Tarantino was the first director that Gen X really attached itself to. His movies didn't really influence style, or even music, as he used older tunes, but there is a nihilism in his movies that really resonates with those kids who were watching in the early and mid-'90s.

Fast Times At Ridgemont High

For many, the first R-rated comedy they really remember watching is Fast Times At Ridgemont High. You didn't have to be in high school to idolize some of the characters, and the movie taught teenagers at the time a lot about the stuff their parents didn't want to talk about.

What's Eating Gilbert Grape?

The cast alone from 1993's What's Eating Gilbert Grape? earns it a place on this list. Johnny Depp, Juliette Lewis, and Leonardo DiCaprio have been a part of Gen X's lives forever, it seems like, and this movie is the highlight of all of their early careers.

Pretty In Pink

It might be a little embarrassing to admit just how many people took their fashion cues from Duckie in Pretty in Pink. Unrequited love may be ubiquitous among all generations of humans, but it felt especially acute in the '80s. Once again, we can probably thank John Hughes for that.

He Got Game

Like so many of his movies, Spike Lee spoke to a generation like few others in He Got Game. Basketball and hip-hop were enormous pieces in the Gen X puzzle, and this movie brought them together for the first time. A soundtrack of almost nothing but Public Enemy? That says it all.

Clueless

Between starring in Aerosmith videos and the classic comedy Clueless, Alicia Silverstone is a bona fide Gen X superstar. Her first truly star-making movie was, of course, Clueless. Plus, it made Paul Rudd a star, too.

Dead Poets Society

One of the movies on this list that took place in an era outside of Gen X is Dead Poets Society. Even though it was set decades before most Gen Xers were born, the movie really spoke to the generation, especially the boys of the era. I can attest to that, without question. Robin Williams was an idol to us, and still is today.

Clerks

"I'm not even supposed to be here today," could be the quote that defines the era better than anyone else. At least how we felt at the time. Dante's thoughts and words were our thoughts and words. We were stuck in dead-end jobs, dealing with idiots and dreaming about bigger things, with no idea how to achieve them. At least we figured out most of that in the end.

Empire Records

Generation X was the last generation that really shopped at record stores. By the time we were in our 20s, Napster had changed the game, and we never went back. Working at a record store was the dream of a lot of high school kids, and watching Empire Records gave us all something to strive for, even if most of us fell short.

Coming To America

Coming to America is, in some way, really on this list to represent all of Eddie Murphy's movies. We grew up with Murphy on SNL and followed him for the next decade, sneaking into his rated R movies, and watching bootleg VHS tapes of his standup. In a way, the pinnacle of his early career was Coming To America, so here it is, standing in for so many classic '80s comedies.

The Crow

It's hard to know if The Crow would be on the list without the tragic death of Brandon Lee. It was such big news at the time that it made both the actor and the movie he died on the set of iconic. Of course, it also had a fantastic soundtrack that included Nine Inch Nails, The Cure, Rage Against the Machine, and more bands that also helped define the culture of the era.

The Karate Kid

The Karate Kid is now a franchise that has now literally been with many Gen Xers for basically their entire lives. The first movie is legendary and it helped give us all hope that no matter our circumstances, we could win the trophy and get the girl. It didn't always work out that way, but it could, and we appreciated that.

New Jack City

It's hard to understand those who don't remember the Crack epidemic just how all-encompassing it felt to everyone. D.A.R.E., "Just Say No," and the war on drugs were part of everyday life for teenagers in the '80s and '90s, and it was mostly because of Crack. No movie showed that societal disaster quite like New Jack City did.

The Goonies

The Goonies really might need much explanation as to why it's on this list, of course. It's frankly a little amazing just how enduring the movie has been over the years. It's still a movie that Xers point to as a favorite, many decades after the Steven Spielberg movie hit the big screens. The stars were our age, it was a story we believed could be ours.

Colors

Like the Crack epidemic, the gang wars in Los Angeles were a part of nightly stories on the network news. You'd have thought the world was coming to an end in South-Central LA. The Bloods and Crips were household gang names. Colors, directed by Dennis Hopper and starring Robert Duvall and Sean Penn, brought that into theaters in the 'burbs in this slightly misguided, but still iconic flick.

Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure

One thing we were always on the lookout for was anything afoot at the Circle K. We can thank Ted "Theodore" Logan and Bill S. Preston, Esq. for that. Gen Xers saw this movie over and over and over again in the era, and are honestly still liberally quoting from it today.

Swingers

As Gen X got a little older, so did the characters in the movies we revered. Swingers is a perfect example of a movie that came along just as Gen X was graduating from college, trying to live their dreams (and struggling), and hoping to meet that someone special to spend the rest of their lives with. And we all wanted to be as cool as Trent (Vince Vaughn). And we played video games before we went out. But we never really did much swing dancing.

The Lost Boys

The Coreys (Haim and Feldman), and vampires. Nothing says "Gen X" like that combo, right? The Lost Boys characters were so cool, whether you wanted to be a vampire or wanted to hunt them. It was all there in The Lost Boys.

American Psycho

Generation X has always had a real streak of nihilism to it. Nothing quite on the level as American Psycho, of course, but it still managed to speak hilariously to that feeling. It was dark, and Gen X loved dark, dark humor.

Office Space

Everyone hates their job at some point, as Office Space so eloquently highlights. This was especially acute for Generation X when this movie came out. Mike Judge raised us with Beavis and Butthead in high school and he was there again to usher in our working lives after college.

Edward Scissorhands

This list wouldn't be complete without a Tim Burton movie, now would it? It represents many of the movies that the director made that spoke to the generation, but this is the one that starred Depp and Ryder, so here we are.

I’m Gonna Git You Sucka

I’m Gonna Git You Sucka brought a brand new comedic sensibility to the generation, and it remains a uniquely Gen X movie, as there may not be any other generation that has seen it, much less revere it like Generation X.

Directors who remake already great movies always get some suspicious side-eye from yours truly, but Bret Easton Ellis’ American Psycho and core protagonist Patrick Bateman are perhaps more uniquely suited for bizarro vampings. With the adaptation-worthy stage musical, the lore-expanding Sumerian Comics series and the literary meta-verse of Ellis’ Lunar Park and other works as proof of concept, I’m not so nervous about Luca Guadagnino’s upcoming take on American Psycho. Even less so if OG co-star Chloë Sevigny is involved.

The Oscar-nominated actress is currently promoting her star-studded upcoming 2025 movie After the Hunt, which happens to be her third and latest collab with Guadagnino. Given their closeness, she’s not only aware of his ties to American Psycho, but also his DC movie that was recently put on hold, and she shared some A+ thoughts on both while talking to IndieWire.

Chloë Sevigny Wants To Reprise Her American Psycho Role In The Remake

I realize I didn't yet say that I think Chloë Sevigny is as brilliant and talented as they come, and her penchant for taking on offbeat projects from the very start of her career continues to win me over. Amusingly enough, Patrick Bateman's secretary Jean is one of her less out-there roles, and I might even go so far as to call her adorably square. Which makes her ideal as one of the film's key survivors.

That survival is itself key to how she'd appealed to Luca Guadagnino to return for his American Psycho project, despite the fact that it would be a fourth-wall breaking return. As she put it:

Perhaps the director just couldn't see a proper way to factor "reverse-aging CGI" into the budget. Though I'd dare say Sevigny wouldn't need such drastic measures to play Jean again if that were the only sticking point.

But even if she won't be back in secretary form, I can't wait to see how she ends up playing into whatever version of American Psycho makes its way to theaters.

I Love Chloë Sevigny's Quaint Description Of DC's Shelved Sgt. Rock Movie

In expressing her interest to work with Guadagnino again on the psychological horror novel's adaptation, Sevigny noted at the time the interview took place that she wasn't sure if he would be working on that or the DCU film Sgt. Rock, which the filmmaker was set to film with Colin Farrell before it was recently put back into the development cycle, making it the first canceled-esque project for James Gunn's DCU.

The timing wasn't great, but the way she referred to the comic book project was splendid:

To be sure, Chloë Sevigny is presumably telling no lies in making the connection between World War II and the character Sgt. Rock's origins as a WWII soldier, and the various war-centric comic arcs that he factored into for decades. And I'll cop to Luca Guadagnino being the kind of director who can step into any genre and create a "film" as opposed to anything resembling schlock.

But Sgt. Rock went on to engage in lots of clandestine conspiracy-tinged stories well beyond on-the-boots warfare. And the team-up he probably associated with the most (beyond the military) was horror squad Creature Commandos. Speaking of, horror fans should absolutely check out Bruce Campbell and Edward Risso's six-issue miniseries Sgt. Rock Vs. the Army of the Dead.

With all that in mind, I can't help but chuckle at thinking of anything in James Gunn's DCU being dubbed "a World War II picture," as if it were meant to share conversational space with The Bridge on the River Kwai, The Thin Red Line, or Schindler's List. Not wrong, but not quiiite right.

Sevigny and Luca Guadagnino previously worked together with romantic cannibals on Bones and All and the coming-of-age HBO miniseries We Are Who We Are. And After the Hunt could very well be their biggest team-up to date, with Julia Roberts, Andrew Garfield and Ayo Edebiri also heading up the cast. Sevigny says the college-set thriller will be “polarizing,” so expect some fun convos.

At this point, that’s the only actualized film that audiences can look forward to seeing in the near future, while development continues on the others. Meanwhile, she can also be seen in a pair of indie films — Amalia Ulman’s El Planeta and Durga Chew-Bose’s Bonjour Tristesse — which are currently in theaters.

Dear readers and friends, it’s time to return some videotapes. Since it’s not going to be a part of the 2025 movie schedule, we have some time to discuss what we know about American Psycho’s new adaptation. And while author Bret Easton Ellis has cast doubt about whether or not it’s actually as far along as we thought, things do seem to be moving along.

On one hand, I’m open to a new version of Patrick Bateman’s very R-rated shenanigans. However, I have to say that the perfect concept for tackling this tale of ‘80s excess, gore, and personal identity already exists; and all Hollywood needs to do is follow the music.

The American Psycho Remake Should Be An Adaptation Of The Musical

No, this isn’t just an excuse to make my American Psycho dream casting of Mike Faist as Patrick Bateman a reality. Even Austin Butler would be able to carry a tune through a hypothetical retelling of the most recent incarnation of the controversially delightful novel from 1991.

Between Duncan Sheik’s music and lyrics and Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa’s sharp book, this show could have a lot of potential to revive interest in these adventures in murder and executions. The songs are actually super catchy, and to properly sell you all on this particular gospel of mine, I need to share. Here’s a clip of the Broadway cast performing that variant’s opening number, “Selling Out”:

That’s not even half the fun, as the New York-based rewrite of the tune “Killing Spree” truly highlights the darkly comic tone that’s present here. Meanwhile, songs like “This Is Not An Exit” feature the melancholy that this takes on American Psycho embodies as our protagonists’ struggle with their sanity.

That angle in particular really sells Patrick Bateman’s ambiguous ending, and sticking that landing is something important to consider when casting. If any of the powers that be within this developing prospect happen to still be in the audience at this moment, consider that another reason for taking this concept a little more seriously.

American Psycho’s Potential Musical Revival Could Attract Some A+ Veterans

Recalling the casts that have starred in the four major productions of American Psycho, some names stand out as ready to bring this project to the next level. Just looking at Patrick Bateman alone, the possibilities of either Matt Smith or Benjamin Walker are too good to pass up.

But looking into the roster, and my own memories of seeing the show in its 2015 Broadway run, there are even more deep cuts to be excited about. After Wicked’s insane box office run, and with the hype for its sequel still hanging in the air, you can’t tell me that bringing Jonathan Bailey back into the fold wouldn’t be spectacular.

Also, fans of HBO’s fan favorite comedy The Other Two are going to love what I’m about to say, as I can’t see anyone but Heléne Yorke returning to the part of Evelyn. I’d tell you to consider the Broadway cast recording of American Psycho to prove my point…if we had one.

You can look through the cast lists of every major staging and pick out a handful of people who would be welcomed returns. No matter who happens to be cast in this project, going the musical route would be a sterling proposition. Unfortunately, there’s no real timetable on when to expect American Psycho to go into production.

Though if DC’s cancelled Sgt. Rock film is any indication, this could become Luca Guadagnino’s next priority sooner rather than later. Until then, we’ll just have to keep our hopes in check and our reservations in order, as we should always want to know where we’re going.

Of all the films that have been released over the past 25 years, one that continues to be hotly debated is American Psycho. The 2000 horror/satire is mostly remembered for the way events quickly spiral out of control as Christian Bale’s Patrick Bateman goes on a wild murder spree, leaving viewers to wonder (A LOT) about the American Psycho ending. Now, though, game-changing female director Mary Harron’s film has a remake in the works, and those involved in making the original have spoken out about it.

What’s Going On With The American Psycho Remake?

As the 2025 movie schedule is chugging right along, one project that film fans are either looking forward to hearing more about or dreading, is Luca Guadagnino’s upcoming American Psycho remake. In fact, many fans of the cult classic are rather horrified that the movie (which was based on author Bret Easton Ellis’ 1991 novel of the same name) has become yet another beloved film to be pegged for the remake treatment.

Elvis Oscar nominee Austin Butler is said to be taking on the lead role (though Easton Ellis has expressed doubts about that), but one might wonder how those who helped craft one of the best movies of the 2000s feel about the idea of their classic being remade. Actor/filmmaker Matt Ross (who portrayed a co-worker of Bateman’s in the extremely dark comedy) is one such creative who recently spoke to The Hollywood Reporter about the updated take, and said:

Obviously, this complaint is very common with everything from traditional dramas and comedies to Disney live-action remakes being pretty standard practice now. In fact, remakes are such a part of the machine known as Hollywood that there are likely dozens of films that you might now even know are actually remakes.

What Are Other Responses To The American Psycho Remake?

Though it is almost certainly done to capitalize on the built-in audience that comes with rebooting an already popular story, Ross appears to feel that it’s not totally fair to cite that as the only motivation, particularly because there’s a book that came before anything else. He continued:

Making any movie is an uphill battle, but trying to bring your own version of a story that’s already been done and loved to the screen is an even bigger challenge. However, with the filmmaker behind modern marvels like Call Me by Your Name, Suspiria and A Bigger Splash on board for the adaptation, Chris Hanley, who produced the original, thinks anyone with doubts should calm down. He added:

Feel how you will about remakes, especially about ones for movies you love. But, it will probably help to know that the process is unlikely to end anytime soon, and to take comfort in knowing that, at least in this case, someone who’s “never made a bad movie” is at the helm.

Everyone hates their job sometimes, even people with jobs they usually love. Getting stuck in the minutia of the corporate world can be soul-sucking, and there are a lot of movies that remind people just how stressful and annoying corporate jobs can be. This list is dedicated to all movies that we hate to love and can be as stressful as our jobs. A full report with bullet points won't be required at the end, we promise.

Office Space

The king of "jobs we hate" movies has to be Office Space. The company in the movie, Inotech, has to be one of the worst fictional companies in Hollywood history. Imagine three bosses tell you about every screw up!

Erin Brockovich

Julia Roberts' titular character in Erin Brockovich gives everyone someone to work for if you think what your company does is immoral and unethical. We're rooting against the corporation in the movie, and for good reason. Even though Erin has a rough go at the law office, it's not as bad as the people she is fighting.

Up In The Air

George Clooney's character in Up In The Air is charming because Clooney has a level of charm few actors can match. So you have to remind yourself every once in a while that his job is to fire people. A lot of people. Anyone who has gone through layoffs knows just how awful it can be.

The Devil Wears Prada

In the pantheon of terrible bosses in movie history, Miranda (Meryl Streep) in The Devil Wears Prada is close to the worst. Everyone has had an unreasonable boss, so even though Miranda is the extreme, there is something we can relate to, at least a little bit.

9 To 5

The world has changed a lot in the 40+ years since 9 to 5 was a runaway hit about three secretaries getting revenge on their jerk of a boss. After all of his terrible treatment of them, at least he's a boss who gets what is coming to him.

The Informant!

Director Steven Soderbergh's 2009 dark comedy The Informant! is loosely based on a true story about price fixing by the Archer Daniels Midland company. While not many people actually work for companies that are doing shady stuff, it's something we can all relate to when our company does something we don't like and that is out of our control.

Swimming With Sharks

The entertainment industry is notorious for its harsh treatment of newcomers, and while a lot has changed in more recent years after the #MeToo movement, it's still an industry that isn't for the faint of heart. The '90s movie Swimming With Sharks, with Kevin Spacey playing the worst kind of abusive boss, plays up just how cutthroat Hollywood is behind the scenes, and while the movie is satire and way overblown, it's still a scary thought.

American Psycho

Okay, yeah, American Psycho isn't really about the corporate world, directly, but come on, the movie, and the book it was based on, take full aim at the investment banking business. Patrick Bateman (Christian Bale) is, as the name implies, a psycho, but it's not like the rest of the bankers in the movie are shown in a positive light.

The Big Short

The 2008 financial meltdown was a moment that rocked the world, and many of the reasons behind it were incredibly complicated. The Big Short, based on a book by Michael Lewis, did an amazing job simplifying it for those of us who aren't math and finance wizards. It also made sure many of us would never want to enter the industry in the first place.

Wall Street

Greed, make no mistake, is not good, despite what Gordon Gekko (Michael Douglas) claims. While Oliver Stone's takedown of the world of finance in Wall Street has been misinterpreted by young stockbrokers everywhere, it's important to remember that it's a biting commentary of just how ugly the corporate world can be.

The Wolf Of Wall Street

Scams and fraud have been part of the corporate world since the first companies were formed in the Age of Exploration. The Wolf of Wall Street is just one of the latest examples of Hollywood masterfully telling a story of fraud and abuse. Yeah, the telling of this "true" story is over-the-top and as debacberous as a movie has ever been, but its message is effective.

The Assistant

Sometimes, it only takes one day to figure out how bad your corporate job can be. 2019's The Assistant is the perfect example of how it can happen. It takes place over the course of one day and viewers see just how awful a desk job can be.

Working Girl

The 1980s were all about that corporate hustle. The age of the yuppie and, as Working Girl highlights, a rough time for pioneering women in the corporate world. Sure, things have gotten much better, and women have at least cracked the glass ceiling, though it's hardly shattered even decades later. Things work out in the end for our hero in Working Girl, but it's a rough ride to get there.

The Insider

For decades the tobacco industry hid the truth about the health effects of cigarettes and it took a whistleblower to finally get them to admit it. The Insider tells the story of that whistleblower and you can only imagine how awful it would be to work for a company that you know is lying to people and causing cancer. Yikes.

Horrible Bosses

Well, for this comedy, the title says it all. Horrible Bosses is about... horrible bosses and there really isn't much more to expound on that, except to say that if you are working for anyone like the people in charge in this movie, quit now.

The Founder

Far too often, CEOs of major companies can feel like sociopaths. Ray Kroc is responsible for the incredible growth of McDonald's, but it came at a tremendous cost for the two brothers who founded the first fast food joint. Sometimes, it feels like people are playing by different rules than the rest of us.

The Company Men

The corporate world is nothing if not often heartless. This is shown starkly in The Company Men as we in the audience see just how life changing a layoff can be, at almost any age. It's especially brutal on those late in their career when they might struggle to recover at all.

Boiler Room

Like Wall Street and The Wolf of Wall Street, Boiler Room shows the worst of the stock trading business. It's hard to believe companies (or scams) like this exist, and yet, over and over, we see cheats get ahead. At least in this one, the people at the center of the scam get their just desserts.

Too Big to Fail

Plenty of movies have been made about the 2008 financial crisis, and Too Big to Fail shows just how the backroom deals between the corporate world and the political world worked at the time. It's enough to make you furious at everything.

Trading Places

Not only is Trading Places one of the funniest movies of the 1980s, but it's also a pretty decent satire of the corporate finance world. The Duke Brothers are rich, terrible people who use their employees like they are just toys, and Billy Ray and Lewis are the victims. Of course, they use the same financial games to ruin the Dukes, so in the end, it may scare you away from that world, but at least the good guys win. It also made the fake company "Duke & Duke" a household name.

Bonfire Of The Vanities

In the 1980s, author Tom Wolfe wrote an amazing takedown of the "go-go '80s" called Bonfire Of The Vanities. Later, it was turned into a highly anticipated, big-budget movie starring Tom Hanks and Bruce Willis that pretty much completely failed at the box office and was hated by the critics. The message is still clear, though: corporations and banks are heartless and hurt the little guy. Whether you believe that or not, the movie definitely takes sides. It's also a movie the stars probably wish they could forget.

Michael Clayton

Corporations, like people, can get themselves into some serious trouble with bad decisions and questionable morality. There are lawyers out there who don't care what transgressions a company commits and are willing to sell themselves out for a buck to fix any problems. Such is the case of the titular Michael Clayton, played by George Clooney. Rarely do those lawyers find a conscience like Clayton does in the movie.

The Secret of My Success

In the 1980s, yuppie culture was all-consuming, and that was certainly true in the movies. Even innocent romcoms like The Secret of My Success found ways to take jobs at the greed and hustle of the day. Michael J. Fox basically plays a more friendly, less swarmy version of his character on Family Ties to great success.

Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps

Almost a quarter of a century after Oliver Stone took no prisoners in Wall Street and his critique of capitalism, the director returned to point out that basically nothing had changed. People change, but the game stays the same. Michael Douglas reprises his role as Gordon Gekko and proves he is just as immoral as he's ever been, even after serving prison time for his misdeeds in the first movie.

Barbarians at the Gate

HBO has been making great original movies for decades, and one of their early hits, from 1993, was Barbarians at the Gate. The movie is a satirized version of the life of RJR Nabisco CEO F. Ross Johnson as he tries to guide the company through the 1980s and the change in smoking habits around the world. He definitely does come across as a guy you'd want to work for, but he does have his charms.

Glengarry Glen Ross

Anyone who has ever been in a sales job knows all too well how powerful Glengarry Glen Ross can hit them. It's a dog-eat-dog world out there, and no one is looking out for number one. Or, at least, that's what some want you to believe. The truth is we all need a tribe of our own, and treating life like we're all alone, even in the business world, is dangerous.

The Spanish Prisoner

The Spanish Prisoner is a movie about a con artist wrapped in a corporate genre, so it's not surprising that it would make people mad in many ways. That's pretty much the goal of the movie: full frustration.

Baby Boom

In the 1980s, the world was changing, and so were corporations. Women were beginning to really make their mark on the business world, but it also meant women (and their families) had to learn how to navigate both a career and motherhood. That's why Baby Boom worked so well, as it was an honest (and funny) look at the dilemma.

The Firm

Sure, on the service, a job as an associate at Bendini, Lambert & Locke seems like a dream. A great house, a free BMW... it's almost too good to be true. That's how they get you, then, like Tom Cruise in The Firm, you're trapped working for the mob.

The Social Network

With the dawn of the information age, millions of Gen Xers believed the corporate world was going to work differently than it did for their parents. Everyone was going to get rich and play foosball in the office while wearing jeans and t-shirts. That last part is kind of true, but the rest? That remains a pipe dream for most. The Social Network highlights just how little has actually changed.

Margin Call

2011's Margin Call is an underrated movie about the 2008 recession that really hits hard on those responsible for the collapse. It's a frustrating, but rewarding, look into just how scummy people can be and it features an all-star cast. If you've never seen it, check it out, it's worth it.

Other People's Money

Danny DeVito as a corporate raider in the 1980s. Need we say more? Corporate raiders were the ultimate villains in that era and this dark comedy is as good as any other movie of the era, including Wall Street at showing just how terrible they could be.

The genre of horror has existed since the beginning of film. While it's certainly grown more intense or psychological as time has gone on, it's always been there, scaring audiences in their seats one way or another. A pivotal time for the genre was in the 2000s when so many horror films came out that made an impact. Here are some that I'm sure we all remember very well.

Final Destination (2000)

I'm 99% sure that the Final Destination movies perpetually scarred most Millennials. Now, I look at everything as if it could kill them because it could, as this movie has shown multiple times. Final Destination gave a new idea that death will always come when it's meant to come, and you can't avoid it, no matter how much you try.

Cloverfield (2008)

The marketing for Cloverfield was out of this world. Even when I was a little kid at the age of ten, I remember seeing billboards and trailers for this and not knowing what the heck was going on. Only after I watched it years later did I truly understand. It's still a great found-footage horror film and one that defines the genre.

The Strangers (2008)

So many people forget The Strangers because other films have been released with the same basic concept, but this was the original. Inspired by real-life events, the movie is about a couple enjoying a vacation when three masked intruders break into their home and ruin everything. It's eerie and creepy, and it became a colossal hit.

Zombieland (2009)

When you think of some of the best horror comedies out there, I can think of no better than Zombieland. It was released during a massive intake of zombie content within the media but only cemented that we love those brainless monsters and that, sometimes, horror can seriously make us laugh.

Dawn Of The Dead (2004)

Directed by Zack Snyder and written by James Gunn, two big shots in Hollywood nowadays, Dawn of the Dead was when these two were starting in the industry and trying to make it big. The film, based on the original Dawn of the Dead by the same name, brought the creepiness of zombies back to the big screen and added plenty of gore to it.

Lake Mungo (2008)

If you're looking for a good psychological horror film from the 2000s, Lake Mungo certainly made its impact. Hailing from Australia, the film follows the story of a young woman who drowns and the family who must deal with her death while experiencing supernatural events. It just gets more twisted as time goes on. Australian horror films have certainly made an impact over the last few years, but this is one of the best.

American Psycho (2000)

I can't have a list of the most impactful 2000s horror films without including American Psycho. Based on the novel of the same name, this film follows the life of a Wall Street investment worker by day and a serial killer by night. It was a game-changing film for female directors, with Mary Harron at the helm. To this day, people believe this to be one of Christian Bale's best performances.

Saw (2004)

Do you want to talk about changing the game? Saw is definitely one of those horror films that made an impact. While the Saw franchise has existed for two decades now, the first film redefined what it was like to witness blood, death, and horror on the big screen. And from there, the movies only got bloodier.

The Ring (2002)

If you're a fan of horror movies from Japan, then The Ring is really the movie to thank for that. While this movie itself is a remake of another Japanese film, Ring, it ended up bringing a lot of attention to Japanese horror films across the sea and allowing people to really expand their mindset when it came to what horror is. Also, an entire franchise followed after its success.

Drag Me To Hell (2009)

While Drag Me To Hell is the kind of film that isn't necessarily groundbreaking, it certainly made an impact when it first came out. The idea of something happening so suddenly just because you're trying to prove yourself at work and then being sentenced to hell because of it – now that is just terrifying. Of course, when Sam Raimi directs it, one can only wonder what will come from his twisted mind.

The Descent (2005)

The Descent is another film that really tests the limits of what you can do with a horror film. With plenty of gruesome moments, the film follows six women who are trying to make it out of an underground cave system to escape cannibals. It's really the ending that makes it such a great film and something that I won't spoil if you've never seen it.

Slither (2006)

Slither is really the reason we were given James Gunn as a director in the first place and why we've gotten so many amazing films from him since. It was his directorial debut and followed the story of a town getting infected by a parasite. This is a body horror movie to the max, but it's an excellent one at that.

Wolf Creek (2005)

Wolf Creek is an Australian movie about three backpackers who are held captive and hunted down by a serial killer in the outback. If you've never seen this movie, you're probably wondering how it made an impact, but let me tell you—this film is violent. It's perhaps one of the most violent Australian movies out there, and for that, I have to give it the warped flowers it deserves.

The Devil's Backbone (2001)

Oh, you knew I'd find a way to put Guillermo del Toro on here. He's a master of horror and fantasy; it would be a sin for me not to place him on this list. The Devil's Backbone is a fantastic horror film that follows a boy who a dead child haunts as he stays at an orphanage during the Spanish Civil War. It was a great gateway into the world of Mexican horror films – many of which are excellent.

The Mist (2007)

Frank Darabont is a king of horror, and The Mist is one of his subjects, which brings one of Stephen King's most beloved novels to life. What really makes The Mist have such a profound impact is the ending. If you haven't seen it, I won't spoil it, but it packs a hard, Karate Kid-style punch that will knock you on your back for 5-7 business days. It's painful in so many ways – and brilliant in a horror movie aspect.

The Cell (2000)

If you're looking for other movies that really made a dent in what you can show on screen and can't, then The Cell is an excellent choice. Starring Jennifer Lopez, the movie really tests the boundaries of horror and its strange stylistic choices while also emerging into the world of sci-fi. Its plot centers on a social worker entering into the mind of a serial killer.

Shaun Of The Dead (2004)

There are so many great horror comedies out there, and Shaun of the Dead is really the blueprint for many of them. I feel like many of the horror parody movies we have now would not exist if not for Shaun of the Dead. It's hysterical in many ways, with some kills I could never have imagined in my wildest dreams, and unlike many other horror movies, it is a film that I will willingly rewatch.

Hostel (2005)

When I first watched Hostel I regretted everything, I knew I'd never watch it again because this film is just…gory. It's very gory, but what else could you expect from Eli Roth? The movie takes leaps and bounds for its gruesome tale and certainly made an impact with two sequels and a TV show that is reportedly in the works. But if you're looking for impactful films, this is the one to glance at.

Insidious (2009)

I genuinely don't think a movie franchise from the 2000s has made more of an impact than the Insidious movies. These films opened up a whole new interest in the paranormal landscape of horror, and now, years later, we are still getting Insidious films. There's nothing quite like that red demon jumpscare.

The Loved Ones (2009)

Hailing from Australia, The Loved Ones is a mix between horror and campy at specific points, but it paved the way for many other films with similar styles to come out. The movie follows the story of a high schooler who now has to attend a twisted party when he doesn't accept a dance date and the twisted adventures he goes on. It's harsh in its delivery of gore, and I loved watching it.

Paranormal Activity (2007)

While found-footage films existed before Paranormal Activity, this movie sky-rocketed into fame and led to several other Paranormal Activity films. It really renewed the entire genre of found footage and gave us many good—and bad—films from that subdivision. We haven't gotten a new film in some time, but it's only a matter of when.

Martyrs (2008)

Coming from France this time around, Martyrs is one of those movies that really paved the way for horror films to take a step back from just pure gore and scares and really dig deep into the mind of the subject we are viewing. The film focuses on the story of a young woman who was tortured as a child and seeks revenge against those who did it alongside her friend. While it does take twists, it's the message beyond that which genuinely made an impact and gave us very great emotionally-driven horror movies.

Ginger Snaps (2000)

I sometimes forget that Ginger Snaps came out in the 2000s just because of its '90s aesthetic, but it did, back in 2000, and it really was a great werewolf movie. It felt like, for years, we weren't getting the kind of werewolf films we deserved from what I've seen of the 1990s, and this was the kind of refresh that we needed for the genre.

Orphan (2009)

Oh, you knew I'd put Orphan on here. Orphan is the kind of film that makes you rethink everything. Children were already creepy in horror movies, but the one in this? Esther? Ooooh, keep her away from me with a ten-foot pole. Orphan redefined how to use children as a scare tactic within horror movies, and I can't complain one bit.

Trick 'R Treat (2007)

While it bombed at the box office, this is the type of film that has gained a cult following over the years and has only gotten better with age. Trick 'r Treat is an anthology movie that follows several different people on Halloween, and all run into Sam, a trick-or-treater who enforces the rules of Halloween. Without this film, there wouldn't be as many anthology horror movies as we have now. We may not have even gotten the Terrifier series.

Jennifer's Body (2009)

The Jennifer's Body cast is freaking iconic, and I will not stand for any other slander against them. This movie is what I would define as girl-boss horror – because who doesn't want to watch a girl kill literally the words kinds of men? All right, jokes aside, Jennifer's Body is the kind of film that made it possible for other movies to really dig deep into the comedy aspect of horror while also creating a film that is undeniably sexy in its delivery as well as its kills.

Let The Right One In (2008)

When you think of the best vampire movies out there, Let The Right One In is probably one of the first that pops up. The film, telling the story of a friendship between a boy and a vampire girl, is one of the first that really allowed for emotionally driven vampire stories to become as big as they did, and it's something I can appreciate.

The House Of The Devil (2009)

Before the X franchise, Ti West directed The House of the Devil, a horror film that follows a college student who takes a babysitting job but forces her life out of her control in the house. This movie is the definition of a slasher but also dares to combine that with paranormal aspects that make it such a fun watch. If you haven't seen it, check it out.

The Others (2001)

While Nicole Kidman is known for plenty of other roles nowadays, her starring part in The Others is one of my favorites. When a mother and her children arrive at a new manor, they start to experience supernatural events, but the scares are delivered in such a way that they make me jump even now, years later.

28 Days Later (2002)

If you think of some of the best zombie films of the last few decades, one that always comes up is 28 Days Later. Focusing on someone who wakes up from a coma and now suddenly has to deal with a virus that has broken his society, the movie uses interesting filming techniques and horrifying zombies that truly up the scare game.

REC (2007)

Found footage horror really hit its stride back in 2007, and REC was a great example of that mixed with zombies. It follows the story of a reporter who goes with her camera crew to an apartment that is festering with a zombie infection. It's creepy and scary and gets your heart pumping in the best way.

Inside (2007)

Coming from France, Inside was a big step in the right direction for women-leading horror films. It details the story of a pregnant widow whose life is threatened on Christmas Eve by an intruder. It's scary in all the right ways and makes you double-check every time you lock your door.

There are so many other horror films that made an impact, but these are just some that will get you interested. Now it's time for a horror movie marathon. It's time to get my blanket and snuggle up with popcorn.

We have seen many a cinematic masterpiece, and even a Best Picture Oscar winner, based on the work of authors such as William Shakespeare, Mary Shelley, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and more legendary writers. Of course, not all classic literature and the films they inspire have to be, speaking frankly, so ancient. Just take a look at these acclaimed and popular movies that were bred from books published as early as 1950.

To Kill A Mockingbird (1962)

In 1961, Harper Lee won a Pulitzer Prize for her debut novel (and her only novel until 2015's Go Set a Watchmen), To Kill a Mockingbird, which depicts a trial against a Black man accused of assault in the 1930s South from the point of a view of young Scout Finch. Soon after, the powerful anti-prejudice statement was adapted into a feature by director Robert Mulligan and starring Gregory Peck in an Oscar-winning portrayal of selfless attorney Atticus Finch.

The Lord Of The Rings Trilogy (2001-2003)

All three volumes of J.R.R. Tolkien’s influential trilogy of fantasy novels – The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, and The Return of the King – were published between 1954 and 1955. Director Peter Jackson would bring Middle Earth to life in his live-action Lord of the Rings movies, which were a worldwide critical and commercial smash, spawning a prequel trilogy based on The Hobbit, an Amazon Prime series (The Rings of Power), and an animated spin-off (The War of the Rohirrim).

