All the SPOILERS are ahead.

When it comes to great psychological thrillers, Darren Aronofsky’s movies will always be in that conversation because the filmmaker is such a master at the genre. This year, Black Swan is turning fifteen years old, and it’s a great time to rewatch the movie, especially for how much its messages about perfectionism hold up. I know I recently did, and I want to break down Nina’s journey and what leads to its tragic ending that leads to the star ballerina’s death.

Black Swan became a big hit despite its small budget when it came out in the winter of 2010 and became an award season darling, earning Natalie Portman her Oscar. Fifteen years later, as Aronofsky has a new film among 2025 movie releases with Caught Stealing, I think Black Swan is very much worth your time to revisit, especially for how the filmmaker takes the audience through Nina’s intense psychological journey as she plays the Swan Queen in a production of Swan Lake. Let’s get into my reading of the ending:

The Meaning Behind The Black Swan Ending Is Actually Explained Upfront

When Aronofsky spoke about his inspiration for Black Swan to USA Today while promoting the movie back in 2010, he said he became interested in the ballet world after his sister studied it herself and he was exposed to tons of productions of Swan Lake. He was initially interested in the idea of being “haunted by a double” since the production itself is about the dual roles of a White Swan and Black Swan.

And, within the first ten minutes of the movie, when the artistic director at Nina’s company arrives to practice to announce his production of Swan Lake, it’s spelled out right there the reasoning behind Nina’s ultimate death in the movie. As Vincent Cassel’s Thomas says:

Thomas also calls the production of Swan Lake a “visceral and real” version of the classic ballet, and that’s in turn exactly what the movie Black Swan is. However, Nina’s storyline is not revolved around a prince, it’s her obsessive dream to be the best at her profession, and the fear that she’ll become like her mother (played by Barbara Hershey), who was once a ballet dancer too, but never got the chance to fully reach her potential after getting pregnant with her.

Thomas's Search For Perfection Is A Losing Battle For His Students

The way Nina is able to win the role of the Swan Queen in Swan Lake early in the movie is by convincing Thomas that she can play both parts of the White and Black Swan. Nina is determined to do just about anything to win Thomas’s approval, but as shown through Winona Ryder’s character of Beth, it’s a losing battle.

Beth was the star ballerina before Nina, who Thomas said was once “perfect” but during Nina’s run-ins with Beth throughout the film, we see that her pursuit of perfection has left her on a dark path. While she was once the apple of his eye and his “little princess,” ultimately he kicked her off the company, seemingly due to her age, and moved on to find a new star. As Black Swan continues, we see how Beth’s life is on a downward spiral after leaving the company, from dealing with an accident that leaves her without the ability to walk (assumedly due to her being drunk at the party that announces Nina's role in Swan Lake), to revealing her tendency to self harm when Nina visits her in the hospital.

Beth symbolizes the ugly path Nina is going on led by Thomas's pushing his students to be “perfect” in order to be worthy of greatness. While Beth should serve as a cautionary tale for Nina, it seems she's been fueled by perfectionism since she was a child by her mother's own toxic background in ballet, and she only follows in her footsteps.

Lily Isn't The Villain, But She Does Represent Nina's Darkest Fears

That brings us to Mila Kunis’s character of Lily, who embodies the traits of the Black Swan that Nina is having trouble portraying in the ballet. In one scene that occurs not long after Nina earns the role, Thomas points out how Lily has all the traits he’s looking for in the Black Swan, and this gets to Nina.

Now, Portman’s role is an unreliable narrator, who often has hallucinations and imagines things that turn out to be in her head throughout the film. In Nina’s eyes, Lily is out to get her role, but oftentimes when Lily appears the Black Swan version of Nina is close behind, which to me symbolizes what Lily really represents. I think Lily symbolizes Nina’s darkest fears of being replaced and not being “good enough” to achieve this perfectionism she’s obsessed with. While she’d like to believe that Lily is behind things, the perpetual reappearance of her seeing herself in Lily shows that the real enemy is herself.

The Black Swan Ending Reminds Us Perfection Is Impossible

That leads us to the ending of Black Swan, when Nina performs the ballet and finally embodies both roles. While starring in Swan Lake, Nina’s hallucinations have her stabbing Lily in order to finally become the Black Swan. However, as we later find out before the final scene of the play, Lily is perfectly fine and not bleeding out in her dressing room as she imagines she is. While we don’t see it happen literally, Nina stabbed herself with the shard of glass, effectively killing herself by the end of the show, much like the character she’s embodying jumping off the cliff and killing herself at the end of the tragic ballet.

As she dies, Nina is happy as she tells Thomas she “felt it” that she “was perfect” during the performance. Nina fully embraced the role of the Swan Queen he was obsessing over since getting the part, but I think her death shows how pursuing perfectionism is impossible. The only way she was able to achieve it was in her death, because as humans it’s just not in our nature to be without flaws.

Black Swan is truly such an excellent film that takes the classic ballet and spins it into a layered character study and solid reminder how putting too high expectations can be a version of self harm to ourselves.

You know how there’s always that one film that you never think is going to become one of your all-time favorites, but then it sweeps the rug from under you and suddenly it’s all you can think about? Yeah, that was me with Black Swan when I was a kid.

While the film is certainly not a new one on the 2025 movie schedule, it’s one that I have revisited in the past – and have decided to again this year, in honor of its fifteenth anniversary. They’re even re-releasing it for a limited time in theaters on August 21st and 24th.

It’s really been years since I’ve seen this film, and I have to admit that I’ve changed a lot from the last time I watched it. While it’s certainly still one of the best psychological thrillers of the previous few decades, I started to notice just how much I…felt strongly about this film, and the fact that it dug deeper into my mind than ever before. Let’s talk about it.

Black Swan Has Always Been One Of My Favorites

Before I get into this, I’m going to be honest and say Black Swan is one of my favorite films, and it has been for a long time. I genuinely believe that this is one of Natalie Portman’s best films and, not only that, I think it’s also one of Darron Aronofsky’s best movies as well.

I still remember the first time that I watched it, which, to be honest, I probably shouldn’t have, because when this film came out, I wasn’t even thirteen yet. But, I was home alone, and I was going through my parents’ DVD collection, and found it. I'd heard super great things, so I decided to watch.

I’m pretty sure it altered my brain chemistry in a way that cannot be undone, even now, fifteen years later.

I was obviously stunned by the dancing because, wow, I had never seen such beautiful ballet at the time. The bigger pull this film had on me was through the story, how it showed the beauty and madness of perfection. I don’t think it quite connected as much in my head as a pre-teen, but I knew this was a film for the ages.

Now, rewatching it in my twenties…something just…clicked.

I Never Realized Just How Much I Connected To Nina Until Now

So, for those who need a refresher, Nina is the main character. Played by Natalie Portman, the film follows the story of a ballerina who strives for perfection every day as she competes to become the prima ballerina and have the spotlight on her during a production of Swan Lake at Lincoln Center.

The film overall, without any context of the themes we dive into, is already something up my alley as someone who loves the best dance movies and the best modern musicals, anything that has anything to do with music and dance is an instant win in my book. Upon rewatching this film, I only started to realize that now…I connect a lot more with Nina. Like…to a point where I’m a little concerned.

Alright, so maybe it’s not scary and I’m overreacting a little, but truthfully, that’s how I felt as the film progressed. I felt for her as the young one of the group, trying to prove herself constantly to those who felt better, looked better, and performed better than her.

I felt that constant doubt that always dragged her down. Sure, I never went as far as she did with vices in order to deal with them, as we see her slip further and further as the film goes on. The voice in the back of your mind, though, that says you aren’t good enough, to the point where it feels like you’re fighting yourself? That’s real. That’s raw. And it’s the truth.

The Idea Of Trying To Reach Perfection So Much That It Hurts You Is Harrowing

Truthfully, the Black Swan ending haunts me to this day. It did not necessarily sit super well with me back then, and it’s one that still doesn’t today. I think back then it was because I was a little freaked out by the blood and the slow fade of her life after she dove off the stage – little me wasn’t seasoned by the best horror movies yet.

Now it sits with me because I feel, in a way, we have all experienced this – or, at the very least, I have. Maybe not to this extent, where I’m literally bleeding out on the ground because I strived for perfection so hard. But there have been plenty of times that I have felt like I have physically harmed myself because I am doing far too much, for far too little and with barely any gains for my own life, all because I’m trying to be perfect.

I could think of a million examples from my life. One would be trying to perfect my knife skills as a home chef because I have a passion for cooking, the best cooking channels, all those baking shows, and more. One day, I was going too fast with a knife, and I ended up in the emergency room needing stitches for my thumb, because I wanted to be quicker and more efficient behind the counter.

Another example would be me with tennis. While I am not a sports star at all, I enjoy the best sports movies and the occasional romp on the court. There was a time, though, when I was obsessed with becoming good at the sport because my boyfriend had played for years. However, I went too hard one day, took a bad turn, and partially ripped through four tendons in my foot. I was lucky I didn’t need surgery after, but the recovery process felt nearly impossible.

Striving for perfection is persistently the producer of my pain, and this movie made me come to that conclusion.

The Slow Deterioration Of The Mind Feels Reflective Of Modern-Day Perfectionism With Me

This is another thing that many people who watch this film can now relate to. Again, I’m hoping that no one is experiencing the intense mental decline that Nina experiences in the movie because no one deserves that. The way her mind deteriorates because of her need for perfection feels a little too close to home nowadays.

I mean, think about it. We live in a social age. There are so many people online who are constantly trying to put up the best picture on Instagram, the best reel on Facebook, the best video on TikTok, but we don’t know the person behind the screen. We only see what they want us to.

Truth be told, there is so much we don’t know about the feelings and the minds of those who constantly put their life on a stage for people to see. Oftentimes, they might be going through something despite an image of perfection they present, and I think it’s really up to us to discern that.

I’ve done that. I’m sure millions of others have as well. This film shows how you never really know what someone is going through until you look behind the screen.

It's Honestly Kind Of Concerning That I've Felt This Way, And I Wonder If Others Do Too

Okay, maybe concerning isn’t the right word, but it’s…interesting. A part of me has wondered why I’ve felt this way about this film for years, and it’s peculiar that watching it now, years later, is what truly opened it up to me.

I’ve been striving to be perfect all my life. While I don’t think I am or ever will be, this movie was a harrowing reminder that I need to stop working so hard to be perfect. It’s okay to take a break and breathe when it feels like things are getting out of control. We can try to pick up a load of sand as much as we want, but at the end of the day, if nothing is holding it together, the grains will slip through our fingers every time.

If we keep trying to be perfect with nothing helping us, then we’re nothing but grains of sand, trying to stay together fruitlessly. Shockingly, this movie made me realize that. It makes me wonder who else has gone through this as well, and if others connect just as much to Nina as I have. Well…only time will tell.

We do not necessarily believe that a film’s overall quality lives or dies by the strength of its final line. However, quite a few films have managed to absolutely stick the landing with a concluding quote that would continue to ring in audiences’ heads long after the credits rolled. Relive some of the most iconic last lines in cinematic history in this list and be sure to keep SPOILERS in mind.

"After All, Tomorrow Is Another Day" - Gone With The Wind

When it comes to classic movie quotes, 1937's Gone with the Wind is full of them, with the most memorable of the bunch said by Rhett Butler (Clark Gable) just as he leaves Scarlet O'Hara (Vivien Leigh). However, the undeniably iconic and even inspirational final line of the Best Picture Oscar winner is said by her as a form of self-encouragement that there may be some hope for her and her husband.

LAURIE: "It Was The Boogeyman"; LOOMIS: "As A Matter Of Fact, It Was" - Halloween

Throughout John Carpenter's 1978 slasher movie classic, Halloween, the boy Laurie Strode (Jamie Lee Curtis) babysits, Tommy Doyle (Brian Andrews), expresses great fear of the Boogeyman, whom she insists is no one to be afraid of until she comes face to face with Michael Myers. When Dr. Sam Loomis (Donald Pleasance) stops the murderer from attacking the young woman, she declares he is the fabled monster and Loomis agrees.

"In Case I Don't See You, Good Afternoon, Good Evening, And Good Night!" - The Truman Show

The prophetic, paranoid 1998 dramedy, The Truman Show (also one of the best Jim Carrey movies), follows the eponymous everyman as he slowly begins to realize his life is fabricated for television. He gives his fans the perfect send-off with what he had unwittingly made into his official catchphrase before we hear a devoted viewer utter the film's actual final line, "Where's the TV guide?"

"I'll Be Right Here" - E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial

More than just a great sci-fi movie, Steven Spielberg's 1982 blockbuster, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, is the story of a wonderful friendship that must come to an end when the titular otherworldly visitor boards a spaceship to his home planet. Right before he leaves, he lets young Elliott (Henry Thomas) know that, while they will be worlds apart, he will always remain in his memory.

“All Right, Mr. DeMille, I’m Ready For My Close-Up” - Sunset Boulevard

Every aspiring actor has brought out this oft-quoted line from Sunset Boulevard when living out their dreams of Hollywood stardom. Of course, those who have not seen the 1950 drama may not realize that Gloria Swanson's Norma Desmond says this at the peak of her deluded madness and is not even speaking Cecil B. DeMille at the time.

"Well, Nobody's Perfect" - Some Like It Hot

Co-writer, producer, and director Billy Wilder was way ahead of his time when he came up with the gut-busting final stinger of his classic 1959 fish-out-of-water comedy, Some Like It Hot. Jerry (Jack Lemmon), posing in drag as "Daphne," reveals to his fiancé, Osgood (Joe E. Brown), that he is really a man, which the millionaire seems pretty open-minded to.

"Ernest Hemingway Once Wrote, 'The World Is A Fine Place And Worth Fighting For.' I Agree With The Second Part" - Se7en

If not for its final line, spoken by Morgan Freeman's Det. William Somerset in a voiceover, David Fincher's masterful 1995 crime thriller, Se7en, would be entirely devoid of any shred of optimism. Of course, the iconic Black detective's perspective on author Ernest Hemingway's philosophy is still relatively bleak.

"Forget It, Jake. It's Chinatown" - Chinatown

The 1974 film noir movie classic Chinatown ends with private investigator J.J. "Jake" Gittes (Jack Nicholson) forced to move on from the tragedy and injustice he witnessed while investigating a bizarre case in 1930s California, with some plodding encouragement from Lawrence Walsh (Joe Mantell).

"You Met Me At A Very Strange Time In My Life" - Fight Club

The wild ending of 1999's Fight Club sees Edward Norton's Narrator effectively remove his evil other half, Tyler Durden (Brad Pitt), via gunshot before being reunited with Marla (Helena Bonham Carter). He assures her that the bizarre circumstances they faced together were not typical for him as they watch the buildings surrounding them crumble to the ground.

"Louis, I Believe This Is The Beginning Of A Beautiful Friendship" - Casablanca

Quite a few of the most iconic quotes in cinematic history come from 1942's Casablanca, including the concluding line, said by Rick Blaine (Humphrey Bogart) to Captain Louis Renault (Claude Rains) to signify an unlikely bond forming between them.

"And In The Dream I Knew That He Was Goin' On Ahead And He Was Fixin' To Make A Fire Somewhere Out There In All That Dark And All That Cold, And I Knew That Whenever I Got There He Would Be There. And Then I Woke Up" - No Country For Old Men

The ending of 2007's No Country for Old Men, in which the now-retired Ed Tom Bell (Tommy Lee Jones) describes a dream he had about his father to his wife, was polarizing upon release. Of course, it was only disappointing to those who did not initially realize Joel and Ethan Coen's modern Western movie classic is really about the aging lawman's struggle to find meaning in a world full of meaningless violence.

“Because He's The Hero Gotham Deserves, But Not The One It Needs Right Now. So, We'll Hunt him. Because He Can Take It. Because He's Not Our Hero. He's A Silent Guardian, A Watchful Protector. A Dark Knight” - The Dark Knight

It may be an old cliché to start the credits after a character speaks the film's title, but 2008's The Dark Knight makes great use of it with Commissioner James Gordon's (Gary Oldman) explanation to his son, Jimmy (Nathan Gamble), why Batman (Christian Bale) is taking the fall for the tragedies he tried to prevent.

"The Greatest Trick The Devil Ever Pulled Was Convincing The World He Didn't Exist. And Like That... He's Gone" - The Usual Suspects

The mindblowing ending of 1995's The Usual Suspects sees Agent Dave Kujan (Chazz Palmenteri) realize he had been fed a phony, completely improvised story by Roger "Verbal" Kint (Kevin Spacey), the real "Keyser Soze." This is followed by a shot of the clever criminal likening himself to Satan and his cunning nature.

"Life Moves Pretty Fast. You Don't Stop And Look Around Once In A While, You Could Miss It" - Ferris Bueller's Day Off

While Matthew Broderick's fourth-wall-breaking character in Ferris Bueller's Day Off is a mischievous troublemaker, he makes a great point about the importance of occasionally taking it easy in his final line in John Hughes' 1986 high school movie classic (not counting the post-credit scene, that is).

"I'm Finished" - There Will Be Blood

It is not until the final scene of Paul Thomas Anderson's Oscar-winning 2007 masterpiece, There Will Be Blood, when blood does hit the screen after Daniel Plainview (Daniel Day-Lewis) murders his rival, Eli Sunday (Paul Dano), with a bowling pin at his home, which seems to be the one thing he needed to make his life feel complete.

“Oh No, It Wasn’t The Airplanes. It Was Beauty Killed The Beast” - King Kong

The seminal 1933 monster movie, King Kong, ends with the eponymous ape falling to his death, which filmmaker Carl Denham (Robert Armstrong) remarks was truly caused by his affection for Fay Wray's Ann Darrow.

RAY: "You Wanna Have A Catch?"; JOHN: "I'd Like That" - Field Of Dreams

In one of Kevin Costner's best baseball movies, 1989's Field of Dreams, Ray Kinsella (Costner) is reunited with the ghost of his dead father, John (Dwier Brown), with whom he gets to share a long overdue catch.

"The Stuff That Dreams Are Made Of" - The Maltese Falcon

The 1941 adaptation of Dashiell Hammett's The Maltese Falcon ends with the discovery that the eponymous artifact is a fake. Yet, considering the trouble so many endured to get their hands on it, private investigator Sam Spade (Humphrey Bogart) acknowledges one way it does possess some value.

“Roads? Where We’re Going We Don’t Need Roads” - Back To The Future

Initially, there were no plans to make the 1985 time travel movie, Back to the Future, a trilogy, which means that Doc Brown's (Christopher Lloyd) hint at what awaits them 30 years from then was merely a wildly imaginative joke before director Robert Zemeckis brought a "roadless" future to life in the follow-up.

"So Long, Partner" - Toy Story 3

Woody's (Tom Hanks) final goodbye to the grown-up Andy (John Morris) after he leaves him and his other child's playthings to Bonnie was not only a perfect way to end 2010's Toy Story 3, but also the franchise of beloved Pixar movies as a whole. Thus, some feel the otherwise entertaining fourth installment was needless, but we digress.

"Aren't You His Mother?" - Rosemary's Baby

Some great horror movies like to end with a jump scare, but Rosemary's Baby proved that all you need is a chilling final line, such as when Mia Farrow's titular character from the 1968 thriller accepts her role as the mother of the Antichrist in response to Roman Castevet's (Sidney Blackmer) reassuring question.

“I Do Wish We Could Chat Longer, But I’m Having An Old Friend For Dinner” - The Silence Of The Lambs

The escaped Dr. Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins) ends 1991's The Silence of the Lambs by phoning Agent Clarice Starling (Jodie Foster) from the Bahamas and hinting that he has some gruesome plans for the recently arrived Dr. Frederick Chilton (Anthony Heald).

“The Truth Is, I Am Iron Man” - Iron Man

The Marvel Cinematic Universe was essentially born the moment Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) revealed his identity as an armored vigilante at the end of 2008's Iron Man. The now iconic line made an astonishing reprise 11 years later when Stark sacrificed his life to stop Thanos (Josh Brolin) in Avengers: Endgame.

GORDON: "I Never Said 'Thank You'"; BATMAN: "And You'll Never Have To" - Batman Begins

After a rooftop meeting with Lt. James Gordon (Gary Oldman), Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale) nobly acknowledges and accepts that his crusade against injustice is a thankless job at the end of Christopher Nolan's first live-action Batman movie, 2005's Batman Begins.

"I Think I Can Go Now. I Just Needed To Do A Couple Things. I Needed To Help Someone. I Think I Did. I Needed To Tell You Something: You Were Never Second. Ever. I Love You. You Sleep Now. Everything Will Be Different In The Morning... Good Night, Sweetheart" - The Sixth Sense

Most would agree that the greatest M. Night Shyamalan movie twist remains that child psychiatrist Malcolm Crowe (Bruce Willis) is one of the dead people his patient, Cole Sear (Haley Joel Osment), can see, which he realizes at the end of 1999's The Sixth Sense before saying goodbye to his wife Anna (Olivia Williams).

"If This Is Their Idea Of Christmas, I Gotta Be Here For New Year's" - Die Hard

In addition to being a classic action flick, 1988's Die Hard is also a holiday favorite, albeit an unconventional Christmas movie, which is reflected by limo driver Argyle's (De'voreaux White) enthusiastic reaction to the truly explosive event that took place at Nakatomi Plaza on the night before Christmas.

"Why Don't We Just Wait Here For A Little While, See What Happens?" - The Thing

After seemingly defeating the shapeshifting alien that terrorized their Antarctica research base, R.J. MacReady (Kurt Russell) essentially accepts his fate as he and Childs (Keith David) are the only survivors of the ordeal... or are they? There has been much debate over who is still human at the end of 1982's The Thing, which makes MacReady's quip such a haunting final line.

"I Just Never Want It To End" - MaXXXine

After the traumatic circumstances that Maxine Minx (Mia Goth) endures in both X and her '80s-set self-titled sequel, MaXXXine, seeing her finally achieve her dream to be a Hollywood actor and tearfully wishing that it lasts is an unusually heartwarming moment in Ti West's A24 horror movie.

"It Was Perfect" - Black Swan

Natalie Portman won a rare Oscar for a horror movie performance as Nina Sayers in Darren Aronofsky's 2011 thriller, Black Swan, which ends with the dangerously ambitious ballerina performing the final dance with a bleeding abdomen, which she believes was her magnum opus.

“Now, Where Was I?” - Memento

The ending of Christopher Nolan's 2000 breakthrough thriller, Memento, is really the beginning when Leonard Shelby (Guy Pearce) learns that the search for his wife's killer has been long over but allows his short-term memory condition to keep him on the case.

"Oh, God" - Avengers: Infinity War

Never had a Marvel movie ended as hopelessly as 2018's Avengers: Infinity War, in which Thanos (Josh Brolin) successfully uses the Infinity Gauntlet to eradicate half of all living beings, leaving the surviving Avengers to helplessly reflect on their defeat, including Steve "Captain America" Rogers (Chris Evans), who utters the final line with heartbreaking desperation.

"I Told Ya" - Accepted

In the underrated college comedy, 2006's Accepted, Jeremy Howard's character, "Freaky Student," aspires to learn how to blow things up with his mind. At the very end, he proves this is possible by demonstrating his ability on the Harmon University dean's car in a hilarious "I told you so" moment.

There are plenty of celebrity fashion looks that have been immortalized on the big screen, but there are also plenty of other famous dresses that never hit a red carpet. Maybe they should have. We've compiled a list of some of the best gowns (and looks) from films that could totally have worked on a red carpet, if given the chance. Here are some of the coolest takes.

Lily James In Cinderella

When I think of a ball gown, to me the 2015 Cinderella look of Lily James is a great example of a dress that’s carpet ready. It’s somehow timeless and modern, it’s an indescribable blue color, and it brought an animated concept to life in just the perfect way. A top-notch stunner for any era.

Emma Watson In Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows Part 1

I know you thought I was going to bust out Hermione’s iconic Yule Ball gown look here, even though she’s said the scene was uncomfortable in the past. While it’s a sweet dress for a teenager, it’s the stunning red number Watson’s character wears to Bill and Fleur’s wedding I deem to be most red carpet-worthy.

Jennifer Lopez In Maid In Manhattan

Jennifer Lopez played a maid who borrowed a gown for a night out on the town in Maid in Manhattan. While the flick may not make anyone's list of best rom-coms, the dress is perfect for any best list. It was a peachy pink and very on trend in the early aughts, and its silhouette – and the iconic jewelry she paired it with – would very much still be on point on the carpet today.

Halle Berry In Die Another Day

Halle Berry may be more known for an iconic bikini scene in Die Another Day, but it's her purple dress that really stands out when she's playing Jinx. The color and silhouette are stunning years later, but this is one dress that's also even more brilliant once you see it from behind.

Julia Roberts In Pretty Woman

A far cry from the look we meet her in, Julia Roberts’ Vivian Ward dons a romantic red dress for a night out with Richard Gere’s Edward. The two end up entangling their lives in myriad ways, but the dress is still the most memorable moment from the movie for me.

Margot Robbie In The Wolf Of Wall Street

Black dresses will never go out of fashion, and Margot Robbie looks like a cool woman in a little black dress in Wolf of Wall Street. It's not the only fashionable moment in Scorsese's film, but it's the look I would choose if I were having to go to a fun event. The earrings amp the look up considerably, too. Her whole vibe has me rethinking my wardrobe.

Aubrey Hepburn In Sabrina

One of the most iconic ball gowns of all time, Hepburn’s famous Sabrina dress may never have happened if she hadn’t pushed and befriended designer Givenchy. They made movie history together, and red carpet history in other cases. This dress would not have been out of place there.

Natalie Portman In Black Swan

Black Swan may be one of the best psychological films, but the costume design is also superb, from outfits worn on the stage to everdaywear. The white gown Portman’s character wears from Rodarte has one of the coolest backs I’ve ever seen. Nearly 15 years later, I wish she or someone would bust it out again.

Lady Mary In Downton Abbey

Lady Mary was a bit of a fashionista across the entirety of the Downton Abbey series and its two subsequent movies, but this lush sapphire blue Prussian gown from 2019’s Downton movie stands out as a favorite and also the one that’s most red carpet worthy. Maybe in this day and age I’d drop the gloves, though (even if celebs like Taylor Swift and JLo are bringing gloves back).