Forrest Gump (1994)

Six Academy Awards, including Best Picture, went to director Robert Zemeckis’ adaptation of Forrest Gump, starring Tom Hanks in the title role of a simple man who, unwittingly, lives a truly historic life. A year after the film’s release, Winston Groom, author of the original 1986 novel, would publish a sequel, Gump & Co., that chronicles the shrimp company owner’s life in the 1980s.

The Shining (1980)

Jack Nicholson and Shelley Duvall lead Stanley Kubrick’s adaptation of Stephen King’s 1977 novel, The Shining, in which an author is mysteriously driven mad while serving as the caretaker for a Colorado ski resort with his wife and psychic son. While now revered as one of the best King adaptations, let alone one of the best horror movies ever made, the author famously hated the thriller which was not a critical or commercial success upon release either.

Where The Wild Things Are (2009)

Writer and illustrator Maurice Sendak earned the Caldecott Medal for Where the Wild Things Are, in which the ill-behaved Max dreams he is the king of a place where otherwordly creatures roam. The beloved 1963 children’s book was adapted into a bizarre, beautifully puppeteered, and significantly darker live-action feature film by director Spike Jonze and starring Max Records with the voice talents of James Gandolfini and Catherine O'Hara.

The Silence Of The Lambs (1991)

The Oscar-winning film that made cannibalistic criminal psychologist Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins) one of the horror genre’s most feared villains is actually based on the second book to feature the character. Jonathan Demme’s adaptation of 1988’s The Silence of the Lambs is also predated by Manhunter – Michael Mann’s adaptation of Thomas Harris’ first Lecter novel, Red Dragon.

One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest (1975)

Director Miloš Forman's Best Picture Oscar winner, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, stars Jack Nicholson as a criminal who pleads insanity to get out of jail and ends up leading a revolt against the sinister Nurse Ratched (Louise Fletcher). While revered as a film that takes mental health seriously, some would say it does not quite do Ken Kesey's 1962 novel justice, rendering the narrator, Chief Bromden (portrayed by Will Sampson), into more of a side character.

No Country For Old Men (2007)

Joel and Ethan Coen were quite faithful to Cormac McCarthy’s 2005 novel when adapting No Country for Old Men, which follows a disillusioned sheriff (played by Tommy Lee Jones) and his search for a hunter (played by Josh Brolin) who is on the run from a sadistic hitman (played by Javier Bardem). In fact, for its breathtakingly grounded craftsmanship, Bardem's chilling Oscar-winning performance, and provocative commentary on violence, some might say it is the best Western movie of all time.

The Harry Potter Movies (2001-2011)

J.K. Rowling’s seven-part series of young adult fantasy novels following an orphaned wizard’s education in the mystic arts at Hogwarts was published between 1997 and 2007. The bestselling series inspired eight Harry Potter movies (including two based on the final novel, Deathly Hallows) which starred Daniel Radcliffe and became an enduring worldwide phenomenon.

The Godfather And The Godfather Part II (1972-1974)

Mario Puzo’s 1969 post-World War II crime epic, The Godfather, inspired two Best Picture Oscar winners following the rise of reluctant mafia boss Michael Corleone (Al Pacino). Director Francis Ford Coppola would collaborate with Puzo on the screenplay for a third installment that was released in 1990 and is not held in such high regard today.

Dune And Dune: Part Two (2021-2024)

Director Denis Villeneuve adapted Frank Herbert’s 1965 sci-fi epic Dune, which largely influenced George Lucas’ Star Wars saga, into two widely acclaimed big-screen adventures that brought the eponymous planet to life with wondrous visual effects. The first live-action adaptation by David Lynch from 1984 was, unfortunately, far less appreciated.

Willy Wonka And The Chocolate Factory (1971)

Roald Dahl wrote the screenplay for director Mel Stuart’s adaptation of his 1964 novel, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – the title of which replaced the original eponymous character, Charlie Bucket, with Gene Wilder’s eccentric chocolatier. While Tim Burton’s 2005 adaptation, with Johnny Depp as Willy Wonka and Freddie Highmore as Charlie, is not quite the beloved children's movie the original is, it at least made the poor Golden Ticket holder the title hero again.

The Color Purple (1985)

Alice Walker’s influential tale of a Black, Southern woman’s life of abuse and neglect inspired one of director Steven Spielberg’s The Color Purple, starring Whoopi Goldberg and Oprah Winfrey in Oscar-nominated roles. Winfrey would later produce a stage musical based on the novel that was also adapted into a film starring Fantasia Barrino in 2023.

A Clockwork Orange (1971)

One of the most controversial X-rated classics in cinematic history is Stanley Kubrick’s adaptation of Anthony Burgess’ 1962 dystopian novel, A Clockwork Orange. It stars Malcolm McDowell as one of the most fearsome 1970s movie villains, Alex DeLarge – a gang leader subjected to an experimental, government-issued cure for his violent tendencies.

The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy (2005)

Douglas Adams condensed his absurdist, science-fiction radio play, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, into a 1979 novel that was first adapted as a British miniseries in 1981. Decades later, Disney released a feature adaptation starring Martin Freeman, Mos Def, and Alan Rickman as the voice of a clinically depressed but still friendly robot named Marvin, who was portrayed on screen by Warwick Davis.

Fear And Loathing In Las Vegas (1998)

Gonzo journalist Hunter S. Thompson chronicled his experiences in the Sin City with attorney Oscar Zeta Acosta in a fictionalized memoir called Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, published in 1971. Director Terry Gilliam adapted the book into a wild, psychedelic trip starring Johnny Depp as Raoul Duke (Thompson's alter ego) and Benicio del Toro as Dr. Gonzo.

The Road (2008)

Just two years after it was published, one of Cormac McCarthy’s most acclaimed novels, The Road, was adapted into a film starring Viggo Mortensen and Kodi Smit-McPhee as an unnamed father and son searching for sanctuary in a ruined future. Director John Hillcoat’s thriller is regarded as one of the best post-apocalyptic movies of its time.

Fahrenheit 451 (1966)

François Truffaut adapted Ray Bradbury’s prophetic, dystopian 1953 novel, Fahrenheit 451, into a film starring Oskar Werner as a fireman tasked with destroying any and all literature who has a sudden change of heart. Michael B. Jordan would portray the hero, Guy Montag, in a later feature made exclusively for HBO in 2018.

Blade Runner (1982)

Ridley Scott’s seminal, Harrison Ford-led sci-fi thriller, Blade Runner, takes inspiration from Philip K. Dick’s 1986 novel, Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? The author’s vision of a world in which artificial beings known as Replicants live among humans was also expanded upon in director Denis Villeneuve’s acclaimed 2017 sequel, Blade Runner 2049.

The Hunger Games Movies (2012-2015)

Jennifer Lawrence received wide acclaim for portraying teenage rebel Katniss Everdeen in The Hunger Games and its three sequels, based on Suzanne Collins’ bestselling dystopian trilogy published between 2008 and 2010. Cinema would return to Panem once more with 2023’s The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, which takes place during one of the earliest holdings of the eponymous challenge that pits children against each other in an annual fight to the death.

Breakfast At Tiffany’s (1961)

Holly Golightly – the central character of Truman Capote’s 1958 novella, Breakfast at Tiffany’s – essentially remains the same in Blake Edwards’ Audrey Hepburn-led adaptation. However, the story changes dramatically, making it more of a sweeping romance between the callgirl and the previously unnamed narrator, Paul (played by George Peppard in the film).

American Psycho (2000)

Before he took on the mantle of a live-action Batman actor, Christian Bale gave a star-making performance as a more menacing urban yuppie with a violent double life named Patrick Bateman in American Psycho. His portrayal of the character in director Mary Harron’s adaptation of Bret Easton Ellis’ provocative 1991 novel has since been recognized as one of the most disturbing killers in cinematic history.

The Haunting (1963)

A psychologist invites a group of patients to stay in a house supposedly inhabited by ghosts in director Robert Wise’s classic haunted house movie, The Haunting, which is based on Shirley Jackson’s The Haunting of Hill House. The chilling 1959 novel inspired another film bearing the shortened title from 1999 and, in 2018, a more loosely connected but widely acclaimed Netflix miniseries from creator Mike Flanagan.

The Chronicles Of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe (2005)

The first volume of C.S. Lewis’s seven-part fantasy novel series, published in 1950, was adapted into a critically and commercially successful adventure set in a wondrous land. The next two books in the series, collectively known as The Chronicles of Narnia, also received feature-length adaptations from Walt Disney Pictures and Walden Media.

Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret. (2023)

Abby Ryder Fortson makes her film debut in the first feature based on Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret., which also stars Oscar nominee Rachel McAdams as the title character's supportive mother. Author Judy Blume shared with Today that she believes writer and director Kelly Fremon Craig’s adaptation surpassed her own novel, which offered a groundbreaking inside look at the pains of female adolescence in 1970.

Catch-22 (1970)

Director Mike Nichols and writer Buck Henry adapted Joseph Heller’s 1961 novel into the star-studded WWII-era satire Catch-22, starring Alan Arkin and Bob Newhart. The book also inspired a Hulu original miniseries released in 2019 starring Christopher Abbott and George Clooney, who also executive produced.

Watchmen (2009)

Many credit the long-awaited acceptance of comic book fiction as earnest literature with writer Alan Moore and illustrator Dave Gibbons and their groundbreaking graphic novel, Watchmen, which was originally published by DC in 12 parts between 1986 and 1987. Director Zack Snyder first adapted the story of costumed crimefighters coming out of retirement years after vigilanteism is banned into a live-action film 15 years before Warner Bros. released a two-part animated feature in 2024.

The Joy Luck Club (1993)

Amy Tan's influential 1989 novel, The Joy Luck Club, depicts the eye-opening experiences of four different women from a Chinese family. The author made a cameo in the film adaptation from director Wayne Wang.

Lord Of The Flies (1963)

William Golding’s seminal coming-of-age survival novel, Lord of the Flies, was first adapted for cinema nine years after it was published. Writer and director Peter Brook’s adaptation is considered to be more a faithful take on the story of adolescent boys stranded on a desert island than the American version released in 1990 by director Harry Hook.

Lolita (1962)

Vladimir Nabokov’s provocative 1955 novel, Lolita – the story of a middle-aged college professor obsessed with his teenage stepdaughter – was first adapted for cinema by director Stanley Kubrick in the early 1960s, starring James Mason and Sue Lyon in the title role. Director Adrian Lyne would later remake the drama in 1997 with Jeremy Irons and Dominique Swain.

Devil In A Blue Dress (1995)

Denzel Washington portrays one of the most iconic Black detectives in pop culture, Ezekiel "Easy" Rawlins, in Devil in a Blue Dress. Based on Walter Mosley's 1990 novel, and the first to feature the character, the gritty period piece follows the World War II veteran as he becomes embroiled in the search for a mysterious woman.

The Twilight Movies (2008-2013)

Stephanie Meyer became one of the most popular authors of her time with 2008's Twilight and its three sequels, New Moon, Eclipse, and Breaking Dawn. The saga, chronicling a teenage girl’s complicated romance with a vampire, was adapted into five box-office hits that made A-listers out of Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson.

Some would say that glasses aren’t cool, and those people are in fact, liars. Throughout movie history, there have been iconic moments involving both eyeglasses and sunglasses that have made huge fashion statements. In some cases, they’re even seen as a signature to the characters they’re being worn by. So if you’re worried about rocking some facial furniture at one point or another, let these trendsetters ease those troubles in their own stylish way.

Christopher Reeve - Superman

Behold, the glasses so iconic they could conceal a Kryptonian. Christopher Reeve’s specs from his time as Superman were a bit oversized, but in a way that is actually endearing. So much so that eyeglass designer Tom Davies designed a replica that’s currently on sale on the market.

Audrey Hepburn - Breakfast At Tiffany’s

Everyone remembers Audrey Hepburn’s little black dress from the cinematic classic Breakfast at Tiffany’s, an image that became an eternal symbol of class and elegance. But let’s not overlook the powerful accessory that is her equally memorable pair of sunglasses. If you’re looking to add this to your own collection, Oliver Goldsmith’s “Manhattan” model will have you singing “Moon River” in no time.

Michael Caine - The Ipcress File

The legendary Michael Caine was a frequent wearer of Curry & Paxton branded eyewear, with his role in The Ipcress File being the most notable example. Rocking the Yvan model of glasses, they became a fashion statement for a very different cinematic Cold War spy. While you could debate whether it is either shown in a dark tortoise shell or black, the impact is still just as iconic.

Barbara Stanwyck - Double Indemnity

Sunglasses are as essential to film noir as mournful narrations, scheming, and murder. Double Indemnity has every one of those components, and in the case of this picture’s eyewear, Barbara Stanwyck’s shades helped cement her as a femme fatale for the ages. Not even poor Fred MacMurray knew what hit him.

Marcello Mastroianni - 8 ½

A classic example of the coolness of eyewear, Marcello Mastroianni’s thick black glasses in 8 1/2 showed the world that an everyday essential can also be a powerful accessory. Even in 2014, Mastroianni’s sunglassed look was still honored as a fashionable history lesson, when it was used as the official poster for the 67th Cannes Film Festival.

Gene Tierney - Leave Her To Heaven

Don’t let the technicolor fool you, Gene Tierney’s Ellen Berent Harland is an obsessively deadly figure. The protagonist of the 1945 film noir classic Leave Her To Heaven, Ellen is capable of scheming so devious that a fashionable pair of sunglasses can’t even hide it. Which is fine, considering the results are so compelling to watch as they unfold.

Cary Grant - North by Northwest

Even when wanted for murder, Cary Grant’s Roger Thornhill was dressed to the nines. His trip through hell in Alfred Hitchcock’s North by Northwest included the gorgeous sunglasses you see pictured here, along with that iconic grey suit. A perfect combination for fleeing a criminal conspiracy, Oliver Peoples released a line of sunnies inspired by them in 2019, for those who want to truly invest in this look.

Madonna - Desperately Seeking Susan

Just as director Susan Seidelman’s Desperately Seeking Susan put Madonna on the map as an actor, the pop music legend helped land her character’s cat eye sunglasses in movie history. You can get replicas that vary in levels of brand recognition and cost, which is only even more of a signal that this look isn’t going out of style any time soon.

Sean Connery - Thunderball

Back when Thunderball was released in 1965, Sean Connery and James Bond were already seen as the epitome of men’s style. So when that picture showed 007 rocking what appeared to be, according to Bond Suits, Cool-Ray Polaroid N135 sunglasses, everyone was immediately going to want them. Thankfully, some boutique brands still sell them, helping fans live out their Bond fantasies in a very practical way.

Grace Kelly - To Catch A Thief

One has to wonder if director Alfred Hitchcock or costume designer Edith Head shared a mutual love of sunglasses. The two used them to great effect on Cary Grant in North by Northwest, and before that, they employed them to help Grace Kelly make an impression on audiences enjoying To Catch A Thief.

Henry Cavill - The Man From U.N.C.L.E.

As he’s introduced in Guy Ritchie’s The Man from U.N.C.L.E., Henry Cavill’s Napoleon Solo couldn’t have made a cooler entrance. Crossing the Berlin Wall checkpoint while wearing the “Bowery” model of Thierry Lasry sunglasses, this cavalier hellraiser certainly approached his wardrobe with more care than he did other aspects of his spying career.

Linda Cardellini - Scooby Doo

Velma Dinkley is always on the verge of losing her glasses, no matter what sort of media you follow her into. With the 2002 live-action Scooby Doo, the casting of Linda Cardellini as the bespectacled brainiac was only outdone in one area. And that’s the fact that somehow, someone actually made her signature eyewear from the Hanna-Barbara cartoon into a living, breathing reality.

Tom Everett Scott - That Thing You Do!

There are many thoughts while watching That Thing You Do! that can come off as inspiring. And thankfully, anyone who wants to know “What type of shades is Guy ‘Skitch’ Patterson wearing?” while watching Tom Everett Scott drum himself into stardom, already has the answer. All you have to do is listen, as the man himself marvels at his “Percussionist Foster Grants” when they’re handed to him for the first time.

Meryl Streep - The Devil Wears Prada

If any fictional character was a shoo-in for making eyeglasses work, it has to be Miranda Priestley from The Devil Wears Prada. Played ever so stylishly by Meryl Streep, Ms. Priestley’s arrival sees her showing off a Tom Ford model named “Collette.” So if you’re looking to force a room full of strangers to gird their loins, you’ve now got a secret weapon.

Kingsman’s Eyeglasses

Cutler & Gross really outdid themselves when they designed the standard issue eyeglasses for Matthew Vaughn’s Kingsman series. A perfect match, whether you wear oxfords or brogues, Colin Firth’s Harry Hart introduced us to this modern successor to Michael Caine’s eyewear of espionage from The Ipcress File. No matter who’s wearing them in the field, they’re a piece that is pretty instantly recognized.

Carrie-Anne Moss - The Matrix

You know your character is an eyewear legend when you get an entire model of sunglasses named after them. Walking away from seeing The Matrix for the first time, it’s the glasses and the phones that really stick with you. Well, after you put the philosophical and moral debates, and the blazing stunts aside, those two things tend to stick around. For Carrie-Anne Moss’ Trinity, her official frames came from the brand Blinde - and are apparently pretty rare to come by.

Tom Cruise’s Aviators - Top Gun

Whenever someone slips on a pair of aviator sunglasses, 9 times out of 10 it’s going to inspire someone to hum “Danger Zone” to themselves. By no means invented for Tony Scott’s Top Gun, the Ray-Ban RB3025s were certainly popularized by people who felt the need for speed in their daily lives. Though you don’t have to worry about inverting your wallet, as this is a common enough style that you can go easy on the throttle and spare your life savings.

Grace Jones - A View To A Kill

007 isn’t the only person allowed to be stylish in the world of cinema. Roger Moore’s James Bond movies ended on a very ‘80s note with A View to a Kill, and that’s part of what makes Grace Jones’ May Day a sparkling addition to this very film. Her fashion sense is as on point as her assassination skills, which is shown off in the scene where she escorts an unwilling conspirator into a free fall of death.

Morpheus’ Frame-less Sunglasses - The Matrix

What if we told you that Morpheus’ sunglasses from The Matrix are made by the same brand that gave Trinity her own signature lunettes? Lawrence Fishburne’s “Morpheus” brand shades came from Blinde, a vendor who handled the “official” sunglasses for The Wachowski’s entry into the canon of best ‘90s movies. More recently, eyewear wizard Tom Davies recreated this look for the modern incarnation of the character in 2021’s The Matrix Resurrections. And yes, they still looked just as cool.

Annie Potts - Ghostbusters II

The only thing sharper than the wit and attitude of Janine Melnitz (Annie Potts) is her choice of eyewear. It’s hard to narrow down the exact brand and model worn by her character in Ghostbusters II, which is a shame. Janine’s leap forward from a traditionally conservative “secretary” wardrobe to her hipper‘90s forward duds came with a pair of black circular glasses that must have been an inspiration for The Incredibles’ Edna Mode.

Christian Bale - American Psycho

Oliver Peoples “O’Malley,” in the color of “Raintree.” You’ve probably been wondering about how you could get the model of Christian Bale’s eyeglasses from American Psycho for decades at this point. So now that you’ve got that answer readily before your eyes, we can focus on the bigger questions, like what American Psycho’s ending is trying to say about Patrick Bateman.

Rachel Leigh Cook - She’s All That

In the mid-20th century, we were convinced a Kryptonian could hide their secret identity behind a pair of eyeglasses. Towards the end of that very century, teen rom-coms like She’s All That built a further case for such deceptions, courtesy of Rachel Leigh Cook’s Laney Boggs. Several other pictures would use this very same tactic as an easy makeover tip to land the prom date of your dreams.

Willem Dafoe’s Tom Davies Sunglasses - Beetlejuice Beetlejuice

Willem Dafoe had a really good year of eyewear in 2024. But in choosing between his Saturday Night shades, and the Tom Davies-designed piece he wore in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, the afterlife wins by a hair. Named “Wolf,” after his character in the long-awaited legacy-quel, these beauties helped Mr. Dafoe keep it real on screen - and in our dreams.

Linda Hamilton - Terminator 2: Judgment Day

While Linda Hamilton’s sunglasses from Terminator 2: Judgment Day weren’t going to block out the rays of an atomic attack on 1997 L.A., they sure were handy for normal, everyday sunlight. The exact model worn by Sarah Connor in one of the best sci-fi movies seems to be unknown, but there are plenty of quality imitators that’ll make your day.

Tom Cruise’s Mission: Impossible Glasses

If you were a kid about to wear their first pair of eyeglasses in 1996, Tom Cruise may have been an influence on the ones you eventually chose. While the Jean Paul Gaulthier branded frames from Mission: Impossible wouldn’t help you catch traitorous spies, they were still pretty awesome to look at.

Reese Witherspoon - Legally Blonde

Even after decades of Legally Blonde being a certified pop culture legend, fans are still in love with Elle Woods (Reese Witherspoon) and her sense of fashion. This makes not being able to find exact details on her appropriately pink sunglasses a bit of a pain, but worth it if you're trying to dress to impress.

The Blues Brothers’ Wayfarers

On a mission from God, you need to prepare for any sort of perils on the path laid out ahead. For Jake (John Belushi) and Elwood (Dan Aykroyd) Blues, that checklist includes a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, black suits and ties, and Ray Ban’s iconic Wayfarer sunglasses. It’s certainly not an obscure piece of The Blues Brothers trivia, but it’s definitely something you should keep in mind for next Halloween.

Gal Gadot - Wonder Woman

2017’s Wonder Woman adaptation called out the glasses worn by Gal Gadot’s titular DC hero with dialogue that reminded us of how comic books and teenage rom-coms alike have tried to pull the wool over our eyes. So while the princess of Themyscira doesn’t look too different behind that facial furniture, at least it fits her projected images perfectly.

Daniel Radcliffe’s Harry Potter Glasses

Many a Halloween has passed where people trying to look like Daniel Radcliffe’s heroic Harry Potter have gone hunting for his signature glasses. So it’s probably not that hard to find replicas for costuming purposes, or actual eyewear business, on the open market.

Ali Maki - Always Be My Maybe

One of comedian Ali Maki’s trademarks has to be her glasses. So it’s kind of hard to choose just one pair that really speaks to her personal style, even when limited only to the Netflix rom-com Always Be My Maybe. However, the gold pair shown above certainly do the job at hand.

Robert Downey Jr. - Avengers: Endgame

Throughout his Marvel Cinematic Universe run, Robert Downey Jr.’s Tony Stark has had some pretty impressive eyewear. And while Mr. Stark’s glasses in Avengers: Infinity War would eventually be named “E.D.I.T.H.,” the actual model name you’re looking for is Dita’s Flight 006 glasses. A.I. enhancements are not included.

Margot Robbie - Barbie

The original Barbie doll had an iconic look that has lasted through the ages. So when Margot Robbie helped bring Greta Gerwig’s vision of this classic toy to life, you know they had to include that fashionable origin story—complete with the white cat-eye sunglasses that came with Mattel’s first doll in the line.

When it comes to one of the best psychological thrillers of all time, I’m sure one of the first you think of is American Psycho – and now, there’s reportedly a new adaptation of the novel coming out.

While the original film, released in 2000, is a classic—and directed by game-changing female director Mary Harron—it was only a matter of time before American Psycho received another adaptation since the book is hugely popular.

But, who will be reportedly directing this new film? And who’s going to star? And is it even really happening? This is what we know so far about the reported new American Psycho adaptation.

What Is The American Psycho Release Date?

At the time of writing this, January 2025, American Psycho has no set release date, which isn’t that surprising.

Right now, there isn’t much info in terms of cast or even when production might start.

It’s certainly not going to be on any 2025 movie schedule, but maybe that’s a blessing in disguise with how many big films are coming out this year. Some major movies are releasing – from the upcoming Thunderbolts* to the long-awaited The Fantastic Four: First Steps to the second half of Wicked, titled Wicked: For Good. Perhaps it’ll be better for the film to be released at some point in the next few years.

The Reported American Psycho Cast

According to Variety, Austin Butler was the only cast member reported to be connected to the new American Psycho film in December 2024. The actor is poised to play Patrick Bateman, the main character.

If you recall, in the original, Bateman was played by Christian Bale – and many consider his part in the film to be one of Bale’s best movies ever since, because he played it so well. It feels almost impossible to imagine anyone else but the former Batman playing Bateman, but honestly, I don’t mind the idea of Butler in the role.

If there had to be a different actor to play this role, Butler would be on my list. There were rumors for a time that Euphoria cast member Jacob Elordi would play Bateman (also another great casting choice if that were the case), but I’m very content with Butler.

The actor has taken on many transformative roles throughout his career thus far—one of his most well-known was portraying Elvis in Elvis, a role that earned him an Academy Award nomination. Aside from that, he has appeared in various movies such as Dune: Part Two, The Bikeriders, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, and more, as well as big-time TV shows like Masters of the Air.

If it had to be anyone, I’m glad it might (reportedly) be him.

What Is American Psycho About?

So I’m sure that if you’ve gotten this far in the article, you at least know what American Psycho is about – but maybe you don’t, and you’re just an Austin Butler fan wanting to learn more about his next project. If that’s the case, let me tell you what this remarkable film could be.

The movie is based on the novel of the same name by Bret Easton Ellis, which was released in 1991. The new film isn’t meant to be a remake of the 2000 feature, but as a new adaptation, according to Deadline.

The book follows the life of Patrick Bateman, a Wall Street investment banker by day and a serial killer by night, and spoke out about yuppie culture and consumerism in New York at the time – and, honestly, it's something that can even connect with people nowadays in my opinion. The book was a huge hit back when it came out, but faced a lot of controversy for its graphic violence and everything else involved with it, though it’s still considered a modern-day classic nowadays.

The original film certainly had elements of horror, but you were really there more for the great acting and the psychological aspects—which messed with my friends' heads when they first watched American Psycho. It’s a great book to adapt into a film.

Reportedly, Luca Guadagnino Will Direct And Scott Z. Burns Wrote The Script

According to the Deadline article above, Luca Guadagnino will reportedly direct the new adaptation of American Psycho, and Scott Z. Burns reportedly will pen the script.

Lionsgate, the production company behind the adaptation, said that they were looking for someone to give the story a “fresh take," and this was the director to do it:

Guadagnino has had quite the run over the last several years, with a big hit in Challengers, as well as several other well-received films like Queer, Call Me By Your Name, Bones and All and more. To have him take on something like American Psycho is fantastic.

Scott Z. Burns has written for movies such as The Bourne Ultimatum, The Informant!, Contagion, The Laundromat, Last Days, and more.

Bret Easton Ellis Says The Remake Is "Fake News"

This is where things get messy. While it’s great that we have all this news, the author of American Psycho, Bret Easton Ellis, has openly said that he believes this remake to be “fake” and that it’s all just for a reaction from the public. He openly spoke about it on his personal podcast (via World of Reel):

He continued to say that if there is a movie being made, he is “not involved” in it whatsoever:

While the casting report and the movie announcement are from reputable sources, the author himself says that he doesn’t believe it will happen…hence the reported aspect of all the details we have thus far. So, at this time, we really don’t know. Everything is up in the air, and we’re just waiting for another announcement.

What are you looking forward to with American Psycho? I think it’s time for a rewatch.

The idea of Austin Butler as Patrick Bateman in an American Psycho remake was an exciting one, even with all the other viable actor picks, since it is by far one of the best movies of the 2000s. But now Bret Easton Ellis, the author of the book, seems to debunk the Dune 2 actor’s involvement, and explains why he believes the viral casting is ‘fake news.’

When the announcement of the 2000 classic remake of American Psycho with Luca Guadagnino (Challengers/Suspiria) directing got people excited quickly. The tapping of Austin Butler to lead in the following months really got fans going, to the point where the casting decision went viral. The choices have been exciting, to say the least until Ellis shared on his podcast, The Bret Easton Ellis podcast, that he feels that it is "fake news." Per Bloody Disgusting, the writer explains that he heard from sources that there aren’t contracts in the works, saying:

The author and screenwriter seem to really believe that the announcement and the people involved aren’t in negotiations yet, if at all. It’ll be interesting to see what comes of the 60-year-old’s musings and how Butler and those involved will respond. I hope that there is a remake in the works and that things are moving slowly, or if there isn’t, that someone confirms the writer’s words.

Regardless of what may be true, Butler has been busy. The young star was in Dune 2 last year which was one of the best movies of 2024. Along with it, he’s now in pre-production for a Butler's new racing movie with Tom Holland called American Speed, which should be as thrilling as the title sounds.

Meanwhile, Ellis is in the process of working on writing for two projects. The first is called The Shards and is being adapted into a series from his book of the same name. Relapse is the other and had Joseph Quinn attached until a scheduling conflict arose with the upcoming Beatles movie. The latter of the two will be Ellis’ directorial debut and will be interesting to see him jump fully behind the camera.

"Fake news" or not, I hope that we see Austin Butler as Bateman, the casting did go viral for a reason after all. It’ll be interesting to see what comes of the American Psycho writer’s explanations and who may respond to the ruminations.

Catch the 2000 thriller classic with a Hulu subscription or Amazon subscription.

The words “period piece” can suggest boring, dry, and slow. But the movies we’re about to discuss on this list are anything but. So the next time you hear that title thrown around in conversation, remember these films that defy this trend of boredom.

The English Patient

Despite The English Patient having a reputation for being labeled as “boring,” the Seinfeld episode couldn’t be farther from the truth. Rather, if one approaches the supposed war story as the romantic drama it truly is, then Ralph Fiennes and Juliette Binoche’s characters connecting over their own tragic pasts isn’t as time-wasting as what’s suggested by arguably one of the best Seinfeld episodes.

Master & Commander: The Far Side Of The World

If you didn’t want to sail the open seas with your friends after watching Master & Commander: The Far Side of the World, you’re not doing it right. Part bromance, part naval warfare, and all epic, Russell Crowe and Paul Bettany’s Aubrey and Maturin are a pair that have taught many fans about the values of honor, camaraderie, and scientific curiosity. That Master & Commander reboot still sounds like it should give way to a legacy-quel to this beauty.

Oppenheimer

For a three-hour long, R-rated historical drama about the creation of the atomic bomb Oppenheimer seemed to defy the odds stacked against it. A box office smash the 2024 Oscar-winning juggernaut saw Cillian Murphy’s sterling performance as the lead role anchor an all-star cast. Writer/Director Christopher Nolan’s compellingly tragic tale of creation and regret flies by, landing a solid punch of dread as it closes.

Tombstone

Westerns are a genre that seemed to fade away for a moment, which is unjust considering movies like Tombstone cashed in on the Oscar win of Clint Eastwood’s Unforgiven in prime fashion. A pulpy delight that harkens back to old school Good vs. Evil stories of this genre, Kurt Russell and Val Kilmer are standouts in a movie that’s stacked to the top with A-game talents. Try telling anyone this movie is boring after watching Doc Holiday deliver his classic line, “I’m your huckleberry.”

Lawless

Based on author Matt Bondurant’s historical novel on his family’s dealings with bootlegging, Lawless is an electric crime drama that has Shia LaBeouf, Tom Hardy, and Jason Clarke as its leads. In an ensemble that broadens out to include Jessica Chastain, Gary Oldman, and Guy Pearce, the outlaw spirit is alive and well in this energetic picture.

Hamlet (1996)

A four-hour full-text version of Hamlet would be daunting to many an actor and viewer. Writer/director Kenneth Branagh must have felt that at some point in making his version of Hamlet, which fulfills that tall order. Slightly updating the story’s time period, there are no sacrifices made in terms of the story or the majesty of William Shakespeare’s epic tragedy. It remains a staggering achievement.

Pride And Prejudice (2005)

Where does one begin when praising Joe Wright’s 2005 adaptation of Pride and Prejudice? Is it the pitch-perfect casting of Keira Knightley as Elizabeth Bennett, along with Succession cast member Matthew MacFayden as a particularly dreamy Mr. Darcy? Or is it having the late Donald Sutherland knocking it out of the park as Elizabeth’s warm and gentle father? There’s a lot to love about this movie, and it’s an undeniable fact.

Goodfellas

The time period shown in Martin Scorsese’s Goodfellas doesn’t feel like it would match the description of a “period piece,” especially in the eyes of those who lived through the eras depicted. But believe it or not, Ray Liotta’s tale of always wanting to be a gangster does qualify, which means this baby packs more violence, cursing, and quotable moments than you’d expect from such a project.

Emma (2020)

The best rom-coms know when to lean into the tropes, and when to innovate to invite a wider audience. Screenwriter Eleanor Catton and director Autumn de Wilde adeptly used that knowledge to deliver an offbeat adaptation of Jane Austen’s Emma, starring Anya Taylor-Joy as the titular heroine. Meddlesome matchmaking results in both awkward and heartbreaking moments, which all tie together in a visually colorful feast for the eyes and the heart.

The Last Duel

Director Ridley Scott loves his historical dramas, and 2021’s The Last Duel is firmly in the man’s wheelhouse. Based on the true story of a knight (Matt Damon) fighting an old friend (Adam Driver) over allegations of misconduct, Scott’s eye for violent spectacle is used in a measured capacity to punctuate the proceedings. Jodie Comer’s performance as the victim/accuser at the heart of the duel only further enhances the impressive result.

A Bronx Tale

Not all mafia dramas are created equal, as we saw with Robert De Niro’s directorial effort A Bronx Tale looks at organized crime through the viewpoint of a working-class family. A semi-autobiographical picture written by actor/co-star Chazz Palminteri, we see a young man (Francis Capra / Lillo Brancato Jr) growing to idolize the local boss (Palminteri), while his father (De Niro) tries to keep him grounded in 1960’s-1970’s era New York.

That Thing You Do!

Tom Hanks, in his writing/directing debut, gave the world not only one of the best ‘90s movies, but also a perfect pop song. That Thing You Do! is a beautiful nostalgia piece that remembers the days of Beatle-mania, and all the acts that tried to grab their one hit of wonder. Whether you prefer the theatrical or the extended cut, and there is a difference, The Wonders will always shine as brightly each time you see them do that thing that they do.

A Haunting in Venice

The adventures of Hercule Poirot (Kenneth Branagh) took an unexpected turn into the supernatural with A Haunting in Venice, and the franchise was all the better for it. Playing like a horror film that just happens to be an Agatha Christie adaptation, this star-studded threequel could be the best of the bunch.

Steve Jobs

Aaron Sorkin’s best screenplays are like good musical albums: you fall into the rhythm every time you listen. Unjustly overlooked during its 2015 release, Steve Jobs showcased three different periods of transition in the life of Apple’s firebrand innovator (Michael Fassbender). Director Danny Boyle uses film stock changes to signify the period on display, and also proceeded to give us one of Seth Rogen’s most powerful performances.

Thirteen Days

The Cuban Missile Crisis was something you had to live through to truly understand the terror. That being said, director Roger Donaldson’s Thirteen Days comes pretty close to capturing the panic felt by the Kennedy Administration as they navigate through a potential nuclear war. Bruce Greenwood’s JFK is teamed up with Robert Culp’s RFK and Kevin Costner’s Kenneth O’Donnell as the trio that anchors the picture, with a superb bench of supporting actors tying it all together into a gripping historical thriller.

The Favourite

For years “period piece” was almost shorthand for projects that looked like The Favourite does on the outside. Frilly dresses, powdered wigs, and English disputes over minorly hurt feelings are probably what most conjured to mind with Yorgos Lanthimos’ acidicly funny comedy. But instead, it was Emma Stone and Rachel Weisz engaging in a war of wills to curry the favour of Queen Anne (Olivia Colman). Don’t be fooled, this dark comedy has teeth you wouldn’t expect.

Selma

Director Ava Duvernay’s work on Selma took an often cited moment in history, the Selma to Montgomery marches for equal rights, and turned it into a fresh and haunting look at not-too-distant American history. Digging into the human side of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (David Oyelowo) and his part in this epic struggle, the Civil Rights Movement becomes personal for all who watch it depicted in this movingly cinematic story.

Gladiator

While Ridley Scott’s attitude toward historical accuracy hasn’t changed, neither has his method of taking ancient history and turning it into a more modern thrill ride. In 2000’s Gladiator, Scott introduced the world to the vengeful Maximus Decimus Meridius (Russell Crowe), a man who has as much strategic acumen as he does names. The Roman Empire certainly became an obsession for some after seeing this rousing tale of revenge and eternal glory.

The Godfather

It’s easy to look at The Godfather and merely see Francis Ford Coppola and Mario Puzo’s blockbuster epic that dramatizes the Corleone family’s power struggles. However, looking at the timeline of the entire trilogy and realizing that it spans almost the entire 20th century reframes one of the best movies of all time as one of three-period pieces viewers have not been able to refuse for over 50 years.

1917

1917 is, at its heart, a tribute to Sam Mendes’ grandfather, who served in World War I. Using technical knowhow to make the entire film look as if it’s filmed without cuts, the intensity of the story co-written between Mendes and Krysty Wilson-Cairns is heightened by the almost non-stop pacing of the story. You’ll be hooked throughout the entire picture, from opening to close, feeling as if you’d made the journey yourself.

Brooklyn

Not all period pieces are about social upheaval or warfare. Sometimes, like with director John Crowley’s Brooklyn, the focus is on the life of a young woman (Saoirse Ronan) who emigrates from Ireland to New York in 1951. At times uplifting, bittersweet, and just downright heartbreaking, the Nick Hornby-penned film from 2015 will have you preoccupied with crying and laughing that you won’t be bored at all.

Kingdom Of Heaven

Upon release, Ridley Scott’s Kingdom of Heaven was slaughtered at the box office. It wasn’t until the almost 3.5-hour extended home video cut arrived that the Orlando Bloom starring epic depicting the Third Crusade found its audience. You should probably watch that version first, and then head back to the theatrical cut, if you’re curious as to how big the differences are.

Dunkirk

Dunkirk’s historical inspiration is a moment that some creators may not find to be too cinematic. Writer/director Christopher Nolan’s clever depiction of a time-shifting narrative showcases three fronts of action in the crucial evacuation effort waged in the titular French location. Displaying the better and darker sides of wartime humanity, it makes for an effective inspiration to dig further into this chapter of World War II history.

The Patriot

Is Roland Emmerich’s The Patriot a bastion of historical accuracy? No. Does Mel Gibson’s problematic history cause people to approach this film with apprehension? Absolutely. For all you can say against this movie, there are almost as many reasons to watch this visually stunning and inspirational story of fighting for U.S. independence. Also, Jason Isaac’s villain and Heath Ledger’s scrappy portrayal of Gibson’s on-screen son kind of steal the show whenever composer John Williams isn’t.

Little Women

To take a time worn tale like Little Women and make it fresh again is something similar to magic. Greta Gerwig did just that with her 2019 adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s timeless classic, and in doing so the Barbie director found a way to break our hearts all over again with classic literature.

Amadeus

The rivalry between Mozart (Tom Hulce) and Salieri (F. Murray Abraham) is, admittedly, goosed up in director Milos Forman’s Amadeus. That doesn’t make the movie any less worthy of an audience, as it’s a fine example of turning actual history into engaging tragedy. If you weren’t a fan of classical music walking into this one, you might just change your tune coming out.

Gosford Park

Director Robert Altman’s Gosford Park is kind of like a prototype version of Downton Abbey. Only instead of the Julian Fellowes co-written drama revolving around inheritances and marrying for love, it’s a ‘30s murder mystery that weaves a wicked tale. And yes, the late Dame Maggie Smith does get some richly acidic barbs into this picture.

Braveheart

The surprising success of Braveheart is one that still rings throughout the history of movies. Director Mel Gibson and writer Randall Wallace drew inspiration from the exploits of William Wallace (Gibson) and his fight during the First War of Scottish Independence. Romance and comedy mix in with fact and legend to deliver an idealized picture of a time we still don’t know everything about.

The Sound of Music

At its heart, The Sound of Music is a romantic drama, as nun turned-nanny Maria (Julia Andrews) slowly falls for employer Captain Von Trapp (Christopher Plummer). Plummer's hatred for the movie aside, the cinematic version of Rogers & Hammerstein’s beloved World War II set musical shows the values of resilience and family, all backed by a stellar soundtrack.

The Personal History of David Copperfield

Charles Dickens’ works have always been ripe for reinterpretation, but Armando Iannucci’s The Personal History of David Copperfield is one of the most recent examples of why they should still be retold at the movies. Assembling an all-star troupe led by Dev Patel in the lead, the script co-written with Simon Blackwell brings an irreverent lens to this literary treasure but doesn’t skimp on the heart.

American Psycho

If you don’t feel like American Psycho is a period piece, you probably have to go return some video tapes. Skewering the yuppie excess of 1980’s New York, Patrick Bateman (Christian Bale) guides us through a satirical slasher that’s mainly based in murders and executions…or is it mergers and acquisitions?

Downton Abbey: A New Era

Downton Abbey has to be the premier example of a period piece defying conventions and attracting an audience so wide its films are successes. 2022’s sequel A New Era shines in particular, as it introduces the class drama of Julian Fellowes’ hit series to the madcap world of early film production. Just be ready to shed massive amounts of tears during the final moments of the picture.

Through his roles in Dune: Part Two and The Bikeriders, actor Austin Butler has made quite a dent in the 2024 movie schedule. So it’s no surprise that his knack for playing both a violent villain and a cool guy will both be put to use, as he’s now been cast as the lead in Luca Guadagnino’s new American Psycho movie. While this casting is something that I’m greatly looking forward to, there are two other actors I was hoping would be considered.

In reporting from Variety confirming Butler in the role, one of those actors was directly named as Butler’s rival for the part, thanks to rumors that Euphoria star Jacob Elordi was also in the running. Which isn’t a bad alternative to have mentioned in the same conversation as Mr. Butler.

In particular Elordi’s casting as Frankenstein’s Monster in Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein for Netflix says to me that the young Australian thespian isn’t afraid to wrestle with the material. Also, if the Mary Harron version of author Bret Easton Ellis’ controversial best seller is any indication, there’s going to be tons of potential gore and nudity to dig into.

Another actor that I feel would be equipped for American Psycho’s unique challenges is actually a vet of the Luca Guadagnino School of Psychosexual Fun and Games: Mike Faist. Through his role in the 2025 Golden Globe nominated picture Challengers, Faist is already an accomplished partner that has worked with the Queer director who’ll be re-adapting the original text into a fresh take.

What's more, the West Side Story cast member occupies the same sort of sweet spot that Austin Butler does. Playing both feral and street wise, but also polished and aloof, I've felt he'd be a fantastic candidate for the role. Of course, Challengers may have a sort of recency effect over my mind at the moment.

But of course, Austin Butler is the actor currently slated to slip on some Oliver Peoples glasses, hang a David Onica on the wall, and make a reservation at Dorsia - if he can get one. And while I had some alternate casting dreams in my head, I have to say I’m really excited to see Butler get to return some metaphorical video tapes.

That is, of course, if Mr. Butler's dance card doesn't provide too many challenges. With the man tapped to be a part of that Tom Holland co-starring race car movie, as well as being the subject of constant rumors he'll play young Chris Shiherlis in Heat 2, there could be a chance that a replacement will be needed if either of those gigs becomes the priority.

Of course, if you still want to make your own comparisons with my choices, you can contrast with two of the films mentioned above, as they’re streaming for Prime Video subscription holders. For Austin Butler fans, The Bikeriders is available for perusal, whereas Mike Faist fans can catch him in Challengers on that same platform.

The best uses of music in movies and TV shows have typically changed the way we perceive the songs in question forever, especially if the normally jovial tune is heard during or relates to a particularly intense or disturbing scene. Because of the way the following titles used some of the happiest radio hits of all time, we can never hear them again without our hearts skipping a beat.

Zodiac ("Hurdy Gurdy Man" - Donovan)

The opening scene of Zodiac depicts a horrifying crime by the eponymous killer, accompanied by an otherwise relaxing folk ballad from 1968 called "Hurdy Gurdy Man." Coincidentally, Ione Skye, the daughter of the song's writer and performer, Donovan, makes an uncredited appearance in David Fincher's great true crime movie from 2007 as Zodiac Killer witness Kathleen Johns.

Black Mirror ("Anyone Who Knows What Love Is Will Understand" - Irma Thomas)

In one of the best episodes of Black Mirror (Season 1's "Fifteen Million Merits), Abi (Jessica Brown Findlay) auditions for Hot Shot by singing "Anyone Who Knows What Love Is Will Understand." Following this memorable scene from the sci-fi anthology series, the 1964 Irma Thomas hit would be featured in some capacity in every season since, offering plenty more reasons to feel unsettled by the feel-good romance tune.

The Silence Of The Lambs (“Goodbye Horses” - Q Lazzarus)

According to the original writer of "Goodbye Horses," William Garvey, the 1988 one-hit-wonder performed by Q Lazzarus is about “the ability to lift one’s perception above [their] physical limitations." In that case, its inclusion in the terrifying Best Picture Oscar winner, The Silence of the Lambs, as serial killer Jame “Buffalo Bill” Gumb (Ted Levine) embraces his femininity through dance is a perfect match.

Halloween ("(Don't Fear) The Reaper" - Blue Öyster Cult)

To be fair, the lyrics to Blue Öyster Cult’s signature 1976 hit “(Don’t Fear) the Reaper” are not the happiest, referencing a romance destined to end similar to that of Romeo and Juliet. However, the world might have been less receptive to its creepier themes if not for its inclusion in one of the best horror movies of all time, 1978's Halloween, as Laurie Strode (Jamie Lee Curtis) and Annie Brackett (Nancy Kyes) are unwittingly being tiled Haddonfield’s own “reaper,” Michael Myers.

Watchmen ("The Times They Are A-Changin'" - Bob Dylan)

There is a dark thematic tone to most of Bob Dylan's earlier work, especially his 1962 breakthrough hit, "The Times They Are A-Changin'." The folk ballad's message of a society experiencing a revolution comes through effectively while playing over the opening titles of 2009's Watchmen, which traces the ups and downs of superheroes' contributions to history in the world Alan Moore's seminal graphic novel.

American Psycho (“Hip To Be Square” - Huey Lewis And The News)

Pop culture's most famous Huey Lewis and the News fan would have to be Patrick Bateman (Christian Bale), who provides an impassioned analysis of 1986's "Hip to Be Square," and the Fore! album in general, as he prepares to murder his colleague, Paul Allen (Jared Leto) in his apartment. Lewis himself would pay tribute to the memorable moment from American Psycho in a Funny or Die bit in which he exuberantly analyzes the 2000 psychological thriller as he prepares to murder “Weird Al” Yankovic.

Insidious ("Tiptoe Through The Tulips" - Tiny Tim)

For years, the only creepy aspect of Tiny Tim's version of "Tiptoe Through the Tulips" was that the high-pitched vocalist was actually a lanky, 6'1" man. These days, since its prominent use in the first Insidious movie from 2011, audiences cannot help but picture the demonic "Man with Fire on His Face" when the romantic ukulele ballad plays.

American Horror Story ("Tonight You Belong To Me" - Patience & Prudence)

The best-known version of writers Billy Rose and Lee David's "Tonight You Belong to Me" is by young sisterly duo Patience & Prudence, which became even more famous in 2011, thanks to American Horror Story. The playful 1956 tune about making the most of your time with a loved one appeared in four episodes of the horror anthology TV show's premiere season from 2011, taking place in a haunted house with an extensive history of murders.

Beetlejuice ("Banana Boat (Day-O)” - Harry Belafonte)

In 1988's Beetlejuice, the ghostly Adam (Alec Baldwin) and Barbara Maitland (Geena Davis) attempt to scare off the Deetzes (Jeffrey Jones and Catherine O’Hara) by possessing them and their party guests into dancing and lip-synching to Harry Belafonte’s “Banana Boat (Day-O).” While the scene did not necessarily make the 1956 Calypso hit creepy, it would be forever entwined with the classic horror-comedy movie – a fact that Belafonte told Pitchfork he enjoyed.

Reservoir Dogs ("Stuck In The Middle With You" - Stealers Wheel)

The first of many iconic musical moments in Quentin Tarantino's movies occurs in 1992's Reservoir Dogs, when Mr. Blonde (Michael Madsen) puts on K-Billy's Super Sounds of the '70s (which starts playing "Stuck In The Middle With You") and proceeds to torture Officer Marvin Nash (Kirk Baltz). We doubt there is a single person who can listen to Stealers Wheel's upbeat, 1973 rock single without imagining the criminal slicing the cop's ear off, even though that moment is thankfully kept off camera.

A Clockwork Orange (“Singin' In The Rain”)

If there is one cinematic use of 1929's "Singin' in the Rain" as, if not more, iconic as Gene Kelly's performance in the eponymous 1952 musical, it would be the rendition heard in A Clockwork Orange. As Alex DeLarge, Malcolm McDowell belts out the song about happiness that even weather cannot deter during one of the most unspeakably brutal moments from the 1971 Stanley Kubrick movie.

Stranger Things ("Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God)" - Kate Bush)

There have been many memorable musical moments from Stranger Things but none as impactful as its uses of "Running Up That Hill (A Deal with God)" in Season 4, which made Kate Bush's definitive track more popular than ever. The English art pop queen’s 1985 ballad first helps rescue Max (Sadie Sink) from Vecna's trance before a remixed reprise accompanies the disparate gang's multi-faceted defeat of the villain in the action-packed finale.

10 Cloverfield Lane ("I Think We're Alone Now" - Tommy James & The Shondells)

While it experienced a new life in the 1980s with Tiffany's cover, the original version of "I Think We're Alone Now" by Tommy James & The Shondells was reintroduced to modern audiences via 10 Cloverfield Lane. The cute pop tune about a couple enjoying their time on their own took on a whole new meaning when it appeared in the 2016 thriller, which takes place in an underground bunker inhabited by survivors of an unknown disaster.

Supernatural ("Carry On, Wayward Son" - Kansas)

"Carry On, Wayward Son" by Kansas would become the de facto theme for Supernatural after it was used in the season finale following the first one. In fact, the series finale of the hit series, following the adventures of paranormal hunters Dean (Jensen Ackles) and Sam Winchester (Jared Padalecki), was named "Carry On," after the 1976 rock epic.

Get Out (“Run Rabbit Run” - Flanagan And Allen)

Originally released in the late 1930s and a hit during World War II, "Run Rabbit Run" became iconic to modern horror movie audiences as the first song featured in Jordan Peele's Oscar-winning 2017 thriller Get Out. The song is heard coming from the car that sneaks up on Andre Hayworth (LaKeith Stanfield), who tries to walk in the opposite direction before getting abducted.

Halloween II (“Mr. Sandman” - Chordettes)

The second installment of the Halloween franchise from 1981 opens in an unexpected manner. Instead of John Carpenter's unmistakable score, we hear the Chordettes' endearing doo-wop hit, "Mr. Sandman," which might have had a more endurable reputation as a retroactively creepy song if not for its use in the time travel movie classic, Back to the Future, four years later.

Kill Bill Vol. 1 ("Woo Hoo" - The 5.6.7.8's)

Before blood hits the screen at the House of Blue Leaves in 2003's Kill Bill Vol. 1, things are peaceful at the Japanese eatery. One major reason why is because the guests are treated to the head-knocking rock 'n roll song, "Woo Hoo," by The 5.6.7.8's, whom Quentin Tarantino discovered while shopping in Japan and wound up casting in the violent revenge movie.

Jeepers Creepers ("Jeepers Creepers" - Paul Whiteman and His Swing Wing)

The lyric "Jeepers creepers, where'd you get those eyes?" takes on a more frighteningly literal meaning in Jeepers Creepers. The eponymous love song by Paul Whiteman and His Swing Wing plays during the final moment of the 2001 horror flick as the grotesque, villainous "Creeper" (Jonathan Breck) shows off his new "peepers," which he stole from Darry (Justin Long).

Shaun Of The Dead ("Don't Stop Me Now" - Queen)

Like most Edgar Wright films, there are many moments from Shaun of the Dead in which music plays a large role but the best takes place at the Winchester. Nearly every move Shaun (Simon Pegg) and the gang make when battling the bar's undead owner is in near-perfect sync with Queen's "Don't Stop Me Now," which randomly starts playing from the jukebox as they are desperate to stay undetected from the horde outside.

The Shining ("Midnight, The Stars And You" - Ray Noble And His Orchestra)

The final moment of Stanley Kubrick's adaptation of Stephen King's The Shining slowly zooms into a photo taken at the Overlook in 1921 with a man resembling Jack Torrance (Jack Nicholson) shown front and center. The chilling shot is accompanied by 1934's "Midnight, the Stars and You" –performed by Ray Noble and his Orchestra with vocals by Al Bowlly – which is most notable today for its inclusion in the 1980 horror classic.

The Autopsy of Jane Doe ("Open Up Your Heart (and Let the Sunshine In)" - The McGuire Sisters)

In The Autopsy of Jane Doe, the titular corpse (actually a witch capable of nearly anything but moving a muscle) likes to taunt the father-son coroners examining her by playing the McGuire Sisters' version of "Open Up Your Heart (and Let the Sunshine In)" on the radio. The otherwise "shiny" tune makes a devasting reprise near the end when Austin (Emile Hirsch) believes he is being rescued by Sheriff Burke (Michael McElhatton) who repeatedly tells him to "open up" the stuck cellar doors until he hears him belt the song's chorus, indicating his nightmare is not yet over.

The Strangers ("My First Lover" - Gillian Welch)

Sometimes turning a happy song into nightmare fuel takes a little manipulation, such as how Gillian Welch's "My First Lover" appears in The Strangers. At one point in the 2008 home invasion thriller, a record scratch causes the romantic folk ballad to repeatedly loop on the lyric, "Quicksilver girl," which is enough to create relentless tension.

Us ("Les Fleurs" - Minnie Riperton)

Sung from the perspective of a flower, Minnie Riperton's 1969 hit "Les Fleurs" is a beautiful song about spiritual renewal. However, when it begins playing as the twist from the ending of Us is revealed and reaches its invigorating crescendo during the apocalyptic final shot, it creates a chilling juxtaposition for Jordan Peele's sophomore hit.

A Quiet Place Part II ("Beyond The Sea" - Bobby Darin)

In A Quiet Place Part II, Emmett (Cillian Murphy) tells Regan (Millicent Simmonds) that he has heard a radio station playing Bobby Darin's scintillating swing hit "Beyond the Sea" on repeat. She correctly deciphers this as a code sent from an island safe haven, which she and Emmett eventually find and, unwittingly, lead a sound-hunting alien to.

Candyman ("The Candy Man" - Sammy Davis Jr.)

Some might argue that 1971's Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory has its creepy moments, but Aubrey Woods' performance of "The Candy Man" is not one of them. However, by playing Sammy Davis Jr.'s rendition of the song and slowly fading it out with the sound of buzzing bees during the production logos serves as a perfect way to set the tone for the 2021 Candyman requel.

Annabelle: Creation ("You Are My Sunshine" - Charles McDonald)

The end of Annabelle: Creation from 2017 leaves off where the rising action of its 2014 predecessor begins, revealing how Malthus entered the creepy doll. Playing over the closing credits is Charle McDonald's rendition of "You Are My Sunshine," making it the ironic defacto theme of the Conjuring Universe movie.

The House Of The Devil ("One Thing Leads To Another" - The Fixx)

Ti West's 2009 breakthrough feature, The House of the Devil, is a slow-burn horror film that waits to reveal its visceral frights with masterful pacing. During that time, he finds ways to catch you off guard with moments of levity, such as when Samantha (Jocelin Donahue) tries to distract herself from her creepy "babysitting" gig by dancing around her clients' house to The Fixx's "One Thing Lead to Another" on her tape player.

Dawn Of The Dead ("The Man Comes Around" - Johnny Cash)

Upon deeper examination, Johnny Cash's "The Man Comes Around" is a song about Jesus Christ's return to Earth on Judgment Day. Its foreboding apocalyptic message is greatly emphasized by its inclusion over the opening credits of Zack Snyder's 2004 remake of Dawn of the Dead.

The Handmaid's Tale ("Cloudbusting" - Kate Bush)

Despite boasting one of Kate Bush's most cheerful melodies, "Cloudbusting" is actually one of her darkest hits, inspired by the true story of a boy whose father was taken away from him when he was abruptly arrested. However, that tale is far lighter than the story of The Handmaid's Tale, which uses the song in a scene from Season 3 in which evidence of a character's brutal murder is removed.

You're Next ("Looking For Magic" - Dwight Twilley Band)

Director Adam Wingard and writer Simon Barrett are known for using comedy in their horror movies, including their otherwise brutal 2013 home invasion thriller, You're Next. Much of the humor comes from the ironic use of the Dwight Tilley Band's "Looking for Magic" in two scenes, due to one victim of the masked assassins putting the 1977 pop tune on repeat accidentally before his death.

Final Destination ("Rocky Mountain High" - John Denver)

The uplifting music of John Denver has been used for ironically dark purposes in several movies and the most iconic example comes from the first installment of the Final Destination movies. Any time "Rocky Mountain High" is heard in the 2000 teen thriller is a signal that Death is near.

Nope ("Fingertips" - Stevie Wonder)

To be fair, Stevie Wonder's "Fingertips" never actually appears in Jordan Peele's third feature, 2022's Nope. However, a remixed version of it provides an ominous aura for the alien invasion movie's trailer.

Ahhh, the 1980s. It was a decade marked by its great music, unique fashion, and, most of all, its insane ambition and excess. Yuppies ruled the culture. The 1960s peace generation grew up and became the me generation. Of course, movies from that decade, and indeed in the decades since, have been keen to explore what the young urban professional culture was all about. Here is our list of some of our favorite examples of the good, the bad, and mostly the ugly, of yuppie culture.

Less Than Zero (1987)

Perhaps no one understood and could pontificate upon yuppie culture quite like author Bret Easton Ellis. His book Less Than Zero, which was adapted into a film in 1987 captures the nihilism and the moray decay of the culture like few others did, especially in the moment. Brat packers Andrew McCarthy, James Spader, and Robert Downey, Jr. star in the Marek Kanievska film that help define the generation.

Wall Street (1987)

"Greed is Good." Is there any better way to summarize an entire decade in just three words? That line, spoken by the morally reprehensible Gordon Gekko, played by Michael Douglas in an Oscar-winning performance, does more to define the '80s than hundreds of pages in a book ever could. Charlie Sheen's character, Bud Fox, celebrates all that was good, and bad, about the lifestyle of '80s stock brokers.

The Secret Of My Success (1987)

1987 was a defining year for yuppie culture on film, even the comedies. Take, for example, The Secret Of My Success starring Michael J. Fox as an ambitious 20-something determined to make his fortune in New York City. It's one of the more light-hearted critiques of yuppie culture, to be sure, but the satire isn't lost.

Working Girl (1988)

One of the good things to came out of yuppie culture was the rise of women in the workforce. Working Girl, starring Melanie Griffith as a woman who longs to rise up the corporate ranks against all odds, with the deck stacked against her, like most women at the time (and often still today). The corporate politics are ruthless in the story, but Griffith's character stays grounded and wins in the end.

Something Wild (1986)

Something Wild presents a backlash against the culture. Jeff Daniels plays a pretty typical yuppie businessman who is yanked out of his comfort zone by a spontaneous woman played by Melanie Griffith. It's less of a critique on the culture as it is a blueprint of how to live outside of it.

Bonfire Of The Vanities (1990)

There is a lot to criticize about this clunky adaption of the brilliant Tom Wolfe novel The Bonfire Of The Vanities. The movie really doesn't work the same way the book does with the biting satire of the greed and excess of the 1980s but it's worth mentioning here because people really should read the book to get a really fantastic critique of yuppie culture.

The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)

Sure, this movie was made decades after the 1980s ended, but few movies made in any decade show the complete moral decadency of the culture like The Wolf Of Wall Street does. Martin Scorsese's brilliant, award-winning true-ish story of stockbroker Jordan Belfort (Leonardo DiCaprio) is both hilarious and horrifying.

White Palace (1990)

If it's from the 1980s, and James Spader is in it, you can be sure it's likely an exploration of yuppie culture. White Palace explores plenty of themes that are relevant in any decade, like class differences and how that affects relationships, but it's especially pointed set against the yuppie backdrop where social status was often defined by financial success.

Pretty Woman (1990)

Pretty Woman is first and foremost a rom-com. It's one of the best rom-coms ever made, in fact. The story, starring Richard Gere as a successful corporate raider, and Julia Roberts as his paid companion, is still very much reflective of its time. The lonely businessman too busy for a social life finds love in an unexpected way.

St. Elmo's Fire (1985)

St. Elmo's Fire may be the definitive "Brat Pack" movie and as such, it perfectly encapsulates the pressures on young 20-somethings navigating the culture of the 1980s with its excesses and ambitious nature, while coming to grips with adulthood.

Baby Boom (1987)

Baby Boom is a movie with a pretty ridiculous premise: A career-minded yuppie (Diane Keaton) "inherits" a baby after the death of a distant cousin. Yeah, it's silly, but it is still interesting to explore the changing values of society in the 1980s with women gaining a more prominent place in the corporate world and how that fits in with starting a family.

The Big Chill (1983)

It's true: the Baby Boomer Generation are the ones who defined the yuppie culture of the 1980s and there is no better example of the Boomers transitioning from the peace generation to the me generation than The Big Chill. A group of 30-somethings gather for the first time in years to celebrate the life of a recently deceased friend and confront what they want from the rest of their lives.

Strictly Business (1991)

Strictly Business is the rare intersection of yuppie culture with Black culture of the late 1980s. The story ably satirizes the ambitions of a young Black man determined to succeed in the corporate world by playing by the rules, but in the process loses touch with his own culture until he falls in love.

American Psycho (2000)

While it might have been released in 2000, there is no movie on this list that better satirized 1980s yuppie culture quite like American Psycho. In a word, the movie based a Bret Easton Ellis book, is brilliant in its cutting take down of everything that was awful about the decade and its excesses. Christian Bale is amazing as Patrick Bateman, the psychotic investment banker who does some murders and executions on the side.

Boomerang (1992)

The world was changing in the '80s, but some men were not ready for those changes. Such is the case for Eddie Murphy's womanizing character in Boomerang. A rare example of an African-American yuppie who has to face his own outdated thinking as he tries to find love - or at least a hook-up - in the changing dynamics of dating.

Bright Lights, Big City (1988)

Michael J. Fox is best known for his comedic performances in the 1980s, but Bright Lights, Big City is a deadly serious drama about just how destructive the yuppie culture could be. Fox stars a 20-something with a serious addiction who indulges in all the excesses of the Go-Go '80s. Phoebe Cates stars as his model wife who is caught up in the same culture but can't take his addiction anymore.

Bad Influence (1990)

James Spader (the king of yuppie movies) stars alongside Rob Lowe is a dark thriller about a nerdy yuppie (Spader) who falls under the influence of a nefarious stranger (Lowe) who encourages the young yuppie to lose his inhibitions in some very terrifying ways.

National Lampoon Christmas Vacation

Ok, ok, we'll admit that National Lampoon Christmas Vacation isn't exactly a yuppie movie, per se, as it's really about the somewhat wholesome, somewhat dysfunctional Griswold family, led by Clark (Chevy Chase). However, the family's next-door neighbors, Todd and Margo, played by Nicholas Guest and Julia Louis-Dreyfus, respectively, are the epitome of obnoxious yuppies. Of course, they can't stand their goofy neighbors.

The Last Days Of Disco (1998)

1998's The Last Days of Disco is all about the end of the '70s and the dawn of the 1980s, complete with all the social excesses, materialism, and career pressures that would come to define the era. Though it was made almost 20 years after the events in the film take place, The Last Days of Disco is a great representation of the transition from disco to yuppie.

After Hours (1985)

Martin Scorsese, may not be best known for directing comedies, but he got out of his comfort zone with After Hours starring Griffin Dunne and Rosanna Arquette. Like many romantic movies of the era, it's a film set with the backdrop of the materialism of the '80s and the unique pressure that was put on those trying to fit in and succeed in New York high society.

Cocktail (1988)

Yuppie nightlife is on full display in Cocktail, starring Tom Cruise, Bryan Brown, and Elisabeth Shue. Crusie stars as a bartender who wants nothing more than to be part of the banking and corporate world but finds little success. Instead, he gets a job bartending while going to business school, before realizing that he doesn't need to "keep up with the Jones" to be happy.

Vampire's Kiss (1988)

In one of his more underrated roles, Nicolas Cage plays a yuppie who is convinced he is turning into a vampire. The dark comedy uses the plot as a great way to satirize the extreme ambition and absurd nature of yuppie culture. Cage's performance is predictably over the top, and, frankly, perfect for the movie.

Other People's Money (1991)

Corporate raiders like Carl Icahn and Paul Bilzerian were celebrities in the 1980s, idolized by many yuppies at the time. Their type, the cold, heartless banker who had no qualms about destroying companies and livelihoods for a profit was portrayed in a number of movies, including the underrated Other People's Money starring Danny DeVito as just such an investor.

Pacific Heights (1990)

The pressure to look successful was ever-present in the 1980s, and the underrated Michael Keaton thriller Pacific Heights plays into that when a conman played by Keaton tricks new landlords into letting their apartment to him. It all turns very dark, with the ever-present backdrop of late '80s San Francisco.

Scrooged (1988)

Without a doubt, Scrooged is one of the best Christmas movies of all time. It's also quite the commentary of greed and ambition in yuppie culture as Bill Murray plays a TV exec who is willing to do anything to be the best and make the most money. He doesn't have time for his family, or really anything else in life, other than his job. It's a version of A Christmas Carol told through a very 1980s lens.

Ruthless People (1986)

There may be no better - or darker - display of just how morally bankrupt and...ruthless... some men were in the 1980s than Danny DeVito's character in Ruthless People. He's a man who is so concerned about his bank account, that he doesn't even care to pay off the kidnappers of his wife. Greed is good, as they said in another 1980s movie, Wall Street.

Big Business (1988)

In a very 1980s twist on an old Hollywood idea, Bette Midler and Lily Tomlin play twins separated at birth in Big Business, with one set growing up rich with a very materialistic view of the world while the other set grows up with a much more down-to-earth upbringing. Hijinks ensue when the four characters' lives get tangled up with each other, and we all learn an important lesson about greed and materialism.

Trading Places (1983)

In Trading Places, Dan Aykroyd plays an old money yuppie whose like is upended by his insane bosses when they use their power to have him essentially switch places with a homeless petty criminal, played by Eddie Murphy. While '80s yuppie culture is only part of the backdrop, it is a clear glimpse into that greedy attitude that was so pervasive in the culture.

The Firm (1993)

While The Firm is set in the very early '90s, it still shows just how far people will to go in their career to achieve what they thought was the ultimate dream. Tom Cruise's character is willing to upend his life and become a young associate at a sketchy law firm in Memphis when they dangle a nice house, a hot car, and a huge salary in front of him. It's everything we thought we wanted in the '80s.

The War Of The Roses (1989)

One of the darkest comedies of the 1980s has to be The War Of The Roses which saw Kathleen Turner, Michael Douglas, and Danny DeVito reunited after the success of Romancing The Stone and its sequel The Jewel Of The Nile. The War Of The Roses is a very different kind of comedy, showing the dark side of material wealth and greed as Douglas and Turner viciously go after each other in a bitter, bitter divorce.

For Love Or Money (1993)

Money was everything in 1980s yuppie culture and while For The Love Of Money, starring Michael J. Fox, is about a working-class guy and came out in the early '90s, it still had that '80s aesthetic of greed and an ambition to be rich at any cost. Even at the expense of your personal and love life, as the movie highlights.

She's Having A Baby (1988)

It wasn't all about blind ambition and greed in the '80s. Sometimes, as in She's Having A Baby it was about young couples starting a family and figuring out how to balance work and life. Sure there was still the desire to get ahead and keep up with the Joneses, but adds the pressure of pleasing family and friends. It's a realistic movie about life and love in the 1980s.

One of the best horror movies of all time is getting a remake, or rather, one of the best modern horror novels is set for another Hollywood retelling. Bret Easton Ellis’ American Psycho is set for a brand new adaptation whose existence is already justified due to the director bringing it to life: the Zendaya-starring Challengers and horror-romance Bones and All helmer Luca Guadagnino. Now, an actor from mega-producer Ryan Murphy’s talent stable has voiced an interest in portraying horror’s most stylish slasher Patrick Bateman.