Billy Porter In Cinderella (2021)

The Cinderella cast all had amazing outfits, but Billy Porter's fabulous godmother (Fab G) dress in the 2021 Cinderella is all bold colors and lush satin. It's very much a Porter-perfect look that still stands out years later.

Keira Knightley In Atonement

Keira Knightley’s green dress in Atonement is very much a dress of the era it is portraying, but it’s also the sort of classic look in the perfect color and fabric that could be worn by anyone, in any formal situation, in any time period. If I had to choose a dress to rock to a movie premiere or a wedding or pretty much any occasion, this look from the 2007 (but period) movie would be it.

Charlize Theron Snow White And The Huntsman

Hear me out: Charlize Theron looks so extra in Snow White and the Huntsman but she never looks more extra than when she’s wearing the dress with the extravagant shoulders. Puff sleeves come in and out, but I’m really ready for some avante garde looks to hit the red carpet and this is a great take on a totally unique style.

Kate Hudson In How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days

The early aughts were a prominent time for formalwear gowns dominating movie posters, and the Kate Hudson rom-com era was no exception. The good news is the gold dress she sported opposite Matthew McConaughey still holds up more than 20 years later and is a color she should continue to sport on the red carpet.

Grace Kelly In Rear Window

Grace Kelly had a lot of iconic dresses in a lot of movies that could have fit the criteria of this list, but my favorite has to be her tulle look from Alfred Hitchcock's Rear Window. It's no wonder the ballet-inspired look has come back in 10 Things I Hate About You and other movies.

Jennifer Lawrence In Catching Fire

The Hunger Games has some solid fashion design, particularly when it comes to characters like Snow, Effie and others living in the capital. But if you really want to make a statement, how about a dress that catches fire and turns into a second fashion statement? Tell me you wouldn’t like to see this on the red carpet!

Kate Winslet In Titanic

When Jack and Rose meet in Titanic, she’s dressed for dinner in a gorgeous red and black beaded dress that would stand out in any crowd. It’s a good thing she catches Jack’s eye in this dress, or Titanic would have been a different movie.

Angela Bassett In Jumping The Broom

Listen: Paula Patton’s character has a lovely wedding dress in Jumping The Broom (not to mention a really cute purple plaid dress at the beginning of the movie), but Angela Bassett is the actress to keep your eye on. As the matriarch in a wealthy family, Bassett’s character is the one with the polished, structured looks I’d feel most confident in on the red carpet.

Rita Hayworth In Gilda

I’m not sure how many people revisit Rita Hayworth’s Gilda these days, but when I think of old Hollywood glamor, her satin gown and matching gloves always come to mind. This was the role that made Hayworth a household name and that dress would still have a moment if it debuted today.

Sonoya Mizuno In Crazy Rich Asians

There's a lot of just epic fashion in 2018's Crazy Rich Asians, but the stellar standout moment is Araminta's wedding, which just has so many great looks from the main cast. At the end of the day, despite the gorgeous setting and shiny, happy people, it's the dress that's to die for.

Vivien Leigh In Gone With The Wind

Leigh gets the opportunity to wear a lot of lovely fabrics in 1939’s Gone with the Wind but none seem as carpet worthy (somewhat ironically) as the dress made out of curtains. It's a memorable color combo and an all-time great movie look.

Hilary Duff In A Cinderella Story

While allegedly Sam is wearing an "old" wedding dress when she shows up in this gorgeous white number, the tulle look is a classic one. Hilary Duff wore the dress with pink Chuck Taylors on the cover for the film, and casualizing a dress with sneakers has become a popular trend in the time since.

Emma Watson In Beauty And The Beast

A Disney ballgown that really hits the mark, Emma Watson’s yellow Belle dress does the animated character justice while fitting the actress like a glove. The color might not work on everyone, but it’s such a perfect fit.

Whitney Houston In The Bodyguard

I think Whitney Houston’s Queen of the Night costume is probably the one we all think about first when we think about The Bodyguard, but it’s her simple black halter dress and beaded hair and bracelet accessories that would really stand out on a red carpet and give something a little special.

Aubrey Hepburn In My Fair Lady

Eliza may have made a bet with Professor Higgins to help her sound like a lady, but it's not hard to believe Audrey Hepburn at least looks like a lady in this dress. The thick, sparkling necklace gives it an additional upgrade. Beautiful.

Ariana DeBose In West Side Story

Ariana DeBose's yellow dress in Spielberg's West Side Story is a direct nod to the 1961 movie musical, but it's an updated take on the look. Originally, Rita Moreno wore a famous lavender dress, but DeBose's is an upgraded color and has a little more swish in it. It's gorgeous and the type of look I hope is popularized again.

Marilyn Monroe In How To Marry A Millionaire

Marilyn Monroe rocked lots of iconic gowns over the years, but the thing I like about this satin dress is the one shoulder strap. It's fitted like a glove and the pink color is fabulous. It's hard to pick one thing about this dress that is most successful. It's just perfect.

Barbara Bach In The Spy Who Loved Me

Plenty of Bond girls have had great outfits over the course of more than 50 years, but when Bond meets Anya Amasova, her navy gown really pops thanks to the Swarovski crystal trim. I love that it's not a flat color, and the leg slit adds a sweet extra touch.

Lana Condor In To All The Boys I've Loved Before: P.S. I Still Love You

Lana Condor has a lot of beautiful clothing in the To All The Boys movies. Of all her sweet looks, my favorite is the one in the sequel that Stormy lends her from her impeccable collection. It's vintage perfect, and a lovely color to boot.

Lori Singer In Footloose

Lori Singer’s Ariel dress looks great on her, and it fits the character well. Despite the movie coming out in the eighties, the off-shoulder style comes in and out, and its simple silhouette would be perfect for a low-key movie premiere. As vintage is making a big comeback, perhaps it’s a style we’ll see back on the carpet in coming years.

Rachel Leigh Cook In She’s All That

Laney’s red makeover dress is on-trend now the ‘90s and early aughts are making a comeback. Its spaghetti straps and slim silhouette are simple, but would still really would turn heads on the red carpet today. I love the matching red pumps she pairs the look with as well.

Margaret Avery In The Color Purple

Shug Avery's bright looks in The Color Purple stand out. It may be more of a show dress, but if I had to kick it on the red carpet, I'd want something just as sequiny. Maybe I'd throw in some pearls to boot.

Anne Hathaway In The Idea Of You

A lot of people would say Ms. Hathaway's iconic fashion movies are either The Princess Diaries or The Devil Wears Prada, and while neither are wrong choices, my pick has to go to her character in The Idea of You. When Solene meets Hayes in her beautifully tailored, creamy Fendi number, his head was turned, but so was mine.

Luckily, we're likely to see many more red carpet-worthy looks on the big screen for years to come!

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. 

The 2010s were a transformative decade for movies as directors like Damien Chazelle, Greta Gerwig and Jordan Peele hit the mainstream, and many actors exploded into stardom or gave career-defining performances in movies like theirs. Now, it’s time to celebrate some of the best films of this decade and the performers who starred in them. 

Emma Stone – La La Land 

This ode to Old Hollywood and modern romance from Damien Chazelle is widely beloved in part because of Emma Stone's performance. If you go back to reviews for La La Land, you’ll see Stone and Ryan Gosling praised for their work as they played Mia and Sebastian, two aspiring artists who fall in love with each other. Notably, Emma Stone won her first Oscar for the film because of the wonderful performance she gave as the up-and-coming actress. 

Kristen Wiig – Bridesmaids

When it comes to Bridesmaids and all its hilarious lines and gags, we all need to say a collective thank you to Kristen Wiig. Not only did the Saturday Night Live alum lead the stellar ensemble cast of this 2011 flick, but she also wrote the movie with Annie Mumolo, and they got an Oscar nomination for it. 

Mahershala Ali – Moonlight

Moonlight, which famously won Best Picture in 2017, is a coming-of-age film that follows Chiron through three stages of his life, focusing on him exploring his sexuality and identity. In it, Mahershala Ali plays Juan, a man who has a pivotal role in Chiron’s early life. Famously, Ali won his first Oscar for his moving performance in this film. 

Daniel Kaluuya – Get Out

Get Out is considered one of the greatest horror movies of all time, and it marked the directorial debut of Jordan Peele. While this film about the deeply dark turn a trip takes after a white woman brings her Black boyfriend home to meet her family is career-defining for its director – as he’s gone on to become quite the name in the genre – it also marked a major breakout for Daniel Kaluuya who played the film’s lead, Chris. 

Amy Adams – Arrival 

Arrival is unquestionably one of Amy Adams’ best movies, and to this day, folks are still livid that she wasn’t nominated for an Oscar for it. She plays Louise, a linguist assigned to decipher and translate an alien language. However, as Arrival’s ending makes abundantly clear, there’s way more to it than that, and one of the major reasons this movie works is because of Adams’ masterful, emotional and nuanced performance. 

J.K. Simmons – Whiplash

In Whiplash, one of J.K. Simmons’ best films, he plays a brilliant and brutal jazz conductor and instructor named Terence Fletcher. During the film, Miles Teller plays a young drummer named Andrew who is determined to become great, and his intense relationship with Terence and the notion of being the best is what makes Damien Chazelle’s film magnificent. On top of its overall acclaim, Simmons also won an Oscar for his performance.

Hugh Jackman – Logan 

Logan was Hugh Jackman’s last ride as the Wolverine, and it was basically perfect. While he’s returned to the role since in Deadpool and Wolverine, Logan still serves as a wonderful conclusion to the iconic X-Man’s story. It was also a game-changing Marvel film, as it brought a level of grit and intrigue that we hadn’t really seen in a movie from this universe before. 

Ben Affleck – Argo 

Much like Good Will Hunting, Argo marked a major milestone in Ben Affleck’s career. It was one of the films that solidified him as a top-tier director, and on top of that, he also starred in the film about a CIA agent disguised as a producer who goes into Tehran on a mission to save a group of Americans. Oh, also, the film went on to win Best Picture at the Oscars too. 

Jesse Eisenberg — The Social Network

The Social Network cast is stacked, however, it wouldn’t be what it is without Jesse Eisenberg’s performance as Mark Zuckerberg at its center. His nuanced performance which is somehow both collected and chaotic compliments Aaron Sorkin’s fast-talking script perfectly, and he expertly helped build up tension in the film that director David Fincher is known for. All around, that made for a perfect, heart-pounding drama about the rise of Facebook.

Leonardo DiCaprio – The Wolf Of Wall Street  

While Leonardo DiCaprio has a long list of career-defining performances, and he and Martin Scorsese have made many great movies together, you can’t deny that his portrayal of Jordan Belfort in The Wolf of Wall Street tops that list. 

Brie Larson – Room

The film Room, which is about a mother and her son escaping captivity, is masterfully led by Brie Larson, who plays Ma. Both she and Jacob Tremblay, who played her son Jack, were praised for their performances, and in 2016, the actress won an Oscar for her work. 

Daniel Craig – Knives Out

Now, I know that Daniel Craig’s tenure as James Bond was still happening in the 2010s. However, an equally important and brilliant role he took on was as detective Benoit Blanc in Rian Johnson’s first whodunnit Knives Out. Now, after leading the cast of Knives Out, Craig has gone on to reprise his role as the Southern detective on multiple occasions, because he loves it and so do we. 

Ryan Gosling – Drive

If you look over Ryan Gosling’s best movies, on one side you’ll find his brilliant comedic films – like Barbie and The Nice Guys – and on the other side, you’ll find his stoic and dramatic performance, like the one he gives in Drive. Put simply, Drive wouldn’t work without the actor’s lead performance, because the entire film hinges on him and his abilities. 

Ryan Reynolds – Deadpool

After years of working to get it made and some well-timed leaked footage, finally, in 2016, Deadpool came out and we got to see Ryan Reynolds in his element as the Merc with a Mouth. 

Casey Affleck – Manchester By The Sea 

In a film about a man returning home to reckon with his past and grief after losing his brother, Casey Affleck gives an emotional and commanding performance. Not only did he win an Oscar for his work in this drama, but it’s also one of the big defining roles of his career. 

Chris Evans – Captain America: The Winter Soldier 

Chris Evans began and ended his tenure as Steve Rogers in the 2010s. While all his outings as the star-spangled man with a plan were excellent, nothing tops his performance as Cap in the political thriller that is the Russo brothers’ Captain America: The Winter Soldier, which is easily one of the best Marvel movies ever made. 

Ralph Fiennes – The Grand Budapest Hotel 

Under Wes Anderson’s precise direction, Ralph Fiennes occupied the pastel world of the Grand Budapest Hotel with grace and style. His fast-talking M. Gustave went on quite the adventure in this film, and he won over the hearts of audiences with his quick wit, smooth charm and impeccable work ethic. 

Natalie Portman – Black Swan 

Throwing it back to the beginning of the decade, Darren Aronofsky’s 2010 psychological thriller Black Swan showed us Natalie Portman’s talents in a new light. While she had been on the scene and in big movies for years, this film marked a major milestone in her career as her performance as a tortured ballerina got her an Academy Award. 

Matthew McConaughey – Dallas Buys Club

Obviously, for a couple of decades before this, Matthew McConaughey was known and beloved for fun movies like Dazed and Confused and How To Lose a Guy in 10 Days. However, in 2013, Dallas Buyers Club marked a notable shift in his career. Not only did he win an Oscar for this dramatic turn as a man who finds out he has AIDS, but he also went on to star in acclaimed projects like Interstellar and True Detective one year later, cementing himself as a magnificent dramatic actor with serious range. 

Jennifer Lawrence – Silver Linings Playbook

Yes, Jennifer Lawrence leading The Hunger Games cast is one of the biggest triumphs of her career. However, amid all of that, she starred in the beloved dramedy Silver Linings Playbook with Bradley Cooper, and that’s the film for which she won her Oscar. This magnificent film about two people learning to live and thrive through grief and mental illness, is a thoughtful and funny film that Lawrence steals with her amazing performance. 

Brad Pitt – Moneyball 

Moneyball is the story about the general manager of the Oakland A’s using his business savvy and what little money his team had to assemble a rag-tag team of MLB players. Brad Pitt plays said manager, Billy Beane, and I mean it when I say the movie really wouldn’t work without him. He’s at the center of it, and he carries it to victory just like his character did with the A’s.  

Chadwick Boseman – Black Panther 

We sadly lost Chadwick Boseman way too early, however, his legacy will live on forever. This is in part because of his performance as the King of Wakanda, T’Challa. Black Panther was a historic moment in modern movie history, and his incredible take on the titular hero is a big reason why. 

Margot Robbie – I, Tonya 

Before I, Tonya, Margot Robbie was beloved for her supporting and ensemble roles in films like The Wolf of Wall Street and Suicide Squad. However, one of the movies that helped solidify her as both a leading lady and super producer was I, Tonya. She played Tonya Harding and produced the film under the banner of her company LuckyChap – which went on to make films like Barbie and Promising Young Woman. 

Florence Pugh – Midsommar

Florence Pugh exploded onto the scene with the haunting Ari Aster film Midsommar. The movie is now considered one of the best horror movies of all time, and a big reason why is Pugh’s performance. 

Saoirse Ronan – Lady Bird

Talk about a dynamic duo. Greta Gerwig and Saoirse Ronan are a match made in heaven, and that was solidified into fact when the actress played the titular Lady Bird in the director’s breakout film. Not only did fans fall in love with Ronan’s performance as the defiant teenage gal, but she also received wide acclaim and an Oscar nomination for it. Plus, it was the beginning of a glorious partnership between her and Greta Gerwig as they then went on to make Little Women together. 

Timothée Chalamet – Call Me By Your Name

These days, when people think of Timothée Chalamet, they likely think of him as Paul Atreides, the leader of the Dune cast. However, before that (and in a different decade) the film that sprung him into the mainstream was Luca Guadagnino’s Call Me By Your Name. The deeply romantic and tender coming-of-age drama was led beautifully by Chalamet, and since then he’s taken on more roles that have helped cement him as one of the top-leading men of his generation. 

Anna Kendrick – Pitch Perfect

If you were a kid in 2012 (like I was), odds are you learned the “Cups” song. The movie about college acapella was a phenomenon in the early 2010s, and it served as a big breakout leading role for Anna Kendrick. Not only was she funny as Becca, but everyone also became aware that she had the singing voice of an angel.  

Lupita Nyong’o – 12 Years A Slave

Lupita Nyong’o’s first feature film was 12 Years A Slave. Her performance in the movie by Steve McQueen won her an Oscar in 2012 and solidified her as a top-tier dramatic performer. Since then, she’s gone on to star in massive blockbusters like Black Panther and A Quiet Place: Day One. 

Joaquin Phoenix – Joker

There have been many amazing takes on the Joker, and Joaquin Phoenix’s Arthur Fleck was a totally new one. In Joker, we see the villain’s origin story, and it’s a film that’s unlike any other DC project. The haunting performance ultimately won the actor an Oscar, and he reprised the part again in Joker: Folie à Deux.

Charlize Theron – Mad Max: Fury Road

The movie is named after Mad Max, and he’s great, don’t get me wrong, but Furiosa steals the show. Charlize Theron’s performance as the driver in Mad Max: Fury Road is fierce and jaw-dropping, and she’s one of many reasons why George Miller’s movie is considered one of the best action films. 

Michael Cera – Scott Pilgrim vs. The World

You can’t have Scott Pilgrim vs. The World without a perfect Scott Pilgrim and that’s who Michael Cera is. He perfectly played the awkward yet heroic protagonist in Edgar Wright’s beloved film, and to this day, it's considered some of his best work.

Matt Damon – The Martian

This Ridley Scott movie is literally about one man who is stuck on Mars. Yes, there are other people in the film trying to save him. However, overall, The Martian is Matt Damon’s movie. He plays the stranded astronaut and scientist, and the heart, charisma, intelligence and even humor he brings to the space drama is unforgettable. 

All around, the 2010s were full of films that are on their way to becoming all-time classics, and it’s in part thanks to the brilliant actors who starred in them. 

It's every young filmmakers dream to get a small loan from a family member, max out a credit card or two, and produce a masterpiece that resonates with audiences and makes a ton of money. It's not easy to do, to say the least, but somehow the makers of the movies on this list pulled it off. Well, maybe on as little money as some stretched credit, but on pretty tight budgets. Our of movies with a small budget that made a big impact. 

Clerks

According to Box Office Mojo, Clerks made a little over $3 million in theaters. While that might seem like much, consider how little it cost Kevin Smith to make. $27,000. That's it. The lore is that first-time writer/director/star Smith maxed out his credit cards and enlisted his friends as actors to make the movie. Of course, it looks like it doesn't have much of a budget, but it's so funny and well done it doesn't matter, the movie is a bonafide cult classic still.  

The Blair Witch Project

There is no better example of a small budget having a huge impact than 1999's The Blair Witch Project. The movie was made for just $60K, but when the word spread virally around the country in the early days of the internet, it started packing theaters. When all was said and done, it made just $1.5 million, more than 25 times its budget. Just incredible. 

American Graffiti

Four years before he redefined what science fiction could be with Star Wars, George Lucas made a movie much closer to reality, at least how he saw reality in his formative years. American Graffiti didn't have the smallest budget on this list, it was around $770,000, but it still had an outsized impact. The movie made $115 million in total. 

28 Days Later

Director Danny Boyle has had some big-budget movies in his career, but he's proven again and again that he doesn't need a monster budget to make a great film. 28 Days Later is one of his most beloved movies and it was made for just £8 million. It took in over ten times that in box office receipts and has spawned multiple sequels. 

Mad Max

When you think about how huge the Mad Max franchise has become, it's important to remember how small it started. The original Mad Max starring Mel Gibson was made for about $250K in 1979. It made almost $9, but it spawned a franchise that has raked in cash over the decades since. 

El Mariachi

The lore of El Mariachi runs deep. According to most reports, director Robert Rodriguez originally made the film for under $7,000. While this may be technically true, another couple hundred thousand eventually went into post-production when Columbia Pictures bought the film. Still, it was made on a shoestring budget either way. 

Get Out

Until Get Out was released in 2017, director Jordan Peele was mostly known for his comedic work. The horror movie he made wasn't comedy, but it was box office gold. It did have a budget of around $4.5 million, but when you consider it made over 50 times its budget at the box office, that number looks pretty darn small. 

My Big Fat Greek Wedding

Every once in a while, a movie comes out of nowhere and becomes a massive hit. My Big Fat Greek Wedding is a classic example. The rom-com wasn't perfect, but it was made for just $5 million in total, and it ended up grossing well over $350 and spawned two successful sequels. 

The Conjuring

2012's The Conjuring had a more robust budget than some of the movies on this list, at $20 million, but since it made well over 10 times that budget in theaters, it's safe to call it a sound investment. It also led to a franchise that has released a slew of modestly budgeted films that have made big money. 

Napoleon Dynamite

One movie that no list like this would be complete without is Napoleon Dynamite. The 2004 surprise hit was made on a meager budget of just $400K, but audiences adored it and it raked in over $100 million at the box office and is still beloved decades later. 

Pi

Filmmaker Darren Aronofsky burst onto the scene with a tiny movie he made with a budget of just $34K, but Pi ended up bringing in over $3 million in theaters. It's a wild movie and looks very much like the small-budget movie it is, but it's exciting and fast-paced. In it, you can see the blueprint for Aronofsky's later movies like Requiem for a Dream.

Swingers

Swingers was soooo money. Literally. Not only did the 1996 film launch the careers of Jon Favreau, Vince Vaughn, and Ron Livingston, as well as director Doug Liman, it made $4.5 million in theaters and oodles more on home media. All that on a budget of just $200K.

Paranormal Activity

The horror genre has always made the most of its budgets. Some of the most successful films, in terms of ROI, have been horror flicks. Paranormal Activity is a great example of this. The 2007 release was made for just $17,000 but took in nearly $200 million upon its release! It also led to multiple sequels.

Godzilla Minus One

It seems all the best Godzilla movies are made on tight budgets. Godzilla Minus One is no exception. While its budget was in the $10+ million range, it's still astonishing what director Takashi Yamazaki was able to get out of that. It looks like its budget could be ten times that number, which is about how much money the movie made. 

Rocky

In 1976, Sylvester Stallone introduced the character of Rocky Balboa to the world. The original movie, Rocky, had a budget of around $2 million and it crushed at the box office to the tune of $117 million. Of course, it spawned one of the most successful franchises of all time with a total box office gross in the neighborhood of $2 billion. 

Nomadland

The 2021 Oscar winner for Best Picture was the indie film Nomadland. The stirring movie was made for just $5 million but on the strength of its reviews and its award haul, the movie brought in nearly $40 million. Not a bad ROI for a movie about people living in vans. 

Hoodwinked!

2005's animated indie flick Hoodwinked! was made for right around $8 million according to director Cory Edwards. It took in over $150 million at the box office. It was the first time an animated indie had ever done those kinds of numbers and none have done it since, either.

The Usual Suspects

1995's The Usual Suspects had a bit of a slow burn at the box office. It started modestly, making just $645K when it first opened. As word of mouth spread about the mystery thriller, more and more people started seeing it. In total, it made $23 million on a $6 million budget, but it also was very successful on home media and is considered a stone-cold classic with an incredible plot twist at the end. 

Sling Blade

Written, directed, and starring Billy Bob Thornton, Sling Blade was made for just around $1 million. Thornton was nominated for two Oscars, one for Best Actor and one for Screenplay, winning for the latter. The movie's box office haul of about $36 million looks modest compared to big blockbusters, but with that kind of ROI, you can't say it wasn't a massive success. 

Black Swan

Director Darren Aronofsky is a master of getting more for less. One great example is 2010's Black Swan. On the surface, a movie about the ballet might seem like a risky bet, but that bet paid off big time when the movie brought in over $300 million against a $13 million budget. It also garnered five Oscar nominations with Natalie Portman winning for Best Actress. 

Memento

In 2023, director Christopher Nolan released the phenomenally successful Oppenheimer. It made nearly a billion dollars on a $100 million budget. A couple of decades early, Nolan showed just what he could do with a tight budget as well. His first film, 2000's Momento, was made for under $10 million and made about $50 million in theaters. 

Garden State

Director and writer Zach Braff's very personal 2004 movie Garden State was an indie darling when it was released. Made for a budget under $3 million, it brought in $35.8 in theater receipts. While some people make fun of it, it was a seriously buzzy film when it was released and still has huge fans today. 

Halloween

John Carpenter's Halloween is one of the most influential horror movies of all time. While the franchise has made hundreds of millions over the years, it all started with that one film in 1978. Made on a shoestring budget of just over $300K, it grossed $47 upon its release and the rest is horror history. 

Searching

2018's Searching by first-time filmmaker Aneesh Chaganty was a surprise hit. Made for just $880,000, the thriller raked in over $75 million at the box office. Chaganty has made two more movies on modest budgets, 2020's Run which had mixed results financially, and 2023's Missing, which, while not as successful in terms of ROI as Searching, still made an impressive $48 million on a $7 million budget. 

The Whale

Nobody saw The Whale coming in 2022, but once again director Darren Aronofsky hit a home run with a modest budget. The movie took home a slew of awards including a Best Actor Oscar for Brendan Fraiser, leading to the "Brenaissance" for the veteran actor. Made for just $3 million, it made $57 million in theaters.

Insidious

When it comes to small-budget horror, Blumhouse Productions really knows what it is doing. One of the best examples is Insidious. The 2010 movie was made for about $1.5 million, and it took home a massive $100 million at the box office. It also launched a franchise that racked up more than $700 million in total. Just insane numbers. 

Pulp Fiction

You might be surprised to see such an iconic film as Pulp Fiction on this list, but remember, it was Quentin Tarantino's second film. Miramax financed the film with about an $8 million budget, far less than some of his future movies. Of course, it's gone on to be a cultural touchstone and one of the most beloved movies of all time. When it was released, it brought in over $200 million at the box office. 

Once

It's common to see horror movies and comedies have huge ROIs on small budgets, but it's very uncommon to see off-beat musicals do it. 2007's Once is a massive exception. The movie, directed by John Carney, with original music by its stars Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová, was made for $150K. Not only did it make $23 million in theaters, it led to a successful Broadway musical that won eight Tony Awards. 

Trainspotting

1996's Trainspotting wasn't director Danny Boyle's first movie, but it was the one that made him a star. The brutal movie about addicts in Scotland became a huge hit, making £48 million against a £7 million budget. It also helped launch the careers of Ewan McGregor, Jonny Lee Miller, and Kelly Macdonald. Not bad for an indie. 

Open Water

For anyone with hydrophobia, Open Water is an impossible movie to watch. Even viewers who don't suffer that affliction might after seeing it. The horror thriller, released in 2003, was a surprise hit at the box office, making $55 million. All that for a movie with a budget well under one million bucks. Talk about swimming with sharks, wow. 

Lost in Translation

Sofia Coppola's 2003 hit Lost in Translation was the movie that officially brought her out from behind her father's shadow. Bill Murray and Scarlet Johansson brought their immense talent to the small-budget flick ($4 million) and helped Coppola make a masterpiece that made over $100 million in theaters. 

Saw

The Saw horror franchise is an unstoppable monster. With a collective box office haul of over $500 million, it's crazy to think it all started with the original movie with a budget of right around $1 million. All this from a series that many people simply won't watch at all because of the goriness. Amazing. 

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? 

Horror is the only film genre whose viewers may seek feeling horrified, paranoid, and horny within a single scene, and all without any judgment passed. Eroticism has co-mingled with instruments of fear since the dawn of cinema, with vampires and Frankenstein-made creatures still haunting cinemas today. So expect nothing less from all the upcoming horror movies on the horizon. (Less so for upcoming horror TV shows, but one can hope.)

Rather than using these crystal balls to look to the future, however, I'm instead focusing on many of the sexiest horror movies that already exist. To be clear, ones that are actually watchable for traditional narrative reasons, though everyone's mileage will vary. A similar best-of list compiling slasher porn parodies surely resides somewhere online, but not here.

So get ready for an amorous onslaught of vampire vixens, sensual seamen, and manipulative Mia Goths.

1. American Psycho (2000)

• Cast: Christian Bale, Justin Theroux, Josh Lucas, Samantha Mathis, Reese Witherspon, Willem Dafoe
• Director: Mary Harron

Mary Harron’s 2000 psychological horror American Psycho is a highly stylish adaptation of Bret Easton Ellis’ 1991 novel, starring Christian Bale as everyone’s favorite raincoat-wearing axe murderer Patrick Bateman. As a satire, the movie espouses the pompous, money-obsessed behavior and ideals that it’s simultaneously condemning, but it’s hard not to feel a mild twinge from seeing Bale, Jared Leto and others with immaculate suits and haircuts (and business cards). And for anyone out there who lost their virginity to Huey Lewis or Phil Collins, Patrick is on soundtrack duties.

Stream it on Paramount+ and Prime Video.

2. Angel Heart (1987)

• Cast: Mickey Rourke, Robert De Niro, Lisa Bonet, Charlotte Rampling
• Director: Alan Parker

The genre-blending horror Angel Heart would already make the shortlist of sexiest horror movies simply for Robert de Niro oozing evil, bearded mystique as Louis Cypher. But it's the devilish and tawdry goings-on between Rourke's Harry and Bonet's Epiphany that send it over. In seemingly every scene, Rourke drips with either rainwater or sweat, creating quite a lasting look. And Angel Heart’s more extreme scenes were edited down to secure its R rating, just just imagine...

Stream it on Pluto TV.

3. Black Swan (2010)

• Cast: Natalie Portman, Mila Kunis, Vincent Cassel, Barbara Hershey, Winona Ryder
• Director: Darren Aronofsky

Having previously crafted the sex-infused horrors of Requiem for a Dream's "ass to ass" sequence, Darren Aronofsky sent the Oscar-winning Natalie Portman pirouetting into audience's nightmares as Black Swan's obsession-driven dancer. (Not that the film was pushed as a horror release.) Obsessions and pleasures are compatible bedfellows, of course, and Nina is surrounded by carnal energy. Even it only happens in Nina's mind, that just makes it more applicable as a fantasy, amirite?

Stream it on Disney+ and Hulu.

4. Bram Stoker's Dracula (1992)

• Cast: Keanu Reeves, Winona Ryder, Gary Oldman, Anthony Hopkins, Tom Waits
• Director: Francis Ford Copolla

While debates can be made about the worth of Bram Stoker’s Dracula as a literary adaptation, its inherent physical (and perhaps emotional) lust cannot be denied. Francis Ford Copolla’s 1992 vampiric romance hits many notches on the “sexy horror movie” checklist, from Dracula’s brides enamoring Keanu Reeves’ Jonathan Harker to Sadie Frost’s hyper-eroticized take on Lucy Westenra to rugged Anthony Hopkins as the best Van Helsing ever. But what sizzles harder than anything is the on-screen passion between Gary Oldman’s shapeshifting bloodsucker (in his mustachioed younger form) and Winona Ryder’s Mina. And for those watching the edited version: if you squint from far away, the older Count’s hair kinda looks like boobs.

Rent it on Prime Video or Apple TV.

5. CAM (2018)

• Cast: Madeline Brewer, Patch Darragh, Melora Walters, Devin Druid, Michael Dempsey, Samantha Robinson
• Director: Daniel Goldhaber

2018’s Cam is an exercise in “write what you know,” with screenwriter Isa Mazzei crafting a doppelgänger horror story around a camgirl performer, a profession she’d previously held, with the film’s director Daniel Goldhaber having worked with her in that realm. Likely due to their life experiences, Cam approaches its inherently sexual subject matter with authenticity, as opposed to the salaciously cringey vibes that so many others would have been riddled with. For all the worries that viewers have about Madeline Brewer’s Alice (a.k.a. Lola_Lola) as she falls down the rabbit hole, there’s something not altogether unpleasant about the idea of two Lola_Lolas out there, albeit with fewer fake suicides.

Stream it on Netflix.

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6. Cat People (1982)

• Cast: Nastassja Kinski, Malcolm McDowell, John Heard, Annette O’Toole
• Director: Paul Schrader

Paul Schrader followed American Gigolo up with his 1982 remake of the 1940s horror Cat People, and there would be no confusing which one came first considering how overtly kinky and horny the ‘80s revision is. (Even by 2024 standards.) Nastassja Kinski and Malcolm McDowell star as siblings Irena and Paul, who are revealed to be part of a bloodline of feline creatures who turn into panthers after having sex, and can only return to human form through murder. In a word, it’s quite rawr.

Rent it on Prime Video or Apple TV.

7. Crimson Peak (2015)

• Cast: Mia Wasikowska, Jessica Chastain, Tom Hiddleston, Charlie Hunnam, Jim Beaver
• Director: Guillermo del Toro

While one’s mileage may vary when it comes to Crimson Peak’s story from top to bottom, the general consensus is that Guillermo del Toro did a commendable job with the film’s sexualized elements, from Mia Wasikowska’s Edith being a horny virgin to essentially everything that Tom Hiddleston does when he’s on screen as her worldly significant other Thomas. Like, it’s obviously not as hot when his character’s being an ass or when his incestuous relationship is revealed, but it’s not impossible to just mute the movie and lose track of context in those cases. Del Toro’s lush visuals allow for such suspensions of disbelief. And I think most would agree that the apex comes in the form of Edith and Thomas consummating their marriage for the first time.

Rent it on Prime Video or Apple TV.

8. Don't Look Now (1973)

• Cast: Donald Sutherland, Julie Christie, Hilary Mason, Clelia Matania
• Director: Nicolas Roeg

Nicholas Roeg’s 1973 classic Don’t Look Now is undoubtedly sexy in chosen moments, while jarringly tragic in others. Just like real life! Donald Sutherland and Julie Christie go through some unexpectedly haunting events in the aftermath of their daughter's death, while also delivering one of cinema's most authentically raw sex scenes, including the rare and all-important "man giving oral to his partner" shots. That the scene is echoed later is also of note, though the story goes in far less sexual directions from then on.

Rent on Pluto TV or YouTube TV.

9. Elvira: Mistress Of The Dark (1988)

• Cast: Cassandra Peterson, W. Morgan Sheppard, Daniel Greene, Susan Kellerman, Edie McClurg
• Director: James Signorelli

The words “sexy” and “horror” can’t be said together in any capacity without including Cassandra Peterson’s genre maven Elvira, whose big-screen arrival came in the form of 1988’s Elvira: Mistress of the Dark. (No worries about branding mix-ups with that one.) The goofy plot sees the hostess moving her massive coif and equally massive cleavage from Los Angeles to a conservative-minded Massachusetts town, where she obviously insults everyone with her out-there nature. Even as a PG-13 release, Elvira’s cinematic debut makes the cut because Peterson has been a sex symbol icon for decades without missing a beat, or a neckline stitch.

Streaming on Prime Video, Pluto TV, Tubi, and AMC+.

10. From Dusk Till Dawn (1996)

• Cast: George Clooney, Quentin Tarantino, Harvey Keitel, Juliette Lewis, Salma Hayek
• Director: Robert Rodriguez

More than a decade before Robert Rodriguez and Quentin Tarantino's Grindhouse, they delivered the similar genre-swapping romp From Dusk Till Dawn. Notably delivering ER fave George Clooney's transition to cinema while burning "dancing Salma Hayek" into viewers' welcoming brains, the movie flips from a raunchy robbery-gone-awry to an all out massacre inside a Mexican strip club populated by vampires. Tarantino is gross enough to ruin the bell curve, but Tom Savino's completely illogical crotch gun swings it back around.

Stream it on Pluto TV.

11. Hellraiser (1987)

• Cast: Andrew Robinson, Clare Higgins, Ashley Laurence, Sean Chapman, Doug Bradley
• Director: Clive Barker

Whether or not you think Doug Bradley’s iconic monster himself (itself?) is a looker, Clive Barker’s Hellraiser is a sensual feast for those with more sadomasochistic tastes. (The memorable moniker Pinhead came in the sequel, to phrase it winkingly.) The Cenobites’ puzzle box unlocks unending carnal extremes, with Higgins’ Julia and Laurence’s Kristy becoming acutely aware of its powers in horrifying ways. Or heavenly ones, depending on one’s perspective.

Stream it on Prime Video, Pluto TV and Tubi.

12. The Hunger (1983)

• Cast: Catherine Deneuve, David Bowie, Susan Sarandon, Cliff De Young, Dan Hedaya
• Director: Tony Scott

As the perhaps surprising directorial debut from action movie mastermind Tony Scott, 1983’s The Hunger wasn’t so well received at the time. But like many genre standouts, its popularity grew over time, in part for being one of the most erotic vampire movies in existence, thanks to the love triangle between characters played by the OMG trio of Catherine Deneuve, David Bowie, and Susan Sarandon. To everyone’s credit, perhaps, The Hunger’s sexual themes and scenes were among the more highly regarded aspects of the film early on, and they’ve all maintained their sensual sense of danger in the years since.

Rent it on Prime Video and Apple TV.

13. Infinity Pool (2023)

• Cast: Alexander Skarsgård, Mia Goth, Cleopatra Coleman, Jalil Lespert, Amanda Brugel
• Director: Brandon Cronenberg

It’s no shock that Infinity Pool comes from Brandon Cronenberg, son of The Fly and Crash director David Cronenberg, in that the 2023 film is the cinematic equivalent of diving down an extreme-internet rabbit hole in the early 2000s, and may indeed inspire a similar kind of guilt-ridden concupiscence when watching the multitude of fetishes and kinks on display. It’s probably too psychological to delve into how the concept of doubles and cloning plays into the film’s sexual impact, so we’ll just let that part slide while focusing on everything else Alexander Skarsgård’s novelist gets into.

Stream it on Hulu and Disney+.

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14. Interview With The Vampire (1994)

• Cast: Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt, Kirsten Dunst, Antonio Banderas, Christian Slater
• Director: Neil Jordan

As it tends to go with sexually tinged vampire movies, much of what makes Neil Jordan’s Interview with the Vampire a horny movie comes from inherently disturbing situations that would be quite different outside of cinematic context. Brad Pitt’s Louie quasi-courting Kirsten Dunst’s underage vamp Claudia is one, while the unwitting victim stripped and murdered by the Théâtre des Vampires is another, and generally speaking, it’s probably not great to lust after murderous bloodsuckers just because they look and talk like Antonio Banderas’s Armand. But hey, it’s New Orleans, baby, so laissez les bons temps rouler.

Rent on Prime Video and Apple TV.

15. Jennifer's Body (2009)

• Cast: Megan Fox, Amanda Seyfried, Adam Brody, J.K. Semmons
• Director: Karyn Kusama

Screenwriter Diablo Cody and director Karyn Kusama joined forces for 2009’s fatal femme film Jennifer’s Body, which brought Megan Fox’s sex symbol energy to the horror genre in a big male-chomping way alongside Amanda Seyfried. Despite the subdued response upon its initial release, Jennifer’s Body has since reached newfound popularity as a poster child for feminism in genre cinema. And that poster would probably be a centerfold of some kind, with succubus Jennifer Check posed and poised to feed on anyone who dares to cross her path.

Stream it on Peacock.

16. Lady Frankenstein (1971)

• Cast: Rosalba Neri (as Sara Bey), Joseph Cotten, Mickey Hargitay, Paul Müller
• Director: Mel Welles

While Frankenstein lore isn’t often a nexus of horror and sexuality — with all respects to Ella Lanchester — the 1971 Italian film Lady Frankenstein added a jolt of electricity to the story, as well as a bunch of seductive body parts that were not stolen from graves. Starring Rosalba Neri and Hollywood icon Joseph Cotten, the Mel Welles feature maybe isn’t the most memorable from beginning to end, but features some truly uncomfortable moments of coitus interruptus.

Stream it on Tubi, SlingTV and Plex.

17. Lifeforce (1985)

• Cast: Steve Railsback, Peter Firth, Frank Finlay, Patrick Stewart, Mathilda May
• Director: Tobe Hooper

Texas Chain Saw Massacre helmer Tobe Hooper and Alien scribe Dan O’Bannon created the textbook definition of a cult move with 1985’s Lifeforce, whose legacy for years hinged largely on being “that movie with the naked space vampire.” That clothing-optional shapeshifter, portrayed by Mathilda May, isn’t the only reason why Lifeforce’s reputation is so much more positive now than it was around its panned release, to be sure. But if you’re talking sexy horror movies specifically, “naked space vampires” are as formidable as threats get.

Stream it on Prime Video and Tubi.

18. The Lost Boys (1987)

• Cast: Jason Patric, Corey Haim, Corey Feldman, Keifer Sutherland, Dianne Wiest, Edward Hermann
• Director: Joel Schumacher

The concept of eternal youth has never been more sexually charged with hair-metal swagger than in the timelessly ‘80s classic The Lost Boys. Patric, Gertz and Sutherland are the most brooding and reluctant throuple imaginable, and the power dynamics only add to the twisted allure. And Joel Schumacher isn’t ageist, either, with Wiest and Hermann bringing their own hawt vibes. Which Corey Haim’s Sam would just die thinking about. The one movie where necking makes as much sense as sex.

Rent it on Prime Video or Apple TV.

19. The Love Witch (2016)

• Cast: Samantha Robinson, Jeffrey Vincent Parise, Gian Keys, Laura Waddell
• Director: Anna Biller

While a good number of genre flicks spice their narratives up with romance and sex, Anna Biller’s 2016 technicolor horror-comedy The Love Witch focuses squarely on the dalliances of its bewitching Elaine, portrayed with Hollywood starlet perfection by Samantha Robinson. The ‘60s setting gives Bewitched in an alt-universe where Elizabeth Montgomery played a horny widow who may have snapped and killed Darren, with some delightful Munsters-esque camp rounding out the more salacious side of things. It’s the rare form of sexy horror movie that doesn’t inspire pangs of awkward self-judgment.

Streaming on Peacock, Tubi, Pluto TV, and Philo.

20. MaXXXine (2024)

• Cast: Mia Goth, Kevin Bacon, Moses Sumney, Michelle Monaghan, Bobby Cannavale, Elizabeth Debicki
• Director: Ti West

The third film in Ti West’s trilogy kicked off by 2022’s slasher X and 2023’s psychological horror Pearl, the ‘80s-set sequel MaXXXine goes all-in on the era’s exploitative excess. Mia Goth again rules the screen as Hollywood starlet-in-training Maxine in her quest, no matter whose testicles and faces she has to destroy in the process. Even without the focus on pornography and outright horror as Maxine’s first outing, Goth is a fountain of sexually confident power throughout, whether or not a cigarette is dangling from her lips. What’s sexier than success?

Stream it on HBO Max.

21. Mulholland Drive (2001)

• Cast: Naomi Watts, Laura Harring, Justin Theroux, Robert Forster, Dan Hedaya
• Director: David Lynch

Still serving as the penultimate film in David Lynch’s bizarre oeuvre, 2001’s Mulholland Drive takes audiences from the sensual glamour and confidence of Old Hollywood to its sleazy and regretful antithesis, with Naomi Watts ostensibly delivering two distinct performances opposite Laura Harring’s femme fatale. It’s the relationship between their characters, darkly twisted yet authentically loving, that really take Mulholland Drive into wet fever dream territory, despite the unsettling notion that someone’s tiny grandparents might be watching voyeuristically from the floor. Lots of things about this movie are confusing — with its horror distinction sometimes needing defense — but its effect on horny viewers is as clear as the L.A. sky.

Rent it on Prime Video or Apple TV.

22. Nosferatu (2024)

• Cast: Bill Skarsgård, Nicholas Hoult, Lily-Rose Depp, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Emma Corrin, Willem Dafoe
• Director: Robert Eggers

Regardless of one's thoughts about Count Orlok's somewhat polarizing mustache, it's hard to deny the erotic romance throbbing and spurting throughout Nosferatu. Robert Eggers has a way with imbuing sensuality into his disturbing tales through gauzy aesthetics, attractive actors and, well, actual sex scenes. WIllem Dafoe doesn't need to be in them to make them more effective all the same.

Stream it on Peacock.

23. Raw (2016)

• Cast: Garance Marillier, Ella Rumpf, Rabah Naït Oufella, Laurent Lucas, Joana Preiss
• Director: Julia Ducournau

Coming-of-age movies are always good for awkward sexual chemistry, and director Julia Ducournau’s 2016 body horror Raw certainly fits the bill. Garance Marillier’s vegetarian veterinarian Justine suffers a case of “food poisoning” and suddenly finds herself obsessed with the idea of eating meat…any kind of meat…even if it’s her own. For those with oral fetishes, Raw is either a dream or a nightmare, and the fact that Justine’s journey is joined by her sister Alexia (Ella Rumpf) just complicates all the feelings.

Buy it on Amazon.

24. The Shape Of Water (2017)

• Cast: Sally Hawkins, Michael Shannon, Richard Jenkins, Doug Jones, Michael Stuhlbarg
• Director: Guillermo del Toro

Guillermo Del Toro’s The Shape of Water is like much of his filmography, in that it portrays sexually heightened acts and behavior without lust-filled gratuity or rampant titillation. Its inherent sexiness isn’t really beholden to the visuals, but the assurance from the filmmaker that Elisa’s inner pleasure is always at the forefront, whether it’s through the knowledge of her daily bathtub masturbation sessions or her not-exactly-erotic sex scene with the fish-man. It’s more complex than campers getting shanked after cabin boinking, in any case.

Rent it on Apple TV and Prime Video.

25. Species (1995)

• Cast: Natasha Henstridge, Ben Kingsley, Michael Madsen, Alfred Molina, Forest Whitaker
• Director: Roger Donaldson

Certainly not the only horror movie out there with a hawt extraterrestrial at its center, 1995’s Species stars Natasha Henstridge as its extremely deadly (and also extremely provocative) human-alien hybrid Sil. Unlike some horror and sci-fi movies’ more complex sexual charges, Species wears its horniness right on its ooey-gooey sleeves in the way a slasher movie does, only this time it’s the malicious big bad handling all the nudity and sex scenes. There’s even full-on penetration, at least by way of Sil’s tongue penetrating a dude’s throat and neck. And it should probably come as a surprise to no one that Sil’s alien nature was designed by H.R. Giger.

Stream it on Prime Video, Pluto TV and Tubi.

26. Stoker (2013)

• Cast: Mia Wasikowska, Matthew Goode, Nicole Kidman, Dermot Mulroney, Jacki Weaver
• Director: Park Chan-wook

On paper, in theory, and in practice, Park Chan-wook’s wickedly intense 2013 thriller Stoker probably shouldn’t harbor any sexual desires among its viewers, given the fact that the film starts with death and mourning, and its other main ingredients are psycho-incest lust and murder. And yet… There’s something about the mansion and its gothic aesthetic, about the way Matthew Goode’s Charlie brings mischief and mayhem to the prim and pristine lives of Nicole Kidman’s Evelyn and Mia Wasikowska’s India, about the all-out taboo nature of everything happening within those walls. It stokes, it stokes.

Rent on Prime Video and Apple TV.

27. The Substance (2024)

• Cast: Demi Moore, Margaret Qualley, Dennis Quaid
• Director: Coralie Fargeat

The Substance is a brilliant and brilliantly performed movie that cuts as deep as its story. But it also happens to be the kind of movie where, if you turn the sound down and purposefully ignore all the meaningful text and subtext, there's a bonkers amount of surface-level titilation to wade through. Unfortunate as it may be that the surface is that of a bathroom floor.

Stream it on Mubi.

28. Suitable Flesh (2023)

• Cast: Heather Graham, Bruce Davison, Johnathan Schaech, Barbara Crampton, Judah Lewis
• Director: Joe Lynch

Inspired heavily by Stuart Gordon’s H.P. Lovecraft offerings, Joe Lynch’s body-swapping romp Suitable Flesh is an appropriately naughty and monstrous take on Lovecraft’s “The Thing on the Doorstep,” with Lewis’ Asa essentially possessed by the horniest entity imaginable. The whole movie feels like one of prepubescent David Lynch’s wet dreams adapted into an episode of Tales from the Crypt, presumably also with Graham as a hawt therapist.

Stream it on Hulu, Disney+, Shudder, and Philo.

29. Teeth (2007)

• Cast: Jess Weixler, John Hensley, Josh Pais, Hale Appleman, Lenny Von Dohlen
• Director: Mitchell Lichtenstein

Technically more of an amusing cautionary tale than purely erotic horror for dental hygenists, Mitchell Lichtenstein’s 2007 feature Teeth follows Dawn O’Keefe, a perfectly normal teen who happens to have teeth in her vagina that excel at severing penises. (Can't think of a second-best option.) An indie body horror with a feminist spin, Teeth could possibly be the greatest “horny teen” horror ever if not for all the genital-thrashing trauma involved.

Stream it on Plex and Fandango at Home.

30. Thirst (2009)

• Cast: Song Kang-ho, Kim Ok-vin, Kim Hae-sok, Shin ha-Kyun, Park In-hwan
• Director: Park Chan-wook

Four years before Stoker, Park Chan-wook dipped his toes into erotic horror waters (or blood in this case) with the 2009 vampire tale Thirst. Song Kang-ho stars as Catholic priest Fr. Sang-hyun, whose hospital volunteer work coincides with his newfound unquenchable desire for all things sanguine. Thirst's passion for other bodily pleasures is evident through Sang-hyun’s illicit exploits with ennui-stricken lover Tae-ju (Kim Ok-bin). Definitely one of the more twisted takes on sexy vampire lore out there.

Rent it on Prime Video or Apple TV.

31. Under The Skin (2013)

• Cast: Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy McWilliams, Adam Pearson, Paul Brannigan
• Director: Jonathan Glazer

Instantly polarizing upon its 2013 release, Jonathan Glazer’s dreary sci-fi feature Under the Skin is a lo-fi adaptation of Michel Faber’s 2000 novel, starring Scarlett Johansson as a nameless alien who makes easy prey out of her victims thanks to her ample sexuality. To be sure, Under the Skin’s sexiness is largely about the surface-level vibes, as the film’s disturbing denouement is hardly alluring, and its story can be interpreted in a number of anti-sexual ways.

Rent it on Prime Video or Apple TV.

32. The Wicker Man (1973)

• Cast: Edward Woodward, Christopher Lee, Britt Ekland, Lesley Mackie, Ingrid Pitt
• Director: Robin Hardy

Robin Hardy’s 1973 classic The Wicker Man is steeped in the push and pull between overt and repressed, whether it’s in regards to information that Edward Woodward’s police sergeant is looking for, or the seductive nature of Summerisle and its very willful inhabitants. As it can often go with films set within cult-ish communities, The Wicker Man taps into psychosexual threads that run deeper than corporeal pleasures and stick around longer than more direct imagery might. Not that it lacks in that department, either. But all the Isle of Horndog-ness would be for naught if not for that gut-punch of a final act.

Stream it on Pluto TV and Tubi.

• The Sexiest Movies Streaming On Amazon Prime Right Now

33. X (2022)

• Cast: Mia Goth, Jenna Ortega, Brittany Snow, Scott Mescudi, Martin Henderson, Owen Campbell
• Director: Ti West

Given that it’s ostensibly about making a pornographic movie, Ti West’s 2022 hit X could either be seen as a no-brainer for a sexy movies round-up, or it could be viewed as too obvious a choice to truly qualify. (Read our X review!) Of course, both are kind of true, and kind of aren’t, since X features more than a few harrowing moments that completely remove thoughts of libidinous pleasure from one’s mind. But hey, it’s also a movie about people who want to fuck and have a good time doing it, and nothing is sexier than that. Up until a certain point in the runtime, anyway.

Stream it on Max.

Not everyone agrees on what makes the best cup of tea, the same way that not everyone will agree on what makes the sexiest horror movie, but part of what makes being a movie fan so enjoyable is sharing those opinions and hearing what others are into as well. If we all agreed on everything, horny or otherwise, it'd make for a pretty boring life.