Fittingly enough, at least in some ways, the actor voicing interest in following Christian Bale in the role is Cooper Koch, one of the stars of Netflix's Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, the second season of Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan's true crime anthology series. Anyone who was unfamiliar with the actor before has likely seen him everywhere since the show debuted in mid-September. Speaking with THR, Koch quickly named the horror remake as a follow-up to his high-profile gig as Erik Menendez, saying:

At this point, nothing is in place to officially loop Cooper Koch into Luca Guadagnino's latest film, which will follow his next two films, with Daniel Craig's Queer hitting the 2024 movie schedule, and Julia Roberts and Andrew Garfield's After the Hunt being a 2025 theatrical release. That said, him naming American Psycho amidst all the new offers he's been getting could be just what's needed to convince the filmmaker Koch is right for the gig.

The actor continued, pointing out that Bateman would be a very different role from playing convicted killer Erik Menendez. As he put it:

What's more, Cooper Koch also put it out there that his favorite movie of 2024 to date has been Challengers, with the explanation that he's "a big gay tennis boy." So if Guadagnino is the kind of director who is swayed easily by compliments, that's a foot in the door right there. If Koch starts appearing at publicity events wearing blood-covered rain slickers while blasting Huey Lewis & the News from a boombox, that could lock it all down right there.

At this point, Scott Z. Burns is handling scripting duties for the new iteration of American Psycho, and he's reportedly set to deliver an original take on the Ellis novel's storyline of a Wall Street businessman who suddenly begins killing the greed-fueled people he's surrounded by, all while being investigated by Willem Dafoe's wonky detective. But is that actually what's happening? And what happened to that cat?

Presumably these details and more will be explored in the new story, which is coming together nearly 25 years after Mary Harron's original film hit theaters. A modest hit at the time, the film has gained a huge fanbase and reputation as a classic psychological horror that still feels modern despite its unmistakably '80s setting. And Monsters technically hit a lot of the same kinds of period-piece throwback scenes, giving fans a vague idea of what Koch could look like in the role. Just imagine what Erik Mendendez would look like showing off eggshell and bone-white business cards.

It's probably no surprise that someone from Ryan Murphy's expansive list of familiar actors, considering at least half of them at this point have played killers of some kind. I'm not sure if there's a point where Evan Peters hits his limit on playing creepy sickos, but I'd love to see him in the mix as well. Even if he's not Patrick Bateman and only plays one of the other yuppie douches in Patrick's circle of friends, it'd be a treat.

Before he was tapped to play Batman in Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy, Christian Bale was arguably best known for his portrayal of serial Patrick Bateman in American Psycho, the Mary Harron-directed film adaptation of the same-named novel by Bret Easton Ellis. American Psycho was met with polarizing reaction upon its release in 2000, but it’s since developed a cult following. Now the word’s come in that Ellis’ novel will be adapted for the silver screen once again, and I’m jazzed to hear that Luca Guadagnino is being lined up to direct it.

It’s been announced that Lionsgate is in final negotiations with the Call Me by Your Name and Challengers director to helm the new version of American Psycho based off a script by Scott Z. Burns. It’s also been clarified that this project, which Frenesy Films will produce, is not a remake of Bale’s American Psycho, but rather a new adaption of the original novel, perhaps indicating it will stay more faithful to the source material. Adam Fogelson, the Lionsgate Motion Picture Group chair, said in a statement:

Originally published in 1991, the American Psycho novel delivered a first-person account of Patrick Bateman’s life as a wealthy investment banker in public and a serial killer in secret. Bret Easton Ellis’ book has been considered highly controversial and has even been had its sales restricted or outright banned in various countries because of its graphic depiction of violence. Mary Harron co-wrote the 2000 movie’s screenplay with Guinevere Turner, and a big American Psycho behind-the-scenes fact is it was originally supposed to star Leonardo DiCaprio and be directed by Oliver Stone.

A direct-to-video sequel titled American Psycho 2 starring Mila Kunis was released in 2002, but it barely had any connection to its predecessor and was a critical failure. This new Lionsgate adaptation, on the other hand, is clearly being set up as a major release, as evidenced by the studio courting Luca Guadagnino. Considering how many critical hits the director has turned out over the years, which also include Suspiria and Bones and All, I’m intrigued to see how American Psycho would turn out in his hands.

This news arrives ahead of Guadagnino’s newest movie, the Daniel Craig-led Queer, hitting the 2024 movies schedule on November 27 as a limited theatrical release. He’ll follow that up with After the Hunt, which stars Julia Roberts, Ayo Edebiri and Andrew Garfield, but doesn’t have a specific release date yet. CinemaBlend will keep tabs n what’s going on with Guadagnino’s version of American Psycho, and remember that the original movie can be streamed with both a Netflix subscription and a Paramount+ subscription.

As is the case for other 1999 films, Fight Club (one of the best movies of the ‘90s) is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, which is absolutely wild to think about. I recently went back and rewatched David Fincher’s controversial film and wanted to watch similar films either from the same era or that at least shared some common traits and themes with the now classic. 

That being said, I put together a list of a dozen movies like Fight Club and how to watch them on some of the best streaming services. I will be getting into spoiler territory with this one, but that’s to be expected, as some of these films have notoriously crazy endings that we’ve talked about for years at this point.

Seven (1995)

Though not technically David Fincher’s debut film (that would be Alien 3), Seven very much felt like the director’s coming out party in Hollywood. Released four years before Fight Club, this 1995 crime thriller about a diabolical serial killer claiming lives based on the seven deadly sins marked the first time Fincher and Brad Pitt worked together.

I watched this and Fight Club at a friend’s house in high school, and I’ve viewed both movies as companions ever since. Both are dark, oddly humorous at times, and don’t pull any punches when it comes to depictions of violence.

Rent/Buy Seven on Amazon.

American Psycho (2000)

Much like Seven being a satire of toxic masculinity and man’s inability to form meaningful relationships unless some kind of physicality is involved, American Psycho spends two hours poking fun at Wall Street narcissists obsessed with their image and place in society. Christian Bale’s Patrick Bateman is a character not unlike Brad Pitt’s Tyler Durden in that these psychopaths have somehow become cult heroes over the years.

If you’re looking for a hyper-violent, mind-bending, and devilishly funny thriller about a man losing touch with reality, Mary Harron’s adaptation of Bret Easton Ellis’ blood-soaked novel is going to do the trick.

Stream American Psycho on Prime Video.
Rent/Buy American Psycho on Amazon.

Joker (2019)

Whenever I watch Todd Phillips’ Joker, I tend to find myself thinking about Fight Club and how both films have a lot to say about society, violence, and unchecked mental illness. Yeah, this surprising $1 billion box office hit is totally a DC Comics movie, but it goes beyond the trappings of the genre to create something more like one of Martin Scorsese’s best movies than your typical Batman adaptation.

Joaquin Phoenix’s Oscar-winning performance as Arthur Fleck is a force of nature, danger, and anarchy over the course of his journey, especially as reality begins to slip out of his hands.

Stream Joker on Max.
Rent/Buy Joker on Amazon.

Nightcrawler (2014)

Though Nightcrawler and Fight Club don’t really have too much in common when it comes to story, these two movies have the same chaotic energy and center on two characters that are more like wild animals than human beings. Jake Gyllenhaal’s portrayal of videographer Lou Bloom is something to behold and feels like he could be a distant cousin of Tyler Durden in an alternate universe.

Both movies also make use of cities at night, so much so that their settings almost feel like characters.

Stream Nightcrawler on Starz.
Rent/Buy Nightcrawler on Amazon.

Being John Malkovich (1999)

Spike Jonze’s Being John Malkovich is a great companion piece for Fight Club, and not just because they both feature Brad Pitt in some capacity. This 1999 psychological dark comedy about a man who finds a portal into the head of John Malkovich is one of the most unique and transfixing experiences of 1999, which is saying something.

Despite not making bank at the box office, Being John Malkovich has remained one of the staples of ‘90s cinema and an influential film that inspired a new generation of filmmakers to try something weird.

Rent/Buy Being John Malkovich on Amazon.

Memento (2000)

Christopher Nolan put himself on the scene in 2000 with Memento, a transfixing film that combined elements of film noir, psychological thrillers, and action better than ever before. Like Fight Club, this movie about a man (played by Guy Pearce) with a severe case of memory loss, gets better with each subsequent watch as you begin to piece together the intricate and engaging story.

Stream Memento on Prime Video.
Rent/Buy Memento on Amazon. 

American History X (1998)

One year before leading Fight Club, Edward Norton gave a commanding performance in American History X, a biting drama about a reformed skinhead trying to prevent his younger brother from taking a similar path. 

Not a lot in common story-wise here, but it’s wild seeing how jacked-up Norton got for this role, especially when you compare it to his more diminutive and exhausted appearance the next time moviegoers saw him.

Rent/Buy American History X on Amazon.

The Game (1997)

Sometimes it feels like The Game is the black sheep of David Fincher’s filmography. Though not his best work, this 1997 thriller starring Michael Douglas as an uber-wealthy man who can’t figure out what is real and what’s fantasy is a trip and a unique experience.

Admittedly, this is a much more complicated and drawn-out story when compared to that of Fight Club, but you can see the infancy of some of the ideas and techniques used by the director two years later.

Rent/Buy The Game on Amazon.

Office Space (1999)

Just like Fight Club, Office Space is one of the most iconic Gen X films of all time. Both deal with fed-up and frustrated characters who find ways to escape the banality of office life and seek to break free from the doldrums. Sure, they take two completely different routes – an accounting scam in one case, and an underground fight club in the other – but they feel like part of the same generation.

Stream Office Space on Hulu.
Rent/Buy Office Space on Amazon.

Primal Fear (1996)

If you’re looking for a movie with not only one of the best twist endings of all time but also one of the meanest ‘90s movie villains, make sure you check out Primal Fear. This 1996 legal drama starring Edward Norton as an altar boy being charged with murdering a high-ranking church official is absolutely wild and never gets old.

I know I said spoilers are fair game here, but this one is best left unspoiled in case you have yet to watch this classic.

Rent/Buy Primal Fear on Amazon.

Black Swan (2010)

One of Darren Aronofsky’s best films, Black Swan is a psychological thriller that honestly feels like Fight Club from an alternate reality. Both movies center on characters who get so caught up in their own heads that they begin to lose touch with reality and then suffer the consequences of their actions. 

Just swap in Natalie Portman, Mila Kunis, and ballet for Edward Norton, Brad Pitt, and underground fights, and it all begins to make sense.

Stream Black Swan on Max.
Rent/Buy Black Swan on Amazon.

Falling Down (1993)

One thing I love about Falling Down, well besides Michael Douglas’ bonkers performance, is how it tricks you into rooting for a psychopath for the better part of the movie before pulling the rug from beneath your feet.

Rewatching Falling Down today will probably make you feel a little torn, and that’s okay. Sometimes it’s best to revisit your favorite movies of yesteryear and think about that experience, even if they haven’t aged all too well.

Rent/Buy Falling Down on Amazon.

Some more than others, but each of these films has something in common with Fight Club and would be perfect for a double or triple feature during your next movie night. 

July is here, and with it comes the annual shuffling of streaming platforms. Rights that ended in June mean movies and shows disappearing, and entirely new movies and shows appearing on all of the best streaming services. It certainly means there’s plenty of entertainment to enjoy, and can also mean that finding what’s good among the massive avalanche of new stuff can be complicated. 

If you have a Netflix subscription, you need to know what’s worth your time this week. Luckily, there’s so much good stuff this first week that it may take you the better part of the month to enjoy it all. A pair of top-notch movie trilogies, one of the most popular TV series ever, and a pair of Netflix-exclusive franchise expansions make July a great month on the streamer already. 

New Movies On Netflix

Back to the Future Franchise - July 1 

The Back to the Future series isn’t made up of three perfect movies, and yet it may be one of the greatest film trilogies of all time. It’s so iconic that nearly 35 years after it ended, nobody has ever really tried to reboot it or make a sequel decades later. Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd are perfectly cast, a near miracle considering Fox nearly wasn’t cast at all. All three films arrive together, so fans can relive the near-perfect trilogy again. Great Scott, this is going to be fun. 

Spider-Man 1-3 - July 1

Spider-Man fans with a Disney+ subscription have been able to enjoy the original Tobey Maguire Spider-Man trilogy for some time, but the first three live-action Spider-Man films will be added to Netflix in July, giving even more people access to the films that arguably launched the superhero movie boom that we’re still in the middle of today. Considering that a lot of people want to see Maguire as Spider-Man again, catching up on these may not be a bad idea. 

 The Karate Kid - July 1

Is it weird that Cobra Kai has been an incredibly popular streaming service for years, and yet the original Karate Kid movies on which it was based haven’t been available on Netflix? I feel like that’s weird. With the final season of Cobra Kai set to debut later in the month, the original Karate Kid movie will finally be available, so fans can rewatch where the story all started. 

Warcraft - July 1

While we’re seeing a lot more success today when it comes to movies based on video games, not every movie that came out before Detective Pikachu was actually bad. Warcraft by Duncan Jones brought the popular real-time strategy game series to life in an incredible way. Its use of CGI to create the Orc characters is criminally overlooked as one of the most successful uses of the technology in the era. Warcraft isn’t a secret classic, but it is a movie worth checking out if you’re a fan of the game series or high fantasy movies in general. 

American Psycho - July 1

Christian Bale has gone on to huge things since American Psycho, but this was arguably the first movie where a lot of people saw him. While it’s certainly not a film for the faint of heart, it’s still an incredibly compelling story, and the American Psycho ending is something a lot of people are still talking about even years later. If you’ve never seen this one, it’s worth checking out, and if you have, it’s probably about time for a rewatch.  

Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F - July 3

Beverly Hills Cop was one of the biggest movies of 1984, making a star of Eddie Murphy. Two sequels followed, but there have been attempts to make a fourth film in the franchise for decades. Alex Foley will finally return to Beverly Hills this week, and while Axel Foley is a bit older, it seems unlikely he’ll be any less hilarious. Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Kevin Bacon join the Axel F cast alongside returning favorites. Here’s hoping the characters have aged as well as the theme song.

New Series On Netflix

 Lost  (Complete Series)

For the last several years, if you wanted to watch Lost, you needed a Hulu subscription. In July, the popular series from J.J. Abrams that made as many diehard fans as it made people irate at the Lost ending returns to Netflix, so if this is your main streaming service, you can finally watch it again. You might as well enjoy it from the beginning and see if it all makes any more sense this time around. 

Star Trek: Prodigy Season 2 - July 1

Usually to watch the newest Star Trek, you need a Paramount+ subscription. However, after the family-friendly Nickelodeon series Star Trek: Prodigy was canceled by the powers that be, Netflix, as it has done with numerous series, came in to save the day. Star Trek: Prodigy Season 2 arrives July 1. Season 1 is already on Netflix if you need to catch up. As a series that may create many Star Trek fans, one hopes this one has a better time finding an audience with Netflix.

Suits (Season 9) - July 1

Last year, for reasons that are still only vaguely clear, Suits, a USA Network series that had been off the air for years and was never a broad hit, became the hottest thing on multiple streaming platforms. Maybe it had something to do with a cast member becoming a Duchess. Unfortunately, if you watched the show on Netflix, you weren’t able to finish it, as only the first eight seasons were available. Netflix subscribers will finally be able to finish the story with Season 9 arriving on the platform. 

While these are some of the highlights this week, there’s a lot new on Netflix, so be sure to check out our full list of everything coming this week, and the weeks to come, so you know what’s on the way. You can also check out the list of what’s upcoming on Disney+, as well as what’s new on Hulu, so you don’t miss anything on your favorite streaming services.  

Great horror movies cannot be singularly defined; instead, the genre is comprised of a diverse collection of special subgenres. Some are identified by specific monsters, like vampires and zombies; some have specific settings, like home invasion and haunted houses; and some feature familiar story structure… which is what brings us to the subject of slashers.

You know a slasher when you see it – with the tell-tale sign being a plot that involves a violent killer or killers on a spree, often methodically eliminating key players in the supporting cast. The subgenre includes a lot of shlock-y, gratuitous nonsense, but the story approach has also been brilliantly utilized by filmmakers in the last century, and it’s to celebrate the best of the best that we’ve put together this feature ranking the greatest slasher horror movies of all time.

15. Detention (2011)

Joseph Khan’s Detention qualifies for this list because its baseline genre is slasher – but the truth is that it is also oh so much more. It begins with a familiar setup – a serial killer called Cinderhella is on a rampage attacking high school students in a small town – but then the movie goes headlong into blissful insanity with plot twists involving time travel, body swaps, and more. 

It’s made with such self-assured weirdness and unfurls at such a quick pace that it’s hypnotizing, and there is no other cinematic experience quite like it.

Rent or buy Detention on Amazon.
Buy Detention on Blu-ray on Amazon.

14. The Frighteners (1996)

Though he is now best known for his work in the world of Middle-earth and making documentaries, Peter Jackson will long be remembered for his fantastic contributions to the horror genre, and while the brilliance of 1992’s Braindead doesn’t qualify for this particular ranking, his excellent 1996 film, The Frighteners, most definitely does. The movie executes a cool twist on the genre – with a slasher continuing his slashing from beyond the grave – and the lovable charisma of Michael J. Fox as a huckster paranormal investigator well-pairs comedy with scares.

Rent or buy The Frighteners on Amazon.
Buy The Frightners On Blu-ray.

13. American Psycho (2000)

Author Brett Easton Ellis’ novel American Psycho is an extreme book that's tough to stomach, which is why it was viewed as unadaptable following its release – but that just means that director Mary Harron deserves all the more credit for her incredible job bringing the material to the big screen. It’s not a traditional slasher in terms of story structure, but it does hit on the key themes of the subgenre in its presentation of lurking madness and evil, and it also happens to be a sharp and delicious satire of yuppie culture.

Stream American Psycho on Peacock.
Rent or buy American Psycho on Amazon.
Buy American Psycho on 4K UHD on Amazon.

12. Child’s Play 2 (1990)

There are many great (as well as underappreciated) slasher sequels, but John Lafia’s Child’s Play 2 is the movie I hold in high enough esteem to qualify for this ranking. The original Child’s Play is awesome and has the distinction in pop culture history of introducing the world to Chucky (Brad Dourif), but the first sequel is where the killer doll starts getting properly inventive with his kills and the foster brother/sister dynamic between Alex Vincent's Andy Barclay and Christine Elise's Kyle make for wonderful sibling heroes.

Rent or buy Child's Play 2 on Amazon.
Buy Child's Play 2 on 4K UHD on Amazon.

11. Deep Red (1975)

This list of the best slashers would feel empty without a representative from Team Giallo, and it doesn’t get much better than Dario Argento’s Deep Red. Following a musician as he independently investigates a series of murders in Turin, Italy, there’s a marvelous, taut mystery at its heart with a stellar twist, and while certainly violent, it’s a gorgeous movie of bold, visceral, and colorful cinematography and production design.

Rent or buy Deep Red on Amazon.
Buy Deep Red on 4K UHD on Amazon.

10. Predator (1987)

Does the killer have to be human or at least formerly human for a movie to qualify as a slasher? The vast majority of the titles featured in this ranking would suggest that the answer to that question is yes…but I also feel that John McTiernan’s Predator hones close enough to the traditional structure of the subgenre that it counts. 

There obviously is an abundance of action blockbuster dressing – the story centering on a team of mercenaries hired for what they are told is a standard rescue mission – but soldiers getting targeted and picked off one-by-one is classic slasher material.

Stream Predator on Hulu.
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Buy Predator on 4K UHD on Amazon.

9. Frenzy (1972)

Alfred Hitchcock had a major hand in the birth of the slasher, but while one title gets the majority of love for being a seminal title in the subgenre (more in a bit), the excellence of Frenzy is not to be ignored in this discussion. In addition to the movie being one of the director’s great mistaken identity stories, with Richard Blaney (Jon Finch) accused of being the serial killer called the Necktie Murderer, Barry Foster delivers a fully unnerving turn as the Bob Rusk, whose friendly smile perfectly masks his violent, dangerous mind.

Rent or buy Frenzy on Amazon.
Buy Frenzy on 4K UHD on Amazon.

8. Henry: Portrait Of A Serial Killer (1986)

Not only is John McNaughton’s Henry: Portrait Of A Serial Killer one of the best slasher films of all time, it would also rank highly on a list of movies that require thorough post-screening showers. Part of what makes this subgenre special is the idea that a sadistic lunatic might be hanging out at your local convenience store, gas station or movie theater, and Henry makes that reality disturbingly clear. No amount of cinematic desensitization will ever allow you to shake off the work done here by Michael Rooker and Tom Towles.

Rent or buy Henry: Portrait Of A Serial Killer on Amazon.
Buy Henry: Portrait Of A Serial Killer on 4K UHD on Amazon.

7. Peeping Tom (1960)

As recognized in this list, perspective is not a disqualifying factor in defining slashers, as the subgenre has stories told from the point of view of victims and killers alike – and Michael Powell’s Peeping Tom is the best all time example of the latter. 

Like another horror classic that was released just two months later (a title that will be further discussed a bit later), the movie helped creatively pave the way for slashers, and in itself is both thrilling and fascinating. Understanding the obsession of Mark Lewis (Carl Boehm) to capture the fear of his victims on film can’t help but lead one to contemplate the draw of genre cinema.

Rent or Buy Peeping Tom on Amazon.
Buy Peeping Tom on 4K UHD on Amazon.

6. Black Christmas (1974)

Contrasting the stereotypically merry time of year that is the holiday season with a grim tale of chaos, bloodshed and terror is catnip that a lot of horror directors can’t resist, and it has been put to use in terrific films including Joe Dante’s Gremlins, Charles E. Sellier Jr.'s Silent Night, Deadly Night, and René Manzor's Deadly Games, but Bob Clark’s Black Christmas is the best of the bunch and one of the best slasher movies of all time. 

The obscene phone calls from “Billy” – with their manic shifting tones, giggles and vile suggestions – are chilling enough, but far worse are his actions as he terrorizes the girls of a sorority house.

Rent or buy Black Christmas on Amazon.
Buy Black Christmas on Blu-ray on Amazon.

5. The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974)

Even by slasher standards, Tobe Hooper’s The Texas Chain Saw Massacre is an extremely simple film. A bunch of kids on a road trip get stranded in the worst possible place, and as they venture away from their van, they end up encountering the chainsaw-wielding madman known as Leatherface and his psychotic, cannibalistic family. It’s because of its stripped down nature, however, that it is so utterly terrifying. 

There are no gimmicks or twists to remind you that you are watching a movie; it’s grounded in such a way to remind you that the world can be a nightmare, and we are along for the ride like a blood-soaked young woman laughing hysterically in the bed of a speeding pickup truck.

Stream The Texas Chain Saw Massacre on Peacock.
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Buy The Texas Chain Saw Massacre on 4K UHD on Amazon.

4. A Nightmare On Elm Street (1984)

A lot of people don’t like horror movies because they give them nightmares… and that’s what makes Wes Craven’s A Nightmare On Elm Street so devilish: not only will it inspire nightmares, but it suggests you may be wholly unsafe while experiencing them. The performance by Robert Englund and the iconography of Freddy Krueger (the famed knife glove, fedora, and stripped sweater) are unforgettable, and it’s impeccably crafted from its cinematography to its special effects to its sound design to send chills up your spine.

Rent or buy Buy A Nightmare On Elm Street on Amazon.
Buy A Nightmare On Elm Street on Blu-ray on Amazon.

3. Scream (1994)

This feature is admittedly dominated by subgenre prototypes and classics, but Wes Craven’s Scream is a landmark achievement that did a magical job evolving the genre via introspection after the golden age that was the 1980s. 

With its genius script by Kevin Williamson, it’s as much a satire as it is a slasher, but the brilliance of Craven is that the laughs don’t undercut the terror – from Ghostface’s shocking slaying of Drew Barrymore’s Casey Becker at the start to the showdown between Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell) and the “friends” (Skeet Ulrich, Matthew Lillard) who murdered her mother.

Stream Scream on Max.
Rent or buy Scream from Amazon.
Buy Scream on 4K UHD on Amazon.

2. Halloween (1978)

The Shape. I think those two words alone should be enough to explain the high placement of John Carpenter’s Halloween in this ranking, but I will elaborate anyway.

It’s the film that arguably paved the way for the golden age of slashers in the 1980s, and helped cement subgenre elements that we view as staples today – including an iconography-and-myth-heavy killer (Michael Myers), the suburban setting (Haddonfield, Illinois), and the classic final girl (Jamie Lee Curtis’ Laurie Strode). Carpenter didn’t invent the slasher genre, but he pretty much perfected it in 1978.

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1. Psycho (1960)

I’ve alluded to Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho a couple times already in this feature before getting to this point, and there’s a reason for that: without it, slasher movies may not exist as we know them. 

It’s a film so engrained in pop culture that even those who haven’t seen it know about the mid-shower death of Janet Leigh's Marion Crane and the twist with Norman Bates’ mother, but it’s brought to life with such incredible style and atmosphere that even memorizing every scene won’t minimize the chills it induces.

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For more scary cinematic goodness, check out our feature keeping track of upcoming horror movies and our list of 32 horror movies for genre beginners.

While Broadway and Hollywood are often thought of as their own entities on the opposite side of the United States, they share a lot more in common than one might think. Particularly, a ton of popular and very good musicals over the years have been created thanks to the movies they are based on. Check out all these instances of Broadway musicals being inspired by Hollywood movies! 

The Lion King 

Following Disney’s The Lion King becoming the highest-grossing animated movie of all time upon its release in 1994, it was developed into a rare stage musical that has gone on to become one of Broadway’s mainstays. The Lion King musical reimagines the 2D animated epic into an impressive visual experience complete with elaborate animal costumes and giant hollow puppets. The stage show also includes six indigenous African languages which are spoken throughout the show. 

Little Shop Of Horrors

In 1960, director Roger Corman made The Little Shop Of Horrors, which is about a florist’s assistant who grows a plant that turns into a flesh-eating monster. Twenty years later, legendary composer-lyricist duo Alan Menken and Howard Ashman developed a musical version of the storyline which premiered off-off Broadway in 1982 to a successful five-year run. It has since been on Broadway numerous times. Plus, the musical was adapted into a movie in 1986 starring Rick Moranis, Steve Martin, John Candy, James Belushi, and Bill Murray. 

Waitress

In 2007, Adrienne Shelly’s Waitress became an indie darling when it premiered at Sundance at the front of the year. The movie stars Keri Russell as a small-town waitress who unexpectedly gets pregnant amidst an abusive marriage. In 2015, with the help of Sara Bareilles, who wrote the music and lyrics, Waitress became a smash hit on Broadway from 2016 to 2020. The musical is so beloved, the production was filmed and brought to theaters in 2023. 

Hairspray 

Back in 1988, John Waters made a cult classic in Hairspray. The movie follows an overweight teen Tracy Turnblad living in Baltimore, Maryland in the year 1962, who dreams of appearing on the popular local TV program The Corny Collins Show. In 2002, it was turned into a Broadway musical that would go on to win eight Tony awards, including Best Musical. Its musical version was adapted into a movie in 2007. 

School Of Rock

One of the best music movies of all time has to be School of Rock starring Jack Black. The Richard Linklater movie is about Dewey Finn, a down-on-his-luck musician who impersonates his roommate and becomes a substitute teacher for a prep school where he forms an underground band on campus made up of his students. The 2015 Broadway musical, composed by the legendary Andrew Lloyd Webber, ran in New York until 2019. 

Some Like It Hot

One of Marilyn Monroe’s most famous movies is 1959’s Some Like It Hot, which also stars Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon. It's about two men who make their escape from Chicago after witnessing a Mafia murder by dressing as women and joining an all-female jazz band, led by Monroe’s sultry singer character. In 2022, the movie was turned into a musical by Hairspray’s composer, Marc Shaiman. The show is set to embark on its first North American tour in the fall of 2024. 

The Color Purple 

In 2023, The Color Purple stage musical was turned into a movie. The release came nearly 20 years after the Broadway version of the story first opened with the likes of Quincy Jones and Oprah Winfrey as producers. Before The Color Purple ran from 2005 to 2008 and had a successful revival back in 2015, it was first a novel by Alice Walker before Steven Speilberg adapted it in 1985. The beloved story revolves around an African-American teen named Celie as she is raised in rural Georgia in the early 1990s. 

Beauty and the Beast 

Disney’s “tale as old as time” became a Broadway musical just two years after the animated hit became a huge success for the House of Mouse in 1991. Just like the movie, the stage production is about the book-loving Belle who stumbles upon an enchanted castle while looking for her father where a Beast lives. While she’s initially held there against her will, she starts to fall in love with her captor, who is a lot more than meets the eyes. 

The Producers 

Back in 1967, Mel Brooks wrote and directed The Producers starring Zero Mostel and Gene Wilder. It’s about two con artists who decide to oversell a stage musical in order to get rich. While it was controversial when it came out, it later became a cult favorite and in 2001 a Broadway version of the storyline was created starring Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick. The show won a record-breaking 12 Tony awards (out of the 15 it was nominated for) including Best Musical. 

Back To The Future 

When it comes to the best ‘80s movies, Back To The Future instantly comes to mind! The blockbuster is unforgettable for its quotable dialogue, great banter between Michael J. Fox’s Marty McFly and Christopher Lloyd’s Doc Brown, and its iconic DeLorean, of course. In 2020, a musical version of the movie, with a book by one of the movie’s writers, Bob Gale, emerged in England and quickly became a hit. Back To The Future: The Musical made its Broadway debut in the summer of 2023 and is going strong in New York City, with a tour on the way. 

Kinky Boots 

2005’s Kinky Boots had Joel Edgerton playing a shoe factory owner who ends up teaming up with a drag queen, Chiwetel Ejifor’s Lola to save his dying business by making footwear for other drag queens. Shortly after, Kinky Boots was developed for the stage with none other than Cyndi Lauper working on its music and lyrics. Like many shows on this list, Kinky Boots is one of those Broadway shows that have been so popular that they’ve run for a crazy amount of time.

Billy Elliot 

Set during England’s miners’ strike in the ‘80s, 2000’s Billy Eilliot is about a young working-class boy who falls in love with ballet. After Jamie Bell played the leading role at the age of 13, Elton John helped develop it into a stage musical for the West End. (Fun fact: Tom Holland famously once starred as one of the West End Billy Elliots before he was Spider-Man, which Zendaya can do an A+ impression of.) It later moved to Broadway, of course! 

Moulin Rouge! 

Baz Luhrmann wrote and directed a stunning jukebox musical movie starring Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor back in 2001 with Moulin Rouge! The romantic drama takes place in the Montmartre Quarter of Paris where a writer (Ewan McGregor) stumbles upon a troupe of performers and helps them write a show. In the midst of this, he falls in love with Kidman’s Satine. While its musical started in Boston, it quickly moved to Broadway a year after its premiere. 

The Little Mermaid 

Disney’s big “Under The Sea” masterpiece, 1989’s The Little Mermaid, was a no-brainer for a Broadway show after its smash commercial success. The musical went to Broadway in 2008 and has since gone across the globe.  

Beetlejuice 

Tim Burton’s beloved horror comedy, Beetlejuice, saw Michael Keaton playing a hilarious and rather creepy poltergeist that is hired by a recently deceased couple to drive away the new inhabitants of their home. A Broadway musical version of the movie debuted in 2019. The show unfortunately had a short first run due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but since returned, toured, and may even be better than the original movie. 

Once

John Carney’s Once is a sweet romantic musical from Ireland about a busker who forms a connection with a Czech immigrant woman over their love for music. A few years after the 2007 movie won the Academy Award for Best Original Song for “Falling Slowly”, it was transformed into an equally sweet Broadway musical in 2011. 

Sunset Boulevard 

Back in 1950, Sunset Boulevard, which continues to be thought of as one of the greatest movies of all time, hit theaters. It’s about an aging movie star, who once ruled the silent film era, who hires a screenwriter to help her make a comeback. Forty years later, the black-and-white classic was brought to the stage with music from Andrew Lloyd Webber. There’s an interesting story behind it because the star of the original actually worked on a musical version back in the ‘50s, but it never came to fruition. Luckily, the musical implemented some of Gloria Swanson’s work. 

Bring It On 

About a decade after Bring It On became a cult classic of an early ‘00s flick about the world of cheerleading, Bring It On: The Musical took its school spirit to Broadway. Lin-Manuel Miranda and Tom Kitt wrote the music and allowed its cast to bring some impressive gymnastics from the popular sport to a massive NYC stage.  

Shrek

Dreamworks’ hit spin on fairy tales, Shrek, turned into a Broadway in 2008. Brian d’Arcy James and Sutton Foster originated the roles of Shrek and Fiona in the original Broadway production about a love story between a green ogre and a princess. Unlike many movies-to-musicals on this list, Shrek The Musical borrows from multiple Shrek movies that were made over the years.  

Mean Girls 

“Fetch” may never happen, but Mean Girls has certainly become not only a favorite high school flick, but one of the best movies of the 2000s. After Tina Fey wrote the original script about a new student who shakes up the dynamics of her school’s hottest clique, the SNL alum wrote the musical’s book. Recently, a Mean Girls remake was released based on the stage production as well. 

Newsies 

Back in 1992, two Disney legends came together to make a new musical called Newsies. Director Kenny Ortega, who would later do the High School Musical movies, and Alan Menken, who composed the music. The movie about newspaper boys during the newsboys’ strike in 1899 stars Christian Bale, Bill Pullman, and Robert Duvall. Twenty years later, a stage version hit Broadway with tons of new numbers not seen in the movie. 

An American In Paris

Gene Kelly dazzled with his mega-star power in the 1951 musical comedy (and Best Picture winner), An American In Paris. He even choreographed many of the dance numbers himself! It follows his character Jerry Mulligan, a World War II veteran who tries to make it as an artist in Paris. In 2014, a stage version premiered in Paris before coming to Broadway the following year. 

The Band’s Visit 

2007’s The Band’s Visit is an Israeli movie that starts when a group of eight men that comprise Egypt's Alexandria Ceremonial Police Orchestra arrive in Israel to play at an Arab cultural center. However, through a miscommunication, they accidentally end up in a small town in the Negev Desert where they are taken in by a small restaurant owner. In 2017, the Broadway version became a Tony-winning Best Musical that initially starred Monk’s Tony Shalhoub.

Aladdin

“10,000 years will give you such a crick in the neck!” So why keep the Genie in the bottle? It only took about twenty years for Disney to take its Arabian Nights animated movie into a Broadway production that continues to be a popular ticket for those to grab while they are in New York City. 

Sister Act

Whoopi Goldberg will always be remembered for her hilarious leading role in 1992’s Sister Act. So, it’s no wonder that the comedy about a lounge singer who is placed in a convent as a nun after witnessing a murder would be a great place to start for a stage production. Alan Menken composed the music, and Goldberg produced the production that first debuted in Pasadena, California back in 2006 and continues to tour more cities. 