Over the years, there have been movies with endings so shocking, so hard to believe, and so wild, that audiences have been left with their mouths agape and heads filled with all kinds of questions and emotions. We’ve seen Academy Award-winning films do it, some of the best Marvel movies have wrapped up with unforgettable conclusions, as have countless others.

Here are 30+ movies with totally wild endings that we just can’t help but talk about after all this time. There are some massive spoilers throughout this article…

Se7en (1995)

The Se7en ending, with its unforgettable “What’s in the box?” cry from Brad Pitt’s David Mills, is one of those traumatic cinematic experiences no one who’s seen the 1995 David Fincher crime thriller will ever forget. Seeing the hot-headed detective become part of John Doe’s (Kevin Spacey) game while William Somerset (Morgan Freeman) tries to stop the “Seven Deadly Sins” plan from coming to fruition is gutting.

Psycho (1960)

Alfred Hitchcock, a filmmaker known for plot twists and heightened drama, used both of his hallmarks for the Psycho ending. The scene where it’s discovered that Norman Bates’ (Anthony Perkins) mother has been dead (and in the basement) all along is one of those moments that’s just as shocking 60-plus years later.

Parasite (2019)

Bong Joon-ho’s Parasite, which went on to win multiple Oscars including Best Picture and Best Director, is a remarkable slowburn thriller with a nervous energy present throughout as you wait for something to happen to the Kim family. And when things do go south during the Parasite ending – Kim Ki-taek (Song Kang-ho) becomes the “parasite” of the Park family home – you’re left with all kinds of questions and immediately want to go back and rewatch the whole movie.

Avengers: Infinity War (2018)

Superhero movies are supposed to end on a happy note, or at least with a sense of closure. But that was not the case for the Avengers: Infinity War ending, which wraps up on an incredibly somber note after Thanos (Josh Brolin) snaps and wipes out half of all living creatures. Watching so many beloved MCU characters disappear was such an unforgettable and unexpected moment, one that could very well never be outmatched in a comic book movie. 

The Usual Suspects (1995)

“The greatest trick the Devil ever pulled,” the iconic line from Verbal Kent (Kevin Spacey) at the end of The Usual Suspects is one that will never get old. Finding out that the seemingly harmless and uninteresting man with a limp was actually the mysterious crime lord Keyser Söze is a revelation that’s so wild, and so out of left field, that we just can’t stop thinking about it nearly 30 years later.

Night Of The Living Dead (1968)

George A. Romero revolutionized the zombie genre with his all-time great horror movie, Night of the Living Dead. Released in 1968, a time in which racial and social tensions were at an all-time high, Romero ended his thriller in a manner that shocked audiences and opened the door to all kinds of discussions. The Black hero, Ben (Duane Jones), survives the zombie onslaught but is shot and killed by a White deputy the following morning.

The Mist (2007)

Talk about a gut punch, The Mist ending sees David Drayton (Thomas Jane) make the decision to kill his young son to prevent him from being tortured and killed by monsters only for the army to arrive and save him moments later. Upsetting is an understatement in this case.

The Empire Strikes Back (1980)

Undeniably the best Star Wars movie, as well as one of the greatest sequels of all time, The Empire Strikes Back ends without a lot of closure as it sees our heroes left in perilous and unknown situations. Oh, and we learn that Darth Vader is Luke Skywalker’s father. 

The Sixth Sense (1999)

M. Night Shyamalan is known for his twist endings at this point, but audiences didn’t have a big reveal in mind when watching The Sixth Sense back in 1999. The moments leading up to and following Malcolm Crowe’s (Bruce Willis) realization that he’s been dead the whole time are so riveting you almost forget how terrifying and well-crafted the rest of the movie is.

The Shining (1980)

Stanley Kubrick’s adaptation of The Shining is a movie that fans and critics are still discussing and debating more than 40 years after its release. One of the topics that comes up the most is The Shining ending, especially the shot of the Overlook Hotel in the 1920s with a man looking like Jack Torrance (Jack Nicholson) in the middle of the frame. 

Planet Of The Apes (1968)

The 1968 sci-fi action film, Planet of the Apes, ends with astronaut George Taylor (Charlton Heston) on his knees yelling into the sky in front of the Statue of Liberty after realizing he’s not in an extraterrestrial land, but on Earth, just thousands of years later.

The Prestige (2006)

The best Christopher Nolan movies are those that wrap up in a way that leaves you thinking about the story long after the credits roll. That’s very much the case with The Prestige ending where it’s revealed that Alfred Borden (Christian Bale) didn’t pull off his teleportation trick with theatrics but with the help of his identical twin, Bernard Fallon (Bale). But the trick is just part of the complicated and miraculous plan.

Gone Girl (2014)

David Fincher and Gillian Flynn made some key changes to the Gone Girl ending when adapting the psychological thriller from book to movie, but one thing that stays the same is Amy (Rosamund Pike) revealing she’s pregnant (as a form of blackmail) with Nick’s (Ben Affleck) baby. There’s no clean escape in this one.

Once Upon A Time In Hollywood (2019)

The Once Upon a Time in Hollywood ending is wild, not because of Quentin Tarantino’s display of bloody and charred violence, but because it strays from the viewer’s expectations (Margot Robbie’s Sharon Tate isn’t brutally murdered like in real life).

Twilight: Breaking Dawn Part 2 (2011)

Twilight: Breaking Dawn Part 2 has one of those endings that probably didn’t throw the uninitiated for a loop but causes the heads of those who read the books to explode in disbelief. Basically, there’s a giant battle where numerous characters lose their lives, but it’s all just a vision of what could happen, not what actually does.

Fight Club (1999)

The big reveal that Tyler Durden (Brad Pitt) is the Narrator’s (Edward Norton) split personality in Fight Club, is one of the biggest “Wow” moments of the past quarter-century. However, that’s not even the ending of David Fincher’s book-to-screen adaptation. That comes later on when Project Mayhem carries out its plan of destroying multiple skyscrapers while the Pixies’ “Where Is My Mind?” blasts through the speakers.

The Others (2001)

For the majority of The Others, we’re led to believe that Grace Stewart (Nicole Kidman) is being tormented by spirits who won’t leave her and her young children alone. However, in the film’s final moments, it’s revealed that Grace and her kids are the ghosts tied to the tortured home.

Arrival (2016)

Denis Villeneuve’s Arrival throws a major twist at the audience in the film’s final moments when it is revealed that Louise Banks’ (Amy Adams) memories of her deceased daughter aren’t flashbacks but premonitions of her child who hasn't been born yet.

Promising Young Woman (2020)

Emerald Fennell was more than deserving of her Oscar for Best Original Screenplay for the way she crafted the Promising Young Woman ending. This whirlwind of scenes sees Cassie (Carey Mulligan) get her revenge against the men who raped her best friend in the most unlikely of ways.

No Country For Old Men (2007)

The No Country for Old Men ending is cryptic, to say the least, and wraps up with Sheriff Ed Tom Bell (Tommy Lee Jones) describing a series of dreams he had. This follows a wild turn of events that saw Llewelyn Moss (Josh Brolin) getting killed by a random cartel member, not the man pursuing him, Anton Chigurh (Javier Bardem). We don’t even see Moss meet his maker.

Black Swan (2010)

Darren Aronofsky’s Black Swan is a drama about the price of perfection and the obsessive behavior of those seeking it. In the final moments, it’s revealed that Nina Sayers (Natalie Portman) didn’t stab her rival, Lily (Mila Kunis) with a broken mirror, she stabbed herself, putting into question the entire conflict between the two dancers.

Us (2019)

Jordan Peele’s sophomore effort, Us, is a wild thrill ride from start to finish, with the big reveal at the conclusion of the film being the icing on the cake. In the final moments of Us, Adelaide "Addy" Wilson (Lupita Nyong'o) reveals that she was the clone the whole time after switching places with the original version of herself.

Oldboy (2003)

Near the end of Park Chan-wook’s Oldboy, it is revealed that the woman who helped Oh Dae-su (Choi Min-sik) in his quest for revenge, and later became his lover, was actually his daughter. He later goes to a hypnotist to have those memories erased, but the film ends in a way where you never know if it actually worked.

Uncut Gems (2019)

The Uncut Gems ending is one of those that hits you like a brick to the face, or in the case of Adam Sandler’s Howard Ratner, a bullet to the cheek. This comes after the gambling addict wins a $1.2 million bet. In the span of a few seconds, he goes from having the best day of his life to his last.

Primal Fear (1998)

The Primal Fear ending is dark, twisted, and one of the most legitimately shocking reveals of the 1990s. The movie plays out like a standard courtroom drama until the final scene when Edward Norton’s Aaron Stampler reveals to defense attorney Martin Vail (Richard Gere) that he pulled off a pair of murders with no remorse. The way his voice and demeanor change mid-scene is the stuff of legend.

Saw (2004)

The Saw movies are full of devilish tricks, twists, turns, and even more terrifying traps. The first movie in the saga also has an incredibly wild ending when the apparent suicide victim in the room the whole time rises up and reveals himself to be John Kramer (Tobin Bell), aka, Jigsaw, the mastermind behind it all.

The Departed (2006)

Near the end of The Departed, it seems like Colin Sullivan (Matt Damon) is going to get away with being Frank Costello’s (Jack Nicholson) mole in the Boston Police Department. However, when the embattled detective goes home, Sean Dignam (Mark Wahlberg) is waiting for him with a little surprise: cold steel revenge. 

Frailty (2001)

At the end of Bill Paxton’s 2001 psychological thriller, Frailty, it is revealed that the FBI haven’t been interviewing Fenton Meiks (Matthew McConaughey) for the “God’s Hand Killer” case the whole time, they’ve actually been speaking with his brother, Adam, who killed the real Fenton and is now targeting his next victim. 

Cabin In The Woods (2012)

The Cabin in the Woods was one wild ride from start to finish, but it’s over-the-top ending seriously is something else. After the surviving college students survive all the various monsters and traps throughout the property, they learn they are part of a sacrifice to appease the gods so they don’t destroy the planet.

2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)

The final stretch of 2001: A Space Odyssey is a wild, technicolor, and complex series of events that see David Bowman (Keir Dullea) transform from an astronaut to an old man to a star child floating above Earth. 

Wild Things (1998)

The 1998 thriller, Wild Things, has an ending so wild and so convoluted, that you need to keep notes to keep track of everything. When it seems like Suzie Toller (Neve Campbell), Kelly Lanier Van Ryan (Denise Richards), and Sam Lombardo (Matt Dillon) were all behind one plot, it’s revealed that Suzie was orchestrating it all. The deaths (even her own faked murder), the scandal, and the massive court settlement were all hers.

The Menu (2022)

The Menu ending could best be described as an explosive dessert, quite literally in this case. At the end of the twisted dark comedy, Margot (Anya Taylor-Joy) makes a strange yet simple request for an order of cheeseburger and fries to go, and she escapes the island on a boat. For everyone else? Well, they are treated to s'mores and a massive fiery explosion.

These are just 32 great movies with wonderful and wild endings, as including every single film with plot twists in the final act would take a very long time. However, it wouldn’t be shocking for this list to go through some changes in the coming months, especially with all the upcoming releases on the 2023 movie schedule.

From her controversial first role in The Professional at 13 to becoming a bonafide superhero in the Marvel universe, Natalie Portman has established herself as a key voice in the Hollywood industry across her 30-year career thus far. I always admire the actress for using her platform to speak up as well, whether that be about animal rights, the environment, being a pivotal name in the Time’s Up initiative or supporting women’s soccer by investing in her own team. Along these lines, Portman’s latest comments about the female gaze are sure to turn some heads, but I appreciate her opening up this conversation about how gender is spoken about in film. 

As Portman gears up for her latest movie May December to come out later this year, which is among 2023's Netflix movie release dates, she got candid on her thoughts about the idea of the female gaze. Let’s break it down.  

What Is The Female Gaze? 

Before I define the female gaze, we have to contextualize something else first: the male gaze. The male gaze is a theory where women are depicted by male artists (like writers and directors) in a way that perceives them as sexual objects that exist for the pleasure of a heterosexual male viewer. In recent years, more and more movies (including from male directors) are shifting away from making female characters simply objects. 

The female gaze is the idea that female artists have their own specific perception in a piece of art that doesn’t objectify them as mere sexual objects. This definition is more complicated, because it’s not simply the male gaze in reverse, nor is there a specific element it's defined by like the male gaze, since it's more about what it's without. That being said, the theory has been used a lot more lately in vernacular when things like movies are being discussed. 

What Are Natalie Portman’s Comments On The Female Gaze? 

Enter Natalie’s Portman’s interview with Vanity Fair France (via Variety’s translation from French to English). The actress shared her thoughts on the female gaze, and she actually rejected the idea, saying this: 

Portman also went on to say she doesn’t have a preference for male or female directors when choosing projects, either. It makes sense given the actress has had multiple opportunities to play complicated women in movies by male directors, including Darren Aronofsky’s Black Swan, which she won her Oscar for and Pablo Larrain’s Jackie, which earned her a third Academy Award nomination in 2016. 

Why I Appreciate Natalie Portman Making This Point

I think it’s very easy to approach complicated concepts like the male gaze with a binary perspective to match it like “the female gaze,” but as Natalie Portman challenged in her recent interview, it’s just not that simple. Just like I don’t think the male gaze is inherent in every single movie directed by a man, the female gaze does feel like a more reactionary concept than anything else. 

I appreciate Portman’s comments, because I think it’s important to continue to talk about the ways in which gender plays a role in how people are depicted in movies and television. Placing genders in a box as either inherently sexist for male-directed projects or inherently forward and progressive for women-directed projects is rather dismissive of the individual judgment of a given director. 

Of course, there are going to be different ways in which men vs. women approach directing movies, and it's worth discussing both concepts. In other words, the idea of the female gaze is ... complicated, but that's kind of the whole point. I love how Natalie Portman has always worked with a breadth of filmmakers across her career, and how she is open to all kinds of roles, whether that be returning to Star Wars or starring in Todd Haynes’ romantic drama, May December, which hits Netflix December 1. 

If you read through the 2023 Oscar nominations, you will notice that not a single horror movie received a nod, despite all the recent scary movies that deserved the Academy’s consideration in my opinion. While this is only the latest of many instances in which the genre was famously overlooked by the Academy, at least we can say that some of the best horror movies have been nominated for an Oscar, and some have even won.

In fact, there are quite a few horror movies that received nominations in the acting category which, among them. The following is a look back on six actors who took home the coveted golden statuette for acting in a genre known for rewarding its audience with creepiness and carnage — starting with one of the earliest winners in the ceremony’s history.

Fredric March, Dr. Jekyll And Mr. Hyde (1931)

Horror fans may like to give the Academy a lot of trouble for acknowledging the genre only every so often, but they actually have been paying attention to it longer than some many realize. In fact, the fifth recipient of the Best Actor Oscar (an honor he ended up sharing with The Champ’s Wallace Beery in a tie) was Fredric March for 1931’s Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde — Rouben Mamoulian’s adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s seminal, terrifying novella. 

The radical scientist’s transformation into a brutish criminal after taking an experimental potion he developed to unlock man’s repressed inner desires is not just achieved so effectively onscreen here by a beastly makeup job. March (who later took home a second statuette for the 1948 Best Picture Oscar winner, The Best Years of Our Lives) demonstrates an uncanny ability to inhabit each role so distinctly, if you did not know better, you might be easily convinced it was two different actors.

Ruth Gordon, Rosemary's Baby (1968)

It would take nearly another four decades before the Academy recognized greatness in acting from a horror movie again. Furthermore, out of the two nominations that the disturbing motherhood parable, Rosemary’s Baby, received in 1969 — the other being for director Roman Polanski’s screenplay, adapted by Ira Levin’s novel — the sole winner was Ruth Gordon for Best Actress in a Supporting Role.

The veteran performer brings much of the same charming, comedic energy that later earned her praise for the classic romantic-comedy Harold and Maude to the role of Minnie Castevet, the eccentric building neighbor of Mia Farrow’s title character and her actor husband, Guy (John Cassavetes). What makes her performance such a memorably chilling element of the unnerving classic is how well she maintains that unassuming charm even after her involvement in a satanic cult is revealed.

Kathy Bates, Misery (1990)

On the flip side to Ruth Gordon’s method in Rosemary’s Baby, it is Kathy Bates’ ability to change her demeanor from calm to unhinged on the turn of a dime that makes her performance in Misery such a masterclass in leaving the audience breathless. It apparently left the Academy breathless too, based on its decision to honor her with the Best Actress Oscar that year.

Bates is an undeniable tour de force as one of the horror genre’s definitive female villains, Annie Wilkes — who demonstrates toxic fandom at its worst when she takes in her badly injured favorite author, Paul Sheldon (James Caan), and demands that he write his next novel to her liking or face grave consequences. Outside of Rob Reiner’s taut direction and William Goldman’s suspenseful screenplay, it is she who truly makes Misery one of the finest Stephen King adaptations of all time.

Anthony Hopkins, The Silence Of The Lambs (1991)

One of the scariest villains in horror cinema is the Dr. Hannibal Lecter, who was first introduced in Thomas Harris’ novel, Red Dragon. However, it was his portrayal by two-time Academy Award-winner Sir Anthony Hopkins in The Silence of the Lambs — one of the few horror films to be nominated for Best Picture and the genre’s sole winner of the category so far — that immortalized him as an esteemed figure of pop culture.

Hopkins is not actually the first actor to portray the cannibalistic criminal psychologist (the first being Succession’s Brian Cox in Michael Mann’s 1986 thriller, Manhunter) nor the last (Gaspard Ulliel played his younger self in Hannibal Rising and Mads Mikkelsen played the title role of the TV show, Hannibal), he is the first person you picture when you think of the character, and his Best Actor Oscar-winning performance makes it easy to see why. His permeating stare, ironic sense of sophistication and charisma amid his chilling disposition, and that iconic, improvised “hiss” adds up to nothing short of perfection.

Jodie Foster, The Silence Of The Lambs (1991)

Enlisting the unlikely help of Dr. Lecter in order to catch a killer nicknamed “Buffalo Bill” is FBI trainee Clarice Starling — the role that earned Jodie Foster her second Academy Award, following her win for 1988’s The Accused. The multi-talented artist’s ability to hold her own opposite Hopkins in his prime is only one aspect as to why her performance in director Jonathan Demme’s adaptation of The Silence of the Lambs is so deserving of the honor.

Starling is a very complex, very sharp character who has been haunted for years by a traumatic event from her childhood that, while leaving her vulnerable at times, effectively serves as fuel for her courageous crusade for justice. Foster portrays those elements of the character in a wonderful blend, resulting in a thoroughly mesmerizing and heroic, career-defining performance.

Natalie Portman, Black Swan (2010)

The most recent time that an actor was rewarded for their work in a horror movie was for a film that some might not categorize as “horror.” However, even those people cannot deny that Black Swan and Natalie Portman’s Best Actress Oscar-winning performance in it is the stuff of nightmares.

Portman — just one year before joining the MCU as Thor’s love interest, Dr. Jane Foster — stars in one of director Darren Aronofky’s best movies as a ballerina whose dedication to the lead role of “Swan Lake” takes a dangerous turn when she begins to suffer from disturbing visions. Like the film, the Star Wars actor is devastating, heart-wrenching, and hypnotically surreal as Nina.

I am happy to say that there are some more recent horror films that featured strong performances and earned an Oscar nomination, such as Daniel Kaluuya in Get Out from 2017. However, moments like these are still few and far between. Hopefully, there will come a day when well-made thrillers receive the recognition they deserve on a more frequent basis.

There are certain genres of movies that are always there to get you up on your feet. I always love musicals for that, but there’s another genre that I’ve become quite a fan of, and that is dance movies. There are some great ones streaming right now, and in honor of Magic Mike’s Last Dance, we’re going to talk about the best dance movies that you can check out right now. 

Step Up (2006)

Released in 2006 as the first movie in the Step Up franchise, this film, starring Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan, tells the story of a rebel student and a ballet dancer pairing up for a dance showcase after they meet while the rebel is doing community service. But, as they dance together, they find a lot of common ground. The film was arguably one of the best in the Step Up franchise, and also led to Tatum and Dewan being married for several years. 

Rent/Buy Step Up on Amazon.

Cabaret (1972)

One of the most classic dance movies there is, Cabaret stars Liza Minnelli as Sally Bowles, a cabaret singer in 1931 who enters into a romance that is doomed to fail from the start, due to her lover's questions about his own sexuality. The musical/dance film was directed by Bob Fosse, who is known for choreographing some of the most famous musicals of all time, so you know that this dance movie is going to be stellar from the start. 

Stream Cabaret on HBO Max.
Rent/Buy Cabaret on Amazon.

Magic Mike (2012) 

Another dance movie starring Channing Tatum, Magic Mike is all about Mike Lane, who works as a roofer during the day, but at night, he works as a male stripper to make extra money. Soon, he starts to teach others the way of the life of a male stripper – while also dealing with relationship troubles at the same time. The film itself has one sequel already – Magic Mike XXL – and is set to have another coming out in 2023, Magic Mike’s Last Dance.

Stream Magic Mike on HBO Max.
Rent/Buy Magic Mike on Apple TV+.

All That Jazz (1979)

Released in 1979, All That Jazz, also directed and choreographed by Bob Fosse, is a semi-autobiographical dance film, which is based on the life of Fosse himself, and details his life as a choreographer, dancer, and a storyteller. While it’s not the most dramatic out of many of these features, it does offer some really excellent dance sequences by one of the kings of dance. 

Stream All That Jazz on Crackle.

Chicago (2002)

Arguably one of the best movies on here, Chicago is a movie musical that details the story of Roxie and Velma, two murderers who end up in jail together and become rivals for public affection, both trying to use their newfound fame to their advantage. Chicago is an excellent movie and one of the only musical films to win the Academy Award for Best Picture – and it truly, has some outstanding dance sequences that will make you want to get off your feet. 

Stream Chicago on HBO Max.
Rent/Buy Chicago on Amazon.

Flashdance (1983)

What a feeling! Flashdance is one of the best movies from the 1980s (memed in so many ways), in my opinion, and stars the lovely Jennifer Beals. This iconic film combines elements of romance and drama with excellent dance sequences as we follow a young dancer who is aiming to become a ballerina, and is doing everything in her power to succeed and get to the level she wants. Combining different elements of dance, such as both ballet, breakdancing ,and more, this is one of the best dance movies out there. 

Stream Flashdance on Pluto TV.
Rent/Buy Flashdance on Amazon.

Black Swan (2009)

If you’re looking for something that has a lot more thrilling aspects to it, be sure to check out Black Swan. While not strictly categorized as a dance movie like many of the others on this list, it follows the story of a ballerina and her need to be utterly perfect, going to drastic lengths in order to do so. If you want a movie with expert ballet scenes, this is the one to look at. The film was heavily praised by critics, and stars Natalie Portman, Mila Kunis, and more. It also won Portman the Academy Award for Best Actress. 

Rent/Buy Black Swan on Amazon.

Strictly Ballroom (1992)

Released in 1992 and directed by Baz Luhrmann, the man behind Moulin Rouge!, The Great Gatsby, and Elvis in 2022, Strictly Ballroom is based on the stage play of the same name, following Scott Hastings, an Australian ballroom dancer who comes from a family of ballroom dancers, but because he dances differently than everyone else, he is outcast by ballroom dancing professionals. He takes matters into his own hands and ends up partnering with a beginner in order to show the world that his style of dancing can also be ballroom dancing. 

Stream Strictly Ballroom on Paramount Plus.
Rent/Buy Strictly Ballroom on Amazon.

Dirty Dancing (1987)

We can’t have a dance movie list and not include Dirty Dancing. The iconic 1980s movie, starring Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey, follows Frances Houseman, otherwise known as “Baby,” who ends up going on a vacation. But, while she’s there, she learns about the beauty of dance while also falling in love with the dance instructor, aiming to be in the talent show that the resort holds every year. Dirty Dancing is probably one of the most known dancing films out there, so if you’ve never seen it, be sure to watch – at least just for the ending talent show. 

Rent/Buy Dirty Dancing on Amazon.

Footloose (1984/2011)

While both versions of Footloose are on here, they have the same premise. Footloose details the story of the new kid in town, Ren McCormack, who just loves to dance, but this new town has forbidden it. However, the teenagers begin a revolution to bring dancing back to their area, one party at a time. The 1984 version is the original, but the 2011 film features some more modern music – and more stars you might recognize, like Miles Teller and Julianne Hough. However, the original stars Kevin Bacon – and you can’t get better than that. 

Rent/Buy the 1984 Footloose on Amazon.
Rent/Buy the 2011 Footloose on Amazon.

Saturday Night Fever (1977)

One of John Travolta’s most popular films is Saturday Night Fever. Released one year before Grease (a movie I think people are wrong about), another very big hit for Travolta, this dance drama tells the story of Tony Manero, an Italian-American from Brooklyn who spends his weekends dancing away, even though on the outside, he feels trapped by where he comes from and what he does for work. Dancing is one of the only ways he can feel free, and you’ll be wanting to get up and dance, too – and you can’t help but love that opening scene. 

Stream Saturday Night Fever on Paramount Plus.
Rent/Buy Saturday Night Fever on Amazon.

Center Stage (2000)

If you’re looking for a teen drama, Center Stage is the one for you. This film, directed by Nicholas Hytner, features the stories of ballet students who enroll at a fictional New York City school that centers on the art of dance. Even if they have gotten into their dream school and are being given the chance to perform at center stage, however, there are still plenty of problems that come with stepping into the spotlight in the world of professional dance. The film also features the debuts of Zoe Saldaña and Amanda Schull, and features other actors such as Donna Murphy, Peter Gallagher, and more. 

Rent/Buy Center Stage on Amazon.

Save The Last Dance (2001)

Starring Julia Stiles and Sean Patrick Thomas, Save the Last Dance is a well-known dance film that details the story of an interracial couple working together to help Stiles’ character, Sara, get into Juilliard. But despite it all, there are still problems that arise, and plenty of issues that the two have to overcome in order for dance to truly be a part of her life again after the passing of her mother, and moving to a whole new environment. It was a huge hit for Julia Stiles at the time of release. 

Stream Save the Last Dance on Paramount Plus.
Rent/Buy Save the Last Dance on Amazon.

Billy Elliot (2000)

Last but not least, we take a look at Billy Elliot, a coming of age dramedy that featured some excellent dancing. The movie, starring Jamie Bell, is about a young boy who discovers his love for ballet dancing, and will do anything to achieve his goal of becoming a ballet dancer despite his father’s negative perceptions of it. The film is adapted from a play called Dancer, and is so much fun, featuring some really entertaining dance scenes, that it was eventually turned into a successful Broadway musical. 

Rent/Buy Billy Elliot on Amazon.

These are just a handful of some of the excellent dance movies that you can check out on streaming right now. And I’m sure that as soon as you watch them, you’ll be wanting to get up and dance, too.

Max is one of the best streaming services out there and has a ton of great movies, which can make the process of deciding on one a difficult task. There are so many films you can see with a Max subscription, and as of March 2025, so many have been added, like The Florida Project, Flow and more. Here is what you can check out.

Intense Dramas

For the times you want to be on the edge of your seat:

The Zone Of Interest (2023)

The Director: Jonathan Glazer

The Cast: Christian Friedel, Sandra Huller

What It's About: This movie focuses on the life of an Auschwitz commandant, and how he and his family live in the “Zone of Interest,” an area around the concentration camp.

Why It's One Of The Best Movies On Max: The film won Best International Feature at the 2024 Academy Awards and was praised for its story and sound.

• Stream The Zone of Interest on Max.

Civil War (2024)

The Director: Alex Garland

The Cast: Kirsten Dunst, Cailee Spaeny, Wagner Moura, Jesse Plemons, Stephen McKinley Henderson

What It's About: Civil War is a dystopian thriller film that follows the story of photojournalists, both professionals and a rookie, who travel across a United States that has been torn apart by a civil war, and the horrors they face, all to interview one person – the president.

Why It's One Of The Best Movies On Max: Civil War is hands down one of the best films of 2024, and it’s by A24, which rarely ever misses in the films they distribute.

• Stream Civil War on Max.

The Iron Claw (2023)

The Director: Sean Durkin

The Cast: Zac Efron, Jeremy Allen White, Harris Dickinson

What It's About: The Iron Claw is based on the real-life wrestling family known as the Von Erichs, and how they suffered tragedy after tragedy while in the professional sport.

Why It's One Of The Best Movies On Max: This is a film that will emotionally gut you by the end, but you’ll thank yourself for it. It’s beautifully acted and well-shot.

• Stream The Iron Claw on Max.

Prisoners (2013)

The Director: Denis Villeneuve

The Cast: Hugh Jackman, Jake Gyllenhaal, Viola Davis, Maria Bello, Terrence Howard, Melissa Leo, Paul Dano

What It's About: After two girls are abducted in Pennsylvania, a suspect is released back to the public, and one of the fathers decides to take matters into his own hands and hunt him down.

Why It's One Of The Best Movies On Max: I personally think Prisoners is one of Hugh Jackman’s best performances, and you will be riveted by the end of it. The movie is thrilling from beginning to end.

Stream Prisoners on Max.

A Different Man (2024)

The Director: Aaron Schimberg

The Cast: Sebastian Stan, Renate Reinsve, Adam Pearson

What It's About: A man with Neurofibromatosis undergoes a surgery to change his face forever only for the procedure to bring up past insecurities.

Why It's One Of The Best Movies On Max: A24 rarely misses when it comes to many of their dramatic films, and A Different Man is right up there with its compelling story and incredible lead performance from Sebastian Stan. It even won the Golden Globe for Best Performance by a Male Actor - Musical or Comedy in 2025.

• Stream A Different Man on Max.

Powerful, Emotional Dramas

For the dramas that make you laugh, cry, and more…

The Florida Project (2017)

The Director: Sean Baker

The Cast: Willem Dafoe, Brooklynn Kimberly Prince, Bria Vinaite, Valeria Cotto, Christopher Rivera, Caleb Landry Jones

What It's About: The Florida Project mainly focuses on the daily life of a six-year-old girl as she and her mother struggle not to become homeless in Kissimmee, Florida while also simultaneously living close to Disney World.

Why It's One Of The Best Movies On Max: Since Sean Baker recently swept the 2025 Academy Awards for his film Anora, I think it’s time to check out one of his lesser-known films from A24. It’s emotional in all the right ways and beautiful, as well.

• Stream The Florida Project on Max.

Taxi Driver (1976)

The Director: Martin Scorsese

The Cast: Robert De Niro, Jodie Foster, Albert Brooks, Harvey Keitel, Leonard Harris, Peter Boyle, Cybill Shepherd

What It's About: Travis Bickle is a former Marine who takes a job as a taxi driver in New York City, and as the world around him continues to crumble, so does his mental state.

Why It's One Of The Best Movies On Max: I mean, I think if you think of Martin Scorsese, there are a few films that instantly come to mind for the brilliant director, and Taxi Driver is one of them. It’s an iconic movie with even better performances and if for some reason you haven’t seen it, you need to check it out now.

• Stream Taxi Driver on Max.

The Imitation Game (2014)

The Director: Morten Tyldum

The Cast: Benedict Cumberbatch, Keira Knightley, Matthew Goode, Rory Kinnear, Charles Dance, Mark Strong

What It's About: Based on the autobiography, Alan Turing: The Enigma, this film follows the story of the real-life game cryptanalyst Alan Turing and how he and a team decrypted German intelligence messages and essentially created one of the world’s first modern computers.

Why It's One Of The Best Movies On Max: Nominated for several awards in many different ceremonies, The Imitation Game is one of those films that really captures your interest the moment you watch it, and by the end, you’ve not only learned something new but want to learn more after.

• Stream The Imitation Game on Max.

The Color Purple (2023)

The Director: Blitz Bazawule

The Cast: Taraji P. Henson, Danielle Brooks, Colman Domingo, Corey Hawkins

What It's About: Based on the stage musical of the same name, which is based on the 1982 novel, The Color Purple is a movie musical about the life of Celie, an African American woman in the early 1900s trying to make a life for herself over time and dealing with domestic abuse at home.

Why It's One Of The Best Movies On Max: The movie earned several Academy Award nominations, and features some of the best performances of 2023. You have to check it out if you love musicals.

• Stream The Color Purple on Max.

King Richard (2021) 

The Director: Reinaldo Marcus Green

The Cast: Will Smith, Aunjanue Ellis, Saniyya Sidney, Demi Singleton, Tony Goldwyn, Jon Bernthal

What It's About: King Richard tells the story of Richard Williams (Smith), the father of famous tennis duo, Serena and Venus Williams, and the struggles he went through to see his daughters become the best tennis players in the world.

Why It's One Of The Best Movies On Max: Starring Academy Award-winner Will Smith, King Richard features the actor in his best role, and is the story that shows the beautiful kind of resilience that we all need.

• Stream King Richard on Max.

Priscilla (2023)

The Director: Sofia Coppola

The Cast: Cailee Spaeny, Jacob Elordi

What It's About: Priscilla is a biographical drama that tells the story of Priscilla Presley, the legendary wife of Elvis Presley, following the tale of how they met, fell in love, and navigated their complicated relationship until their divorce.

Why It's One Of The Best Movies On Max: The movie received critical praise for its acting performances and Spaeny shines as Priscilla.

• Stream Priscilla on Max.

Sully (2016)

The Director: Clint Eastwood

The Cast: Tom Hanks, Aaron Eckhart, Laura Linney

What It's About: Based on the inspiring true story, Sully tells the story of real-life pilot Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger and how he saved all the passengers of his flight when he had to make an emergency landing on the Hudson River.

Why It's One Of The Best Movies On Max: When I first saw Sully back in 2016, it was one of those films that really opened my eyes to a story that I didn’t fully know, and it’s a quick movie that flies by while also delivering compelling performances from its cast.

• Stream Sully on Max.

Romantic Rendezvous

From dramatic romances to funny ones, these are the romance movies for you:

We Live In Time (2024)

The Director: John Crowley

The Cast: Andrew Garfield, Florence Pugh

What It's About: We Live In Time follows the love story of two people who meet on a whim, and their beautiful and heartbreaking love story.

Why It's One Of The Best Movies On Max: We Live In Time utterly broke me when it first came out back in October 2024 and I was seriously shocked it wasn’t up for more awards, because it’s one of those films that just sits with you and makes you think about the beauty in your life, and to learn to enjoy every second that you can, because you never know when it will be taken from you. So beautiful in so many ways.

• Stream We Live in Time on Max.

Eat Pray Love (2010)

The Director: Ryan Murphy

The Cast: Julia Roberts, James Franco, Richard Jenkins, Viola Davis, Billy Crudup, Javier Bardem

What It's About: Based on the memoir of the same name, Eat Pray Love follows a woman who looks for fulfillment in life after ending her marriage, and decides to travel the world.

Why It's One Of The Best Movies On Max: I think if you’re ever looking for something that’s romantic but also has a touch of self-love as well, this is the movie for you. You can’t get much better than Julia Roberts in a romantic drama.

• Stream Eat Pray Love on Max.

Love Lies Bleeding (2024)

The Director: Rose Glass

The Cast: Kristen Stewart, Katy O’Brian

What It's About: Love Lies Bleeding follows a young woman who owns a gym but is secretly part of a huge crime family. She gets tangled up in a romantic relationship with a female bodybuilder, and drama ensues once the bodybuilder finds out what is going on.

Why It's One Of The Best Movies On Max: Love Lies Bleeding features an amazing LGBTQ+ storyline that somehow breaks barriers and also keeps you on the edge of your seat the entire time. Plus, Stewart and O’Brian’s acting is top tier.

• Stream Love Lies Bleeding on Max.

Casablanca (1942)

The Director: Michael Curtiz

The Cast: Humphrey Bogart, Ingred Bergman

What It's About: An American expatriate who runs a successful nightclub in Casablanca, Morocco, is given a second shot at redemption and love when his old flame waltzes back into his life and asks him to help her fugitive husband escape the Nazis once and for all.

Why It's One Of The Best Movies On Max: One of the greatest films to ever win Best Picture at the Academy Awards, Casablanca has it all: drama, romance, action, and one of the most quotable lines ever. I mean, do you need me to go on?

• Stream Casablanca on Max.

Crazy Rich Asians (2018)

The Director: Jon M. Chu

The Cast: Constance Wu, Henry Golding, Gemma Chan, Lisa Lu, Awkwafina, Ken Jeong, Michelle Yeoh

What It's About: A Chinese-American professor travels to Singapore with her boyfriend only to find out that his family over there isn’t normal – they are incredibly rich.

Why It's One Of The Best Movies On Max: I think Crazy Rich Asians is one of those films that everyone has to watch at least once. The romance in it is top-tier, with some expert-level chemistry and acting, but the comedy aspect is really what makes it so great. Plus, the cast is outstanding.

• Stream Crazy Rich Asians on Max.

Pretty Woman (1990)

The Director: Garry Marshall

The Cast: Richard Gere, Julia Roberts

What It's About: Pretty Woman is a rom-com that follows the story of a rich man hiring a sex worker for a week in order to pretend to be his date for several upcoming social events, and the relationship that grows from there.

Why It's One Of The Best Movies On Max: Pretty Woman is hands down one of Julia Roberts’ best romantic comedies, and features one of the best romances on the big screen, mixed in with some steamy chemistry.

• Stream Pretty Woman on Max.

Fun Comedies

Get ready for your tummy to hurt from laughing so much:

Modern Times (1936)

The Director: Charlie Chaplin

The Cast: Charlie Chaplin, Paulette Goddard, Henry Bergman

What It's About: Charlie Chaplin’s 1936 silent movie classic, Modern Times, follows the Tramp (Chaplin) as he attempts to make sense of the technologically-advanced world around him and stay out of trouble, failing at both.

Why It's One Of The Best Movies On Max: I mean, it’s Charlie Chaplin. How can I not recommend him? There are some of his other films on the platform but I’ll always stand by Modern Times as the best.

• Stream Modern Times on Max.

The Hangover (2009)

The Director: Todd Phillips

The Cast: Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis, Heather Graham, Justin Bartha, Jeffrey Tambor

What It's About: When a bachelor party goes wrong and the groom winds up missing, it’s up to three groomsmen teaming up together to look for him across Las Vegas before the wedding.

Why It's One Of The Best Movies On Max: It’s The Hangover. It’s pretty much considered one of the best comedy movies of the 2000s. I would be a fool not to recommend it to you. It’s hilarious and great to watch with friends.

Stream The Hangover on Max.

• Stream The Hangover on Max.

Teen Wolf (1985)

The Director: Rod Daniel

The Cast: Michael J. Fox, James Hampton, Scott Paulin, Susan Ursitti, Jerry Levine, Jay Tarses

What It's About: A teenager suddenly finds his ordinary world turned upside down when he turns into a werewolf.

Why It's One Of The Best Movies On Max: I mean, I think when we remember the most iconic films of the 1980s, Teen Wolf is probably up there for it being one of Michael J. Fox’s biggest movies. It’s funny, a great coming-of-age story, and honestly one that plenty of people can enjoy – and it’s not even scary.

• Stream Teen Wolf on Max.

Keanu (2016)

The Director: Peter Atencio

The Cast: Jordan Peele, Keegan-Michael Key, Method Man, Luis Guzman, Nia Long, Will Forte

What It's About: Two cousins go on the ultimate adventure when a kitten is stolen and they do anything to get him back – including getting tangled up with criminals.

Why It's One Of The Best Movies On Max: This movie is so. Freaking. Funny. I stand by it every time I watch it because I think Peele and Key just have the best chemistry out there. Anyone who hasn’t seen it needs to.

• Stream Keanu on Max.

Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World (2010)

The Director: Edgar Wright

The Cast: Michael Cera, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Kieran Culkin, Chris Evans, Anna Kendrick, Alison Pill, Brandon Routh, Jason Schwartzman

What It's About: Based on the graphic novel of the same name, the titular character, Scott Pilgrim, must face off against the seven evil exes in order to be with his new girlfriend, Ramona Flowers.

Why It's One Of The Best Movies On Max: This film is an absolute classic, especially now fifteen years later. The action is fun, the comedy is great, and it’s an all-around entertaining time.

• Stream Scott Pilgrim vs. The World on Max.

Intense Horrors

These are the kinds of horrors that you might want to leave the light on for:

Evil Dead Rise (2023)

The Director: Lee Cronin

The Cast: Lily Sullivan, Alyssa Sutherland, Morgan Davies, Gabrielle Echols, Nell Fisher

What It's About: Evil Dead Rise is the latest installment in the Evil Dead franchise, this time following the story of a mother who is possessed by the Deadites in that famed demonic book, and causing chaos for her sister and children on the same night.

Why It's One Of The Best Movies On Max: The film was a critical success – and even if you haven’t seen an Evil Dead movie before, this one is good for a solo watch for any horror fan.

• Stream Evil Dead Rise on Max.

MaXXXine (2024)

The Director: Ti West

The Cast: Mia Goth, Elizabeth Debicki, Moses Sumney, Michelle Monaghan

What It's About: The final part of the X trilogy, MaXXXine follows Maxine as she makes her way to Hollywood and finds herself in the middle of someone else’s killing spree – someone who is looking to kill her next.

Why It's One Of The Best Movies On Max: You could check out X or Pearl prior, but MaXXXine takes the gore to another level and is fun as heck.

• Stream MaXXXine on Max.

The Conjuring (2013)

The Director: James Wan

The Cast: Vera Farmiga, Patrick Wilson, Ron Livingsgon, Lili Taylor

What It's About: Based on the real-life haunts, The Conjuring tells the story of Ed and Lorraine Warren, two paranormal investigators, and their experience in a house on Rhode Island that is overcome with disturbing events.

Why It's One Of The Best Movies On Max: I remember when The Conjuring first released back in 2013, it was all everyone could talk about, and now, The Conjuring universe is still going strong, twelve years later, with a final film releasing in 2025, The Conjuring: Last Rites. You should certainly check it out if you haven’t yet for the frights.

• Stream The Conjuring on Max.

Sinister (2012)

The Director: Scott Derrickson

The Cast: Ethan Hawke, Juliet Rylance, Fred Thompson, James Ransone

What It's About: Sinister is a horror film that follows the story of a true-crime writer who begins to experience supernatural events after moving his family into a new home, only to find out that there’s more to this house than he thought, including plenty of murder.

Why It's One Of The Best Movies On Max: Sinister is certainly one of Ethan Hawke’s best movies, but truthfully you should just watch it for how utterly horrifying this film is and how quickly it gets under your skin.

• Stream Sinister on Max.

Not So Intense Horrors

For the ones who need a light horror day:

Child’s Play (1988)

The Director: Thomas Lee Holland

The Cast: Catherine Hicks, Chris Sarandon

What It's About: The ghost of a serial killer possesses a doll, and soon, that new doll is unknowingly gifted to a young boy, which causes nothing but chaos.

Why It's One Of The Best Movies On Max: I know that at first glance you might wonder why I put Child’s Play in the “Not So Intense Horror” section but truthfully the first movie isn’t that scary. It’s not as gory or bloody as later Child’s Play movies, and the film is scary in a delightful way and enjoyable for those who want more subdued horror.

• Stream Child’s Play on Max.

The Lighthouse (2019)

The Director: Robert Eggers

The Cast: Robert Pattinson, Willem Dafoe

What It's About: The Lighthouse follows the story of two lighthouse keepers in the nineteenth century, and how a storm one night changes their lives forever.

Why It's One Of The Best Movies On Max: Look, this is a Robert Eggers film. That means you know it’ll be visually stunning but also trippy as heck and will certainly make you say “huh?” a couple times while watching. But let me tell you that this is the kind of horror that is not aimed to scare, but make you uncomfortable and freaked out. And I eat it up each time I watch it.

• Stream The Lighthouse on Max.

I Saw The TV Glow (2024)

The Director: Jane Schoenbrun

The Cast: Justice Smith, Bridgette Lundy-Paine, Helena Howard

What It's About: I Saw The TV Glow follows two high school students who bond over their connection to a children’s show that they love, but things in their lives begin to take a turn when the show is cancelled.

Why It's One Of The Best Movies On Max: As I said before, A24 doesn’t miss with its horror movies, so this is a great pick for those who want that scary feeling but don’t want to be completely horrified by the end of it.

• Stream I Saw The TV Glow on Max.

The Killing Of A Sacred Deer (2017)

The Director: Yorgos Lanthimos

The Cast: Colin Farrell, Nicole Kidman, Barry Keoghan

What It's About: The Killing of a Sacred Deer follows how the lives of a teenage boy and a cardiac surgeon begin to twist in unexpected ways, but things take a turn when the family of the surgeon begins to fall ill, one by one.

Why It's One Of The Best Movies On Max: Yorgos Lanthimos directed this film so it really does have some crazy visuals and twists throughout it. Truly one of a kind and not too scary but scary enough.

• Stream The Killing of a Sacred Deer on Max.

Black Swan (2010)

The Director: Darren Aronofsky

The Cast: Natalie Portman, Mila Kunis, Vincent Cassel, Winona Ryder

What It's About: Black Swan captures the essence of a ballerina slowly losing her mind as she becomes obsessed with perfection regarding her starring role as the Black Swan in the stage production of Swan Lake.

Why It's One Of The Best Movies On Max: Natalie Portman won the Academy Award for Best Actress because of her performance in Black Swan. Truly a great performance.

• Stream Black Swan on Max.

Heroes And Villains Galore

It’s a bird, it’s a plane - nope, it’s some exciting superhero (or villain) movies!

The Batman (2022)

The Director: Matt Reeves

The Cast: Robert Pattinson, Zoë Kravitz, Paul Dano, Jeffrey Wright

What It's About: Bruce has been fighting crime for two years in Gotham City, and now must uncover corruption as the Riddler (Paul Dano) wreaks havoc on the wealthy.

Why It's One Of The Best Movies On Max: It’s certainly one of the best live-action Batman movies out there, and there’s a sequel on the way, so you might as well check out the first.

• Stream The Batman on Max.

Superman I And II (1978, 1981)

The Director: Richard Donner and Richard Lester

The Cast: Christopher Reeve, Margot Kidder, Gene Hackman, Marlon Brando, Ned Beatty

What It's About: The movies, considered some of the best Superman movies ever, star Christopher Reeve as the beloved DC superhero, telling the origin story of Superman, from his time as a young child on Krypton to his crime-fighting days against Lex Luthor.

Why It's One Of The Best Movies On Max: If you want a pure superhero movie with a lot of heart, not crazy CGI, and good acting, these are some of the best out there and ones you need to check out.

• Stream Superman on Max.
• Stream Superman II on Max.

The Dark Knight (2008)

The Director: Christopher Nolan

The Cast: Christian Bale, Heath Ledger, Michael Caine, Gary Oldman, Aaron Eckhart, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Morgan Freeman

What It's About: The second movie in the Nolan Batman trilogy, The Dark Knight follows Batman as he forms an alliance with lawmakers in order to take down the Joker.

Why It's One Of The Best Movies On Max: What can I say about this film that hasn’t already been said as to why you should watch it? It’s The Dark Knight. Ledger’s performance is incomparable and the film is full of action and great lines. Give it a watch.

• Stream The Dark Knight on Max.

Blue Beetle (2023)

The Director: Ángel Manuel Soto

The Cast: Xolo Maridueña, Adriana Barraza, Damián Alcázar, Raoul Max Trujillo, Susan Sarandon, George Lopez

What It's About: Blue Beetle follows the story of Jaime Reyes, a young man trying to help out his family in their time of need, but when he touches an ancient Scarab and it fuses with him, it gives him the powers of the Blue Beetle – a moment that will change his life forever.

Why It's One Of The Best Movies On Max: Many other heroes in the upcoming DC universe formed by James Gunn haven’t made the cut, but Blue Beetle will. Now is the best time to check out the film.

• Stream Blue Beetle on Max.

Deadpool (2016)

The Director: Tim Miller

The Cast: Ryan Reynolds, Morena Baccarin, Ed Skrein, T.J. Miller, Gina Carano

What It's About: Deadpool is the first film in the Deadpool franchise, following a mercenary who is diagnosed with cancer and undergoes a treatment that’s supposed to cure him but ends up giving him superpowers that change his life for the worse. Now, he uses it to fight against evildoers and find the person who did this to him.

Why It's One Of The Best Movies On Max: Ryan Reynolds is perfect as Deadpool and with the third film out, now is the best time to check out the original.

• Stream Deadpool on Max.

Joker (2019)

The Director: Todd Phillips

The Cast: Joaquin Phoenix, Robert De Niro, Zazie Beetz

What It's About: Joker tells the origin story of how Arthur Fleck donned that famous face paint and ended up becoming a symbol for all of crime in Gotham City, through his own madness.

Why It's One Of The Best Movies On Max: Joker earned Phoenix an Academy Award for Best Actor and was one of the highest-grossing R-rated films ever. Truly a great one to watch. You could check out the sequel on Max as well but I prefer to stick to the original.

• Stream Joker on Max.

Action Galore

These are the picks that will get your heart racing!

Elevation (2024)

The Director: George Nolfi

The Cast: Anthony Mackie, Morena Baccarin, Maddie Hasson

What It's About: When the life of a young boy is threatened, a single father and two women go on an incredibly perilous journey in order to save him, leaving behind the safety of their elevated community to travel into the depths of danger beneath them.

Why It's One Of The Best Movies On Max: I feel like no one knows about Elevation. The movie came out during a time where there were a lot of other big movies at the box office and it wasn’t marketed as much. But it’s an enjoyable thriller with a lot of action going for it.

• Stream Elevation on Max.

Speed (1994)

The Director: Jan de Bont

The Cast: Keanu Reeves, Dennis Hopper, Sandra Bullock, Joe Morton, Jeff Daniels

What It's About: This iconic action thriller tells the story of a city bus that is set to explode if the speed drops below 50 mph, so now an LAPD officer has to figure out how to save the people on board.

Why It's One Of The Best Movies On Max: I really think that Speed is one of the best action movies out there. When I think of high-paced action, I think of this film. It’s a great movie to check out on a random Saturday night.

• Stream Speed on Max.

Bad Boys (1995)

The Director: Michael Bay

The Cast: Martin Lawrence, Will Smith, Tea Leoni, Tcheky Karyo

What It's About: Bad Boys is a buddy-comedy movie about two detectives who are trying to investigate a huge drug case but get entangled into protecting a woman after she sees someone murdered.

Why It's One Of The Best Movies On Max: There’s a reason why there have been so many of these films over the last two decades (five and counting). You just can’t help but enjoy Lawrence and Smith’s hilarious chemistry and performances.

• Stream Bad Boys on Max.

Greenland (2020)

The Director: Ric Roman Waugh

The Cast: Gerard Butler, Morena Baccarin Roger Dale Floyd, Scott Glenn, David Denman, Hope Davis

What It's About: When a comet is coming that will destroy the Earth, a family races against time in order to get to an evacuation point so they can somehow survive.

Why It's One Of The Best Movies On Max: There are some great modern-day apocalypse movies and I do think Greenland is one of those. While it doesn’t do anything new – as we’ve all seen the films that follow someone trying to survive a planet-killing comet – it’s fun acting, action, and the effects are great as well. I would fully recommend it.

• Stream Greenland on Max.

The Boondock Saints (1999)

The Director: Troy Duffy

The Cast: Sean Patrick Flanery, Norman Reedus, Willem Dafoe

What It's About: Two Irish twin brothers become vigilantes after they kill members of the Russian mafia up in Boston.

Why It's One Of The Best Movies On Max: This film is just fun. That’s the best way I can describe it. It’s a fun, action-paced film with scenes that are so packed with violence that it’ll almost make you laugh but damn, do I love watching it.

• Stream The Boondock Saints on Max.

Fun For The Whole Family

These are great for the parents and the kids!

Flow (2024)

The Director: Glints Zilbalodis

The Cast: N/A

What It's About: A cat tries to survive alongside its animal companions in a world where the water level is rising and no one is there to help them.

Why It's One Of The Best Movies On Max: This film is honestly one of the best of 2024. It won the 2025 Academy Award for Best Animated Feature and comes from one of the few independent film studios to ever do so. It’s incredibly well-animated and the fact that it tells a story so well without any dialogue is fascinating.