Finding Neverland

Funny enough, 2004’s Finding Neverland, was based on a play called The Man Who Was Peter Pan from a few years prior. The movie, starring Johnny Depp and Kate Winslet, told the story of J.M. Barrie, the author of Peter Pan. Since its release, it has been adapted for Broadway, where it had a 17-month run in New York City. 

Mary Poppins

Walt Disney and the Sherman Brothers made an all-time great movie musical in 1964 starring Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke. It was only a matter of time before it found a place on Broadway, wasn’t it? Audiences have been having a supercalifragilisticexpialidocious time with the British nanny since it debuted at the West End in 2004. 

Anastasia 

In 1997, audiences learned the tune of hit songs like “Once Upon A December” and “Journey To The Past” with the animated film, Anastasia. The movie loosely based off the legend of the Grand Duchess Anastasia Nikolaevna of Russia starred Meg Ryan, John Cusack, Christopher Lloyd, Hank Azaria and Angela Lansbury. Two decades after the children’s movie came out, it landed on Broadway with a mix of its fan-favorite songs and new ones. 

Footloose 

After Kevin Bacon’s Footloose overturned the ban on dancing in a small town with the hit 80s movie, Ren McCormack was revived for the stage with the 1998 Broadway musical, yes, with Kenny Loggins among the creatives in the mix. 

American Psycho

Yes, even movies about serial killers can be fodder for Broadway! Back in 2013, Doctor Who’s Matt Smith actually debuted the role of Patrick Bateman on the stage in London before the musical went to Broadway three years later. American Psycho was a 2000 movie starring Christian Bale, and based on a 1991 novel by Bret Easton Ellis.

Frozen 

Do you want to build a snowman? After Disney’s Frozen became a certified phenomenon with its earworms that had stars like Kristen Bell hilariously apologizing to parents, the production became an on-stage extravaganza to see on Broadway in 2018. The story is about Elsa, a royal who embraces her longtime secret powers by freezing her kingdom and her sister’s journey to find her. 

Tootsie 

After Tootsie, led by Dustin Hoffman and Jessica Lange, became one of the biggest movies of the ‘80s, it was transformed into a Broadway musical in 2019. The production follows an actor who decided to present as a woman in order to land a job following a disintegrating reputation. While the movie is about a daytime soap opera, the musical version is about Michael trying out for a Broadway musical. 

And this trend is not expected to stop! A lot of musicals based on movies are also rumored to hit the stage in the years to come. 

Sometimes a movie leaves us with a finale so head scratching, we need to run out and talk about it. That concern is always going to be valid, and that’s why we felt it was time to decipher 32 of the most confusing movie endings, so that you don’t have to. Brace yourselves, as some of these finales are all-time stumpers. 

Inception

Is Dom (Leonardo DiCaprio) still in the dream world, or is he back home with his kids? It’s been over a decade since Inception planted that question in our minds, and as far as Christopher Nolan’s thoughts on Dom’s ending are concerned, it doesn’t matter because the character doesn’t care. Though if you ask us, Leo’s still dreaming in the end.

Looper

Because of how Looper’s time travel works in Rian Johnson’s story, one could say that it’s safe to assume that young Cid (Pierce Gagnon) doesn’t become the criminal overlord known as The Rainmaker. However, our own interpretation of the ending is that the death of both Joes (Joseph Gordon-Levitt/Bruce Willis)  probably had no effect on Cid’s future, and the kid’s still destined for darkness. 

Shutter Island

This one’s a pretty cut-and-dry affair, as the finale of director Martin Scorsese’s adaptation of Shutter Island is actually clearer than the book when it comes to the final fate of Andrew Laeddis (Leonardo DiCaprio). In author Dennis Lehane’s novel, we’re not sure if Andrew or his Teddy Daniels persona is in control; but in Shutter Island’s movie ending, it’s plainly clear that Andrew wants that lobotomy, and pretends he still thinks he’s his US Marshall alter ego. 

mother!

The ending to mother! is a literally Biblical finale, with Jennifer Lawrence’s titular matron unleashing apocalyptic ruin against her lover, Him (Javier Bardem). As we saw Darren Aronofsky’s film start with a woman burning in some hellfire of her own, we’re led to believe that the cycle of creation and destruction is about to start again, thanks to Him waking up his new companion the same way he roused mother. 

Birdman, or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)

Alejandro González Iñárritu’s film Birdman, Or The Unexpected Virtue Of Ignorance is a rare case where a seemingly impenetrable ending fits along with the story that came before it. While we debate whether Riggan (Michael Keaton) jumped to his death or soared with the birds, the blurred lines of reality never let up even in the finale, causing us to question everything we’ve seen come to pass. 

The Shining

Stephen King’s notorious dislike of The Shining, at least as a movie, certainly has its points. While Stanley Kubrick’s iconic adaptation is definitely a different beast from its literary source, as the film seemingly depicts the soul of Jack Torrance (Jack Nicholson) now caught in the purgatory of The Overlook. For years the mystery of that ominous photo kept people guessing, but thanks to Mike Flanagan’s Doctor Sleep, that seems to be the best answer available. 

Fight Club

Just as Fight Club’s Operation Mayhem is about to punch a hole in the status quo, we learn that Tyler Durden (Brad Pitt) is a manifestation of the Narrator (Edward Norton) and his contempt for the world. Sometimes dissociating into that personality it’s our Narrator that was the mastermind this whole time. Holding hands with Darla (Helena Bonham Carter) while the world seemingly ends, there’s two comic sequels that tell the story of what happened after one of the best ‘90s movies of all time.

American Psycho

Did Patrick Bateman (Christian Bale) really kill all of those people? Apparently not. While he confesses to killing rival Paul Allen (Jared Leto), and even engages in a gun-toting showdown with the NYPD, the next day sees Patrick’s crimes being laughed off by anyone he mentions them to. Mary Harron’s film is just as open-ended as Bret Easton Ellis’ novel, but at the end of the day, Patrick does do a lot of drugs, and nobody can keep anybody’s names straight. 

Memento

2000’s Memento saw would-be detective Leonard Shelby (Guy Pearce) seeking out his wife’s killer. Unfortunately,  Leonard’s anterograde amnesia prevents him from remembering that he actually killed his wife’s assailant a year prior to the movie. Even after learning the truth, a moment of vengeance ensures that he’ll keep hunting his wife’s killer for the foreseeable future.

No Country For Old Men

The audience for 2007’s No Country for Old Men thought that there was a chance Llewelyn Moss (Josh Brolin) could have escaped the wrath of hitman Anton Chegur (Javier Bardem). As it turns out, that was never the case, as Moss and his wife were already dead. The true point of the story is to observe Sheriff Ed Tom Bell (Tommy Lee Jones) and his acceptance that the past is in the past, and there’s nothing you can do about it. 

A Serious Man

In a quest for cosmic and karmic answers, Professor Larry Gopnik (Michael Stuhlbarg) sees two potential misfortunes befall him at the end of The Coen Brothers’ A Serious Man. Larry’s recent lab tests may indicate some serious health problems, and his son Danny (Aaron Wolff) is seconds away from being lost in a tornado. All because Larry took a bribe to change a student’s grade. 

Blade Runner

The question of whether Deckard (Harrison Ford) is a replicant depends on how you view Blade Runner, right down to the cut you choose to view. While Harrison Ford believes Deckard is a replicant, both Ridley Scott and the events of Blade Runner 2049 seem to fall into the camp of uncertainty at best, and flat-out rejection in its most extreme. So yeah, Deckard’s humanity is up for grabs, with a firm lean towards confirming he’s flesh and blood.

Arrival

The ending of Arrival also happens to be the beginning, as the visions of Louise Banks (Amy Adams) losing her young daughter are not flashbacks, but flash-forwards. Since the Heptapod language allows the human consciousness to basically remember the future, Louise’s fate is all the more bittersweet, as she proceeds to live through the tragedy she could have prevented.

2001: A Space Odyssey

Dr. David Bowman (Keir Dullea) finds himself experiencing one of the trippiest endings of cinematic history in Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey. The simplest way to explain what happened is that thanks to the third, most powerful Monolith, Dr. Bowman found himself unbound from time and space. Reborn as “The Star Child,” he is now ready to transition into even crazier forms throughout the rest of Arthur C. Clarke’s source novels; as he’s basically become immortal. 

Donnie Darko

Time travel helps Donnie Darko become a confusing loop of causality, in which Donnie (Jake Gyllenhaal) realizes that in order to save his community from a chain of death and tragedy, he has to die. Using the strange powers he’s been developing throughout the film, he causes the jet engine that lands on his house earlier in the movie to ultimately kill his past self, rendering the events of Richard Kelly’s story null and void.

The Thing

John Carpenter’s The Thing is a horror classic for several reasons, one of which is the legendary special effects magic that remains chilling to this day. For our purposes, the other reason open for discussion is the movie’s ending, which questions whether Macready (Kurt Russell) or Childs (Keith David) could be The Thing. If you really want to fit the paranoid theme of the movie, the best assumption is that neither is The Thing, and their distrust eventually kills them both in the end.

Tenet

Sometimes it feels like Christopher Nolan is going for the Hall of Fame when it comes to confusing endings. Tenet’s wild time inversion ride is one of the best examples, as the ending is as twisty as its concept of time. For The Protagonist (John David Washington), and the rest of us in the audience, Tenet is the beginning. However, for Neil (Robert Pattinson), this journey has been an inverted arc that leads to his death saving his new old friend in the movie’s killer opening sequence. 

Annihilation

In a world of doppelgangers and uncertainty, Alex Garland’s film version of Annihilation is a double helix of a twist ending. Not only do we learn that Kane (Oscar Isaac) is actually an alien replica of his human self from the mysterious area known as “The Shimmer,” but we see that the original Lena (Natalie Portman) has been possessed by some of that Shimmer herself. 

Total Recall

Admit it: Total Recall is so pumped full of adrenaline that it’s kind of easy to overlook whether or not Arnold Schwarzenegger’s protagonist had been dreaming the whole time. Paul Verhoeven’s action-packed retelling of Philip K. Dick’s “We’ll Remember It For You Wholesale” may seem to hedge its bets by the end, but we’re willing to say that Total Recall’s ending was all a dream.

Minority Report

Legendary sci-fi author Phillip K. Dick had a knack for writing stories that lead to some of the most open-ended finales of all time. Steven Spielberg’s Minority Report is a long-standing beacon of ambiguity, as Tom Cruise’s John Anderton may or may not have dreamed his own happy ending after a certain point. 

12 Monkeys

Poor James Cole (Bruce Willis). Plagued by nightmares from his childhood, the man trusted to prevent 12 Monkeys’ viral apocalypse from occurring just happens to be the man he saw gunned down in an airport when he was young. While the apocalypse seems to be on its way to being averted, this unfortunate time traveler’s fate would appear to have always been sealed.

Jacob’s Ladder

Vietnam Vet Jacob Singer (Tim Robbins) winds his way through a maze of mystery and hallucination in Jacob’s Ladder, which ultimately leads to one hell of a twist ending. By the time we see his dead son Gabe (Macaulay Culkin) welcoming him to the afterlife, we learn that Jacob actually never made it home from Vietnam. The entire movie, save for the sequences set during the war, was a hallucination on Jacob’s deathbed.

The Dark Knight Rises

Based on the overwhelming evidence left in the finale of The Dark Knight Rises, the question of whether Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale) is alive and well in Italy at the end seems pretty open and shut. After learning that the Caped Crusader fixed the autopilot function on The Bat, it would appear that Bruce found a way to retire from his life of crime-fighting, while leaving his arsenal to the next person he trusted with the mantle: Officer Robin John Blake (Joseph Gordon-Levitt).

Joker

What do Joker’s Arthur Fleck (Joaquin Phoenix) and American Psycho’s Christian Bale have in common? Well, apparently, they both suffer from a state of psychosis so great they’ve imagined killing people in their waking lives. What makes Todd Phillips’ Academy Award-winning thriller all the more confusing is that thanks to Arthur’s reputation as an unreliable narrator, there may be several layers of fantasy at work throughout this chilling narrative. 

Us

Throughout Jordan Peele’s Us, we’re supposed to believe that Adelaide (Lupita Nyong’o) is being chased by her Untethered doppelganger Red (also Nyong’o). In actuality, what seems to have happened is that on that fateful night in 1986, Red swapped places with Adelaide. Over 30 years later, when Adelaide attempts to reclaim her life through an Untethered revolution, Red kills her - maintaining her stolen life on the surface.

Brazil

Brazil’s ending is one of the most confusing in history thanks to the fact that there are three different conclusions. Thanks to good old-fashioned studio meddling, Sam Lowry (Jonathan Pryce) either suffers a mental break, escapes with his true love (Kim Greist), or winds up in a sort of middle ground; depending on which cut you watch. But the definitive ending is the first and bleakest scenario, which explains what inspired the meddling in the theatrical and TV cuts. 

Predestination

Predestination’s ending is a confusing affair because of all the twists one has to keep in mind when defining the identity of our protagonist. The trick is to know two things: John (Sarah Snook), Jane (also Sarah Snook), and their baby are all the same person, and thanks to time travel shenanigans they eventually become the terrorist they’re hunting (Ethan Hawke). With that knowledge, it doesn’t seem like the terrorist attack in question can be changed, especially since it all hinges on several variants of the same person involved in all the crucial aspects. 

Life Of Pi

Apologies to all of you animal lovers out there, as the tiger known as Richard Parker wasn’t in the lifeboat with young Pi (Suraj Sharma). All of the animals in the tragic story on the boat are metaphors for the very real tragedy of Pi losing his mother (Tabu) and killing her murderer (Gérard Depardieu) before being lost at sea. It turns out the tiger was the metaphor for Pi’s inner strength to survive. 

A.I.: Artificial Intelligence

Stanley Kubrick’s trust in Steven Spielberg to make A.I.: Artificial Intelligence into a reality has led to many people wondering where the movie should have ended. It only confused things more when there wasn’t a readily apparent explanation that the “aliens” that young David (Haley Joel Osment) encounters in the far-flung future are actually evolved Mechas trying to learn about the age of humanity. 

Contact

Dr. Ellie Arroway (Jodie Foster) assumes that her journey toward the end of Contact actually sends her to the outer reaches of space. In truth, while her consciousness may have encountered alien life, there’s no physical evidence to corroborate her story. For once, the scientist is on the side of faith. 

Black Swan

In the third act of Darren Aronofsky’s Black Swan, ballerina Nina Sayers (Natalie Portman) mistakenly thinks she killed her presumed rival Lily (Mila Kunis) with a large shard of class. In actuality, it was herself that she stabbed, right before a supposedly star-making performance in Swan Lake. It's presumed that Nina bleeds out as the film fades to white. 

Dune: Part Two

To be completely honest, there’s one simple yet baffling reason the ending to Dune: Part Two is on this list. Honestly, if you can walk away from Paul Atredies’ (Timotheé Challamet) journey and think he’s still a hero, you’re wrong. Try as he might, the dude’s turned into the prophecy, and he’s about to commit space genocide. Sorry, he’s about to “show his enemies to Paradise.”

We hope that your head isn’t spinning too hard after this collection of the most confusing endings of cinematic history. At least you can count on the finale of this very rundown to be a clear and concise version of events. Or can you? 

There are some horror movie characters — including some of the scariest villains or even the resourceful heroes they chase after — who are so well defined by the performances that brought them to life, that you cannot imagine any other actor in the role. However, history shows that things could have gone differently had other actors previously considered landed the part instead. Take a look at just how different some of the all-time best horror movies could have been by sifting through some of the fascinating and surprising examples of actors who came close to becoming horror movie icons — including some who did earn that title in other ways.

Kane Hodder (Freddy Krueger In A Nightmare On Elm Street)

As Kane Hodder revealed during ShudderFest’s Horror Royalty panel in 2020 (via Yahoo), before he played Jason Voorhees, Wes Craven considered him to play Freddy Krueger before Robert Englund joined the A Nightmare on Elm Street cast. However, at the end of the ninth Friday the 13th movie, that's actually Hodder's arm wearing Krueger’s claw pulling Jason's mask underground, meaning the actor got to play both roles after all.

Drew Barrymore (Sydney Prescott In Scream)

Seeing an A-lister like Drew Barrymore die in the opening scene of Wes Craven’s 1996 slasher revival was one of horror cinema’s greatest surprises since Janet Leigh’s death in Psycho, just as the actor predicted. Barrymore revealed on Hot Ones that she was offered Sydney Prescott, the lead role of the original Scream cast, but requested to play Casey Becker instead, knowing it would shock the audience.

Christopher Lee (Dr. Loomis In Halloween)

An undisputed Scream King for playing Dracula and starring in other classics like The Wicker Man, Christopher Lee's influence could have cast a wider net with a role in Halloween. According to The Digital Fix, he later said he regretted the chance to star in John Carpenter's seminal 1978 slasher as Dr. Sam Loomis, which was ultimately given to Donald Pleasence.

Bela Lugosi (The Creature In Frankenstein)

Following his success in the title role of 1931’s Dracula, Bela Lugosi was given the chance to play another legendary Universal Monster in that year’s adaptation of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. According to The Immortal Count: The Life and Films of Bela Lugosi by Arthur Lennig (via SlashFilm), the actor believed such a grotesque, inarticulate creature was “beneath him,” giving Boris Karloff the chance to embody Dr. Victor Frankenstein’s creation.

Leonardo DiCaprio (Patrick Bateman In American Psycho)

Christian Bale once told GQ that every role he has played was first offered to Leonardo DiCaprio and one accurate example is Patrick Bateman in American Psycho, as Vice’s oral history recalls. Legend has it Gloria Steinem (Bale’s stepmother, coincidentally) convinced DiCaprio that playing the sadistic investment banker would hurt his post-Titanic reputation, but he later told The Morning Call that he passed because felt the script “didn’t mean anything in the end.”

Jean-Claude Van Damme (The Predator In Predator)

The late, 7’2” Kevin Peter Hall played the titular extra-terrestrial hunter in 1987’s Predator and its first sequel, but the original actor chosen for the role was actually the 5’6” Jean-Claude Van Damme. As detailed in oral history by THR, the future Belgian action movie star quit because he did not want to be hidden in the costume, which resembled a large insect at the time.

Jamie Lee Curtis (Regan MacNeil In The Exorcist)

Playing Laurie Strode in Halloween made Jamie Lee Curtis one of the first and all-time greatest Scream Queens, but her years as horror royalty apparently could have started earlier. The Oscar winner told EW that a producer for The Exorcist asked her mother, Psycho’s Janet Leigh if the then-13-year-old could audition to play the possessed Regan MacNeil. Leigh refused on her daughter’s behalf and the role ultimately went to Linda Blair.

Will Poulter (Pennywise In 2017's It)

Bill Skarsgård made one of modern cinema’s scariest horror villains out of his portrayal of Pennywise in the 2017 adaptation of Stephen King’s It. However, as director Andy Muschietti told Deadline that year, he had, at one point, spoken to Will Poulter about the possibility of succeeding Tim Curry as the clownish, shape-shifting entity until the future Midsommar star became “slowly disengaged” from the dark role.  

Jack Nicholson (Father Damien Karras In The Exorcist)

Before playing Jack Torrance in The Shining made him horror royalty, Jack Nicholson read for the role of Father Damien Karras in 1973’s The Exorcist before it went to Jason Miller. At the 2013 Dallas International Film Festival, director William Friedkin said the Oscar winner came up to him and Ellen Burstyn at a restaurant asking to be considered, to which the filmmaker responded, “Jack, if I show you in a priest collar, the whole audience is gonna go up.”

Bette Midler (Annie Wilkes In Misery)

Kathy Bates’ Oscar-winning performance as Annie Wilkes is a key reason why Rob Reiner’s adaptation of Stephen King’s Misery is such a classic. However, the role of the nurse with a morbid obsession over her captive guest, author Paul Sheldon (James Caan), was previously offered to Bette Midler, who told Variety that the character’s violent, unfunny, and irredeemable qualities turned her away from it.

Jeff Bridges (Matt Hooper In Jaws)

When speaking to Vanity Fair about the making of Jaws, Steven Spielberg shared that Richard Dreyfuss was not his first choice to play shark expert Matt Hooper. One of his initial candidates was Jeff Bridges, whose closest contributions to the horror genre have included 1976’s King Kong, Terry Gilliam’s Tideland, and R.I.P.D.

Emma Stone (Margot In The Menu) 

In director Mark Mylod’s 2022 horror-comedy, The Menu, Anya Taylor-Joy plays Margot, one of several guests at an exclusive dinner run by an unhinged chef played by Ralph Fiennes. According to The Film Stage, Taylor-Joy actually stepped in as a replacement for Oscar winner Emma Stone, who was cast in the role was Alexander Payne was attached to direct.

Slim Pickens (Dick Hallorann In The Shining) 

You could argue that the heart and soul (and a few endearing qualities) of Stanley Kubrick’s 1980 adaptation of The Shining is Scatman Crothers’ performance as Dick Hallorann. According to Screen Rant, the musician was not actually the first choice to play the Overlook Hotel’s head chef, which was offered to Slim Pickens, who previously worked with Kubrick on Dr. Strangelove and said he would only take the role if his scenes could be done in fewer than 100 takes.

Alice Cooper (Pennywise in Stephen King's It) 

Before Bill Skarsgård, the definitive image of Pennywise was that of Tim Curry, who was actually just one of several actors considered to play the embodiment of fear in the miniseries adaptation of It from 1990. Perhaps the most fascinating name tossed around, according to THR, was rock star Alice Cooper, who has dabbled in horror on the big screen (such as when he played Freddy Krueger’s father in Freddy’s Dead: The Final Nightmare) and in his music.

Haley Lu Richardson (Dani Ardor In Midsommar)

After appearing in M. Night Shyamalan’s Split, Haley Lu Richardson passed on the opportunity to lead another disturbing movie called Midsommar, which turned out to be one of the best A24 horror movies in the eyes of many. She told Backstage in 2023 that she did not have to courage to watch it yet, but has nothing but praise for Florence Pugh, who ultimately did play Dani Ador in Ari Aster’s sinister sophomore effort from 2019.

Al Pacino (Hannibal Lecter In The Silence Of The Lambs)

While Brian Cox first played Hannibal Lecter in Manhunter, Anthony Hopkins’ became the most recognizable iteration with his Oscar-winning performance in The Silence of the Lambs. However, Jodie Foster revealed to Deadline that there were a few American actors considered to play the cannibalistic criminal psychologist in the Best Picture Oscar winner, including Al Pacino.

Michael Cera (Cole Sear In The Sixth Sense)

When talking to Esquire, Michael Cera recalled auditioning to play Cole Sear in M. Night Shyamalan’s The Sixth Sense without realizing the character was a medium. Upon seeing the thriller, when watching the scene he read for, he noticed how Haley Joel Osment played it very sorrowfully instead of the upbeat and optimistic vibe the future Arrested Development star was going for.

Tilda Swinton (Pennywise In 2017's It)

Her chameleonic talents — best seen in her unrecognizable turn in 2018’s Suspiria remake — have us convinced that Tilda Swinton could have played Pennywise. Indeed, the Academy Award winner’s name was brought up as a possible choice for the fear-devouring clown in 2017’s It, as Andy Muschietti confirmed to Vanity Fair after a journalist jokingly mentioned her.

Sharon Tate (Rosemary Woodhouse In Rosemary's Baby) 

The title role of 1968’s Rosemary’s Baby — a woman who grows suspicious of her new neighbors after becoming pregnant — skyrocketed Mia Farrow into movie stardom. Before Farrow was cast, according to Vanity Fair, writer and director Roman Polanski’s own wife, Sharon Tate, fought hard to play the role herself.

Helen Mirren (Ellen Ripley In Alien)

In an interview with Vulture, Helen Mirren recalls reading the script for Alien and not being able to tell if Ripley, or any of the characters, were male or female. The future Academy Award winner would audition for Ridley Scott’s 1979 sci-fi classic, but the role of Ripley ended up going to Sigourney Weaver.

Chris Evans (Dan Torrance In Doctor Sleep)

Despite making a cameo in Doctor Sleep, The Shining’s original Danny Torrance, Danny Lloyd, is a former child star who no longer acts, which is why Ewan McGregor assumed the role for Mike Flanagan’s 2019 sequel. The filmmaker confirmed on his personal Tumblr account that, before the Emmy-winner was cast, one of the actors he met with was the MCU’s Steve Rogers, Chris Evans.

Shelley Winters (Pamela Voorhees In Friday The 13th)

While the Friday the 13th movies’ centerpiece slasher is Jason Voorhees, the main antagonist of the 1980 original was his vengeful mother, Pamela, played by Betsy Palmer. David Grove, author of On Location in Blairstown: The Making of Friday the 13th, told EW that one of the actors previously discussed to play the iconic female horror movie villain was Shelley Winters, best known for her Oscar-winning performances in The Diary of Anne Frank and A Patch of Blue, and her nominated role in disaster epic, The Poseidon Adventure.

Tobey Maguire (Alex Browning In Final Destination)

On director Jeffrey Reddick’s wish list for the Final Destination cast, he wanted the lead to be Tobey Maguire, who was cast in Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man just two years later. However, as the filmmaker shared with Den of Geek, New Line Cinema was not convinced by the choice, which led Devon Sawa to ultimately take the part of Alex Browning.

Michelle Pfeiffer (Clarice Starling In The Silence Of The Lambs) 

Jodie Foster won her second Oscar for playing intrepid FBI trainee Clarice Starling in The Silence of the Lambs, but the part was previously offered to Michell Pfeiffer. The actor told The New Yorker that the “evil” in the film made her nervous, but she does regret turning down the opportunity to reunite with her Married to the Mob director, Jonathan Demme.

Freddie Prinze Jr. (Billy Loomis In Scream)

In an interview with Dread Central, Freddie Prinze Jr. revealed that he and Skeet Ulrich were the final two candidates to play Billy Loomis in 1996’s Scream before the vengeful murderer role ultimately went to the latter. At least Prinze Jr. got to work with writer Kevin Williamson on another teen slasher favorite, I Know What You Did Last Summer, the following year.

John Lithgow (Seth Brundle In The Fly)

Jeff Goldblum gave one of his best performances as half-man, half-insect Seth Brundle in David Cronenberg’s 1988 remake of The Fly. Before he was cast, however, the role was offered to Goldblum’s The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension co-star John Lithgow who told In Magazine (via IndieWire) that he “didn’t want to play something so grotesque.”

Johnny Depp (The Invisible Man In The Invisible Man) 

In 2016, The Wrap reported that Johnny Depp was up to star in the title role of a modern reimagining of The Invisible Man. That was until the immediate failure of the Dark Universe convinced Universal to go in a different direction with its monstrous properties, allowing Leigh Whannell to introduce his own modern interpretation of H.G. Wells’ classic thriller.

Drew Barrymore (Carol Anne Freeling In Poltergeist) 

Drew Barrymore broke through at age 7 with her role in E.T. the Extra-terrestrial, but she actually met Steven Spielberg when auditioning for another film. She recalled to Ellen Degeneres how she was considered for, but ultimately not given the role of Carol Anne (which did go to Heather O’Rourke) in 1982’s haunted house classic, Poltergeist.

Lee Marvin (Quint In Jaws)

Steven Spielberg’s first choice to play Quint in Jaws was actually Lee Marvin, but the Oscar winner (for 1965’s Cat Ballou) was not interested, as the filmmaker recalled to Vanity Fair. Thus, the role of the intrepid shark hunter was given to Oscar nominee Robert Shaw.

Anne Lockhart (Laurie Strode In Halloween)

It is impossible to imagine other than Jamie Lee Curtis as Laurie Strode — the one Haddonfield babysitter who survives Michael Myers’ killing streak in the original Halloween. However, according to Biography, one of co-writer and director John Carpenter’s first choices was Anne Lockhart of Battlestar Galactica fame before she passed on the role.

Jodie Foster (Margaret White In 2013's Carrie)

As Vulture reported in 2012, Jodie Foster was approached to star alongside Chloe Grace Moretz in a remake of Carrie as the titular telekinetic’s overbearing mother, Margaret White. The part ultimately went to Julianne Moore, who, coincidentally, was Foster's replacement to play Clarice Starling in 2000's Hannibal.

Kirsten Dunst (Clear Rivers In Final Destination)

As Final Destination director Jeffrey Reddick shared with Den of Geek, he had a wish list for the unique 2000 horror flick’s cast that included Kirsten Dunst as Clear Rivers. Instead, that role would end up going to Ali Larter, who came back for Final Destination 2.

We would honestly love to peek into an alternate universe in which one of these actors got the iconic horror movie role they were up for, just to see how creepy it might have turned out.

Not everyone wants to root for the squeaky-clean hero. People like flaws and misguided motivations. There are villains we love to hate, like Hans Gruber and Regina George, and there are antiheroes we hate to love. This is our list of all those flawed characters that we cheer for. 

Mad Max (Mad Max Franchise)

No one could have predicted that a small-budget Australian movie like The Road Warrior would launch a franchise, but it has. Mel Gibson's Mad Max, a former cop turned vigilante in a post-apocalyptic world. Max is violent and ruthless, but he's driven by grief, so we love him for it. 

Jack Sparrow (Pirates Of The Caribbean)

There aren't a lot of chances in life to root for a pirate, but there aren't a lot of pirates quite like Johnny Depp's Jack Sparrow in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise. He cheats, lies, and steals and we love him for it. He's one of the greatest antiheroes of all time. 

Catwoman (Batman)

Though Catwoman may have started as a villain in the Batman comics, in most of her appearances in movies, she's been a clear antiheroine. She's been portrayed on the big screen most recently by Zoë Kravitz in The Batman, and in the past by Anne Hathaway, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Halle Berry, and each time, she walks that line between enemy and friend to Batman. 

Patrick Bateman (American Psycho)

One of the worst characters on this list has to be Patrick Bateman (Christian Bale) from American Psycho. The title tells the whole story, right? Yet somehow, he's one of the most quotable characters in film history, Whether it's about how Huey Lewis is great or getting reservations at Dorsia we love to quote the serial killer and that means we are rooting for him, in a way. 

Arthur Fleck (The Joker)

Everyone knows where the Joker ends up, as the Clown Prince of Crime and one of the worst villains in Gotham. Arthur Fleck (Joaquin Phoenix) in The joker is easy to root for, at least at first. He's a guy that just can't catch a break and he's pushed to his limit, so we can all empathize with his plight, even when it leads to crime. We just don't take it as far as Fleck does, hopefully. 

Han Solo (Star Wars)

You might be surprised to see Han Solo (Harrison Ford) on this list, but you have to remember, before he became a hero, he was a bad boy smuggler; the one who shot first in his meeting with Greedo; just a stuck-up, half-witted, scruffy-looking nerf herder who few people trusted. He didn't want to get involved in the fight for freedom and fought joining the rebellion for years.  

Vito Corleone

Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando) in The Godfather rose from the most modest of circumstances in Sicily to the height of power in New York City. Unfortunately, he made that rise through brutality and murder. Still, he's loyal and honest to his family and his organization, and he's just...well... cool. Plus he loves cats. 

Snake Plissken (Escape From New York)

Snake Plissken is maybe the coolest guy on this list. Sure, he's a heartless criminal who only looks out for himself, but can you blame him? Look at the mess of a world he's living in. He's who everyone would want to be if they were stuck in a bombed-out shell that was once New York City. 

Deadpool (Deadpool)

The Merc with the Mouth, Deadpool, is a now-legendary antihero from Marvel. He's foul-mouthed and murderous. Everything most Marvel heroes eschew, Deadpool embraces and we love him for it. Somehow, despite being everything a hero isn't supposed to be, makes him a better hero than many. He's just a bad guy who gets paid to mess up worse guys. 

Jules Winnfield (Pulp Fiction)

In Pulp Fiction, Samuel L. Jackson's Jules Winnfield is trying to walk a different path. He's had enough of being a hitman, and we should admire him for it, but let's be honest, it's his coolness in being a hitman that makes us love him. The bible-quoting, swearing, no-nonsense criminal is just fun to root for, despite all the murdering. 

Lisbeth Salander (The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo)

No one can ever question the motivations of Lisbeth Salander (Rooney Mara) in The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo. The abuse she suffered would not be wished on anyone's worst enemies. What it turns her into is something terrifying, and yet endearing, making her the ultimate antiheroine. 

John Wick (John Wick)

Yes, John Wick is avenging the murder of a dog when he is sucked back into his old life, and that is something we can all stand behind, but let's not forget he is a cold-blooded assassin. He lives and operates in a terrifying underworld that is not making the world a better place. So while his immediate actions might be somewhat justified, he's no hero. 

R.P. McMurphy (One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest)

Randle Patrick McMurphy is one of the greatest antiheroes of modern literature and cinema. Played brilliantly by Jack Nicholson in One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest RP McMurphy is the best kind of troublemaker. A career criminal trying to take down the real bad guys, "the system", or in this specific case, Nurse Ratched and the institution he finds himself in. 

Léon (Léon: The Professional)

Jean Reno's performance as the protagonist in Léon: The Professional is phenomenal. His dedication to Mathilda (Natalie Portman) is heartfelt and honest and that's what endears him to audiences. The hitman with a heart of gold, so to speak. 

Veronica (Heathers)

One of the darkest (and best) comedies of the 1980s was Heathers and at its heart is Veronica (Winona Ryder), who becomes part of a murderous duo with her boyfriend J.D. (Christian Slater). It plays for laughs, sure, and every teenager can relate, but, yikes, she's terrible! 

Alex DeLarge (A Clockwork Orange)

There may be no worse person on this list than Alex DeLarge in A Clockwork Orange. His penchant for "ultra-violence" is beyond disturbing, but she sure does have style! The white suit and black bowler hat is an iconic look so that alone makes him cool enough to root for. It's really what happens to him at the hands of the doctors to cure him that gets us rooting for him though, as messed up as that is. 

Wolverine (X-Men)

Comic books, and the movies based on them, are filled with great antiheroes, and Wolverine is among the very best. Hugh Jackman's version of Wolverine in all of the various X-Men movies makes us love the character even more. 

Tyler Durden

Tyler Durden in Fight Club has almost become an actual hero to many these days, but it shouldn't be. Sure, he shows the Narrator (Edward Norton) a different way to live, with more confidence and moxie, but he's a terrible role model, ultimately. Brad Pitt plays the role with so much charisma though, he's hard not to love.  

Harley Quinn (Suicide Squad)

Harley Quinn, played brilliantly by Margot Robbie in various DC films, including Suicide Squad among others, is one of the most likable antiheroines on this list. She's as violent as a character can be, but she sure does it with style! 