• Stream Flow on Max.

Mrs. Doubtfire (1993)

The Director: Chris Columbus

The Cast: Robin Williams, Sally Field, Pierce Brosnan, Harvey Fiernstein, Robert Prosky

What It's About: When a divorced dad wants to see his kids, he decides to disguise himself as a female nanny and housekeeper and work in his old home undercover.

Why It's One Of The Best Movies On Max: When you’re talking about Robin Williams’ best movies, Mrs. Doubtfire is always high on that list for his hilarious comedic timing and the heartwarming story that comes from it. Definitely check it out if you haven’t ever seen it.

• Stream Mrs. Doubtfire on Max.

Ghostbusters (1984)

The Director: Ivan Reitman

The Cast: Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Sigourney Weaver, Harold Ramis, Rick Moranis

What It's About: A group of men work as parapsychologists and begin a ghost-catching business in New York City to take on the paranormal problem.

Why It's One Of The Best Movies On Max: Who you gonna call? Ghostbusters! As someone who did watch this film as a kid, it’s fully safe for the whole family and is a ton of fun. And I’m sure that after, you’ll end up watching every Ghostbusters movie after.

• Stream Ghostbusters on Max.

Matilda (1996)

The Director: Danny DeVito

The Cast: Mara Wilson, Danny DeVito, Rhea Pearlman, Embeth Davidtz, Pam Ferris

What It's About: Based on the novel of the same name, Matilda follows the story of a young girl with psychokinetic abilities who uses them to not only deal with her family but with the bad principal of her school.

Why It's One Of The Best Movies On Max: Matilda is probably one of the most classic kids films that you could see. The magic is fun, the acting is enjoyable, and of course, Mara Wilson is adorable as Matilda.

• Stream Matilda on Max.

Barbie (2023)

The Director: Greta Gerwig

The Cast: Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling, America Ferrera

What It's About: Barbie follows everyone’s favorite doll as she enters the human world to find the girl she is connected to in order to help her. If she doesn’t, Barbie will turn more human-like by the day.

Why It's One Of The Best Movies On Max: Considered one of the best movies of 2023, Barbie inspires a celebration of girlhood, love, and the beautiful life that we all take for granted most days.

• Stream Barbie on Max.

Hayao Miyazaki Movies

All of the films you see below were directed by legendary anime film director, Hayao Miyazaki. All of which are great for parents and for kids. Personally, my favorites have been Spirited Away and Howl’s Moving Castle for a long time, both featuring beautiful stories, but the 2023 Academy Award-winning The Boy and the Heron is a must-watch as well.

• Stream Howl’s Moving Castle on Max.
• Stream Spirited Away on Max.
• Stream The Boy and the Heron on Max.

Megamind (2010)

The Director: Tom McGrath

The Cast: Will Ferrell, Tina Fey, Jonah Hill, David Cross, Brad Pitt

What It's About: When a villain beats his nemesis, he decides to create a new hero to fight, but when the hero ends up becoming worse than he could ever imagine, it’s up to Megamind to stop him.

Why It's One Of The Best Movies On Max: You know, I think Megamind was ahead of its time. It was successful back then but has only become more of a cult classic now, and people love to look back on it with fond memories.

• Stream Megamind on Max.

Paddington (2014)

The Director: Paul King

The Cast: Hugh Bonneville, Sally Hawkins, Julie Walters, Jim Broadbent, Peter Capaldi, Nicole Kidman, Ben Whishaw

What It's About: Based on the fictional character of the same name, Paddington follows a bear who migrates to London and is adopted by a family there, while a taxidermist looks to add him to her collection and will stop at nothing to achieve it.

Why It's One Of The Best Movies On Max: Paddington has always been praised as one of the best family films out there for a reason. It’s emotional, funny, and teaches good lessons, and is quite successful, with a sequel and a third movie releasing soon.

• Stream Paddington on Max.

Mamma Mia! (2008)

The Director: Phyllida Lloyd

The Cast: Meryl Streep, Amanda Seyfried, Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth, Stellan Skarsgard

What It's About: Mamma Mia! is a jukebox musical comedy that is based on the Broadway musical of the same name and uses ABBA music to tell the story of Sophie. You see, Sophie is getting married, but she’s never met her biological dad, so she has no one to walk her down the aisle.To do this, she decides to invite all three possible choices and figure out who it is for herself.

Why It's One Of The Best Movies On Max: The premise itself is hysterical, but truthfully, this film is the perfect one to watch to get yourself up on your feet and dancing while also swooning at all of the romance.

• Stream Mamma Mia! on Max.

Sherlock Holmes (2009)

The Director: Guy Ritchie

The Cast: Robert Downey Jr., Jude Law, Rachel McAdams

What It's About: Based on the iconic fictional character of the same name, Sherlock Holmes tells the story of Holmes and his partner, Watson, as they investigate the crimes of someone who was thought to be dead.

Why It's One Of The Best Movies On Max: While these films can get a little action-packed, I watched this with my entire family and it was a heck of a fun time, and who doesn’t want to see Holmes kick some butt?

• Stream Sherlock Holmes on Max.

How To Train Your Dragon (2010)

The Director: Chris Sanders, Dean DeBlois

The Cast: Jay Baruchel, Gerard Butler, Craig Ferguson, America Ferrera

What It's About: This animated DreamWorks masterpiece follows the story of Hiccup, a Viking, who is somehow able to tame – and learn to ride – the most vicious dragon after he injures it, in a world where Vikings slay dragons.

Why It's One Of The Best Movies On Max: A new live-action version of How To Train Your Dragon is releasing in 2025, so you might as well check out what made the original trilogy such a great one.

• Stream How To Train Your Dragon on Max.

Thrilling, Twisty, And Exciting Sci-Fi

Sci-fi that will truly make you question everything and anything:

Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire (2024)

The Director: Adam Wingard

The Cast: Rebecca Hall, Brian Tyree Henry, Dan Stevens, Keylee Hottle, Alex Ferns, Fala Chen

What It's About: In this sequel to Godzilla vs. Kong, King Kong must unite with Godzilla in order to prevent even bigger monsters, the Skar King and Shimo, from invading Earth.

Why It's One Of The Best Movies On Max: I mean, it’s Godzilla and King Kong. You can’t really get more sci-fi than these two. Is it a big CGI monster fun-fest? Of course it is – but that’s what you sign up for with these epic films, and it’s fun as heck.

• Stream Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire on Max.

Everything Everywhere All At Once (2022)

The Director: Daniel Kwan, Daneil Scheinert

The Cast: Michelle Yeoh, Stephanie Hsu, Ke Huy Quan, Jamie Lee Curtis

What It's About: The movie, starring Michelle Yeoh, follows the story of a Chinese-American immigrant who goes on a wild ride when parallel universe versions of herself say that she is the answer to stopping a powerful being from taking over – and destroying – the multiverse.

Why It's One Of The Best Movies On Max: The premise is silly, but the film swept at the Academy Awards and won Best Picture, and personally, it’s one of my favorites.

• Stream Everything Everywhere All At Once on Max.

The Martian (2015)

The Director: Ridley Scott

The Cast: Matt Damon, Jessica Chastain, Kristen Wiig, Jeff Daniels

What It's About: The Martian, based on the novel of the same name and directed by Ridley Scott, follows the story of an astronaut who is left behind on Mars, while also simultaneously following the people whose task is to get him back safely.

Why It's One Of The Best Movies On Max: The Martian cast is insanely talented, but Matt Damon knocks it out of the park with this one. Truly a great space movie.

• Stream The Martian on Max.

Men In Black (1997)

The Director: Barry Sonnenfeld

The Cast: Will Smith, Tommy Lee Jones, Linda Fiorentino, Vincent D’Onofrio, Rip Torn

What It's About: Two MIB agents, one a veteran and one a newbie, investigate a series of criminal incidents related to space creatures that have been invading Earth, all of which are finding ways to live among the people. All of them lead to one major alien that is causing a lot more harm than good.

Why It's One Of The Best Movies On Max: I feel like any time you think of Will Smith, his role in Men In Black is always one of the first you think of. He’s hilarious in the movie and, with three films in the franchise with the actor a part of it, it’s seriously one of his best roles.

• Stream Men In Black on Max.

2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)

The Director: Stanley Kubrick

The Cast: Keir Dullea, Gary Lockwood

What It's About: 2001: A Space Odyssey is probably one of the most iconic movies of all time. The film follows a group of space explorers consisting of astronauts and scientists in order to look into an alien monolith, but the adventure isn’t as seamless as you would expect.

Why It's One Of The Best Movies On Max: While the film itself can be a little confusing, it’s considered one of the best movies of all time, so I’d highly suggest checking it out.

• Stream 2001: A Space Odyssey.

Fantasy Spectaculars

When you just want to escape to a magic world:

Dune And Dune: Part 2 (2021, 2024)

The Director: Denis Villeneuve

The Cast: Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Dave Bautista

What It's About: In this 2021 adaptation of the famous science-fiction novel, Dune stars an amazing ensemble cast and tells the story of Paul Atreidas (Timothée Chalamet), who sets out on a dangerous journey in order to find a way to save his family and his people, with Part 2 continuing the epic saga and taking the audience members on a journey unlike any other.

Why It's One Of The Best Movies On Max: The new Dune movies truly took over the world when they came out and introduced plenty of people to this fantasy world. Such fun films.

• Stream Dune on Max.
• Stream Dune: Part 2 on Max.

The Harry Potter Films (2001 – 2011)

The Director: Chris Columbus, Alfonso Cuaron, Mike Newell, David Yates

The Cast: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson

What It's About: For those who don’t know (which would be pretty shocking but either way), the Harry Potter film franchise is based on the novels of the same name and follows a boy wizard named Harry Potter and his adventures at a magical school named Hogwarts, where he trains to use magic and, eventually, take on the Dark Lord himself, Voldemort.

Why It's One Of The Best Movies On Max: Harry Potter is a franchise that is still going to this day, but the original eight films raised an entire generation of Potterheads and make us all feel like going home when we hear the word ‘Hogwarts.’

• Stream the Harry Potter films on Max.

The Lord Of The Rings Trilogy (2001 - 2003)

The Director: Peter Jackson

The Cast: Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, Liv Tyler, Viggo Mortensen, Sean Astin, Cate Blanchett

What It's About: An unsuspecting Hobbit embarks upon a perilous journey to hell on earth to destroy the One Ring, an incredibly dangerous instrument that grants its bearer great power while also corrupting their mind and body.

Why It's One Of The Best Movies On Max: Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings trilogy remains a landmark cinematic experience even 24 years after it first took audiences to Middle Earth at the turn of the 21st century.

• Stream The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring on Max.
• Stream The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers on Max.
• Stream The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King on Max.

The Lord Of The Rings: The War Of The Rohirrim (2024)

The Director: Kenji Kamiyama

The Cast: Brian Cox, Gaia Wise, Luke Pasqualino, Laurence Ubong Williams, Lorraine Ashborne, Miranda Otto

What It's About: Set before the Lord of the Rings movies, this film documents the story of King Helm Hammerhand, and how he begins a war by unintentionally killing the leader of an opposing faction, leading to bloodshed.

Why It's One Of The Best Movies On Max: Look, if you like The Lord of the Rings movies, you’re going to like this one. The animation is utterly beautiful, with an anime style that is perfected so wonderfully it’ll make you want to watch more anime after. Plus, there’s much more to love about the film, and I would fully suggest watching it, even if you’re not fully aware of all the fantasy aspects.

• Stream The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim on Max.

Wonka (2023)

The Director: Paul King

The Cast: Timothée Chalamet, Calah Lane, Keegan-Michael Key, Paterson Joseph, Matt Lucas

What It's About: Based on the fictional character of the same name, Wonka is the origin story of Willy Wonka, the famous chocolatier, and how he struggles to get his passion project up and running in the face of the Chocolate Mafia.

Why It's One Of The Best Movies On Max: Yes, I know that premise sounds wacky but this film is honestly a fun time. Chalamet gives a hilarious but sweet performance, the music mixes well with the fantasy, and it has a lot of heart – and yes, you will be craving chocolate after.

• Stream Wonka on Max.

The Wizard of Oz (1939)

The Director: Victor Fleming

The Cast: Judy Garland, Frank Morgan, Ray Bolger, Bert Lahr, Jack Haley

What It's About: A young girl is transported from a dusty farm in Kansas to the technicolor dreamland of Oz where she must defeat a wicked witch if she wants to ever see home again.

Why It's One Of The Best Movies On Max: To this day, The Wizard of Oz remains one of the most fantastical cinematic experiences and continues to enchant audiences of all ages.

• Stream The Wizard of Oz on Max.

All of these movies and more are available to anyone with a Max subscription. This list will change as the months go by so make sure to bookmark this page and check back for all future updates.

Vanessa Hudgens could be considered the queen of many things; she rules Netflix Christmas movies, in the 2010s she was the queen of Coachella, and she was a princess of Disney Channel. But one thing she’s consistently been a queen of is Halloween. Every year she rocks spooky season with her elaborate costumes, and this year’s festivities began with a Natalie Portman-Inspired look.

The actress always goes hard for Halloween, and this year, she and her friend GG Magree took inspiration from Portman’s Academy Award-winning performance in Black Swan. The duo dressed up as Portman and Mila Kunis’ characters The Swan Queen and The Black Swan, respectively, check it out: 

These looks are iconic, and such a clever idea. Personally, I think this is such a unique, yet recognizable costume. Hudgens and Magree’s poses are so fun, and the costumes are impeccable. They for sure did one of Natalie Portman’s best movies justice. 

I also find this idea so genius, because it’s an unconventional scary costume. Black Swan is a psychological thriller that is honestly scary, and while it’s not what you’d likely consider for Halloween, it’s a fitting movie and costume idea for the spooky season. 

Hudgens has a history of iconic costumes, she always rocks multiple elaborate looks throughout Hallo-week, and posts lots of spooky content throughout the month of October. In the past she’s dressed up as the Black Widow (not the Avenger), a witchy version of the Bring it On cheerleaders, Catwoman in a full leather outfit, a gothic queen, and a cabaret-inspired look, and that’s not even scratching the surface of Hudgens’ history of epic costumes. 

She’s also written about how much she loves Halloween, captioning one post from 2020, with: 

You know when Hudgens’ Instagram goes black and white, we’re in for a treat, because she truly thrives during the haunted month. 

The High School Musical actress has also spoken about how she thinks she’s able to communicate with ghosts. She said she’s always seen things, and eventually came around to accepting it, calling it a “gift.” When you add this on to her love for Halloween, it totally makes sense why she is living her best life every October.

While this is Hudgens' month, she also rules December. The actress has starred in four-holiday movies for Netflix that are all extremely popular. From the Princess Switch movies to the stand-alone The Knight Before Christmas the actress has a plethora of festive films to check out after the spooky season is over. 

However, that’s me getting a bit ahead of myself. Hudgens’ Halloween is just getting started. The actress always has an epic lineup of costumes, and this Black Swan look is only the beginning. 

You can always go back on the actress’ Instagram for some Halloween inspo. Or you can watch High School Musical with a Disney+ subscription, and dress up as one of Hudgens’ most iconic characters. You can also check out CinemaBelnd's guides for more costume ideas, from early 2000s fits to costumes inspired by some of the most popular moves of the year. 

There have been six horror movies nominated for Best Picture. Six! That may seem like a lot given how horror movies are often seen as schlocky affairs, but when you compare it to something like dramas, then movies like Get Out, Jaws, and The Exorcist seem super few and far between.

And it just makes me wonder, why? Does a horror movie really have to be an art house film for it be considered worthy of the Academy Award? There was a time when all a musical really had to do was show up that year and be nominated for Best Picture. The same could be said for war movies. The truth is, the Academy seems blatantly biased against certain genres, like fantasy, sci-fi, and yes, horror. But it seems to love dour affairs like Nomadland, which yeah, is good, but do you know what’s also really good? Hereditary! Well, anyway, rant over. Here are all 6 Best Picture nominated horror movies, based on how scary they are.

Oh, and some spoilers up ahead.

6. The Silence of the Lambs (1991)

The only horror movie to ever win Best Picture, do you know how unscary The Silence of the Lambs is? So unscary, that many people don’t even consider it a horror movie at all. They consider it “a thriller." I don’t know if that’s to discredit horror as a genre or what, but The Silence of the Lambs, which is about a young FBI trainee (played by Jodie Foster) who interviews a brilliant cannibal (played by Anthony Hopkins) in order to track down a serial killer (played by Ted Levine) is most certainly a horror movie.

Now, look. If you were to ask me the best horror movie on this list, I would undoubtedly say The Silence of the Lambs. It’s quite possibly the best movie of the ‘90s. That said, it’s really not all that scary. It is tense, though, which is why most people likely view it more as a thriller than as a horror movie. My favorite part (besides, “Put the lotion in the basket,” which I say to my kids all the time at the supermarket) is when Clarice is in the basement and Buffalo Bill is stalking her with his night vision goggles. It's intense! But not really scary. So, that’s why it sits at the bottom of this list.

5. Get Out (2017)

Alright, so if you’re black like me, then Jordan Peele’s Get Out just hits differently. It’s the story of a black man named Chris (played by Daniel Kaluuya) who visits his white girlfriend’s family in an upstate getaway. But he soon learns that the family wants to do pretty nefarious things to him. It was a huge hit that made Jordan Peele a household name, and he even won an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay, so go Jordan Peele!

Still, I can see a certain audience admiring Get Out but not really being scared by it. I mean, it is a pretty comical film at times, as that’s just in Jordan Peele’s nature. But if you’ve ever been the only minority in the neighborhood and you’ve experienced people turning to look at you as if to literally say, “Get out,” then the movie’s tension is a bit more palpable. That said, it’s not “scary” scary, so that’s why it lands at number 5 on this list.

4. Black Swan (2010)

One of Darren Aronofsky’s best films, Black Swan is about a ballerina (played with an Oscar winning turn by Natalie Portman) who is set to be in an upcoming production of Swan Lake. Everything seems to be going well, but when she has to compete with an understudy (played by Mila Kunis), she gradually has a mental collapse in the process.

Black Swan is super creepy, which is why it’s so effective. It doesn’t seem like a horror film at first, but it slowly and patiently goes down that route, until you don’t know what’s real and what’s all in this ballerina’s head. It kind of reminds me of this great Roman Polanski movie, Repulsion, which, despite the man, is a compliment of the highest form. Even so, while I do consider Black Swan creepy, I don’t entirely find it scary, which is why it doesn’t end up in the top 3 on this list.

3. The Sixth Sense (1999)

Ah, the halcyon days when M. Night Shyamalan was once considered the next Alfred Hitchcock. The Sixth Sense, which was massive, is about a little boy (played by Haley Joel Osment) who quote unquote “sees dead people.” He is haunted by ghosts, but his child psychologist (played by Bruce Willis) is going to help get him through this endeavor. If only he knew… you know what, I’m going to stop there just in case you’re the one person who hasn’t seen this movie and doesn’t know how it ends.

The Sixth Sense is PG-13 but genuinely scary. Shots of a little girl underneath a bed or vomiting in a tent make the goosebumps sprout right up on the old arms and legs. I mean, this is a ghost story, after all, so it better be scary. It also surprisingly holds up today. It’s just good old fashion scares done right. Sigh. I miss this M. Night Shyamalan, sad face emoji.

2. Jaws (1975)

The movie that literally made people afraid to go in the water, Steven Spielberg’s Jaws is a movie for the ages. It’s about a police chief (played by Roy Scheider) who embarks on a mission with a marine biologist (played by Richard Dreyfuss) and a shark hunter (Robert Shaw) to stop a killer shark from ravaging the beaches.

Now, personally, I don’t find Jaws scary, but I understand that many people do, which is why it lands so high on this list. Did you know that mosquitoes kill more people every year than sharks by a wide margin? But because of Jaws, sharks have developed this reputation for being ravenous killing machines. That’s how big an impact Jaws has had on the human psyche, and that’s why it lands so high on this list.

1. The Exorcist (1973)

You know what The Exorcist is (Even though Jason Blum thinks you don’t). It’s the story of a girl (played by Linda Blair) who gets possessed by a demon, and a local priest (played by Jason Miller) and an exorcist (Played by Max von Sydow) who try to pull it back out of her.

The Exorcist is still scary and shocking even today. Want proof? Kids who have never even seen The Exorcist are still being terrified by Regan’s horrific visage when their friends send along the Scary Maze game online. The very first horror movie ever nominated for Best Picture still has all the frights, and it’s kind of amazing to me that a movie this graphic and scary could actually be up for Best Picture, but, hey, those were the ‘70s for you.

But what do you think? Which of these horror movies do you think is the scariest? Sound off in the poll below. And if you want to know the best horror movies or about upcoming horror movies, then make sure to come by often!

This poll is no longer available.

Natalie Portman is an actress who has been around in Hollywood for some time now and has done probably every movie genre you can imagine. From romantic comedies to psychological thrillers and even superhero movies, there doesn’t seem to be anything that this actress can’t do.

From her time in the Marvel Cinematic Universe in Thor to her amazing performance in Black Swan, Natalie Portman has done some awesome films. Here, you can learn how to see the best Natalie Portman movies that are streaming right now, and how to watch them.

Black Swan (2009) (Amazon Prime)

When Black Swan came out, I remember I was fascinated by Natalie Portman’s performance and knew that no matter what, she was going to win awards for it. And, she ended up winning the Academy Award for Best Actress. This psychological thriller follows the story of Nina, a young ballerina who is completely consumed by dance, and how her drive to perfect her role in an upcoming performance leads to her downfall.

There’s a reason why Portman ended up winning the Oscar for her role in this. Her work as Nina will fascinate you, and you won’t be able to tear your eyes away from the screen. The ballet scenes are also beautiful, mixed with a wonderful soundtrack from the original Swan Lake, and an eerie score for the film itself.

Stream Black Swan on Amazon Prime.

Rent Black Swan ob Apple TV.

Closer (2004) (HBO Max)

If you ever wanted a romantic drama that is just a mess – in a good way – look no further than Closer. In this film, we follow the story of two couples who meet, fall in love and out of love, swap partners, swap back, and end up hurting each other in so many more ways than just one.

I know that the plot sounds a little crazy but trust me when I say that Closer is one of the better romantic dramas out there. It’s such a unique film and goes over the idea that we never quite know who we’re going to meet on any given day, and how one instance can permanently change someone’s life. Natalie Portman rocks it in her role and even received an Academy Award nomination for it. Give it a shot if you haven’t seen it yet.

Stream Closer on HBO Max.

Rent Closer on Amazon.

Thor And Thor: The Dark World (2011 - 2013) (Disney+)

The Marvel Cinematic Universe has become one of the biggest franchises, but back when it first started, only a couple of superheroes in the original Avengers team had their own films, one of which was Thor, a film that is an origin story about the God of Thunder himself.

In both Thor and Thor: The Dark World, Natalie Portman portrays Jane Foster, a scientist, and Thor’s love interest. While she didn’t make an appearance in Thor: Ragnarök, Natalie Portman will be back for the fourth film, Thor: Love and Thunder, where she will end up becoming the Mighty Thor. Jane Foster should continue to grow in the MCU with her developing powers, so I’d suggest streaming these films as soon as possible to keep up.

Stream the Thor movies on Disney+.

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Jackie (2016) (Amazon Rental)

In Jackie, Natalie Portman portrays former first last Jackie Kennedy. The biographical drama follows the days when she was First Lady in the White House, and how her life changed right after the assassination of her husband, John F. Kennedy.

Natalie Portman received yet another Academy Award nomination for her role in Jackie, and in my opinion, it was well-earned. Portman portrays the former First Lady perfectly and creates an intriguing story that tells you just what the woman had gone through at the time. It’s also perfect for people who are into historical films, as the sets, costumes, and everything else involved are some of the best I’ve seen.

Rent Jackie on Amazon.

No Strings Attached (2011) (Netflix)

For every drama, however, there is always another romantic comedy that’s right around the corner, and that’s what No Strings Attached is. In this film, we follow Portman’s character, Emma, and her friend Adam, who decide to make a pact and have a “no strings attached” relationship, so they can have sex without falling for each other.

Is the premise a little cheesy? Completely. You’ve heard this idea a million times before. But, there is something so great about this film, I can’t help but love it. The chemistry between Natalie Portman and Ashton Kutcher is top-notch, and you actually start to believe they’re truly a real couple. Plus, everyone loves a good romance. Sometimes we just need a little love and comedy in our lives and No Strings Attached is the perfect way to have that.

Stream No Strings Attached on Netflix.

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The Other Boleyn Girl (2008) (Starz)

One of my guilty pleasures when it comes to films are those that take place in a medieval setting because I love castles, princesses, and all the betrayals that can come with royalty. The Other Boleyn Girl has that and more. In this film, we follow the story of two sisters, Anne and Mary Boleyn, as they compete for the love of the handsome and passionate King Henry.

While this film is not accurate at all to the actual historical characters of Anne Boleyn, King Henry, and others involved, that doesn’t mean it’s not a lot of fun. Natalie Portman is great as Anne and really adds the drama that a film like this runs on. It’s not my favorite that she’s done, but it’s still enjoyable, and filled with plenty of brilliant costume designs and set pieces. Plus, Scarlett Johansson, who plays Mary, is a great counterpart to Portman’s Anne.

Stream The Other Boleyn Girl on Starz.

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V For Vendetta (2005) (HBO Max)

I’ve always loved V for Vendetta, specifically because I feel it’s one of the most unique films out there, at least when it was originally released. The dystopian film centers on V, a masked anarchist and freedom fighter who attempts to ignite a revolution through acts of terrorism, and a young woman who gets caught up in V’s plans.

This young woman, named Evey Hammond, is portrayed by Natalie Portman, and she’s absolutely fantastic in this film. While her life crosses paths with V, it’s also interesting to see the difference in lifestyle between a freedom fighter like him and someone like her, who’s just a regular, working woman in the world they're living in. The film is famous for a reason – I’m pretty sure you can see V’s mask anywhere now. Every film buff should watch V for Vendetta at least once.