Severus Snape (Harry Potter)

Severus Snape (Alan Rickman) in the Harry Potter franchise walks the line between antihero and hero more than anyone on this list. His motivations seem to be to get back at Harry for his unrequited love for Harry's mother, but he ultimately proves his loyalty several times in Harry's fight with Voldemort. 

Michael Corleone (The Godfather Saga)

While Michael Corleone (Al Pacino) may claim that that he's trying to go legit, his actions at every turn throughout the The Godfather series say otherwise. Pretty much everything he says is immediately discarded in favor of his lust for power. He turns on almost everyone around him, yet somehow audiences always see the more human side of him and root for him. 

Beatrix Kiddo (Kill Bill)

Leave it to Quentin Tarantino to create one of the most stylish antiheroines in film history. Beatrix Kiddo (Uma Thurman) is dead-set on revenge for past actions against her, and boy oh boy does she get it. Don't get in her way.

Loki (Marvel Cinematic Universe)

Loki causes more grief and mischief than almost any other character in the MCU, save for Thanos. Still, Tom Hiddleston's various performances are among the best in the franchise, and how can you not love him, even when he's at his worst? Truly one of the best villains in film history.  

Gordon Gekko (Wall Street)

It's unlikely that Wall Street Director Oliver Stone meant for Gordon Gekko to become a cultural hero of any kind, but Michael Douglas' Oscar-winning performance has turned him into a very popular antihero. While the character represents everything that is wrong with Wall Street in the 1980s and even today, Douglas is so good, you walk away liking the character, instead of despising him. 

Tony Montana (Scarface)

There is nothing we should like about Tony Montana (Al Pacino) in Scarface. Sure, he got rich after getting thrown out of Cuba and landing in Miami with nothing, but how he got there is just awful. He's mean and nasty to everyone he comes in contact with, even his closest friends. Somehow still, audiences love him and his little friend. 

Bodhi (Point Break)

Bodhi (Patrick Swayze) is a bank-robbing criminal with little regard for anyone but himself and his desires. He's also a surfer and skydiver who is searching for "100% pure adrenaline). It's that second part that audiences fall in love with. He's a guy searching for the ultimate natural high, no matter what it takes. 

The Punisher (Marvel)

There may be no greater example of a pure antihero than The Punisher. Former cop Frank Castle has understandable motives, avenging the murder of his family, but his means are brutal. The character has been played by Thomas Jane, Ray Stevenson, and Dolph Lundgren on the big screen, and more recently by Jon Bernthal in the MCU, but the story is always the same and it's always violent, yet relatable, in a weird way.  

William Foster (Falling Down)

Michael Douglas' character in Falling Down is a man on the edge when the film begins. Soon, he's in a rage, followed by a violent rampage against everything that irks him. It's an irrational response to common feelings all humans deal with. It makes the character relatable, but not righteous. 

Conan (Conan the Barbarian)

Conan (Arnold Schwarzenegger) in Conan the Barbarian is another antihero who is driven by his desire to avenge his family's murder. To do so, he is ruthless and violent. His methods are everything we should hate, but we understand what has driven him to this point. 

Harry Callahan (Dirty Harry)

Harry Callahan (Clint Eastwood) isn't a dirty cop, in that he's not taking bribes and treating the innocent badly. He's not a good cop either and his means to the end are terrifying. He's a one-man judge, jury, and executioner throughout the entire Dirty Harry series, but he's got some amazing lines, so we love him. 

Daniel Plainview (There Will Be Blood)

Daniel Day-Lewis can make almost any character he plays likable, no matter how awful they are. Daniel Plainview in There Will Be Blood is the perfect example of this, as he is mean, greedy, and vengeful. Still, the performance is so amazing, and his love for his son is genuine, so we excuse it, to a point. 

Hannibal Lector (The Silence Of The Lambs)

Anthony Hopkins performance as Hannibal Lector in The Silence Of The Lambs is one of the most chilling and scariest in film history. The serial killer-turned-FBI-consultant is awful in every way except for his treatment of Clarice Starling (Jodie Foster). It's exactly why we're rooting for him at the end of the movie to get his revenge on Dr. Chilton (Anthony Heald). 

Antiheroes have been a part of storytelling forever and though we know we're supposed to hate them, this list shows why we can't help but love them. 

Rumors are circulating pointing to two of the best horror movies of all time could be getting remade, with Stephen King's The Dead Zone and American Psycho both allegedly set for on-the-horizon reimaginings. While genre purists might be sharpening their pitchforks over such news, possibly understandably, I'm over here already drafting a wishlist of what these reimaginings could bring to the list of upcoming horror movies.

According to The Insneider newsletter (via Bloody Disgusting),  Jeff Sneider is reporting on Lionsgate execs' alleged interest in a modern take on the Christian Bale-led American Psycho, as well as a potential new approach to the Christopher Walken-starring political thriller The Dead Zone, with Korean-American film and television producer Roy Lee said to be attached. 

The landscape of upcoming book adaptations can be dicey, especially when books have previously been adapted into successful movies, which both The Dead Zone and American Psycho already were. Remakes can also be challenging, but neither have to be a bad thing. With the right approach, they can pay homage to the original while creating a new path, so let's take a look at how that could happen, at least in my eyes. 

A Fresh Yet Faithful Take on The Dead Zone

The Dead Zone is considered by many to be one of Stephen King's best books, and it's already sparked a TV adaptation in the early 2000s with Anthony Michael Hall in the lead role. The novel tells a chilling story about precognition and the power of a demagogue, with King's views on politics and the price of power still very relevant today, nearly 50 years later. Here’s what I’d like to see from a new adaptation of the King property:

• A More Faithful Adaptation: Cronenberg’s original 1983 adaptation, which stands out as one of the director's best movies, took certain liberties with the source material, so a remake should aim for closer adherence to King's novel, bringing to life the depth and complexity of his characters and themes.
• Modern Political Divides: Stephen King's novels have become increasingly relevant in a society affected by divisive presidential elections, health crises, social upheavals, etc. Incorporating real-life US political climate elements could add urgency and immediacy to his narrative. Using the character of Greg Stillson, the power-hungry politician, as a dark reflection of today's political figures could turn his stories into cautionary tales of unchecked power.
• Focus on Stillson's Malevolence: In the novel,Stillson is introduced in the prologue, but in the 1983 movie, Martin Sheen's savvy charmer isn't introduced until over an hour into its run time. To showcase the danger of charismatic demagogues in power, it's crucial to emphasize Stillson's evil and bring it to the forefront.

Doesn't seem like those requests would be too difficult to hone in on, should this project come to fruition. And from the world of Stephen King, we jump over to Bret Easton Ellis.

How a New American Psycho Could Work

American Psycho is a satire-infused psychological horror that has aged like a fine wine, becoming more relevant each year. Mary Harron's status-obsessed film stands as one of the best movies of the 2000s, with its critiques on consumerism and  unforgettable performance from Christian Bale making it a tough act to follow. However, there's always room for innovation, as the current comic book series has proven, especially if it means we can avoid the pitfalls of the regrettable straight-to-DVD sequel. For example: 

• A Direct Sequel, Not a Retread: A sequel should honor the original's themes while forging a unique path. A modern setting exploring the 2008 financial crisis could blend The Big Short with American Psycho, or something invested in cryptocurrency. 
• Bring Mary Harron Back: Getting the original director on board, even in a consultancy role, would ensure the sequel maintains the unique tone and style that made the first film so impactful. Harron's involvement would be a seal of authenticity and respect for the source material.
• A New Story for a New Era: This sequel needs to distance itself from the ill-fated previous attempt by telling a compelling, original story that respects the legacy of Patrick Bateman while exploring new themes relevant to today's society. What if Bateman was a social media influencer, or managed a group of them? It might sound like cringe, but it could be very compelling if done right. 
• A Television Adaptation: If Lionsgate is set on a remake instead of a sequel, why not a streaming mini-series? With 6 to 10 episodes, the show could explore Patrick Bateman's character in more depth and include elements from the book that were cut from the film due to time constraints. 

In the case that either of these reported remakes are completely legit, I am always excited by the prospect of more upcoming Stephen King adaptations, and I think a new take on Bret Easton Ellis’ highly influential novel could work with the right touches, even if the sequel ideas are jettisoned. Handled carefully, these films could offer a fresh lens on familiar stories, engaging new audiences and satisfying old fans. 

Check out our 2024 movie schedule to see what's headed to a theater near you. 

Sometimes things just don't work out. In the movie world, a lot of money is on the line, and that makes some decisions very difficult. On occasion, that means recasting a role for any number of reasons. Sometimes, it's as simple as everyone agreeing that things just aren't working artistically. Sometimes it's worse, like when an actor gets in trouble off-screen. Here is our list of notable times a movie role had to be recast. 

Marty McFly (Back To The Future)

One of the most famous incidents of a role being completely recast comes from the production of Back to the Future. The movie was originally being filmed with Eric Stoltz playing Marty McFly when they decided to pull the plug and reset with Michael J. Fox in the lead role. There is a belief that at least one shot with Stolz remains in the movie, but the other scenes shot with Stoltz had to be reshot when Fox took over the role. 

J. Paul Getty (All The Money In The World)

In one of the most infamous recasting situations in history, All The Money In The World had to do major reshoots for the movie after dismissing Kevin Spacey from the lead role of J. Paul Getty. Spacey was in a lot of trouble that doesn't need rehashing here, and the production brought in Christopher Plummer to fill the role. It affected not only the lead role but the supporting roles around it as well, so it had to be a very hard decision to make. 

Paddington (Paddington)

When Paddington was first announced, Colin Firth was to be the voice of the beloved bear. Unfortunately, things just didn't work and Firth and the production mutually agreed to part ways after principal photography had wrapped. Future James Bond star Ben Whishaw stepped in and re-recorded all of the voice parts for the bear. 

Corporal Dwayne Hicks (Aliens)

It's hard to image anyone but Michael Biehn as Hicks in Aliens, but he was not the first actor in the role. James Remar, of The Warriors and Dexter fame, was originally cast, but he was arrested during production and fired. Biehn stepped in and the rest is history.

The Predator (Predator)

Kevin Peter Hall, who stood 7'2", played the titular Predator in the first two movies of the Predator franchise, but originally, that role belonged to the "Muscles from Brussels" Jean-Claude Van Damme. Van Damme is said to have hated the suit and was unhappy with the role, so he left the production. 

Lenina Huxley (Demolition Man)

Just a few days into production, Lori Petty split from the cast of Demolition Man. Direct Joel Silver chalked it up to creative difference, though Petty has said that she and the film's star, Sylvester Stallone, simply weren't working well together. Petty was replaced with Sandra Bullock and it helped launch her to superstardom. 

Marlin (Finding Nemo)

William H. Macy was Disney's first choice for the role of Marlin in Finding Nemo. The veteran actor had, according to the DVD commentary, reportedly recorded almost all his dialog for the part when the studio decided to go a different direction, artistically and brought in Albert Brooks to take over. 

Marianne Peters (Army Of The Dead)

One of the more dramatic revamps came from Zack Snyder's Army of the Dead. Chris D’Elia was originally cast in the role that would eventually become Marianne Peters in the movie. D’Elia was fired from the production after facing serious accusations from women and Tig Notaro was hired to fill the role, completely changing the gender of the character. 

V (V For Vendetta)

James Purefoy was the first actor hired to play the masked V in V for Vendetta, but he reportedly wasn't happy about wearing the mask during production and left the film, though he has strongly disputed that and has explained that he left the production over creative difference. Hugo Weaving was hired to take over and the rest is history. 

Christof (The Truman Show)

Talk about a "what if", Dennis Hopper was originally in the role of Christof in The Truman Show. It's not exactly a total miscasting, but instead of the calm, calculating villain that Ed Harris played, it was sure to be a more unpredictable character, as Hopper was so good at playing. 

Captain Benjamin Willard (Apocalypse Now)

Apocalypse Now is one of the most notorious film shoots of all time. One part of that was the recasting of the lead role. Martin Sheen is brilliant as Capt. Willard, but Harvey Keitel was originally in the role. Director Francis Ford Coppola apparently wasn't happy with Keitel's performance and dismissed him a few days into filming. 

Captain Queenan (The Departed)

Martin Sheen was not the first actor hired for the role of Queenan in the The Departed. Director Martin Scorsese originally went with Irish actor Gerard McSorley in the role. Soon after filming began, though, the legendary director had a change of heart and laid McSorley off, bringing in Sheen. 

Eli Sunday (There Will Be Blood)

It is simply impossible to imagine anyone other than Paul Dano in the role of Eli Sunday in Paul Thomas Anderson's There Will Be Blood. His performance is simply breathtaking. He wasn't the original actor to film for the part though, that was an actor named Kel O’Neill. O'Neill was let go after shooting began and Dano replaced him. 

Wolverine (X-Men)

Can you even believe that Hugh Jackman almost wasn't Wolverine in the X-Men franchise? It's unfathomable today, but it's true. The part was originally supposed to be played by Dougray Scott, but an accident on the set of Mission: Impossible 2 left him unavailable for the part and the rest is history. 

Dirty Harry (Dirty Harry)

Clint Eastwood's delivery of the line "do you feel lucky" has become one of the most iconic lines in cinema history, but that line almost went to Frank Sinatra, of all people. Sinatra was, according to Eastwood, the studio's choice for the role, but he turned it down because he reportedly couldn't hold a gun, for some reason. 

Tuffnut Thorston (How To Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World)

For the first two How To Train Your Dragon movies, T.J. Miller voiced Tuffnut Thorston. In the third, however, the voice role was done by impressionist Justin Rupple. Rupple was brought in to recreate the comedian's voice after Miller was fired off the movie due to a slew of legal accusations against him. 

Sabretooth (X-Men)

This is a case of an actor being replaced between films in a franchise, rather than on set. In the first X-Men film, Tyler Mane played Sabretooth, but he was recast in an artistic decision by Liev Schreiber, because, according to Mane, he was a better fit to play Wolverine's brother. 

Alex Magnussen (Next Goal Wins)

Next Goal Wins, by director Taika Waititi, is a delightful film that had to replace one of its stars for not-so-delightful reasons. The role of soccer executive Alex Magnussen was originally played by Armie Hammer, but due to numerous legal allegations, Waititi replaced Hammer with Will Arnett. 

Rachel Dawes (The Dark Knight Trilogy)

Katie Holmes' performance in Batman Begins was not everyone's favorite, though from what she's said in the past, it sounds like it was her choice not to return to the role. When it came time for the second film in the Dark Knight Trilogy, The Dark Knight, Holmes was replaced by Maggie Gyllenhaal in the role of Rachel Dawes. 

The Tin Man (The Wizard Of Oz)

One of the more famous examples of an actor being replaced in a film was that of the Tin Woodsman in The Wizard Of Oz. Future Beverly Hillbillies star Buddy Ebsen spent weeks on set, covered in the silver makeup for the role and, it turns out, the paint dust made him very sick and it landed him in the hospital. He was replaced by Jack Haley, but can still be heard singing in the movie at times. 

Patrick Bateman (American Psycho)

Christian Bale's performance as Patrick Bateman in American Psycho is perfect. How different would it have been had it been Leonardo DiCaprio? We almost found out. According to the film's writer, Guinevere Turner, DiCaprio backed away from the part after Gloria Steinem convinced him to turn down the violent role.  

Jack (Don't Worry Darling)

The details are murky over what happened with Shia LaBeouf leaving the production of Olivia Wilde's Don't Worry Darling. The director claims he was fired, but LaBeouf says he quit. Ultimately, it doesn't matter why, as the great Harry Styles replaced him. 

Samantha (Her)

Samantha Morton brought her name and her voice to the computer in Spike Jonze's Her, but in post-production, Jonze had a change of heart and recast the voice role, with Scarlett Johansson taking over. 

Shrek (Shrek)

In one of the more tragic recasting situations, the late Chris Farley, who had already recorded much of his part, died during the production of Shrek. Farley was replaced by a fellow SNL alum, Mike Myers, and his portrayal is brilliant. 

Meg Altman (Panic Room)

Director David Fincher's Panic Room originally starred Nicole Kidman as the protagonist Meg Altman alongside the character's daughter played by Kristen Stewart. Only a couple weeks into production, Kidman had to drop out after being injured on the set. She was replaced by the great Jodie Foster.

Zee (The Matrix Reloaded)

Zee in The Matrix Reloaded was originally played by Aaliyah, but tragically, the singer died in a plane crash before production was completed. Another singer Nona Gaye, stepped into the role and most of the part had to be re-shot. 

Victoria (Twilight)

In the first Twilight movie, Victoria was played by actress Rachelle Lefevre, but just as filming began for the second film in the series, according to Lefevre, she was unceremoniously dropped from the role. Production had even picked up her option for the role before production started. Bryce Dallas Howard replaced Lefevre in the role of Victoria. 

Albus Dumbledore (Harry Potter Series)

Sometimes casting decisions aren't controlled by anything except fate. Albus Dumbledore in the Harry Potter series is a sad example of that. The great Richard Harris played the role of the schoolmaster in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone and Chamber of Secrets, and intended to continue playing the part, but fate stepped in and Harris died before production began on the third film. The equally great Michael Gabon took over for the remainder of the series. 

Tony Shepard (The Imaginarium Of Doctor Parnassus)

Heath Ledger died during the production of The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus, but he wasn't really replaced, per se. Instead, director Terry Gilliam hired three friends of the late actor to fill in as Tony in a kind of magical way within the confines of the story, having to rewrite it somewhat. Jude Law, Colin Farrell, and Johnny Depp stepped up to help complete the film and play the role of Tony. 

Jack Salmon (The Lovely Bones)

In a sentence that is hard to believe, Ryan Gosling was fired from The Lovely Bones because of his looks. According to Gosling, director Peter Jackson was unhappy that the actor had gained 60 pounds specifically for the role. Miscommunication in pre-production left both actor and director not knowing what the other had planned, so just as the film was supposed to start filming, Gosling was dropped and Mark Wahlberg stepped in. 

Chico Tyrell (The Lords Of Flatbush)

Sylvester Stallone and Richard Gere have one of the most infamous feuds in Hollywood history and it dates back to 1974 and the film The Lords Of Flatbush. According to Stallone, the feud began when they were working together on the film and Stallone asked Gere not to eat some chicken near him. Gere ignored Stallone, got some grease on the Rocky star's pants, and shortly after was fired from the film. Gere was replaced by Perry King.

Aragorn (Lord Of The Rings Series)

Actor Stuart Townsend pulls no punches when he talked about being fired from the set of the Lord Of The Rings movies to EW (via Irish Independent). Right before principal photography was to begin after he'd spent months preparing for the role, he was fired by the production and, according to him, wasn't paid for his work. He was replaced by Viggo Mortensen in the role of Aragorn. 

It's not easy to replace an actor at the last minute, or even well into the game, but sometimes it needs to be done. There are a lot of reasons why movies replace actors in roles, but in most cases, it seems to be for the best. 

Did you see that coming? Because I certainly didn't with these excellent plot twists.

There comes a time in everyone's life when we watch a movie, and it's going all fine and dandy, and then a twist happens so suddenly that it's something we would never expect.

Perhaps it's someone's true origins that finally reveal themselves or who the murderer is in some of the best horror movies. Regardless, these twists will sit with you for days, making you think about how you didn't see that coming. These are some of the best.

And obviously, this article is full of spoilers, so there’s a movie on the list that you haven’t seen, you might want to skip that section.

Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (1980)

Director: Irvin Kershner

Cast: Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher

Plot Twist: Luke finds out that his enemy, Darth Vader, is actually his father.

Why It’s The Best Plot Twist: This not only sets up the rest of the Star Wars franchise but also sets Luke on an even more determined path to beat the Empire, which he does in the next movie with the help of his allies. It's from this twist that we get to know who Anakin Skywalker is, and years later, people still regard him as one of the best Star Wars characters.

Psycho (1960)

Director: Alfred Hitchcock

Cast: Anthony Perkins, Vera Miles, John Gavin, Martin Balsam, John McIntire, Janet Leigh

Plot Twist: Norman Bates had already killed his mother before the main character arrived.

Why It’s The Best Plot Twist: The twist is as classic as it can get, and is considered one Alfred Hitchcock’s best movies. It still hits, even now, if you’ve never seen the film before.

Get Out (2016)

Director: Jordan Peele

Cast: Daniel Kaluuya, Allison Williams, Bradley Whitford, Caleb Landy Jones, Stephen Root, Catherine Keener

Plot Twist: The Armitage Family lures Black people into their home in order to transfer the brains of wealthy people into their bodies in order to have their physical traits.

Why It’s The Best Plot Twist: I don’t know what the world I was expecting when Jordan Peele made his directorial debut, but it was most certainly not Get Out and its crazy twist. Out of everything, this is one of those twists that legit no one ever saw coming and when it does, all you can hope for is that Chris somehow finds his way out.

Fight Club (1999)

Director: David Fincher

Cast: Brad Pitt, Edward Norton, Helena Bonham Carter

Plot Twist: The Narrator and Tyler are actually the same person, and the Narrator did everything Tyler did.

Why It’s The Best Plot Twist: There are so many cool behind-the-scenes facts about Fight Club, but the twist truly makes you want to rewatch the film over and over again to see all the little hints that you missed that lead to it. Such a good one.

Us (2019)

Director: Jordan Peele

Cast: Lupita Nyong’o, Winston Duke, Shahadi Wright Joseph, Evan Alex, Elisabeth Moss, Tim Heidecker

Plot Twist: The doppelgänger is actually the real Adelaide.

Why It’s The Best Plot Twist: I feel like a lot of people say this twist was predictable but I distinctly remember sitting in the movie theater, shocked that this was what was going down. I legit did not know who to root for at the end, or if any of the feelings I had during the film were valid towards the main character, knowing what I know. That’s the sign of a good twist.

Parasite (2019)

Director: Bong Joon-ho

Cast: Song Kang-ho, Lee Sun-kyun, Cho Yeo-jeaon, Choi Woo-shik, Park So-dam

Plot Twist: The former housekeeper of the Parks has kept her husband living in a secret bunker under the house for years.

Why It’s The Best Plot Twist: Parasite won Best Picture at the Oscars in 2020, and it deserved every award, and its twist is just as good. It turns the film into a much different one, pivoting down a darker road that none of us expect – but it’s great either way.

Friday The 13th (1980)

Director: Sean S. Cunningham

Cast: Betsey Palmer, Adrienne King, Harry Crosby, Laurie Bartram

Plot Twist: The killer is actually Jason’s mother.

Why It’s The Best Plot Twist: Fun fact – the Jason that we all know from the Friday the 13th movies didn't even appear in the first film. He wasn't the person killing all the teenagers in the first film. Of course, we see him later on, but the fact that there was just a vengeful mother that killed all these teenagers truly makes you gasp each time.

Saltburn (2023)

Director: Emerald Fennell

Cast: Barry Keoghan, Jacob Elordi, Rosamund Pike, Richard E. Grant, Archie Madekwe, Carey Mulligan

Plot Twist: Oliver orchestrated his meeting with Felix at Oxford in order to get close to his family and take them out one by one so he could take Saltburn for himself.

Why It’s The Best Plot Twist: Ya’ll, say what you want about Saltburn and some of the super gross moments that this film has – its twist is pretty great. Oliver seemed like such a really weird but socially awkward guy but to find out he’s really just this mastermind behind legit everything, it definitely shakes you to your core. Although I could have done without the bathtub scene.

Scream (1996)

Director: Wes Craven

Cast: Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox, Matthew Lillard, Skeet Ulrich, David Arquette

Plot Twist: The killer is actually two people – and they are the boyfriend and friend of Sidney.

Why It’s The Best Plot Twist: We had plenty of interesting villains prior to Scream, but the idea of two killers both working together so effortlessly while also being so close to the victim was such a great idea at the time, and spawned the entirety of the Scream franchise.

Orphan (2009)

Director: Jaume Collet-Serra

Cast: Vera Farmiga, Peter Sarsgaard, Isabelle Fuhrman, CCH Pounder, Jimmy Bennett

Plot Twist: Esther is actually an older woman who suffers from a hormonal disorder that stunts her growth, and poses as a little girl to kill people.

Why It’s The Best Plot Twist: Orphan was so successful in its twist that the series itself has inspired a prequel, which I’m not even sure how you do that considering the actress who played Esther is now much older. Either way, the twist still gets you and instantly makes you wary of literally any child.

Citizen Kane (1941)

Director: Orson Welles

Cast: Joseph Cotten, Orson Welles, Dorothy Cominore, Everett Sloane, Ray Collins

Plot Twist: Rosebud is Kane’s childhood sleigh, the last thing that brought him true happiness.

Why It’s The Best Plot Twist: It’s a profound twist that truly teaches you that sometimes, money and fame isn’t what you want, but just pure memorable moments, and those of which that we can’t ever experience ever again.

Atonement (2007)

Director: Joe Wright

Cast: James McAvoy, Keira Knightley, Saoirse Ronan

Plot Twist: Cecilia and Robbie were never reunited, and both died due to incidents that occurred during World War II. Their love story and happy ending was just a novel.

Why It’s The Best Plot Twist: You never expect this as the film goes on, and when it hits, it is so hard and breaks your heart in the best way possible – and then makes you want to rewatch to see what the clues were that lead to this twist, paired with great acting.

Seven (1995)

Director: David Fincher

Cast: Brad Pitt, Morgan Freeman, Gwyneth Paltrow, John C. McGinley

Plot Twist: David Mills’ wife has been killed as part of the serial killer’s plan.

Why It’s The Best Plot Twist: This is a brilliant twist, because not only does it shock the viewer, but it completes the story too, where the sins killer gets his envy sin, as well as his wrath sin before he is killed.

American Psycho (2000)

Director: Mary Herron

Cast: Christian Bale, Willem Dafoe, Jared Leto, Josh Lucas

Plot Twist: Bateman might not have actually killed his victims and they might still be alive.

Why It’s The Best Plot Twist: As someone who loves American Psycho and had her friends watch it, it's great to see how people react to this twist. It makes you rethink the entire film, wondering if you imagined him killing those people as well. Were they killed? Are they alive? You never know.

Longlegs (2024)

Director: Osgood Perkins

Cast: Maika Monroe, Blair Underwood, Alicia Witt, Nicolas Cage

Plot Twist: Lee’s mother has been Longleg's accomplice for years in exchange to let her daughter live.

Why It’s The Best Plot Twist: As someone who still stands by the fact that Longlegs is one of the best movies of 2024, this twist was one that I think I expected but not to the extent that it was given. I knew that Lee’s mother had something to do with this but the amount of bloodshed she spread was almost too much for me to handle. It gets you rethinking the entire movie and all the little hints that she dropped throughout the film.

Interstellar (2014)

Director: Christopher Nolan

Cast: Matthew McConaughey, Anna Hathway, Jessica Chastain, Bill Irwin

Plot Twist: The ghost trying to help Murphy is actually her father from another dimension.

Why It’s The Best Plot Twist: Interstellar is my favorite Christopher Nolan movie; a big reason is this moment. Not only does it speak to the love between a father and a daughter, it’s a great way to tie up the film and take the sci-fi nature to the next level.

Oldboy (2003)

Director: Park Chan-wook

Cast: Choi Min-sik, Yoo Ji-tae, Kang Hye-jung

Plot Twist: Mi-do is actually Dae-su’s daughter – and they had fallen in love.

Why It’s The Best Plot Twist: This twist is like ten levels of gross but also heartbreaking in a lot of ways, but way more horrifying when you think about it. Like, I don’t even know how to explain why this is a great twist – it just is because this is the kind of stuff you legit never expect in any film, and yet, Oldboy gave it and more.

Planet Of The Apes (1968)

Director: Franklin J. Schaffner

Cast: Charlton Heston, Roddy McDowall, Maurice Evans, Kim Hunter, James Daly, Linda Harrison

Plot Twist: The planet isn’t new – it’s Earth, and it’s been taken over by apes.

Why It’s The Best Plot Twist: I mean, this is probably one of the most classic twists of all time, and it spawned an entire franchise surrounding this premise. The idea of believing you’re on a different planet because it’s so different from yours, but discovering it’s the same one but just changed…terrifying.

The Sixth Sense (1999)

Director: M. Night Shyamalan

Cast: Bruce Willis, Toni Collette, Olivia Williams, Haley Joel Osment

Plot Twist: The psychologist that was helping Cole was actually dead the entire time.

Why It’s The Best Plot Twist: We can't have a twist article without mentioning at least one M. Night Shyamalan movie, and The Sixth Sense is undoubtedly the one that ranks the highest. You never see this coming when you first watch the film, and the twist is so iconic that so many people parody it now.

The Descent (2005)

Director: Neil Marshall

Cast: Shauna Macdonald, Natalie Mendoza, Alex Reid, Saskia Mulder

Plot Twist: Sarah, seems to find a way to escape, but then at the very end, it's revealed that she hallucinated her escape and that she is still stuck in the caves – and the crawlers are coming closer and closer to kill her.

Why It’s The Best Plot Twist: I think for anyone who is terrified of horror movies, this is your worst fear. You think you’re going to get out, and then you reach the end but it’s actually not – you’re still stuck in this same mindless pattern of mazes. That’s terrifying and renews a sense of dread for the viewer.

Shutter Island (2010)

Director: Martin Scorsese

Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Mark Ruffalo, Ben Kingsley, Michelle Williams

Plot Twist: Teddy is Andrew Laeddis, who was imprisoned after killing his manic-depressive wife after she drowned their children. His delusion came from the guilt he felt over killing his wife, and for his children's deaths, so he created this persona inside his head to cope.

Why It’s The Best Plot Twist: I could go on for hours about this twist. There are plenty of signs that lead to it, but only if you rewatch the film after. And the moment it hits, it’s heartbreaking and intriguing all the same because it makes you want to figure out if you could pick up the twist before it’s revealed.

Gone Girl (2014)

Director: David Fincher

Cast: Ben Affleck, Rosamund Pike, Neil Patrick Harris, Tyler Perry

Plot Twist: Amy orchestrated her disappearance after she discovered that Nick was having an affair. It was all a scheme to get back at him for what he did.

Why It’s The Best Plot Twist: Wow, who would have thought another David Fincher movie would be on this list? But really, guys, this twist takes you by surprise because all of a sudden, in the middle of the film, it really switches gears, and then you really don’t know who to trust anymore. I love it.

These twists have truly blown my mind repeatedly, and I think you should get other people to watch these movies because they are unlike any experience you could imagine.

Though Hollywood A-listers make more money for one movie that some of us will see in a lifetime, there are times where even some of the highest grossing actors of all time didn’t make as much as you'd think. Over the years, stars like Robert Downey Jr., Julia Roberts, and Brad Pitt have brought in massive paydays for acting and producing, but those same stars have also seen incredibly small paychecks for one reason or another.

If you’ve ever wanted to know about 33 actors who made way less than you’d think for a beloved movie, look no further…

Robert Downey Jr. Made $500,000 For Iron Man

Robert Downey Jr. was the first major star of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and would be a staple of the Infinity Saga for more than a decade. During this time, he made a ton of money for his superhero performances. However, he only took home a comparatively small payday of $500,000 for 2008’s Iron Man, per The Hollywood Reporter.

Bill Murray Made $9,000 For Rushmore

Bill Murray is one of the most beloved actors of all time and a frequent collaborator of Wes Anderson’s ever since the release of Rushmore back in 1998. That fruitful partnership started out modestly for the SNL alum, as he was paid $9,000 for his take on Herman Blume, per Vulture.

Gal Gadot Made $300,000 For Wonder Woman

When Gal Gadot first signed on to portray Diana Prince in the DCEU back in 2014, Variety reported that the Fast & Furious star would take on a salary of $300,000 per movie, including Wonder Woman, which was released three years later.

Julia Roberts Made $300,000 For Pretty Woman

Though she had some success at the box office prior to its release, Julia Roberts turned into a massive star thanks to 1990’s Pretty Woman and one of the most well-known A-listers on the planet. However, Roberts, who would go on to earn a ton of cash for movies like Erin Brockovich years later, reportedly received a modest sum of $300,000 for her role in the all-time great romantic comedy, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Hilary Swank Made $3,000 For Boys Don’t Cry

Hilary Swank won her first Oscar and became one of the most talked about actresses thanks to her transformative portrayal of Brandon Teena in Kimberly Peirce’s Boys Don’t Cry. When appearing on Women’s Dinner Party years later, Swank revealed she was paid $3,000 for the role, which wasn’t enough to qualify for health insurance.

Tom Hanks Made $50,000 For Toy Story

Tom Hanks, who won two Academy Awards prior to the 1995 release of Toy Story, was reportedly paid $50,000 to provide the voice of Woody in the landmark Pixar film, according to the Los Angeles Times. In the same article, the publication reported that Hanks made $5 million upfront for its 1999 sequel.

Oprah Winfrey Made $35,000 For The Color Purple

Oprah Winfrey received an Oscar nomination for her performance in Steven Spielberg’s The Color Purple back in 1985. The media mogul, who is worth billions today, later told Essence she was paid $35,000 for portrayal of Sofia.

Robin Williams Made $75,000 For Aladdin

Aladdin will forever be remembered as one of the best Robin Williams movies, and rightfully so. And while the late actor provided countless hours of incredible lines for his co-starring performance, he only made $75,000 for his troubles, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Jamie Lee Curtis Made $8,000 For Halloween

John Carpenter’s Halloween, one of the best horror movies, turned Jamie Lee Curtis into a scream queen almost overnight. However, the Academy Award winner later told People Magazine that she only made $8,000 for her portrayal of Laurie Strode.

Nick Castle Made $25/Day For Halloween

Nick Castle has played Michael Myers a total of five times over the years, with the most recent being 2022’s Halloween Ends. Though the role made him a horror icon, Castle told Vanity Fair he was only paid $25 for each day of shooting in the original back in 1978.

Matthew McConaughey Made Less Than $200,000 For Dallas Buyers Club

Matthew McConaughey won an Oscar for his performance in Dallas Buyers Club, a role that ushered in a new era of his career. According to The Hollywood Reporter, he was paid less than $200,000 upfront for the movie9 but did receive an undisclosed amount on the backend.

Chris Evans Made $300,000 For Captain America: The First Avenger

Chris Evans was a driving force for the first few phases of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and was paid handsomely for his efforts later on. However, when he was cast to play Steve Rogers in 2011’s Captain America: The First Avenger, he reportedly only made $300,000, per The Guardian.