Stream V for Vendetta on HBO Max.

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Star Wars Prequels (1999 - 2005) (Disney+)

This was where I was first introduced to Natalie Portman. From 1999 to 2005, Natalie Portman portrayed Padme Amidala, a.k.a. the Queen of Naboo, and later on, Anakin Skywalker’s wife (which would ultimately lead to her demise) in the Star Wars prequels. She would play this role in Star Wars: The Phantom Menace, Star Wars: Attack of the Clones, and Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith.

I’ve been a Star Wars fan for a long time, but I never would have gotten there if I didn’t have someone like Padme to watch while growing up. Natalie Portman’s portrayal of her is badass, yet there’s this sensitivity about her that I’ve come to appreciate as well. She was a queen of a nation that also knew how to fight, but her love for Anakin, in the end, was something that she wanted the most.

Love her or hate her, you can't deny that the character is memorable, and I can’t picture anyone else but Natalie Portman portraying her.

Stream the Star Wars prequels on Disney+.

Rent the Star Wars prequels on Amazon.

Anywhere But Here (1999) (Amazon Rental)

In the same year as Star Wars: The Phantom Menace, Natalie Portman also starred in the coming-of-age comedy-drama, Anywhere but Here. In this film, we follow the story of Adele August, played by the iconic Susan Sarandon, who is anxious about moving away from her small Wisconsin town to Beverly Hills with her reluctant daughter, Ann, played by Natalie Portman.

In one of her first starring roles, Natalie Portman is exceptional alongside Susan Sarandon. The two work together greatly, creating a wonderful mother-daughter dynamic that feels real and authentic. The story itself is filled with plenty of lessons about life and following your passions, along with the tale of a mother and daughter slowly growing to love and truly care for the other's wants and needs. The story is heartwarming in all the right places.

Rent Anywhere but Here on Amazon.

Annihilation (2018) (Amazon Rental)

As the last item on this list, we take a look into the sci-fi world once again. In Annihilation, Natalie Portman portrays Lena, a scientist who leads a group of explorers into “The shimmer,” a mysterious quarantined zone that is filled with mutated plants and animals that were caused by an alien presence.

To me, it is a sin that this film was a box-office bomb. It had everything one of the best sci-fi movies would need. It had an amazing plot, out-of-this-world visuals, awesome acting, and a star-studded cast, with actors like Thor: Ragnarök’s Tessa Thompson, Star Wars' Oscar Issac, and so many others, and Natalie Portman was perfect as Annihilation’s leading actress. While it’s a shame that it didn’t do well at the box office, at least now we can give it the praise it deserves by renting it. Seriously, if you love science-fiction and horror, Annihilation is perfect for you.

Rent Annihilation on Amazon.

A lot of Natalie Portman’s films are some of the best movies on Netflix or the best movies on Amazon Prime, in my opinion. There’s truly something for any moviegoer to enjoy, and if anything, it’ll get you excited for more 2021 movies, and to see if Natalie Portman will have a role in any of those. But, until we find out, I’m going to go and re-watch Star Wars for the umpteenth time.

Darren Aronofsky movies, like Pi, Requiem For a Dream, and Black Swan, are like nothing else out there, which is both to the director’s credit and maybe even to his detriment. Now, given what he’s done in the past, I highly doubt that he would even want to take on a Marvel movie these days or some other big tentpole project. But I also wouldn’t want to see a Darren Aronofsky Thor, or even that Batman flick he was supposed to do years ago. And this is because as grand and ambitious as Aronofsky’s movies are, his films are also extremely small and personal, which is why some of his movies really resonate broadly with audiences, while others feel like niche cult movies that only two or three people will enjoy.

But this is what also what makes Darren Aronofsky one of my favorite directors of all time. He makes Paul Thomas Anderson-quality films, but with way more nihilism. He filmed some of The Wrestler in my hometown of Dover, NJ, and while watching Mickey Rourke deliver his powerful final speech, I was amazed that this was the same director who made the maddening masterpiece, Pi, since the subject matter was completely different, but it still had that same undercurrent of darkness. Aronofsky’s next movie is The Whale, which is about a man with severe obesity, starring Brenden Fraser. But until that release, I thought it would be interesting to rank every one of Aronofsky’s films. Oh, and when you’re done reading this, please take the poll at the end. I’m interested to see what you think is his very best work. Everybody seems to have a different opinion of his oeuvre.

7. Noah (2014)

Darren Aronofsky’s most commercially successful movie (I’m serious), and the only PG-13 movie in his filmography, Noah suffers, not for ambition-sake, but because it doesn’t really know what it wants to be. It’s a big budget movie featuring warring factions and rock monsters, but also an extremely personal movie about a flawed man who thinks he’s screwed up everything since he wasn’t sure if he read God’s signs correctly. Out of the two films it tries to be, I think the second one is much more interesting, but we don’t really get nearly enough of that, as CG overwhelms this film.

Noah is an audacious film, and one that I really want to like, but it ends up falling flat. Russell Crowe is an interesting choice for Noah, as you can see the torment in his eyes, but the rest of the film is kind of lopsided. I don’t want to call a mess, so I’ll just say it’s not for me.

6. The Fountain (2006)

I want to be upfront. I don’t get The Fountain. At least, not all of it. Starring Hugh Jackman and Rachel Weisz, nestled in this cosmic love story are tales about a conquistador, a queen, and a scientist, and they’re all somehow connected through love and the quest for immortality. At least, I think that’s what’s going on here. In a lot of ways, I feel like it’s not the film that’s at fault, but me. Still, being me, I don’t love this movie.

Visually, it’s stunning, but I think it’s actually limited by its ambitious scope. What I mean is, whatever story it’s trying to tell is a bit marred by how epic it is. In that way, I feel like it’s trying to say so much, but not really saying much at all. Either way, The Fountain is a film I admire, but don’t necessarily like.

5. Black Swan (2010)

The film that garnered Natalie Portman the Academy Award for Best Lead Actress, Black Swan is a fever dream in the best sort of way. The story is about a ballerina who is caught between two roles and feels challenged by her understudy, played deftly by Mila Kunis. It’s labeled as a psychological horror thriller, and it definitely goes down that route. In fact, some scenes are downright terrifying.

Then again, doppelganger stories, like Us, terrify me. The mental collapse that Portman’s character endures is one for the ages, but it almost feels like the film around her is not as effective as her performance. I say almost, since it’s very close, and it’s an excellent movie. But I almost feel like it would have been better suited without Portman being just so good in her role as a paranoid ballerina.

4. Requiem For a Dream (2000)

Quite possibly the darkest movie in Aronofsky’s filmography, Requiem For a Dream is also that rare movie that I think is superior to the novel. Starring Ellen Burstyn, Jared Leto, Jennifer Connelly, and Marlon Wayans in a rare serious role, Requiem for a Dream is all about the damaging effects of drug addiction in its many forms, and what it can lead a person to do.

Requiem for a Dream is not a horror movie, but it certainly feels like one. Most notably the Ellen Burstyn moments when she becomes addicted to amphetamines. The plot goes from bad, to worse, to oh my God, I want to kill myself watching this movie, in a very short time, and it’s extremely effective in its depiction of drug abuse. If I have one complaint, it’s that the Jared Leto and Marlon Wayans sections aren’t nearly as impactful as the Jennifer Connelly and Ellen Burstyn sections, but it’s a very small complaint.

3. Pi (1998)

The director’s debut picture, Pi, unnerves me like few other films. I called Black Swan a fever dream, but Pi is like a fever NIGHTMARE. It’s about an unemployed mathematician who sees numbers in everything. This somehow ties into the stock market and how people can make predictions through math, or maybe even find God through math, and, no, oh no. I’m going down that rabbit hole again! Somebody help me, please!

Seriously, though, the film is just all consuming. It’s really the tone that sets Pi apart from other films, even within the director’s own filmography. The film is paranoia personified, and you really feel your skin crawling throughout its runtime. The black and white also helps. It’s rare that a debut film can set a director off on such an auspicious future, but Pi is that rare film that does it. It’s still highly effective, even today.

2. mother! (2017)

Okay, so here’s my one controversial pick, but I love mother!. I mentioned up top that Aronofsky does sometimes make broad, audience friendly films. But he also makes extremely niche movies that very few people will like. And mother! is definitely the latter. Starring Jennifer Lawrence, Javier Bardem, Ed Harris, and Michelle Pfeiffer, mother! combines the spiritualism (or lack thereof) of Noah, the claustrophobia of Pi, and the creepiness of Black Swan, and mixes them altogether in one of the most disturbing films I’ve ever seen.

I also think mother! is the kind of movie that people will appreciate in time. Upon first viewing, mother! is an unwieldy and weirdly aggressive movie. It’s a very angry film, and one that’s extremely off-putting. But there is something else lurking beneath the surface that is strangely alluring and even powerful. It’s more of a feeling than anything to do with the plot, and it’s one of the only films that has actively made me want to stop watching it. And anything that can disturb me that viscerally is excellent in my book.

The Wrestler (2008)

mother! is my favorite Aronofsky film, but The Wrestler is his best. I think it just might be because it’s so straightforward and direct. Mickey Rourke plays a washed-up wrestler who is estranged from his daughter. He tries to hold onto his glory days, but those years are long past, and we watch his struggle to come to grips with that.

The thing is, he never comes to grips with it, and like many of us who push ourselves way too hard despite our aging, The Wrestler is a testament to those of us who keep chasing our youth all the way to our graves. There really isn’t too much else to say besides the fact that it’s great. That’s just it. It’s great.

I honestly don’t think Aronofsky has made a “bad” film yet. But what do you think? Sound off in the pole below. And for news on 2021 movies or even 2022 movies, make sure to come back here often.

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Over the years, filmmakers like Alfred Hitchcock, David Fincher, and Bong Joon-ho have crafted several of cinema’s most intense and cerebral thrillers that leave the audience in a state of disbelief following some sort of big twist. It happens in all of the best psychological thriller movies, even though not all directors walk the audience through the big reveal like a magician uncovering his biggest trick. These movies bring something out of us, or at least show us something that leaves us pondering on what just happened even after the house lights have turned on or the streaming service has gone to the next title.

Below is a list of more than 20 of the best psychological thriller movies available streaming, for digital rental, or on physical media like DVD and Blu-ray, including the likes of several Best Picture winners, cult classics, and other unforgettable films from around the world.

Get Out (2017) 

In 2017, Jordan Peele went from being one of the funniest comedians on TV to one of the strongest voices in horror with his frightening Get Out. This psychological horror film follows Chris Washington (Daniel Kaluuya) as he realizes something is off with his girlfriend’s wealthy family. Peeling back the layers, the young photographer discovers a sinister plot that is beyond belief.

Rent/Buy Get Out on Amazon.
Get it on Blu-ray on Amazon.

Vertigo (1958)

John “Scottie” Ferguson’s (James Stewart) fear of heights becomes the least of his worries as he is hired to follow a friend’s wife and report on her strange behavior. Often considered one of the best thrillers of all time, Alfred Hitchcock’s Vertigo features a lot of the filmmaker’s staples, including a twist-heavy plot that will leave you guessing at every turn.

Rent/Buy Vertigo on Amazon.
Get it on Blu-ray on Amazon.

The Sixth Sense (1999)

Sometime after experiencing a traumatic incident with a former patient, Dr. Malcolm Crowe (Bruce Willis) takes up the case of a young boy (played by Haley Joel Osment) who is at the center of a series of strange and unsettling events. M. Night Shyamalan’s The Sixth Sense, one of the best ‘90s movies, is a terrifying, exhilarating, and unforgettable psychological horror film with an even more unforgettable ending.

Rent/Buy The Sixth Sense on Amazon.
Get it on Blu-ray on Amazon.

Seven (1995)

Though not his first film, David Fincher made a name for himself with the 1995 thriller, Seven. When a mysterious serial killer starts using the seven deadly sins as inspiration for a series of horrific murders, two detectives (played by Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman) attempt to thwart his plan. But just when the cops think they’ve solved the case, it takes an even deadlier turn.

Rent/Buy Seven on Amazon.
Get it on Blu-ray on Amazon.

Inception (2010)

Before wrapping up his Dark Knight trilogy, Christopher Nolan turned his attention to the world of Inception. This mind-bending 2010 psychological crime thriller follows a team of thieves who hatch a plan to sneak into a mark’s dreams to input a thought into his brain. Despite their skills, experience, and technology, the team isn’t fully prepared for the dangers that await.

Stream Inception on Apple TV+.
Rent/Buy Inception on Amazon.
Get it on Blu-ray on Amazon.

Parasite (2019)

Bong Joon-ho’s Oscar-winning thriller Parasite is one of those movies that rewards the viewer for not watching any trailers, reading any reviews, or really knowing what the movie is about (which makes it difficult to recommend to someone who’s never seen it). The 2019 Korean drama about the social and economic divide of two families on opposite sides of the spectrum is harrowing, and traumatizing, yet at times joyful and hilarious, well until the hammer comes crashing down.

Stream Parasite on Max.
Rent/Buy Parasite on Amazon.
Get it on Blu-ray on Amazon. 

The Silence Of The Lambs (1991)

Jonathan Demme’s 1991 thriller about an FBI agent (Jodie Foster) attempting to get into the head of a convicted murderer (Anthony Hopkins) to track down an on-the-run serial killer (Ted Levine) before he can claim another victim not only meets the hype, it exceeds it many times over. How Hopkins' Hannibal Lecter toys with Foster’s Clarice Starling throughout The Silence of the Lambs is still just as engaging and terrifying all these years later.

Get it on Blu-ray on Amazon.

Rear Window (1954)

Alfred Hitchcock’s 1954 masterpiece Rear Window is another movie that leaves you guessing the entire time. On one hand, there’s evidence that supports Jeff Jefferies’ (Jimmy Stewart) theory that his neighbor is a murderer, but there’s also evidence that points in other directions. And that’s what makes this movie such a gem. We are left questioning our actions and presumptions (even our own) the entire time, making us feel as crazy as the photographer with a broken leg and bored out of his mind.

Rent/Buy Rear Window on Amazon.
Get it on DVD/Blu-ray on Amazon. 

No Country For Old Men (2007)

The Coen brothers’ No Country For Old Men, one of the best Westerns ever made, has a relatively straightforward plot involving a drug deal gone wrong, a suitcase of cash, and a ruthless killer pursuing the man who made the mistake of taking the money. Dig a little deeper, however, and you have one of the most psychologically traumatic movies in recent memory. This is a terrifying movie (thanks to Javier Bardem’s Anton Chigurh) that sneaks in a lot of talk about fate, luck, destiny, and one hell of an ending that leaves a lot up to interpretation.

Rent/Buy No Country For Old Men on Amazon.
Get it on Blu-ray on Amazon. 

Gone Girl (2014)

Gone Girl, David Fincher’s 2014 thriller based on Gillian Flynn’s novel of the same name tells the story of a woman (played by Rosamund Pike) who vanishes on her fifth wedding anniversary, leaving her husband (Ben Affleck) clueless as well as a suspect in her disappearance. And while Fincher allows the audience to peek beneath the curtain a little bit, he never does so to the point of ruining what comes next.

Get it on Blu-ray on Amazon. 

Memento (2001)

Memento, one of Christopher Nolan’s best movies, was a sign of things to come from the director who would go on to give audiences films like The Prestige, Inception, and Oppenheimer. This 2001 psychological thriller stars Guy Pearce as a man with no memory as he tries to solve an increasingly intricate mystery. From the opening scene, the viewer knows just as much as Leonard Shelby, which is honestly what makes the ride so fulfilling.

Stream Memento on Peacock.
Stream or Rent Memento on Prime Video.
 

Taxi Driver (1976)

Taxi Driver is one of those movies you don’t necessarily want to watch all that often, not because it’s bad or anything like that, but because the Martin Scorsese classic knows how to get into your head and make you feel a lot like Travis Bickle (Robert De Niro). Seriously, this movie will find any insecurity or negative thoughts you have and make it all the more intense as you watch the unhinged cab driver find himself taking a path of no return.

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Get it on Blu-Ray on Amazon. 

The Shining (1980)

Stanley Kubrick’s 1980 adaptation of Stephen King’s The Shining is technically a ghost movie, but there is a strong psychological presence featured throughout the movie, especially as Jack Torrance (Jack Nicholson) slowly begins losing touch with reality. This descent into madness, brought on by the aforementioned supernatural presence of the Overlook Hotel, as well as the isolation of a winter spent in a closed resort, makes one of the most terrifying cinematic experiences of all time.

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Get it on Blu-ray on Amazon. 

The Conversation (1974)

The Conversation, Francis Ford Coppola’s 1974 drama about surveillance expert Harry Caul (Gene Hackman) hired to tail a young couple starts like any thriller. But when Harry discovers a mysterious and presumably coded message, his mental state, and just about everything else in his life, begins to slip away, leaving him in a mad, unstable, and obsessive way.

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Get it on Blu-Ray on Amazon. 

Nightcrawler (2014)

Dan Gilroy’s 2014 nocturnal thriller Nightcrawler follows freelance videographer Lou Bloom (Jake Gyllenhaal) as he starts capturing footage for a local news station. What starts off as a relatively normal yet odd job slowly morphs into an obsession for Bloom who stops at absolutely nothing to be the first on the scene, even if that means becoming a part of the shot.

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Get it on Blu-ray on Amazon. 

Joker (2019)

The first time I saw Joker was an experience like never before. I thought I knew what I was getting myself into before watching Todd Phillips’ 2019 take on Batman’s most notorious foe, but nothing could have prepared me for how Joaquin Phoenix’s portrayal of Arthur Fleck as he transitions into Joker. I still don’t know if that’s a good thing or something more troubling, but it’s a feeling I haven’t been able to shake.

Stream Joker on Max.
Rent/Buy Joker on Amazon.
Get it on Blu-ray on Amazon. 

Nocturnal Animals (2016)

Some movies forever change the way we see certain actors. For me, the movie is Nocturnal Animals and the actor is Aaron Taylor-Johnson who gave a sickening performance as the sick and twisted Ray Marcus. Even though the character’s actions are set within a book written by Jake Gyllenhaal’s Edward Sheffield, I see the sadistic leader of a fictional gang whenever I hear his name.

Rent/Buy Nocturnal Animals on Amazon.
Get it on Blu-ray on Amazon. 

The Night Of The Hunter (1955)

The Night of the Hunter, which features screen legend Robert Mitchum portraying a religious fanatic and serial killer who tracks down the widow of his former cellmate and does everything in his power to locate $10,000 the condemned man confessed to hiding shortly before he was captured. The way that Mitchum’s character preys on the struggling family and toys with them throughout the film makes for one terrifying game.

Stream The Night of the Hunter on Tubi.
Get it on Blu-ray on Amazon. 

Black Swan (2010)

Darren Aronofsky already had a history of tackling psychological issues with movies like Pi and Requiem for a Dream, but his 2010 film Black Swan, which centers around a production of Swan Lake, takes things to the next level. Watching as Nina Sayers (Natalie Portman) transforms from a dedicated and talented dancer to a damaged, obsessed, and psychotic “Swan Queen” is just as traumatic now as it was when the film was first released well over a decade ago.

Stream Black Swan on Max.
Rent/Buy Black Swan on Amazon.
Get it on Blu-ray on Amazon. 

Prisoners (2013)

There is something about Denis Villeneuve’s 2013 tour de force, Prisoners, that turns the movie into the cinematic equivalent of a car crash: you don’t want to watch but you can’t look away. The movie, which centers on the kidnapping of two young girls and the fallout experienced by their respective families, especially one of their fathers (Hugh Jackman), shows just how far someone will go to get “justice,” whatever that may mean to them.

Rent/Buy Prisoners on Amazon.
Get it on Blu-ray on Amazon. 

The Game (1997)

You never really know what to believe in a David Fincher movie, and that is best seen in the 1997 psychological thriller The Game, which follows successful banker Nicholas Van Orton (Michael Douglas in a career-defining performance) after his estranged brother (Sean Penn) buys him a mind-bending and unorthodox birthday present. Just like Douglas’ character, you’ll be questioning your own reality by the end of this one.

Rent/Buy The Game on Amazon.
Get it on DVD on Amazon. 

Psycho (1960)

Psycho, the quintessential Alfred Hitchcock movie as well as the most notable psychological thriller is still just as much of a thrill ride now as it was when it was released 61 years ago. The story of the happenings of the Bates Motel, its proprietor, and their victim (who wasn’t as innocent as some may think) sinks its teeth into you from the opening shot and doesn’t let go until that menacing laugh fills your ears in the final moments.

Rent/Buy Psycho on Amazon.
Get it on Blu-ray on Amazon. 

Misery (1990)

Misery, Rob Reiner’s 1990 adaptation of Stephen King’s novel of the same name, is one of the most traumatizing movie experiences most of us have had in our entire lives (well, those who aren’t obsessed with Eastern European body horror flicks). Kathy Bates, who won an Oscar for her portrayal of the terrifying Annie Wilkes, goes beyond terrifying in her treatment of injured (those not as injured as he will be later on in the movie) writer Paul Sheldon (James Caan) and gets into your head here.

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Get it on Blu-ray on Amazon. 

Oldboy (2003)

Oldboy, the 2003 original Korean film based on the manga series of the same name, follows Oh Dae-su (Choi Min-sik) as he is imprisoned by an unknown person for unknown reasons for 15 years. When released from his hotel room / prison cell, he goes on a journey to discover the nature of his imprisonment, but what he finds is much worse than being locked away all those years.

Stream Oldboy on Netflix.
Rent/Buy Oldboy on Amazon.
Get it on DVD/Blu-Ray on Amazon.

Each and every one of those movies will surely affect you in one way or another, and while some are hard to watch, they all have their own merits. And in the event you’ve seen all those, go ahead and check out CinemaBlend’s list of upcoming 2024 movie premiere dates. 

There are some actors who managed to hit it big before becoming Marvel stars, and then there are those who were relatively unknown before joining the comic book movie franchise. Falling under the latter category would be Sebastian Stan, who is reprising his role as James Buchanan “Bucky” Barnes as the co-lead of The Falcon and the Winter Soldier on Disney+.

After playing a World War II-era solider turned brainwashed assassin turned metal-armed superhero, the 38-year-old Romanian-born actor would go on to star in Oscar-winning dramas like I, Tonya, high-brow comedies such as Steven Soderbergh’s Logan Lucky, or action thrillers not related to comics, as the upcoming Netflix movie The 355 qualifies as. However, before becoming a recognizable MCU favorite, Sebastian Stan (who also bears a striking resemblance to a young Mark Hamill) was hiding in plain sight in some of the most recognizable properties of the big and small screen.

So, where might one have seen their beloved Bucky before he was cast in 2011’s Captain America: The First Avenger without even realizing it? You may be shocked to know that you could have become properly acquainted with Sebastian Stan in the following nine examples of his earlier work, starting with a movie from several years before his MCU beginning.

The Architect (Martin Waters)

In the sole directorial feature by Preacher and Project Blue Book producer Matt Tauber, which he adapted in 2006 from David Greig's play, Anthony LaPaglia plays the title role of The Architect, and comes to odds with a community organizer (Viola Davis) who's requesting to demolish a building he designed years earlier. Meanwhile, as he suffers conflict with his wife (Isabella Rosselini), his teenage daughter (Hayden Penetierre) feels compelled to explore her sexuality, and his college dropout son (Sebastian Stan) begins to explore his with a young man (Greek star Paul James) he meets while visiting his father's building.

Hayden Panetierre: Wake Up Call (Boyfriend)

Just two years after playing her older brother in The Architect, Sebastian Stan went in an entirely different direction and played Hayden Panetierre’s shady boyfriend. The role was part of a music video for "Wake Up Call," the then 19-year-old Heroes star and singer's first single not associated with one of her own acting roles.

Rachel Getting Married (Walter)

In 2008, the same year he appeared as Hayden Panettiere's supposedly commitment-phobic boyfriend, Sebastian Stan played someone with an entirely different sort of issue with commitment. In his brief appearance as Walter at the beginning of director Jonathan Demme's drama Rachel Getting Married, he is seated on a park bench begging his rehab counselor, Rosa (Roslyn Ruff) for his Zippo lighter right before struggling addict Kym (Anne Hathaway) leaves to attend her sister's wedding.

The Covenant (Chase Collins)

Now, if Walter were anyone like Sebastian Stan's character in The Covenant, he could have just made a Zippo lighter appear out of thin air. In the 2006 supernatural teen thriller, he plays the extremely powerful (but also extremely corrupt) Chase Collins, who turns out to be the banished fifth member of the Sons of Ipswitch - four young men who, before the villain enters the story, indulge in using their magical abilities to live like kings.

Kings (Jack Benjamin)

Speaking of kings, that is also the title of the short-lived NBC drama inspired by the Biblical story of David on which Sebastian Stan landed his first starring role. He plays Prince Jonathan "Jack" Benjamin, the secretly homosexual son of Ian McShane's character, King Silas Benjamin, who rules the fictional country of Gilboa in an alternate, modern-day monarchy.

Gossip Girl (Carter Baizen)

Both prior to and following his starring role on Kings, Sebastian Stan landed his first recurring gig on a TV series with Gossip Girl - the long-running, still popular series following the scandalous private lives of a group of young New York socialites. Stan appeared in a total of 11 episodes of the first three seasons as Carter Baizen, who shared a romance with Blake Lively's Serena Van Der Woodson after a fling with Blair Waldorf, which would actually lead to a relationship between the actor and Leighton Meester in real life.

Hot Tub Time Machine (Blaine)

In a purely ironic sense, the most notable precursor to Sebastian Stan's eventual casting as Soviet-brainwashed assassin The Winter Soldier might actually come from 2010's brilliant, nostalgia-filled sci-fi comedy Hot Tub Time Machine, in which he plays Blaine. Other than being, essentially, the ultimate '80s movie douchebag, he is also the victim of reversed Soviet brainwashing, blindly suspecting the four out-of-time central characters to be Cold War spies after finding their can of Chernobly, an illegal Russian energy drink that is actually a key ingredient for their return to the present.