Jeff Daniels Made $50,000 For Dumb And Dumber

Jeff Daniels, who was mostly known for his dramatic roles at the time, was cast to appear alongside Jim Carrey in the Farrelly Brothers’ 1994 comedy Dumb and Dumber despite New Line Cinema wanting someone else. Years later, the directors told The Hollywood Reporter that the studio low-balled him with an offer of $50,000, thinking he’d say no. You know the rest.

Taraji P. Henson Made $150,000 For The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button

Taraji P. Henson received an Oscar nomination for her portrayal of Queenie in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, a performance that netted her a great deal of screen time. However, as she later told Variety, she was only paid $150,000 for the gig, which was several hundred thousand dollars less than her initial request of $500,000.

Jonah Hill Made $60,000 For The Wolf Of Wall Street 

Jonah Hill was paid $60,000 for his portrayal of Donnie Azoff in Martin Scorsese’s 2013 epic comedy The Wolf of Wall Street. While that may seem small considering the size of his role, Hill later told Howard Stern (via BBC) that he immediately took the offer, adding that he would have sold his house and given all his money to work with the acclaimed director. 

Orlando Bloom Made $175,000 For The Lord Of The Rings Trilogy 

Orlando Bloom was an instrumental part of Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy, with his character, Legolas, being featured heavily throughout all three movies. During a 2023 appearance on The Howard Stern Show, the actor revealed he was paid a total of $175,000 for the entire project.

Jon Heder Initially Made $1,000 For Napoleon Dynamite 

Napoleon Dynamite pretty much came out of nowhere and took the world by storm in 2004, partly because its star, Jon Heder. A few years after the film’s release, Heder told Stuff Magazine that he initially made $1,000 from the movie but was later able to negotiate his deal after MTV picked up distribution.

Daisy Ridley Made Between $100,000 And $300,000 For Star Wars: The Force Awakens 

Daisy Ridley was a relatively unknown actress when she was cast in one of the lead roles in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, which might explain her low salary for the 2015 blockbuster. According to Variety, that number was reportedly between $100,000 and $300,000.

John Boyega Made Between $100,000 And $300,000 For Star Wars: The Force Awakens 

John Boyega’s Finn was one of the most heavily featured characters in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, but the young actor reportedly only received a payday somewhere between $100,000 and $300,000, per Variety.

James Earl Jones Made $7,000 For Star Wars

James Earl Jones’ dynamic voice gave Darth Vader a menacing edge in George Lucas' 1977 film Star Wars (and the rest of the franchise), but did you know that he was only paid $7,000 for the first movie? When speaking with the American Film Institute, the legendary actor admitted that he thought that was good money at the time.

Mel Gibson Made $9,000 For Mad Max 

After appearing in Mad Max, Mel Gibson would go on to lead some of the best action movies of all time, but back when he was cast in the late ‘70s, he was a broke college student. That’s why, as he told ExperienceWith.com, his $9,000 salary for George Miller’s dystopian thriller seemed like a fortune.

Seann William Scott Made $8,000 For American Pie 

American Pie was one of the biggest movies of the ‘90s, and Seann William Scott’s Stifler was its breakout character. So, how much did the young actor make for his career-defining role? Well, as he told The Rich Eisen Show in 2023, he was paid $8,000, most of which he spent on a used Thunderbird.

Christian Bale Made The Minimum Salary For American Psycho 

Christian Bale’s take on the unhinged Patrick Bateman in 2000’s American Psycho is one of the actor’s most unforgettable performances, but it could very well be one of his smallest paydays. Though he didn’t reveal the exact number in a 2022 GQ profile, the actor did say it was the “absolute minimum they were illegally allowed” to pay him.

Michelle Williams Made $625,000 For All The Money In The World 

Michelle Williams was reportedly only paid $625,000 for her portrayal of Gail Harris in Ridley Scott’s 2017 biographical crime thriller All the Money in the World, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Though this is a hefty fee, her co-star, Mark Wahlberg, was reported to have taken home $5 million for his role.

Barkhad Abdi Made $65,000 For Captain Phillips 

Barkhad Abdi became an overnight sensation following the release of Captain Phillips, in which he plays lead pirate Abduwali Muse. According to the New Yorker, Abdi’s acting debut and Oscar-nominated performance earned him $65,000.

Jennifer Lopez Made $0 For Hustlers 

Jennifer Lopez received a Golden Globe nomination for her role in Hustlers, a movie she made for free. During a GQ breakdown of her biggest career moments, the multi-talented star said she starred in and produced the movie for no upfront money, as she was investing in herself. However, it wasn’t disclosed as to how much she made on the backend of the film’s release, which was $157.6 million, according to Box Office Mojo.

Gunnar Hansen Made $800 For Texas Chain Saw Massacre 

Gunnar Hansen’s Leatherface is an instantly recognizable horror villain thanks to his mask made of human flesh and signature chainsaw. But did you know that the actor was only paid a three-digit sum for his performance in The Texas Chain Saw Massacre? In 2013, the actor told Fast Company that he made $800 for his part in the iconic ‘70s horror movie.

Dustin Hoffman Made $20,000 For The Graduate 

The Graduate was the movie that turned Dustin Hoffman into a young Hollywood star, but it was also one that didn’t earn him a whole lot of money. According to a 1968 New York Times article, Hoffman reportedly made $20,000 for his career-defining role, but he only ended up keeping $4,000 of that after expenses and taxes were taken out.

John Candy Made $414 For His Home Alone Cameo 

The late John Candy appears in Home Alone for only a few minutes, but it’s still wild to think that his cameo only netted the actor $414. In the Home Alone episode of Netflix’s The Movies That Made Us, it is revealed that Candy’s unforgettable portrayal of Gus Polinski, the Polka King of the Midwest, didn’t necessarily break the bank.

Jessica Chastain Made $1.75 Million For The Martian 

Jessica Chastain’s paycheck for The Martian was shockingly low. Around the time of the film’s 2015 release, there was a report that the actress made $7 million from her part, but she told The Huffington Post that she actually made around a quarter of that, which would be around $1.75 million. The film’s star, Matt Damon, reportedly made between $15 and 25 million for his part.

Brad Pitt Made $6,000 For Thelma And Louise 

Brad Pitt is one of the biggest and highest paid actors around today and has been that way for the better part of the past 30 years. However, that wasn’t always the case. According to the Daily Mail, the actor was paid just $6,000 for his breakout performance as JD in Ridley Scott’s Thelma and Louise.

Jon Voight Made The ‘Minimum’ Salary For Midnight Cowboy 

Jon Voight received all kinds of nominations for his performance in Midnight Cowboy, but the actor was paid the “minimum” for his portrayal of Joe Buck. When disclosing this to The Guardian decades later, Voight also revealed he received a $14.73 charge for meals on the final day of the shoot.

Adam Levine Made $0 For Begin Again 

Maroon 5 frontman and former coach on The Voice Adam Levine appeared in John Carney’s 2014 musical dramedy, Begin Again for free. When speaking with USA Today around the time of the film’s release, Levine explained that he did the movie “for no money,” stating that he had made enough through his other ventures and wanted the experience.

It’s safe to say that all of these actors have done okay for themselves over the years after making relatively small salaries throughout their career. But it’s still wild to think about Robert Downey Jr. only making half-a-million to play Tony Stark. What a steal.

Some of what many would consider to be the greatest movies of all time are also those based on classic and beloved novels. And while there are folks out there who think you don’t need to read the book after watching the movie, there are dozens of examples that prove otherwise. 

From Academy Award-winning dramas to a few landmark fantasy films and just about everything in between, here are 32 books that you might still want to read after you watch the movie. There’s a lot to unpack here, so let’s start strolling through this library of great titles… 

Jurassic Park

Steven Spielberg’s Jurassic Park and the Michael Crichton book on which it was based are both cultural touchstones in their respective worlds. And while they share the basic concept of a disaster falling upon an amusement park full of cloned dinosaurs, there are some key differences that make reading the book an entirely different experience.

The Shining  

Stephen King is no fan of Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining, the 1980 adaptation of his horror novel of the same name. Kubrick’s version makes all kinds of changes when it comes to the characters (played by Jack Nicholson, Shelley Duval, and Danny Lloyd) and the overall departure of his original intentions.

The Harry Potter Books

Even though there were eight Harry Potter movies (The Deathly Hallows was split in two) that were all at least two hours long, a lot of material was cut when adapting J.K. Rowling’s popular fantasy books. While we wait for the upcoming Harry Potter series on Max, now would be a great time to go back and read all the novels.

Dune

Denis Villeneuve's 2021 adaptation of Dune (the second half is due in March 2024) gets a lot of things right when it comes to adapting Frank Herbert’s influential sci-fi epic, but like other movies based on fantasy novels, there’s a lot left on the page. This classic, 896-page epic won't be a quick read but it's a classic. 

To Kill A Mockingbird  

Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird is considered one of the great American novels, and it's a must-read (if you haven’t already) even after watching the 1962 film adaptation starring Gregory Peck. The narration by Scout throughout Lee’s book adds an incredible quality and pacing to the story, a childlike wonder that isn't quite captured in the screen version.

The Wonderful Wizard Of Oz  

L. Frank Baum’s children’s novel, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz is totally worth reading, especially if you’ve seen the 1939 film adaptation. And while both share similar story components, the original text is full of so much more, including a longer stay in Oz, an army of mice saving Dorothy and company from the poppy field, and very different versions of those well-known characters.

The Hobbit And Lord of the Rings Trilogy 

J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings novels, some of the best literary experiences of all time, were famously turned into two trilogies by Peter Jackson. And while the movies are awesome in just about every possible way, Tolkien’s original books include so much more story. No extended version could contain all of this.

American Prometheus: The Triumph and Tragedy of J. Robert Oppenheimer 

Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer stands a good chance of winning a ton of awards, and rightfully so. But if you want to go back and read more about J. Robert Oppenheimer, his life, and role in the creation of the Atomic bomb, American Prometheus, Kai Bird and Martin J. Sherwin’s 700-page biography is going to fill in a lot of the blanks.

The Color Purple  

Alice Walker’s The Color Purple is a Pultizer Prize-winning novel that should be read at least once in your life. Yeah, it was turned into a decorated movie adapted by Steven Spielberg (with a musical-based version coming out in December 2023), but Walker’s rich text and plot threads add so much to the story.

World War Z   

It’s hard to imagine a movie adaptation being less like the source material than 2013’s World War Z. Unlike the movie, which focuses on one character experiencing Hell on Earth, Max Brooks’ novel is set up like an oral history with each chapter focusing on a different, and sometimes, terrifying event, narrated by various characters. 

Rita Hayworth And The Shawshank Redemption

Frank Darabont’s The Shawshank Redemption has been the highest-rated movie on IMDb for a very long time, and is considered one of the top-tier Stephen King adaptations. Interestingly enough, the 1994 movie starring Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman is based not on a novel, but a 127-page novella, originally included in the book Different Seasons.

It

Stephen King’s It, all 1,138 pages of it, tells the fascinating and frightening story of a group of kids (later adults) teaming up to defeat a demonic entity multiple times throughout their lives. The 1990 miniseries, and a pair of theatrical releases that followed years later, only touches on part of King’s epic, and the full story must be explored. 

Ready Player One 

Steven Spielberg’s 2018 adaptation of Ready Player One is fun and all, but it’s an almost completely different experience when compared to Ernest Cline’s original novel. There are more than a dozen major differences ranging from minor changes to massive reimaginings of key sequences.

The Martian  

If you got a kick out of the blend of comedy, drama, and intense sci-fi action in Ridley Scott’s The Martian, then Andy Weir’s novel of the same name is going to be something to check out. It has the same tone but more of it.

All You Need Is Kill (Edge Of Tomorrow)

All You Need is Kill was later turned into Edge of Tomorrow (also known as Live Die Repeat) with Doug Liman taking on Hiroshi Sakurazaka’s novel. There were all kinds of changes made for adaptation ranging from its characters and story to how the ending plays out.

The Perks Of Being A Wallflower  

Stephen Chbosky’s The Perks of Being a Wallflower, which is based on his book of the same name, is a wonderful adaptation that mostly sticks to the source material. However, there are enough changes to make reading the coming-of-age novel worth a read, specifically its epistolary presentation.

Forrest Gump

Forrest Gump the movie and book are two completely different beasts, so much so that watching and reading each version is an entirely different experience. Nearly every aspect of the story was changed in some way when being adapted into an Oscar-winning film, including Forrest’s personality and its ending. Forrest even goes to space in the book, which never happened in the movie.

Pride And Prejudice 

With so many different adaptations of Pride & Prejudice over the years, sometimes it’s fun to go back and read Jane Austen’s original novel to see how each version sticks, or diverts, from the source material.

I Am Legend 

Though I Am Legend the book and movie follow an almost identical path through the majority of their respective stories, the 2008 film adaptation starring Will Smith makes a drastic change to Richard Matheson’s original novella with its ending. We won’t ruin it for the uninitiated, but it completely changes how you see Dr. Robert Neville. 

2001: A Space Odyssey 

Stanley Kubrick and author Arthur C. Clarke shared credit on the 2001: A Space Odyssey screenplay, which Clarke later turned into a novelization. In addition to some shifts in the tone and style, the novel also makes the main portion of the story a mission to Jupiter opposed to Saturn as seen in the classic sci-fi epic.

Gone Girl  

We could write a whole article about how David Fincher’s 2014 adaptation of Gone Girl differs from Gillian Flynn’s novel. In fact, the entire third act was rewritten by the acclaimed author for the movie starring Ben Affleck and Rosamund Pike.

The Accidental Billionaires (The Social Network)

Ben Mezrich’s 2009 book, The Accidental Billionaires, which was later adapted by Aaron Sorkin and David Fincher as The Social Network, details the founding and early days of Facebook and its founder, Mark Zuckerberg. If you’re looking for a more detailed (as surprising as that may be) look at the social media giant, this book will do the trick.

The Hunger Games Books

Some would say The Hunger Games is a better movie than book, but the only way to know for sure is by reading Suzanne Collins’ 2008 young adult dystopian novel and its various sequels (and prequel).

In Cold Blood  

In 1967, Richard Brooks adapted Truman Capote’s 1966 true crime thriller, In Cold Blood, a painstakingly crafted breakdown of a quadruple-murder and the two men who carried out the senseless act of violence. Capote’s words just fly off the page, especially in the tense and foreboding opening chapter. 

Fight Club 

Fight Club the movie and book have the same basic premise: a nameless narrator befriends the man he’s always dreamed of being, starts an underground combat group, and then things get out of hand. However, if you want to see characters and situations not covered in David Fincher’s movie, as well as a different ending, check out Chuck Palahniuk’s novel.

Little Women 

There have been a total of seven adaptations of Louisa May Alcott’s 19th-century coming-of-age novel, Little Women, each making minor changes of their own over time. If you’ve seen one, two, or all of them, you should probably read the book to see what’s changed and what’s stayed the same. 

No Country For Old Men 

The Coen brothers’ Academy Award-winning adaptation of Cormac McCarthy’s No Country for Old Men is one of the best films of the 21st century, but the book is also more than worthy of a read. It’s sparse, it’s violent, and features a lot more of Tommy Lee Jones’ character as he provides the narration throughout.

American Psycho 

After making your friends watch American Psycho, why not have a book club with Bret Easton Ellis’ 1991 novel of the same name. Surprisingly enough, Mary Herron’s 2000 adaptation is a toned down version of Patrick Bateman’s descent into madness, and cuts back a lot of the central character's outlook on life and other social groups.

Trainspotting  

Irvine Welsh’s Trainspotting, which was later adapted into a film of the same name by Danny Boyle, is more of a series of short stories than the film starring Ewan McGregor. The book is also written in the Scottish dialect. While the text can sometimes be a challenge, it's never enough to take away from this story that is at times hilarious and other times heartbreaking.

Matilda  

Danny DeVito did an outstanding job bringing Roald Dahl’s Matilda to life back in 1996, but this doesn’t mean it’s a 100% faithful adaptation. This is a good reason to go back and read the timeless children’s book, as it’s similar but different, familiar yet fresh. There are also a number of changes in the 2022 musical inspired by the book, meaning fans of the Netflix movie should check out the book if they haven’t already.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory 

Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory has been adapted for screen and stage numerous times, but it’s never too late to go back and read the fantastical and whimsical novel. It’s fun to see how Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory and Tim Burton’s more faithful 2005 adaptation compare to this fun children’s book with all its bad eggs and imaginative treats.

The Exorcist 

William Peter Blatty wrote both the novel and film versions of The Exorcist, but this doesn’t mean they are entirely the same. The book, which came out only two years before William Friedkin turned it into a movie, is surprisingly even darker, more sinister, and more graphic. On top of that, there are also numerous minor differences throughout its story, so much so that reading it is a fresh experience.

With a whole slew of upcoming book-to-screen adaptations coming to theaters (and streaming services) in the coming months, you can expect to see some major changes to this list in the near future. 

I finally got some of my friends to watch American Psycho – and it was lowkey hilarious. Let me preface this by saying that my friends don't like horror. They don't like psychological movies either. I am the complete opposite. 

While we are friends based on the type of TV shows we enjoy and love all the sublime details of Barbie, I also love horror movies, while they would instead do anything else besides watch them – which I can completely understand. 

But there are excellent films out there that I would call "starter horrors." These kinds of movies are not super gory, bloody or anything like that, and while blood is used, it doesn't make the whole film. More importantly, the stories are good, and it’ll make you sit there and ponder what you just watched after.

So I turned them on to American Psycho, one of the best movies of the 2000s. The film, released by the game-changing female director Mary Herron and based on the book of the same name, follows the story of a secret serial killer who works on Wall Street. My friends love Christian Bale, so they decided to give it a go, just for fun, even if it was technically a horror movie. And wow, it was enjoyable. Here's how it all went down. 

We All Agreed That Christian Bale Was The Best In The Role

As I said before, I'm a big Christian Bale fan, as are so many people The actor has been in some fantastic roles throughout his time in Hollywood. 

There's debate over his best film from those who have seen them all. Maybe superhero fans would point out his portrayal of Bruce Wayne in the Dark Knight trilogy. To me, though, he is the best person to play Patrick Bateman, and my friends all agreed. 

His performance blew them away, just as it did for me, and most were surprised when they learned that he wasn't nominated for an Academy Award for his role in the movie. It's not that rare that great performances in horror movies go unrecognized by the Academy, but they were still surprised. 

There is just something about Bale's performance that stands out from his others; how he's able to fully commit to the role of Bateman and show off his acting prowess. Bale can switch between these two personalities so quickly, it's almost scary – and I could see how much it unnerved my friends too, but in a good way. 

I Chuckled When They Realized Jared Leto Wasn't In The Movie For Very Long

"He died that quickly?!"

That was the response of one of my friends when they realized that Jared Leto was only in the movie for a short time. Another reason they decided to check out the film was because I told them Leto appeared, and honestly, Paul Allen is one of his best roles (and came during the same time period of the unforgettable movie Requiem for a Dream). 

But then he's killed off decently early into the movie, and most of my friends had their jaws on the ground, unable to believe what had just happened. I was the same way when I first saw the movie. 

In my friends' eyes, when they see that a big-name actor is in a movie, they almost expect them to last until the very end, but the fact that Leto was killed off decently quickly stunned them – and honestly, it made them want to watch more. 

They were at least happy that Reese Witherspoon was not killed off – and somehow was only in the movie for not that long either. That also jolted my friends, especially since they love her too and wanted to see more of her character.

I Didn't Expect Them To Laugh So Much At The Way Bale Killed Paul Allen

Okay, this sounds bad, but it's not the idea of Leto dying that made them laugh – it's just how Bale delivered the performance that earned them snicker. The fact that he was dancing and lecturing Allen about Huey Lewis and the News while doing that hilarious dance to "Hip To Be Square" before brutally killing Allen that tipped them off the deep end. 

Not only did they realize that it was this movie from which the popular meme online came from, but they could understand why that was one of the parts of the film that stood out from the rest. It perfectly captures what American Psycho is – a brutal tale about a serial killer with a hint of comedy and satire that makes the movie work perfectly. 

To be honest, I laughed hard when I first saw the film too. I still kind of do despite knowing what happens next. It’s hilarious in a dark way. 

Their Confusion At The Ending Was Hilarious Because I Felt The Same Way

When I first watched the ending of American Psycho, it was confusing as heck to me, and it made me glad because they felt the same way. It’s tough to grasp the first time around, and I was glad I wasn’t alone. 

Towards the end of the film, I would say we get to see the psychological aspect of American Psycho, where we learn that Bateman is an unreliable narrator. We don't even know if he killed Allen or if what he sees is real. Bateman himself can't separate reality from imagination, and the ending is him submitting to his mind and not knowing what is real. 

That had my friends interested. That made them wonder "What the heck is going on?" because the movie takes a turn that no one expects. And the way American Psycho ends had them perplexed as heck. 

But I Was Happy That They Collectively Decided To Watch It Again

But you want to know the good part? My friends wanted to watch it again. 

All of them wanted to see if they could pick up signs of where the movie started to stray from a reliable narrative. They wanted to see if we could spot differences and see if everything was just in Bateman's head or if he did kill those people. 

And you know what? This makes me extremely happy. There was a time when my friends were steadfast in never watching a horror or psychological movie. They were just never huge fans of them, and I never pushed them because I didn't want to be that person to force them to watch a film they didn't want to see. 

But on one fun day, they decided to give American Psycho a chance, and they loved it so much they wanted to watch it again. While this doesn't pave the way for them to watch movies like the Saw franchise or any of those terrifying horror movies with plenty of blood and gore, it could mean that this one film opened up a whole new world of films for my friends to enjoy. 

So, thanks, Patrick Bateman. I never thought I'd say that. 

American Psycho just celebrated its 23rd anniversary this year, so if you haven't gotten the chance to rewatch the movie in a long time, be sure to check it out below. It's worth your time and more – if not to celebrate Bale's fantastic performance. 

Stream American Psycho on Peacock.
Rent/Buy American Psycho on Amazon.

Many incredible movies created by women are available to watch now, and today, we will discuss the game-changers. Throughout the history of cinema, many notable films have come out that have changed the course of history. From the best fantasy films to the best horror films to so many others – I could talk about them for hours. 

However, today, we will focus on a specific group of fantastic women who have directed game-changing movies. Barbie was released in 2023, directed by Greta Gerwig, and along with this blockbuster, we’re going to go down the list and talk about 12 films that have changed lives forever, some older and some new.

Barbie (2023, Greta Gerwig)

First up on the list is Barbie, directed by Greta Gerwig. If you haven’t seen Barbie yet, I’m unsure what you’re doing because it’s been everywhere the last few months. The film follows Barbie as she enters the real world when she realizes she needs to make the girl playing with her happy again for her to remain a normal Barbie. 

The movie received stellar reviews and became the highest-grossing movie ever directed by a woman, with over $1 billion documented at the box office, it broke major records at Warner Bros. Now, I’m pretty sure everyone wants to be a Barbie. Me included. 

Wonder Woman (2017, Patty Jenkins)

Wonder Woman was released in 2017. The first movie follows the story of Diana Prince, a female warrior known as an Amazon who takes on the role of Wonder Woman when the Amazonian's lives are threatened by outside forces that might be caused by Ares, the Amazonian’s long-time enemy, and who just might be causing World War I.

Wonder Woman is not only one of the few female-centric superhero movies, but it was the first superhero movie directed by a woman, Patty Jenkins. She returned to direct the second film, but it’s unclear if Wonder Woman 3 will happen since the shakeup at DC with James Gunn. Right now, it’s not in the works, but who knows what will happen. 

While the third installment might be in question, there's no denying the power of 2017's Wonder Woman. 

The Hurt Locker (2008, Kathryn Bigelow)

Kathryn Bigelow directed The Hurt Locker. It was an intense and gritty war movie that detailed the journey of an Iraq War Explosive Ordnance Disposal team, from their time in combat to how it affected them afterward and their PTSD. 

With The Hurt Locker, Kathryn Bigelow became the first woman to win the Academy Award for Best Director in 2009. Since then, there have been two other winners – Chloé Zhao (who we will talk about next) and Jane Campion, who directed 2021's The Power of the Dog. Even so, Bigelow was the first ever to win, and that in itself is a huge accomplishment. 

Nomadland (2020, Chloé Zhao)

Nomadland tells the story of a widow who travels around the United States in her van, living her life as a nomad. Chloé Zhao directed the movie, and she was the second woman ever to win Best Director at the Academy Awards.

This film is impressive for so many reasons, but for me, it’s always been the fantastic cinematography that stands out as a true highlight. Zhao put in some tremendous work when making this 2021 Best Picture winner and it shows through its gorgeous imagery and wonderful performance from Frances McDormand.

American Psycho (2000, Mary Harron)

Directed by Mary Harron, American Psycho was a satirical psychological horror film starring Christian Bale. It told the story of an investment banker who spent his nights as a serial killer while keeping it hidden from his everyday life of working in NYC. 

Harron created a classic with American Psycho. Not only is Bale’s performance considered one of the best in horror, but the story itself is full of hilarious black comedy that looks at themes such as yuppie culture, capitalism, and the need to consume the best of everything. There are also some awesome American Psycho behind-the-scenes facts you should check out too that make the movie even better.

Lady Bird (2019, Greta Gerwig)

Of course, I’m putting Lady Bird on here. Greta Gerwig’s directorial debut was a solid coming-of-age movie that detailed the life of a young girl trying to live her life, and her complicated relationship with her mother. 

I love this movie. I have for a long time. Gerwig delivered something so raw and perfect with Lady Bird that I find it hard to discover another coming-of-age film close to its greatness. It perfectly details the transition of becoming a young woman and the complex feelings that arise with not only our family but within ourselves. 

The Woman King (2022, Gina Prince-Bythewood) 

The Woman King was released in 2022 and was directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood. The movie is based on a real group of warrior women in Africa called the Agojie that existed between the 17th and 19th centuries, and mainly follows a general as she trains the next generation of warriors against their enemies. 

This film was a snub at the Academy Awards, and it deserved much more recognition. The Woman King cast is stunning, but Viola Davis was the big star. And Prince-Bythewood brought an incredible historical-action film that showed badass women refusing to back down in the face of their enemies. I love it. 

The Babadook (2014, Jennifer Kent) 

Arguably, The Babadook, directed by Jennifer Kent, began a trend of psychological horror movies taking over at the box office years later, such as Ari Aster’s Midsommar or Hereditary. The film tells the story of a single mother dealing with her son seeing a humanoid monster in their home, but it soon turns their lives upside down. 

The movie is just utter perfection in terms of horror. Truthfully, it’s one of the best horror movies of the last 20 years, and I would re-watch it again. Kent built suspense in such a way that now, it’s imitated in many other psychological horror movies that have been released. 

The Farewell (2019, Lulu Wang)

Released in 2019 and directed by Lulu Wang, The Farewell follows the story of a Chinese American family who discovers that their grandma does not have long to live. So, they decide to schedule a family gathering for everyone to celebrate her one last time, instead of telling the older woman of her fate. 

The Farewell is one of those movies that comes once in a lifetime where everything fits perfectly. The film accurately depicts the lives of Asian culture. It features a stellar leading Asian cast, and it highlights Awkwafina's talents as a dramatic actor. She’s going to be in a new movie called Quiz Lady soon, but in my mind, this movie is her best so far.

Marie Antoinette (2006, Sofia Coppola)

Sofia Coppola has been making some headlines for her new film, Priscilla, which will be released later in 2023, but my favorite of hers has always been Marie Antoinette. Released in 2006, the film depicts the life of the famous Queen of France, especially in the years leading up to the French Revolution. 

Not only did the movie win the Academy Award for Best Costume Design, but Coppola gave audiences a movie that had some of the best cinematography for a period piece. Marie Antoinette was a visual spectacle for the eye.

Clueless (1995, Amy Heckerling)

Clueless, directed by Amy Heckerling, was a coming-of-age teen comedy that was loosely based on the Jane Austen novel Emma and took place in Beverly Hills. The movie follows a teenager who decides to start doing more good deeds, but in doing so, she starts to learn more about herself and how much she can change too.

The film has been labeled as one of the most epic teen films ever. You can’t meet someone nowadays who doesn’t at least know a few quotes from the movie. Not to mention, Heckerling also gave audiences a great take on Emma in a hilarious, modern way. 

Women Talking (2022, Sarah Polley)

Lastly, we have Women Talking. The movie, directed by Sarah Polley, is based on the 2018 novel of the same name, and it follows the story of a group of Mennonite women who discuss their future when they find out that the men of their colony have a history of sexually assaulting their women. 

The movie was not only nominated for Best Picture but won the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay for Sarah Polley, who wrote and directed it. The film talks about some serious topics, and it is considered one of the best movies of 2022. It's also pretty funny that Polley's daughter played a prank on her mother, saying that the Academy was asking for her Oscar back -- thankfully, Polley still has her win for this incredible film.

There are so many other notable films that you should watch that women directed, but these are just some that come to mind for me. If you haven’t seen any of them, check them out. 

It's time to dust off those old DVD and VHS collections and rediscover the hidden treasures that made the 2000s a standout era in horror cinema. (Some even earned a spot on our list of the top 100 movies from the decade.) While there have been some amazing horror movies over the years -- see our list of the best horror movies of all time for evidence of that -- the early aughts marked a period of innovation and growth in the genre, thanks to filmmakers pushing boundaries, blurring the line between reality and nightmare, and crafting unforgettable spine-chilling experiences. 

Whether you're into paranormal thrillers starring Harrison Ford, or the emergence of "torture porn" in James Wan's Saw and others, this was a time when horror took on more captivating and diverse forms as it left the '90s behind. So, dim the lights, grab your popcorn, and join me as we explore the 15 best horror movies of the 2000s. (Note that the list is ordered by year of release, and is not ranked by quality.)

What Lies Beneath (2000)

Let's kick off our spooky journey with Robert Zemeckis' What Lies Beneath, a suspenseful masterpiece starring the charismatic Harrison Ford and the ever-enchanting Michelle Pfeiffer. The story follows Claire Spencer (Pfeiffer), who suspects her dream house by the waterfront is haunted. Zemeckis skillfully weaves through the atmospheric thriller with expertly built tension in a way that straddles the line between psychological and supernatural horror. Pfeiffer's captivating performance and Ford's descent into madness help cement What Lies Beneath as an enduring classic, keeping viewers on edge until the chilling climax. Unsurprisingly, this movie ranks among the highest-grossing supernatural horror movies of all time.

American Psycho (2000)

Another standout horror film in 2000 delved deep into the darkest recesses of the human psyche. American Psycho, directed by Mary Harron, introduced moviegoers to Patrick Bateman (Christian Bale), a wealthy New York investment banker who may or may not be a completely unhinged serial killing sadist, depending on your interpretation of the chilling ending. Christian Bale's unforgettable portrayal of Bateman, a charismatic and profoundly disturbed character, cements American Psycho as a horror classic, with the actor earning his place as a genuinely terrifying modern horror villain. The film, adapted from Bret Easton Ellis' novel of the same name, hinges on a satirical exploration of materialism and the superficiality of society, adding layers of depth to its disturbing narrative.

The Others (2001)

The Others, directed by Alejandro Amenábar and starring the incomparable Nicole Kidman, earns its spot on our list as one of the best one-off horror films, as well as one of the most atmospheric flicks of the early aughts. Kidman takes on the role of Grace Stewart, a woman who becomes increasingly convinced her house is haunted. Amenábar's masterful storytelling weaves a tale brimming with suspense and dread, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats. The confirmation dress scene is one of the scariest scenes in cinematic history, and the highly lauded shock of a twist will leave you speechless.

Frailty (2001)

The late, great Bill Paxton wears multiple hats in this 2001 thriller. Not only does he star alongside Matthew McConaughey, but he also steps into the director's chair. The story revolves around a father who becomes convinced he has a divine duty to eliminate demons hiding among ordinary people. Frailty stands out for its deep exploration of faith, morality, and the hazy boundaries between good and evil. Paxton's direction and the exceptional performances by the cast elevate this film to the status of an underrated gem, one certainly meriting a revisit.

May (2002)

Lucky McKee's May invites us on a chilling exploration of its eponymous protagonist, brought to life by the talented Angela Bettis. This film unfolds as a dark character study, delving into the unsettling depths of isolation and the powerful yearning for human connection. Through the lens of a lonely young woman, we witness her obsessive quest to craft the ultimate companion. Angela Bettis, who impressively portrayed Carrie in a less-remembered Stephen King adaptation the same year, delivers a genuinely Award-winning worthy performance in this gripping psychological horror.

One Hour Photo (2002)

One Hour Photo, directed by Mark Romanek, deviates from supernatural horror, diving into the unsettling world of obsession and voyeurism. Robin Williams crushes it in this unexpected role, giving a chilling performance as Sy Parrish, a photo technician obsessed with a family whose pictures he develops. It's a slow-burning psychological thriller, capitalizing on Williams' ability to play charming and deeply disturbed characters. The film's exploration of loneliness and the consequences of obsession lingers long after the credits roll.

Dawn of the Dead (2004)

Before Zack Snyder embarked on his ambitious Star Wars-inspired two-part saga, Rebel Moon, he breathed new life into the zombie genre with Dawn of the Dead. This reimagining of George A. Romero's iconic classic thrusts a band of survivors into a shopping mall, where they face relentless waves of the undead—only this time, the zombies are sprinters! Snyder's dynamic direction and the film's unrelenting momentum combine to deliver a heart-pounding and spine-tingling zombie adventure, an exhilarating rollercoaster of survival horror.

Shaun of the Dead (2004)

While Shaun of the Dead is often celebrated for its comedic elements, it's also a love letter to the zombie apocalypse movie genre. Directed by Edgar Wright, the film stars Simon Pegg as Shaun, a slacker who must save his loved ones from a zombie apocalypse. Shaun of the Dead blends humor and horror, delivering a unique and delightful experience. Wright's sharp wit and clever references to classic zombie films make this a must-watch for horror fans with a sense of humor.

Saw (2004)

James Wan's Saw ushered in a fresh era of horror, blending intricate puzzles with challenging moral choices, leaving audiences on the edge of their seats. At its core, the film follows two men trapped in a harrowing room by the sadistic Jigsaw killer. Saw reshaped the horror landscape thanks to its complex narrative and bone-chilling traps, and even after two decades, it continues to captivate fans. Saw X promises to keep the terror alive on the big screen this Halloween season. Tobin Bell's iconic portrayal of Jigsaw still lingers in our nightmares, and the film's unparalleled ability to grip viewers in suspense remains undiminished.

10. The Descent (2005)

Neil Marshall's The Descent takes us underground into claustrophobic terror. A group of friends explores an uncharted cave system, but their adventure takes a horrifying turn when they encounter deadly creatures. The movie is a masterclass in tension-building and creature features and is one of the best horror movies of the century.  Marshall's direction, combined with solid performances from the female-led cast, makes this film a nail-biting and unforgettable experience.

11. Trick 'r Treat (2007)

It's rare for a more modern movie to join the esteemed ranks of great holiday classics, but Trick 'r Treat manages to do so. This horror anthology skillfully interlaces a collection of stories all unfolding on the mystical night of All Hallows' Eve, firmly establishing itself as a contemporary Halloween masterpiece. Directed by Michael Dougherty, the film delves into the traditions, legends, and supernatural phenomena that define the holiday, all while paying homage to Halloween folklore through a series of clever and spine-tingling tales. Its anthology format keeps the audience engaged, and Dougherty's genuine affection for the holiday radiates from every frame. We eagerly await the long-anticipated sequel to manifest.

Paranormal Activity (2007)

After its release, Oren Peli's found-footage horror film Paranormal Activity became a cultural phenomenon. The film follows a couple, Katie and Micah, as they document their haunting experiences at home. A low-budget triumph, this movie proves sometimes less is more. With its deliberate pacing, steadily mounting tension, and authentic chills, the film unexpectedly struck a chord with audiences, morphing into a sleeper hit. It left an indelible mark on the found-footage subgenre and stands tall among the best demonic possession films ever made.

The Mist (2007)

Frank Darabont, known for his exceptional Stephen King adaptations, continues his streak of excellence with The Mist. In this film, we follow a group of townspeople who find themselves confined within a supermarket, surrounded by an enigmatic mist teeming with lethal creatures. The Mist skillfully merges creature horror with a profound examination of human psychology and morality. Darabont's talent for crafting well-rounded characters and weaving suspenseful narratives elevates this movie to remarkable heights, delivering some of the most bone-chilling content ever seen in a King film.

The Strangers (2008)

According to director Bryan Bertino's claims, The Strangers delves deep into the primal terror of home invasion, drawing inspiration from real-life events. The film revolves around a couple, portrayed by Liv Tyler and Scott Speedman, who masked attackers hunt at their remote vacation residence. This movie is an unrelenting and atmospheric thriller, capitalizing on the unsettling vulnerability of one's home and the sheer dread of arbitrary acts of violence. Its minimalist style and chilling authenticity deliver a genuinely harrowing cinematic experience.

Jennifer's Body (2009)

Megan Fox faced heavy criticism upon the release of Jennifer's Body in 2009, but over the years, the movie has discovered its dedicated following. Under the direction of Karyn Kusama, the film features Megan Fox in the role of Jennifer, a high school student possessed by a malevolent entity. Penned by Diablo Cody, the writer of Juno, Jennifer's Body seamlessly combines elements of horror and dark comedy, all while delving into themes of female camaraderie and empowerment. Megan Fox's captivating and wicked portrayal adds a unique dimension to this horror-comedy blend, making it a perfect choice for a revisit during this Spooky Season.

Honorable Mentions

These honorable mentions may not have made it into the top 15, but they each bring something unique and memorable to horror cinema. If you want to expand your horror watchlist, remember to try these chilling titles.

• 28 Days Later (2002) - Danny Boyle's 28 Days Later reinvigorated the zombie genre by introducing fast-moving, rage-infected zombies. The film follows Jim (Cillian Murphy) as he wakes up in a post-apocalyptic London and must survive the infected hordes. It's a pulse-pounding and intense survival horror film that explores themes of isolation and societal collapse. 
• Wrong Turn (2003) - Directed by Rob Schmidt, Wrong Turn is a gruesome and unapologetic slasher, taking us on a terrifying journey through the backwoods of West Virginia, where a group of friends encounters a clan of deformed and cannibalistic mountain men.
• Hostel (2005) - Eli Roth's Hostel is not for the faint of heart. It follows a group of backpackers who fall victim to a sinister organization, offering wealthy clients the opportunity to torture and kill tourists.
• The Hills Have Eyes (2006) - Alexandre Aja’s remake of Wes Craven's classic, The Hills Have Eyes, follows a family stranded in the desert who becomes the prey of a group of mutated and cannibalistic mutants and is a brutal, unrelenting survival horror film that doesn't pull any punches.
• 1408 (2007) - Directed by Mikael Håfström, this Stephen King adaptation centers on Mike Enslin (John Cusack), a skeptical writer who checks into a notoriously haunted hotel room to debunk its supernatural claims. John Cusack's stellar performance and the film's mind-bending narrative make it a standout in the haunted hotel subgenre.

And there you have it, a chilling journey back in time through the 15 best horror movies of the 2000s. Whether you prefer jump scares, psychological dread, or eerie atmospheres, the 2000s had something to offer every horror enthusiast. So, the next time you're in the mood for spine-tingling entertainment, consider revisiting these timeless classics from a bygone era of fear.

Horror hounds should make sure to check out our schedule of upcoming horror movies, so that the future can always remain filled with promising new flicks.

Music transforms movies. I’m not talking about the score, or songs written for movies like anything Lin-Manuel Miranda does, but the great songs that when you hear them later on the radio or on Spotify, you can’t help but immediately think of a scene from the movie they made better and more memorable. These are the 21 movie songs that I can only associate with a specific scene in a movie. 

Bittersweet Symphony - Kathryn Gets Busted In Cruel Intentions

I’ll start here because the scene is just so fantastic. The building momentum of the strings in The Verve’s “Bittersweet Symphony” fits so well with the slow reveal of Kathryn (Sarah Michelle Gellar) getting her mean girl life turned completely on its head in Cruel Intentions. Not only is her reputation completely trashed, but she’s busted with the cocaine in her crucifix. I could watch the scene over and over with that music. It's a good thing the production paid the insane amount of money they did for the song; nothing else would've worked. 

Where Is My Mind - The End Of Fight Club

A perfect example of a classic track, in this case it's The Pixies’ “Where Is My Mind” blending into a dramatic scene that elevates the moment to new heights at the end of Fight Club. As the walls literally come down around The Narrator (Edward Norton) and Marla (Helena Bonham Carter), he tells her she’s met him at a very strange time in his life, as Pixies lead singer Black Francis asks everyone “Where is my mind?” Unless you see it in China, where the movie ends very differently. 

Layla - Covering Up The Heist In GoodFellas

“Layla,” by Derek and the Dominos was almost 20 years old when GoodFellas was released in 1990, but it still ends up in what I think is actually the best use of a popular song in a movie. In case you’ve forgotten, Jimmy (Robert DeNiro) is cutting all ties between him and the others involved in the Lufthansa heist. One by one, bodies are discovered in a montage as the piano-and-guitar coda of “Layla” plays over it. It almost makes murder look cool.  

The End - The Opening Of Apocalypse Now

There may be any opening scene in any movie that sucks you in quite like the opening scene of Francis Ford Coppola's masterpiece Apocalypse Now. The wide shot of the jungle being napalmed as the haunting beginning of The Doors' classic "The End" plays over it. Just as the music gets chaotic, so does the movie with Martin Sheen busting his hand open in his hotel room. Brilliant. 

Mr. Blue Sky - Opening Scene Of Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 2

There are a whole bunch of music moments from Guardians of the Galaxy I could choose from the trilogy, as songs are, of course, a key component of the storytelling. For this list, I’ve chosen “Mr. Blue Sky” by the great Electric Light Orchestra that opens Vol. 2. It sets the tone for the movie perfectly. These movies are most of all about having fun, and there’s nothing more fun than this opening scene, and when I hear the tune, I always see Groot dancing. 

Fight The Power - Sal Destroys Radio Raheem’s Radio In Do The Right Thing

The use of Public Enemy’s “Fight The Power” in Do The Right Thing is anything but fun. After a long, hot, stressful day, Buggin’ Out (Giancarlo Esposito) and Radio Raheem (Bill Nunn) confront Sal (Danny Aiello) in his pizzeria while blasting the song from the boombox. Not only do the lyrics fit the scene well, but the chaotic nature of it adds a level of desperation to the argument that eventually leads to the tragedy that follows.  

Everything In It's Right Place - The Opening To Vanilla Sky

There's a very good chance that I would not have liked Vanilla Sky if not for the epic beginning of the movie with Radiohead's Everything In It's Right Place playing over the montage of Tom Cruise's character starting his day. The song has just the right amount of excitement mixed with forboding to set the tone for the whole movie. 

Stuck in the Middle With You - Mr. Blonde Cutting A Cop's Ear Off In Reservoir Dogs

Another movie that brilliantly uses music is Reservoir Dogs, and nowhere is that more true than the happy-go-lucky tones of Steelers Wheel’s “Stuck in the Middle With You” during the most violent scene of a very violent movie, when Mr. Blonde (Michael Madsen) cuts off the ear of a cop he’d tied up and tortured. Something about the contrast between the sweet song and the ultra-violence just works. 

Goodbye Horses - Buffalo Bill Getting Dressed In Silence Of The Lambs

There is no way anyone, anywhere, hears the song “Goodbye Horses” by Q Lazzarus and thinks of anything except Buffalo Bill (Ted Levine) getting dressed and dancing in front of the mirror in The Silence of the Lambs. The scene is so iconic that I can’t help but shiver a little when I hear the song, no matter where I am. 

Time To Pretend - The Opening Of 21

The opening scene of 21, as the audience is taken on a quick tour of Boston and Cambridge by way of the Charles River is great. The music, "Time To Pretend" by MGMT fits perfectly. It's an upbeat song about having the time of your life, and it's about pretending to be someone else, just like the MIT blackjack team in the movie.

Old Time Rock And Roll - Tom Cruise Dancing In His Underwear In Risky Business

Bob Seger wrote “Old Time Rock and Roll” in 1979 and it became a moderate hit for him, but it was four years later when it was used as the music Tom Cruise dances in his underwear to in Risky Business that it became an American classic. How many times have you heard it and thought about dancing around in your underwear? I know I have, many times. 

O-o-h Child - Doughboy Gets Busted In Boyz N The Hood

“O-o-h Child” by the Five Stairsteps is a soul music standard, and when I hear it now, I immediately think about the scene in Boyz N the Hood, when Furious (Laurence Fishburne in a performance that should have gotten him an Oscar) is returning home after a nice day fishing with his son Tre. At first, the song is a nice moment for Furious, but in the context of the movie, it changes almost immediately when they drive by young Dough Boy’s house as he’s getting arrested. Things are going to get better according to the song, but they don’t, really. 

Hurricane - Wooderson Walks Into The Emporium In Dazed & Confused

I love Bob Dylan, but now whenever I hear his classic call for justice song, “Hurricane,” I can only think of how cool Wooderson (Matthew McConaughey) and Pink (Jason London) look as they stroll into the Emporium and meet up with the other characters just as the legendary night is getting underway. 

In Your Eyes - Outside The Window In Say Anything

An old crush once asked me if I’d ever stood outside a girl’s window and played a song on a jukebox like Lloyd (John Cusack) does in Say Anything. I told her no, but she would’ve been the first to know if I had. You simply cannot hear Peter Gabriel’s “In Your Eyes” without immediately picturing Lloyd with the radio above his head in front of his Chevy Malibu. 

The Times They Are A-Changin - Opening Credits Of Watchmen

I’m not going to debate whether Zach Snyder’s adaption of the graphic novel Watchmen is well done or not (it is). What I will debate is how great the opening scene is accompanied by Dylan’s “The Times They Are a-Changin.” 20 years ago it was unthinkable to me that I would think of anything but the 1960s when I heard that song, now all I see is the bloody Smiley Face button. 

Flower Duet - Clifford’s Death In True Romance

The most powerful use of music on this list comes from one of the best scenes in movie history. It’s when the “Flower Duet,” from the Léo Delibes opera Lakmé, is played over the True Romance scene between Dennis Hopper and Christopher Walken. The music swells as Hopper realizes that no matter what, this confrontation is going to lead to his death. It is an immensely commanding moment and while the music may be over 100 years old, it will, at least for me, be forever connected to this one amazing moment. 

Hip To Be Square - Paul Allen’s Murder In American Psycho

Do you like Huey Lewis and the News? If you do, and you’ve never seen American Psycho then you might think twice, because after you do, you will only associate their 1986 hit, “Hip To Square,” with one thing: the murder of Paul Allen (Jared Leto) by Patrick Bateman (Christian Bale). Try getting a reservation at Dorsia now! 

Sister Christian - Drug Deal In Boogie Nights

Maybe the most tense I’ve ever felt from a film scene is in Boogie Nights when Dirk (Mark Wahlberg) and the others attempt to con Rahad (Alfred Molina). The stress of the scene, with the fireworks going off and the incredible performance by Molina is enhanced by Night Ranger’s “Sister Christian.” I still get the jitters when I hear the song. 

Hurdy Gurdy Man - The First Murder Scene In Zodiac

Speaking of getting the willies, Donavan’s “Hurdy Gurdy Man” will never be the same for me after seeing it used in Zodiac. The way the volume rises on the song as the killer’s car approaches the soon-to-be-murdered couple, then fades as it pulls away, to the relief of the couple, only to rise again as he returns. Yikes! Brilliant!

Just Dropped In (To See What Condition My Condition Was In) - Dream Sequence In The Big Lebowski

The Coen brothers are masters of using music to set the tone of their movies. In The Big Lebowski they up the ante by adding two musical vignettes, almost like music videos as dream sequences. The second, with the song “Just Dropped In (To See What Condition My Condition Was In)” has become so classic that when I saw Kenny Rogers in concert (who sings the song with his old band The Third Edition) he even acknowledged it’s what’s made the song so timeless. 

Tiny Dancer - The Bus Ride In Almost Famous

“Tiny Dancer” by Elton John is a great song to sing along to. When I’m hitting those high notes all by myself in the car, I feel just like the band Sweetwater in Almost Famous as they travel down the highway on tour in their big bus. It’s just a fun scene after a tense moment, which is perfect for that song. 

Pocket Full Of Sunshine - The Opening Scene Of Easy A

In Easy A Olive Penderghast (Emma Stone) declares “Pocket Full of Sunshine” by Natasha Bedingfield to be the “worst song ever” before she hears the earworm of a tune so many times that it becomes her favorite song. That’s kind of exactly how I feel about it, and now when I hear it, the guilty pleasure I enjoy is justified because Olive said it was okay to love it. 

Bohemian Rapsody - The Car Ride In Wayne’s World

You knew I couldn’t end this list without including “Bohemian Rhapsody” from Wayne’s World. I’ll fully admit Queen is not my favorite band, and this is not one of my favorite songs, but the scene is so classic that you can’t help but immediately be transported back to seeing it for the first time. Look, see? I’ll bet you’re banging your head right now.

You Should Be Dancing - The Famous Dance Scene In Saturday Night Fever

You can't have this list without including one of the best music movies of all time, and there is no way to here "You Should Be Dancing" by The Bee Gees without thinking of the icon scene of John Travolta taking over the nightclub. 

Shipping Off To Boston - Billy Goes Undercover In The Departed

There is no more iconic song about Boston than the Dropkick Murphys' "Shipping Off To Boston" so Martin Scorsese's decision to not only use it in The Departed but where uses it, as Billy (Leonardo DiCaprio) goes into jail to start his undercover work, is perfect. 

Tequila - The Bar Scene In Pee-Wee's Big Adventure

There are rumors that a time existed when the song "Tequila" by The Champs was known for some other than Pee-Wee Herman's famous dance in Pee-Wee's Big Adventure, but that's hard to believe. The scene is so iconic now, that it's all anyone thinks of, and it's sure to get people dancing like Pee-Wee. 

Day-O (The Banana Boat Song) - Dinner Scene In Beetlejuice

Harry Belafonte had a huge hit with "Day-O (The Banana Boat Song)" back in the day, but it was Beetlejuice that opened it up to a whole new generation. That generation always associates with the amazing scene when the ghosts try to scare the new homeowners off. 

Also Sprach Zarathustra - The Opening Of 2001: A Space Odyssey

Composer Richard Strauss could never have predicted what would become of his music work, "Also Sprach Zarathustra" as conceived by the brilliant mind of director Stanley Kubrick. In 2001: A Space Odyssey, it probably becomes very different than what Strauss had in mind. It's so iconic today, that people usually refer to the music as "2001."

You Can't Always Get What You Want - The Funeral In The Big Chill

One of the things that makes the use of The Rolling Stones' "You Can't Always Get What You Want" so cool in The Big Chill is that instead of the choir that opens the original version before fading into the song, the movie does it on organ. It's perfect and now the only way I ever want to hear it. 

I Got You Babe - The Alarm Clock In Groundhog Day

If there are two things I hate in this world, it's alarm clocks and the Sonny & Cher song "I Got You Babe." It's likely because I connect the two so closely in my mind because of Groundhog Day.

Lust For Life - Opening Scene Of Trainspotting

Director Danny Boyle using "Lust For Life" by Iggy Pop at the beginning of Trainspotting makes it one of the most bombastic openings ever and the chaotic music is perfect for the chaotic nature of the movie. 

These Days - Margot Gets Off The Bus In The Royal Tenenbaums

Wes Anderson has a deft touch when it comes music in his movies, and I love a lot of the songs he choses, but for my money, using Nico's "These Days" is probably the best. I love the song, and now I always picture Gwyneth Paltrow in her fur coat. 

Great film scores transform movies, but nothing transcends like a well-placed classic pop song like the ones on this list. There are so many more songs I could’ve chosen that I could have 100 more entries. Adding the right song at the right time is the easiest way to make me nostalgic for a time and place, and that includes on film and on television, as well. 

There’s no single CinemaBlend opinion on anything. Through countless arguments over the years, I’ve learned we’re not even on the same page about how to define the word best, from our choices for the top 100 '90s movies to our picks for the best horror movies of all time. What makes a movie the best is impossible to nail down from one person to the next, though it's perhaps easier to consider when thinking about a decade of movies that came and went and can't be added to anymore. But for the most part, it's all about what you like.

It’s because of those clashing perspectives that this Best Movies Of The 2000s list is unlike any list that a single person from our team could have crafted, taking into account both Oscar-worthiness and popcorn-friendliness. The list accounts for movies that have aired 5,000 times on cable, and movies that have been shared lovingly from generation to generation. It’s a retro-hodgepodge of what we loved then and then, from Adam Sandler's raunch to Daniel Day Lewis' aplomb.

This list is CinemaBlend’s collective celebration of the 2000s, in all its neon-hued glory, and we hope everyone will find plenty to love, though a few disagreements and good-natured debate never hurt anyone. Let the arguments begin…

100. Avatar (2009)

While it's the last on this list, there's no denying Avatar's impact on the film industry back in 2009. The movie is a sci-fi masterpiece that features incredible visuals, mainly following the tale of Jake Sully, a human who finds love and acceptance within the world of the Na'vi, the native people of Pandora.

The film takes the audience on a wild ride for two and a half hours. While the story of saving a planet from foreign invaders could be more groundbreaking, the unique visual effects that fans get to see are. And now, with a successful sequel out more than ten years later, it's the perfect chance to revisit the original.

99. Erin Brockovich (2000)

Julia Roberts had established herself as one of the most beloved actors in the world in the 1990s, and as calendars flipped over to the year 2000, she didn’t waste any time starring in yet another critically acclaimed box office hit. Hitting theaters in March 2000, Erin Brockovich tells the story of the titular lawyer who started a landmark case against the Pacific Gas and Electric Company for groundwater contamination, and it’s a stellar work that further cemented the clear talents of director Steven Soderbergh. It’s thrilling and dramatic, but also funny and fun – in large part due to Roberts’ charm and charisma.

98. The Hangover (2009)

The Hangover is part travelogue and part comedic shitshow. It races its characters through what feels like an entire TV season’s worth of odd locations and ridiculous scenarios, somehow finding time for hospital visits, naked gangsters, weddings, Blackjack heaters, stolen tigers, missing babies and stun gun demonstrations. It sounds like way too much plot for an hour and forty minute movie, but the key to a good comedy isn’t the situations the characters find themselves in, it’s the rapport and natural chemistry between the actors/characters going through those situations. And Bradley Cooper, Zach Galifianakis and Ed Helms are fantastic together. Their clashing vibes, energy levels and comedic sensibilities somehow blend into a perfect cocktail, and with Oscar-nominated director Todd Phillips stirring the drink, The Hangover is able to turn its B-movie premise into one of the funniest comedies of the 2000s.

97. Cloverfield (2008)

The first decade of the Aughts saw one word playing into many of its most cherished cinematic successes: reinvention. For director Matt Reeves’ Cloverfield, two different types of genre favorites were mashed together to create a wildly new, very mysterious product: monster movies like Godzilla and found footage pictures such as The Blair Witch Project. 

Amping up the scale of what a handheld camera could cover, Cloverfield’s ingenious marketing campaign kept audiences guessing about what its true intentions were. In the wake of a mysterious/title-free teaser, it was anyone’s guess what writer Drew Goddard’s movie was about. To live up to the hype after stoking such anticipation for an unknown quantity only cemented Cloverfield as a certified success. In a market where it felt like the trailers gave everything away, a major studio movie broke with the norm, all in the name of a monstrous triumph. 

96. National Treasure (2004)

The race to steal the Declaration of Independence was on in 2004 as Nicolas Cage and his team of treasure hunters went on a high stakes mission to find the greatest treasure. This story sweeps across American history, and is held together by Cage’s protagonist and his drive to find this great prize, and protect the Declaration of Independence by stealing it, of course.

This Disney staple is a family classic, and an action adventure bound to entertain just about anyone. It was such a success that a sequel soon followed, and maybe, someday, National Treasure 3 will happen. However, let us not forget the majesty that is the original National Treasure. 

95. The Notebook (2004)

There’s a reason that when one thinks of the genre “romance” The Notebook instantly comes to mind. The 2004 Nicholas Sparks adaptation is nothing short of a timeless classic that gracefully dances between being a forbidden and second-chance love story. It’s the movie that made Ryan Gosling a Hollywood hunk matched by a passionate yet grounding performance by Rachel McAdams. Together they are a firecracker of chemistry who left a generation longing to kiss in the rain. Cliché and mushy as The Notebook can be, when the music swells on the final scene, it never ceases to remind us why it’s one of the most endearing and cathartic love affairs we’ve ever seen. 

94. Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004)

Though it's been nearly two decades since its release, Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy still stands as one of Will Ferrell and Adam McKay’s greatest collaborations. The 70s-set movie marked McKay’s directorial debut and, with it, he masterfully injects humor and social commentary into a satirical workplace comedy set within the world of broadcast news. His screenplay is funny and occasionally, downright hilarious, but the cast truly makes the movie shine. Christina Applegate, Paul Rudd, Steve Carrell and more are just flawless. And of course, it’s Ferrell’s portrayal of the titular character that really puts it over the top.

93. Million Dollar Baby (2004)

Anyone angling for a great sports drama that not only delivers sheer emotion but also captures the spirit of the pastime it’s tackling should check out Million Dollar Baby. Director Clint Eastwood’s Best Picture-winning film tells the story of an aspiring boxer (played by Hilary Swank), who teams up with a veteran trainer (Eastwood) in the hopes of achieving in-ring glory. The result is an emotionally affecting – and sometimes brutal – story about resilience and parental bonds. This boxing flick won Swank, Eastwood and co-star Morgan Freeman all Oscars and, when you see the movie, you’ll understand why.

92. Saw (2004)

2004's Saw revitalized the horror genre years ago, thanks to James Wan and Leigh Whannell, with its shocking twists and equally astonishing violence. But while the movie did include some truly grotesque “games” for Jigsaw’s victims, this was more than the mere “torture porn” that plagued the aughts. There was intention behind Jigsaw’s pain — making people think about the lives they’d led before forcing them to, “Live or die, make your choice.” 

The audience was along for the ride, trying to figure out why Adam (Whannell) and Dr. Gordon (Cary Elwes) were chained up in a bathroom and how they could escape before it was too late. Thanks to some brilliant misdirection, the ensuing plot twist was truly gasp-inducing. These days you might not be able to get away with that ending, but don’t say you saw it coming back in 2004.

91. Super Troopers (2001)

Super Troopers From a plotting and acting perspective, Super Troopers isn’t exactly The Departed. Its basic premise, and even many of its specific scenes, are just nimbly bimbly excuses for the cast to make raunchy jokes about the natural absurdities of being a cop. That works, though, because the movie understands what we want as an audience: non-stop jokes and shenanigans about liters of cola, littering and smokin’ the reefer. From cat game to syrup fights to biker confusion, Super Troopers has its own vibe and unique sense of humor. It’s just out there, doing its own thing, and that’s why, more than two decades later, fans are still pulling over to watch it… even if they’re already pulled over and they can’t pull over any further.

90. War of the Worlds (2005)

Steven Spielberg wouldn’t be the first to adapt H.G. Wells’ The War of the Worlds novel for the screen, nor would he be the last. But his modern-day take on the 19th Century sci-fi novel certainly made an impression. From the main characters — led by Tom Cruise as Ray Ferrier, father to Rachel (Dakota Fanning) and Robbie (Justin Chatwin) — to the various settings, to the unnerving sight (and sound) of the tripods emerging from below the ground to decimate or capture any humans in their path, War of the Worlds made its mark as an epic sci-fi action movie about survival and the choices a struggling parent has to make to protect his children from a worst-case-scenario. In true Spielberg fashion, the movie is thrilling and occasionally chilling, but also offers that added layer of a family element to keep us invested from beginning to end. 

89. Sin City (2005)

Most comic book adaptations aim to reimagine the characters and events of the source material in a way that more closely resembles reality. However, when director Robert Rodriguez teamed up with famed author and illustrator Frank Miller (acting as co-director) to bring his graphic novel series, Sin City, to the big screen, they did more than just adapt it. They brought it to life.

This anthology-style collection of three interconnected stories — all of which take place in the same hopelessly down-trodden, crime-ridden metropolis — is a masterclass in noirish storytelling (the razor sharp dialogue is straight out of a Raymond Chandler classic), astonishingly unique visual design (every beautifully grayscale frame resembles a comic book panel), and flawless acting from the entire Sin City cast, including Bruce Willis, Rosario Dawson, Mickey Rourke, and so many more amazing A-listers. When it comes to non-superhero-related comic book movies, this might be the best of them all.

88. Bridget Jones's Diary (2001)

Anticipation for the feature adaptation of Helen Fielding’s Bridget Jones’s Diary — itself a reinterpretation of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice — was high, to say the least, for those of us who adored the book, when it finally made its way into theaters in 2001. Renee Zellweger’s mix of charm, determination for romance and occasional awkwardness alone are reason enough to love the adaptation. Then factor in the excellent chemistry she shares with both love interests — Hugh Grant as Daniel Cleaver and Colin Firth as Mark Darcy — not to mention the fantastic supporting cast, well-timed bits of hilarity and genuinely heartfelt moments of romance and what’s not to love about Bridget Jones’s Diary? 

87. Taken (2008)

Taken isn’t the most emotionally complicated or the most realistic movie, but it has a really good sense of its own strengths and leverages that particular set of skills perfectly. Liam Neeson might not be the prototypical action star, but he’s an Oscar-nominated actor uniquely good at portraying single-mindedness and determination. Taken is able to harness the badass fatherly intensity of a desperate man searching for his daughter and pair it with ruthless action sequences that rely more on craftiness than brute strength. The result is one of the best and most rewatchable action movies of the 2000s, a tight 90 minutes that’s so much fun it produced two sequels, a TV series and an unexpected late career resurgence for Neeson.  

86. The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)

Before Will Smith earned his third Oscar nomination for King Richard, and after his nomination for Ali, he received his second Academy Award nod for The Pursuit of Happyness. Based on the real story of Chris Gardner, the movie follows Gardner's struggle to find a job to provide for his son during a year when they are homeless. 

The movie is inspiring for anyone, featuring an uplifting and memorable story. That, paired with an incredible performance from Will Smith and his son, Jaden Smith – who made his acting debut in the film – makes this the perfect movie to watch on any given day. 

85. The Bourne Identity (2002)

Before Daniel Craig came along and ushered in a new era for the James Bond movie franchise a few years later, Doug Liman’s The Bourne Identity welcomed audiences to the 21st century with this fresh, unique, and action-packed spy thriller. Matt Damon, who had already shown a great deal of depth in movies like Good Will Hunting and The Talented Mr. Ripley a few years earlier, became a bonafide action star with his portrayal of Jason Bourne, a trained killer with no recollection of his dark past.

There are few early 2000s action sequences as memorable as the movie’s iconic car chase through the streets of Paris. Audiences, used to seeing spies and assassins whipping around in souped-up sports cars were in for the ride of their lives with Bourne behind the wheel of a weathered Mini Cooper.

84. Love Actually (2003)

Love Actually has become annual holiday viewing for many since its premiere in 2004. Renowned rom-com filmmaker Richard Curtis struck gold with an A-list cast, as ten loosely connected plotlines each portray a different kind of love. Everybody’s sure to have their favorite stories within the movie, but they all strike an emotional chord, albeit in different ways. 

As these characters navigate the holidays, Love Actually tackles themes of grief, infidelity, unrequited love, workplace romance and more, while never losing its charm and eliciting tons of laughs. Throw in infinitely quotable dialogue (“Let’s get the shit kicked out of us by love!”), an infuriatingly hilarious cameo by Rowan Atkinson, and one absolutely iconic dance from Hugh Grant, and you’ve got yourself a classic.

83. (500) Days of Summer (2009)

In a decade greatly defined by bubblegum romantic comedies where audiences can take comfort in the same three act structure often ending in wedding bells, (500) Days Of Summer flipped the genre on its head. Romance and love can be a tricky, complicated thing that not only may be finite, but clouded by one’s fantasies, projections of potential and manic pixie dream girls. Marc Webb’s indie rom-com announces up front that it is “not a love story” and cleverly plays with structure as Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s Tom falls for Zooey Deschanel’s Summer. Between its stunningly memorable soundtrack, creative use of mixed media against its gorgeous L.A. backdrop, (500) Days Of Summer is a dark horse of a romantic comedy that tackles the expectations vs. reality of love with a sharp wit. 

82. Knocked Up (2007)

Most romantic comedies try a lot harder at one of those two things. They’re either romantic movies with a few solid laughs sprinkled in or they’re clearly comedies that shoehorn a romance in there as an afterthought. Knocked Up works so well because it tries really hard at both. It succeeds a little more as a comedy, given it has Seth Rogen, Jonah Hill, Jason Segel, Martin Starr, Craig Robinson, Leslie Mann and Paul Rudd, but it also takes a lot of time and care with its love story and has many thoughtful things to say about relationships and parenting. It never takes the easy way out or betrays itself for a cheap, inauthentic laugh, which lets the natural chemistry between Rogen and co-lead Katherine Heigl grow into a budding relationship you actually root for. 

81. Dawn Of The Dead (2004)

As proven decades ago by George A. Romero, slow zombies are quite scary – but in 2004, director Zack Snyder and screenwriter James Gunn teamed up to show us just how freaky fast zombies can be. Dawn Of The Dead is a movie that stays true to its source material, gathering a bunch of strangers in a shopping mall as the dead come back to life, but it has its own energy and no shortage of standout moments. The beginning is a terror, the ending is deeply unsettling (including the material in the end credits), but the baby is where this one hits its peak.

80. Remember the Titans (2000)

Remember the Titans will make you laugh, cry, cheer and feel a whole range of emotions as you go on a journey with newly integrated T.C. Williams football team to win the state championship. This incredible movie about bringing a football team together is led by Denzel Washington, and it’s not only regarded as one of his best movies, but it’s also widely known as one of the greatest sports films. 

Washington and Will Patton lead the stacked cast of Remember the Titans, which includes Wood Harris and Ryan Hurst as the team’s leaders. Along with them, the movie also features Donald Faison, Craig Kirkwood and Ethan Suplee as well as a very young Ryan Gosling and 10-year-old Hayden Panettiere, among many others. Overall, it’s an inspiring and moving movie about acceptance and determination. Let’s just say Remember the Titans always has us saying “We want some more!” 

79. Juno (2007)

While Elliot Page was an actor at a young age, Juno was the movie that made him into a household name. And for good measure, as Jason Reitman’s quirky 2007 flick delivers in both comedy and heartfelt, human moments. Page earned an Academy Award nomination at the time for his performance, which surely feels justified. 

2007's Juno centers around its title character, a teenage girl who accidentally gets pregnant. She decides to carry the baby to term, arranging an adoption with a married couple (played by Jennifer Garner and Jason Bateman). After being filled with plenty of funny moments (and a killer soundtrack) the ending provides an emotional catharsis that puts Juno above many movies around its time.

78. Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)

It’s no wonder that Disney has been trying for 20 years to recapture the lightning in a bottle that was Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl. Inspired by a theme park attraction, but blazing its own trail, Pirates created one of modern cinema’s most iconic characters in Captain Jack Sparrow. But the rest of the cast, including Orlando Bloom, Keira Knightley, and a scene-stealing Geoffrey Rush, is no less compelling. From sword fights to ship battles, Black Pearl’s action is near perfect, with the Johnny Depp vs. Orlando Bloom duel a textbook example of how to tell a story with an action scene. It set a bar so high that even its own sequels were never going to clear it.

77. Ray (2004)

Cinema lovers have been graced with plenty of great biopics over the decades, and Ray certainly stands as one of the best. Directed by Taylor Hackford, the movie chronicles the life and career of the great Ray Charles. James L. White’s screenplay effectively tells Charles’ story, chronicling his professional and personal highs and lows in the process. And of course, the production is (appropriately) infused with incredible music. There are plenty of great performances on display, but it’s Jamie Foxx’s uncanny – and Oscar-winning – turn as the titular musician that really makes this period drama worth a watch or two.

76. Unbreakable (2000)

M. Night Shyamalan had an unenviable task in 2000 – following up his overnight sensation, The Sixth Sense. Was that movie a flash in the pan? Or would Shyamalan live up to the billing he was receiving in the press as, “The next Spielberg?” Remarkably, Shyamalan came up with a deeper, more meaningful film that also started the bandwagon for superhero-movie fascination, only with a meditative origin story for a strong man (Bruce Willis) who doesn’t recognize his invulnerability. Pulp Fiction co-star Samuel L. Jackson tapped into his fiendish side to play Willis’s nemesis, a man plagued with brittle bones who assumed that his opposite had to exist in the world. But it was Night’s ability to generate an intense mood that boosted Unbreakable. We rode a wave of increasingly suspenseful tension until the moment Willis donned his raincoat and embraced his destiny. Unbreakable started a trilogy, but also guaranteed that Shyamalan was here to stay as one of our most original and effective storytellers.