Once Upon A Time (Jefferson/The Mad Hatter)

On the other hand, Sebastian's Stan's recurring role on Once Upon Time, the ABC drama that inventively combined bedtime story imagination with real-life drama, in 2012-2013 also has a few interesting similarities to Bucky Barnes. His widowed, single father character Jefferson is really Alice in Wonderland's The Mad Hatter (one of the many other fairy tale characters unwittingly thrust into our own reality in a town called Storybrooke), who was previously beheaded by the Red Queen in his past life - kind of like the arm amputation his MCU character would later suffer.

Black Swan (Andrew)

Technically, Once Upon a Time was not Sebastian Stan's first encounter with a fairy tale creature with a warped sense of reality. He briefly appears in Black Swan, director Darren Aranofsky's trippy psychological thriller from 2010. He plays a young man attempting to impress ballerina Nina Sayers (Natalia Portman in an Academy Award-winning role), while she is not only struggling with her role in Swan Lake affecting her sanity, but a drink laced with ecstasy awakening her sexual desires on the dance club floor.

You know, based on some of my character comparisons above, it seems that many of Sebastian Stan's earlier roles have a strange connection to Bucky Barnes. Both he and Once Upon a Time's Jefferson have experienced losing a major body part, Blaine from Hot Tub Time Machine is committed to defying Russian control, and his Rachel Getting Married character struggles to overcome a destructive behavior. It is really is no wonder he eventually got the call from Marvel.

You may know her as Queen Padme in the Star Wars prequels. Or Nina Sayers in Black Swan. Or Jane Foster in the Marvel movies. Not to mention Mathilda in Leon: The Professional, or Evey Hammond in V for Vendetta. But, these are only a few of Natalie Portman's most prominent roles. The actress has played Jackie Kennedy, Anne Boleyn, and many other noteworthy personalities throughout her nearly 30 years in show business. With each role, Portman continues to challenge herself and prove the vast depths of her talents — particularly as she tackles more producing/directing credits along the way.

A smart, sophisticated celebrity with roles in both prestige dramas and action blockbusters alike, she has gained a lot of notice and acclaim over the years, plus an Oscar, to boot. If you love Natalie Portman, here are some fun facts worth knowing about the actress.

Natalie Portman Changed Her Name As A Child To Protect Her Privacy

It's no secret that actors often have stage names. For various different reasons, actors will pick a name different than their own to sell their image and make a name for themselves in an ever-daunting show business. That's the case for Natalie Portman as well, and she adopted a stage name for a very understandable reason. Having built her name in Hollywood from a young age, Portman changed her name from Nata-Lee Hershlag to the stage name she's known by today, to protect her privacy. As The New York Times reported, the former child star adopted the surname "Portman" from her paternal grandmother's maiden name. Evidently, as she continued to find fame and fortune in Hollywood, Portman decided to keep this stage name.

Natalie Portman Can Speak Six Languages, Including Japanese

It's no secret that Natalie Portman is an exceptionally smart and talented individual. In addition to all her achievements in her professional career, she is also reportedly a polyglot. In addition to English and Hebrew, it's reported that Portman also speaks French, German, Spanish, and Japanese. Here is a clip of Portman speaking Hebrew in an interview for one of her movies. She also speaks Hebrew in her directorial debut, A Tale of Love and Darkness.

The Black Swan Star Trained In Ballet Starting At A Young Age

Starting at age four, Natalie Portman took ballet lessons — as well as modern dance — at the American Theater Dance Workshop. She also regularly attended the Usdan Center for the Creative and Performing Arts. This early training would later come in handy when she starred in Darren Aronofsky's Black Swan, for which she won Best Actress at the Oscars, though there was some controversy about the dancing in Black Swan. Namely, there was some dispute regarding how much of Portman's performance belonged to her and how much of it belonged to professional ballet dancer Sarah Lane. There is a scene where Portman's face is digitally imposed onto Lane's body, but some people believed that Lane's role in Black Swan was being downplayed during awards season. The filmmakers later claimed that Portman did most of her own dancing.

Natalie Portman Missed The Phantom Menace Premiere To Study For High School Exams

If you were a star in one of the biggest, most anticipated movie events of all-time, you would think that you'd drop everything and attend the premiere. But, reportedly, that wasn't the case for Natalie Portman. The actress, who played Queen Padme Amidala in the blockbuster, was still in high school at the time, and she allegedly opted not to attend the movie's premiere to instead study for her final exams. As a well-educated woman, Portman has often put her studies first. She attended Harvard University from 1999 to 2003 to study psychology and returned to give the 2015 commencement speech. In an interview, Portman was quoted saying she didn't care if college ruined her acting career. She'd "rather be smart than a movie star."

Natalie Portman Doesn't Know Where Her Oscar Went

Normally, you would think that any actor or actress who finally won a coveted Oscar would guard the gold statue with their life. Indeed, while there might be some actors who follow that principle, that doesn't appear to be the case for Natalie Portman. As she noted in a 2015 interview, she doesn't know exactly where her Oscar went. She admitted that she "hadn't seen it in awhile" and she didn't seem too concerned with its whereabouts.

While it is possible that she might've been joking (or that, you know, she found the Oscar soon enough), Portman's quotes in this article suggest that she tries not to value this statue as though it is some holy artifact. In fact, the A-list star seems to believe it's directly sacrilegious for a person to view an Oscar that way.

Natalie Portman Doesn't Own A TV

Additionally, in this Hollywood Reporter interview, Natalie Portman made another surprise confession: she doesn't own a TV! Or, at least, she's rarely watching the tube. She said "we really don't have a television," even though "everyone" had told her to get one. She admits her guilty pleasure is cooking shows (we discuss that more later) and her favorite shows at the time were Transparent and Broad City, both of which she watched on her computer. Portman also admits she was embarrassed while watching Broad City to discover that the main characters were poking fun at Garden State, her 2004 Sundance darling with writer/director/co-star Zach Braff.

Natalie Portman's Avengers: Endgame Appearance Came From Unused Thor: The Dark World Footage

When Natalie Portman was briefly seen in Avengers: Endgame, it looked like Natalie Portman and Marvel finally settled their differences and found common ground, after Portman's disappearance from the cinematic universe post-Thor: the Dark World. The Academy Award-winning actress was separating herself from it, believing she was done playing Jane Foster. But, Portman's return was ultimately a bit complicated. As EW reported, the footage used in this Endgame scene came from deleted scenes from the aforementioned Thor sequel — though Portman did additional voice-over work for the appearance. So, while it was a brief MCU return, it did pave the way for the next steps.

Natalie Portman Returned To Marvel Thanks To Taika Waititi

While Natalie Portman's relationship with Marvel was seemingly fraught with difficulties, it came as a delightful surprise to many MCU fans to learn that she would return to play Jane Foster in the upcoming Thor: Love and Thunder. The third Thor sequel will not only feature the famous actress, but have her playing a prominent role as Female Thor. It was a huge get for writer/director Taika Waititi, and during a recent interview, he explained how he got Portman back in the MCU. As it turns out, it wasn't really that difficult. As he put it, at least, he came up to Portman and he asked if she'd be interested in returning but "doing something really different." Turns out, she was interested in the fresh possibility of doing something unique, and hopefully fun, as Jane Foster.

Natalie Portman Produced A Documentary On Veganism And Wants Her Own Vegan Cooking Show

Ever since she was eight-years-old, Natalie Portman has remained a strict vegetarian. The decision came when Portman watched a demonstration of laser surgery on a chicken while attending a medical conference with her father. She then took it one step further, becoming vegan in 2009, shortly after reading Jonathan Safran Foer's book, Eating Animals. As a lifelong animal advocate, Portman also avoids wearing fur, feathers, or leather, and she launched her own brand of vegan footwear in 2007. Additionally, in 2017, the actress produced and narrated the documentary Eating Animals (currently streaming on Hulu), which was based on the aforementioned book. While Portman appeared on a 2018 episode of Hot Ones, she ate plant-based hot wings on the unconventional talk show web series.

Also, in an effort to promote the vegan lifestyle, Natalie Portman admitted during a Q&A for Eating Animals that she hopes to one day host her own vegan lifestyle cooking show. She wants the show to serve as a "starter kit" for anyone who wants to be vegan. Alas, either due to her busy schedule or because she hasn't picked up any offers yet, this proposed cooking show hasn't come to fruition.

Natalie Portman Is Dual Citizen Of U.S. And Israel, But She Lived In Paris Too

Born in Jerusalem but growing up predominately in various cities in the United States, Natalie Portman is a dual citizen of both Israel and the U.S. These aren't the only places she calls home, though. The actress also lived in Paris, France, when her husband, choreographer Benjamin Millepied, accepted a position as the director of dance at the Paris Opera Ballet. This time in the City of Light was a bit short-lived, as they now reside in L.A.

Natalie Portman Had Trouble Dealing With The Star Wars Prequels Backlash

It can be extremely difficult to be under extreme scrutiny from a large swath of people, especially fans as fervent as Star Wars lovers/haters. While the prequels weren't quite as publicly detested upon release as they were in later years, the backlash that ensued for George Lucas' misbegotten prequel trilogy was probably agonizing for everyone involved, including Natalie Portman. In a recent interview, Portman opened up about the backlash to the Star Wars prequels and how it was "hard" to see so many people disappointed for something they anticipated so eagerly. As she later noted, Portman was young at the time and didn't realize this sort of intense backlash was "the nature of the beast."

Natalie Portman Honored Several Women Directors With Her Oscars Outfit

In an effort to pay tribute to women directors who were overlooked or under-recognized, especially during awards season, Natalie Portman attended this year's Oscars ceremony in a Dior cape with the names of several female filmmakers who weren't recognized by the Academy Awards embroidered into the fabric. It was an effort to bring awareness and notice to several bright, talented filmmakers who are often unjustly overlooked, especially during the Oscars. While it was a noble gesture, it also drew some sharp criticism for Portman's own personal history.

Namely, there were folks, including Rose McGowan, who noted that Natalie Portman has only worked with a woman director two times — one being her directorial debut, A Tale of Love and Darkness — and her production company has only produced one women-directed film, which was hers. Portman responded by saying she has worked with women directors in short form and that it's still often hard — even today — for women directors to get their movies made in the studio system.

What are some of your favorite facts about Natalie Portman? Let us know in the comment section below!

As far as contemporary directors go, there are few as stylized and intense as Darren Aronofsky. The 49 year old filmmaker and writer often focuses on a mixture of the surreal and gritty psychological turmoil, and has seen same major success for his efforts. While mother! fell flat and was met with some umbrage over controversial scenes in the third act, Oscar bait movies like The Wrestler and Black Swan are modern classics.

The latter starred Natalie Portman and Mila Kunis, and focused on professional dancers at the New York Ballet Company. The movie balances grounded scenes with full blown moments of horror, earning Natalie Portman an Oscar for Best Actress in the process. But Portman herself didn't even know the film's true tone, as she recently revealed in an interview:

Despite spending months training for and filming Black Swan, it appears that Natalie Portman was still in the dark about aspects of the acclaimed thriller. Namely, that it was even a thriller at all. Because she was expecting a far less horrifying venture into the world of professional ballet.

Natalie Portman's comments to Vanity Fair are sure to surprise fans and cinephiles alike, especially as Black Swan ended up being such a major moment in the actress' long career. The prep and work involved was a major part of the movie's narrative leading up to the Oscars, as Portman reportedly trained for six months in order to play Nina, and transform her body into that of a dancer's.

Add on the exhausting nature of filming, and the intense ballet training she had to do, and you'd think Natalie Portman would know about as much as Darren Aronofsky about Black Swan. But she didn't, as Aronofsky had a specific dark vision in mind which she simply wasn't privy to. It all paid off in the end, as Black Swan is a fascinating mixture of psychological horror and very "real" scenes within the ballet company.

Hearing more about Darren Aronofsky's process, one has to wonder how it all went down with mother! Cinephiles assume Aronofsky would do it again with 2007's allegory, but it ended up being panned but critics and being a box office failure. That film had an even more specific vision than Black Swan, so how much did the likes of Jennifer Lawrence, Javier Bardem, and Michelle Pfeiffer know about the project?

Darren Aronofsky doesn't have any directing gigs coming down the line, but CinemaBlend will keep you updated on his career as information becomes public. In the meantime, check out our 2019 release list to plan your next trip to the movies.

The horror genre has always had a complicated history in cinema. While there is no arguing that some of the greatest films of all time fit into the category, it can sometimes feel as though the most incredible achievements are outshined by the thousands of titles that purely take advantage of the fact that horror often offers opportunities for high production values at low budgets. Still, every year sees the release of some new titles that you just know audiences are going to be enjoying for decades -- and it's those features that we are here to celebrate today.

Within the 21st century (which is to say going back to 2001), we've seen the release of some horror movies that are guaranteed to be considered classics in the long run, and we've decided to take a look back by ranking them. Below and across the next few pages are our picks for the 21 best horror movies of the century, so far. Can you guess our number one pick? Read on and find out!

#21. The Conjuring (2013)

Director James Wan has launched a number of horror franchises in his career, including the Saw movies and Insidious, but The Conjuring films are arguably the best he's ever made -- with the 2013 original standing as his greatest achievement. Even at a time when we are getting an endless stream of supernatural terror features, this one still managed to be successful haunting. A lot of it is Wan's direction, with his awesome moving camera consistently creating anxiety in a beautiful period atmosphere, but then there is the power of Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga's paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, who instantly solidify themselves as modern horror icons while trying to protect a family from a haunting specter.

#20. IT (2017)

Because of its immense length, Stephen King's IT was long thought to be totally unadaptable... but then director Andres Muschietti came along. Armed with a script that cuts the epic novel in half and focuses solely on the kids' side of the narrative of the haunted town story, the movie not only weaves a fantastic, self-contained scary story, but also immediately makes you start begging for the adult-centric sequel. Transplanting the story from the mid-1960s to the late 1980s, the film is successfully both a nostalgia bomb and hilarious, while also being surprisingly scary and shocking (with a great deal of credit in that department going to Bill Skarsgard as Pennywise).

#19. The Host (2006)

As you'll discover reading the rest of this list, the 21st century hasn't been tremendous when it comes to giant monster movies, Bong Joon-ho's The Host is the notable exception. The Korean horror film is as inventive as it is exhilarating as it is devastating, and ultimately a rather powerful cinematic experience. The story of a family in search of a missing daughter during a kaiju attack along Seoul's Han River, it packs a serious thrills and a sharp emotional punch, while also notably featuring some seriously impressive CGI for the era.

#18. It Follows (2014)

Slasher films in the 1980s did their part to illustrate some extreme dangers of teenage sex, and it's with deep respect for and partial homage to that particular decade of filmmaking that we got David Robert Mitchell's It Follows. Establishing a creative metaphor for STDs, the story sees a young girl (Maika Monroe) have sex only to learn that it comes with a serious consequence. She is passed a condition that will see her constantly pursued by a supernatural force that A) can take any human form and B) wants to cripple and disfigure her body. It's a wonderfully inventive film that packs more than a fair share of big shocks and chills.

#17. The Loved Ones (2009)

We regularly hear about horrific things coming out of Australia, but most of those stories involve sharks or creepy crawlies. In the case of The Loved Ones, writer/director Sean Byrne brought us a wonderfully messed up features bursting with colorful psychopaths. Robin McLeavy is fantastic as the absolutely crazy teenager Lola, who has the habit of trying to find her perfect man by kidnapping and lobotomizing them. Between the foot-stabbing, skull-drilling, and bleach-injecting, this one is definitely not for the faint of heart.

#16. The Descent (2005)

Neil Marshall's The Descent is a nice triple dose of fear. First there's the claustrophobia, with the audience trapped in a series of excessively narrow caves with the six main protagonists. Second is the intense darkness, with the bulk of the movie basically only illuminated by flashlights, flares, and glow sticks. And as if those two weren't enough for a terrifying experience, then the movie throws the flesh-hungry cave monsters at you, giving the last 45 minutes an impressive feeling of both constant paranoia and horror as the characters start yearning for the time when their biggest problem was just being lost. It's a scary and intense ride right up until the end.

#15. Goodnight Mommy (2014)

Filmmakers have been using creepy children to wonderful horrific affect for decades, but you'll find few better examples than Severin Fiala and Veronika Franz's Goodnight Mommy. Hailing from Germany, the story centers on a pair of twin boys (Lukas and Elias Schwarz) who harbor some deep suspicions about their mother (Susanne Wuest). She is recovering from face-altering plastic surgery in their new home, but the kids believe that it is not actually their mom who is underneath all of the bandages. It's an impressively unexpected and twisty-turny ride: just when you think the movie is about to turn right, it instead just punches you in the face.

#14. The Witch (2015)

There is a great deal to praise about Robert Eggers' The Witch, but we'll start with its impressive commitment. Even at a sacrifice of absolute clarity, the movie is remarkable in its deeply accurate depiction of life 17th century New England, and has the effect of entrancing you into its time unlike most period films. But then there are also its awesomely disturbing elements that firmly establish its place on this list. Because of the involvement of babies and children, there's a challenge to describe it without using the words "fucked up." It also provided us the breakout performance for emerging star Anya Taylor-Joy, whose current career trajectory will surely only improve The Witch's legacy.

#13. 28 Days Later... (2002)

Okay, so they may not really be zombies, instead just people infected with the Rage virus, but that's not going to stop us from giving Danny Boyle's 28 Days Later... credit for helping to totally redefine the zombie subgenre in the 21st century. Audiences had become comfortable with the shambolic, cannibalistic walking dead of the Romero persuasion, but this one jumps their adrenaline 10000% and the terror follows suit. It's hardly a complex or unique premise -- man wakes up from a coma in a hospital as the world around him is falling apart -- but Boyle's intense vision and the tremendous character work from Cillian Murphy, Naomi Harris, Brendan Gleeson and Megan Burns make this one of the best scare-fests of the modern era.

#12. Mulholland Drive (2001)

David Lynch is obvious a divisive filmmaker, with many either loving or hating his surrealist style. As a fairly pure extension of his style, Mulholland Drive elicits a similar reaction from audiences, as a good deal of it defies explanation, but can also be appreciated as a beautiful, complex, anxiety-inducing puzzle. Its bizarre structure demands constant attention and absorption, and within that leaves you open to serious apprehension and sincere shock (the king being the discovery of what exists behind Winkie's).

#11. Slither (2006)

Long before he was known as the man behind Guardians of the Galaxy, James Gunn was better known as a low-budget filmmaker with roots in the schlokiness of Troma Entertainment. His 2006 directorial debut, Slither, is a pure expression of this. While it's certainly as much a comedy as it is a horror movie, it blends the two gleefully with absolutely disgusting sensibilities, getting absolutely everything possible scare-wise with its slimy alien slug antagonists. Admittedly most of the titles on this list are more focused on straight up terror, but Slither comes with the bonus of being a ton of fun.

#10. The Ring (2002)

Fans may remember the period in the early 2000s when Hollywood became obsessed with all varieties of Asian horror, and began remaking titles left and right. As many as were made, however, nothing ever topped the trend-maker: Gore Verbinski's The Ring. Naomi Watts stars as a journalist investigating a mythical VHS tape that kills anyone who watches it in seven days, and it's not just a spine-tingling, scream inducing ride, but a well-crafted mystery as well. It's unfortunate that it's legacy must deal with two legitimately terrible sequels, but they still don't diminish our appreciation for the 2002 release.

#9. Drag Me To Hell (2009)

Sam Raimi's career was born in the horror genre, but much like the Evil Dead franchise, the scares eventually started to get left behind in favor of more genre exploration. Thankfully, in 2009 he returned to it full-bore with Drag Me To Hell. Bringing back many of the amazing, unique aesthetics that made his early scary movies so special, he tells his own take on a gypsy curse story, and it succeeds in being both frightening and at times puke-worthy gross. Alison Lohman is fantastic as the kind but selfish Christine Brown, and it has what is certainly one of the best endings on this list.

#8. Let The Right One In (2008)

In the years before the modern zombie craze kicked into full gear, titles like Twilight and True Blood established vampires as the chic "in" monsters -- but no movie about bloodsuckers from this particular era surprised and shocked more than Tomas Alfredson's Let The Right One In. A Swedish import, this tale is a cute but also fairly fucked-up tale about a bullied young boy (Kåre Hedebrant) who strikes up a friendship with his new neighbor, who happens to be deadly, dangerous vampire (Lina Leandersson). It's one of the best modern takes on the mythos, and even inspired one of the best English-language remakes of recent memory.

#7. ParaNorman (2012)

Not all horror films need be totally terrifying, and Chris Fell and Sam Butler's ParaNorman is proof of that. The movie fits the genre through its spooky characters and premise (kid who can see and talk to the dead must stop an ancient curse from tearing his town apart), but its greatness doesn't come from scares. Instead, this stop-motion masterpiece from Laika demonstrates its genius through pure emotion and tapping into the feelings of isolation that come from feeling like an outcast -- something of which a lot of true blue horror fans are probably very aware. It's a remarkable piece of animated filmmaking, that is also definitely one of the best genre titles of the young century.

#6. Black Swan (2010)

Darren Aronofsky may not be the first name you consider when you think of "horror directors," but when you factor in the horrors that he makes you feel with his work, you totally get it. This applies to both 1998's Pi and 2000's Requiem For A Dream, but in the 21st Century conversation, it's all about Black Swan. The movie is a trippy and distressing venture into jealousy-inspired madness, following Nina Sayers (Natalie Portman) as she clings to her lead role in her ballet company's production of "Swan Lake" and goes completely insane in the process. It's the kind of movie that makes you occasionally forget to breathe, and the Oscar that Portman won is one of the most deserved in recent memory.

#5. Get Out (2017)

Even months after its release it's still hard to fully believe the true story behind Jordan Peele's Get Out. Prior to making the movie, Peele fully established himself as one of the funniest comedic voices currently working in the industry... but then he revealed to the world that his true number one goal is helming horror films. That led to his directorial debut, and what he made is nothing short of stunning. Get Out is a spectacular commentary on race in America, and blending elements of Guess Who's Coming To Dinner meets The Stepford Wives it makes a stunning commentary about prejudice and cultural appropriation. Daniel Kaluuya and Allison Williams are both incredible in the lead roles, and with any luck, it will be the first of many Peele directorial efforts that eventually find their way on to this list.

#4. Stoker (2013)

A wonderful reflection of the protagonist's intensely enhanced senses, Chan-wook Park's Stoker is one of the most meticulously put together and beautiful films you'll experience -- inside or outside the horror genre. Based on an original screenplay by Wentworth Miller, it tells the story of a teen girl named India (Mia Wasikowska) who sees her world start to change following the death of her father (Dermot Mulroney) and the arrival of her mysterious Uncle Charlie (Matthew Goode). As India works to learn more about this strange relative, she begins to not only unravel a dark family secret, but also reveal new parts of herself that have laid dormant her entire life. It's a stunning, gorgeous piece of work that manages to simultaneously be both elegant and brutal, featuring some amazing performances and moments that stay with you long after the end credits have finished rolling.

#3. Shaun Of The Dead (2004)

Similar to Quentin Tarantino, Edgar Wright is a pop culture filmmaker. He not only has an immense and deep cinematic knowledge, but expresses it through his work -- using each of his features as a love letter to genre with the addition of his own unique sensibilities. He's made some brilliant titles to date, but there is arguably none better than his ode to zombie horror, Shaun of the Dead. Yes, the movie puts comedy first and foremost, and the buddy relationship between Simon Pegg's Shaun and Nick Frost's Ed is an all-timer; but you also have to love its clear affection for the cultural contributions of George A. Romero, making the walking dead not only horrific, but also a reflection of modern society ("apathy" being the big target this time around). Thanks to Wright's blissful and scrupulous use of foreshadowing, it's also endlessly rewatchable, with each viewing revealing something new you never noticed before.

#2. The Babadook (2014)

The Babadook is a film that came completely out of nowhere. Writer/director Jennifer Kent had never written or directed a feature before; and despite having some notable titles on her resume, star Essie Davis was hardly a household name. One amazing piece of work can leave quite an impression, however, and the reality is that their collaboration is not only one of the scariest movies of the 21st century, but rather one of the scariest movies of all time. The mother-son relationship between Davis and young actor Noah Wiseman is psychological torture enough (in a good way), but then the story introduces the titular monster and the whole thing just becomes a living nightmare that leaves you watching in the fetal position. It's an unbelievably terrifying cinematic experience, and would be #1 if not for one other title...

#1. The Cabin In The Woods (2012)

It's perhaps a bit strange for a film that deconstructs the horror genre to be the number one title on a horror movie list, but what can we say? Within the category, Drew Goddard's The Cabin In The Woods is the best film we've seen so far in the 21st century. Its release famously delayed for years and years due to the MGM bankruptcy, the film from the outside looks like your typical set-up (a group of college kids get terrorized by supernatural forces while vacationing in the woods), but there is just so much more to it than that. The script, co-written by Goddard and Joss Whedon, is an endlessly clever and meta analysis of what draws us to this kind of storytelling, and does a brilliant job of taking every notable trope and turning it on its ear. Add the totally unexpected yet genius turn the movie takes into the equation, and you have the title that we just had to give the number one slot.

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In the film Black Swan, the rivalry between Natalie Portman's Nina and Mila Kunis' Lily is extremely palpable by time it's blossomed into its final form. Some would say that it's to be expected, considering Portman and Kunis both devoted a lot of time and energy into their perfect performances for the film. However, performances weren't enough for director Darren Aronofsky, and to that extent he contributed to the work of his actors by stoking the fires himself.

Natalie Portman recently sat down with Vogue to discuss her directorial debut, A Tale of Love and Darkness, and during that conversation the magazine spiced things up by reporting several facts that weren't as well-known as the usual factoids. One such fact came from her time on Black Swan, as Portman recalled Aronofsky's behavior on set with the following remark:

Now this doesn't come as a complete surprise to us, considering how some directors, like Aronofsky or Suicide Squad's David Ayer, will prompt their actors into action with special suggestions. Knowing how hardcore the director of such films as Requiem For A Dream, and more recently, Noah likes to go with his films, Darren Aronofsky seems like just the person to pit actors against each other in the name of the project. But to be explicitly told that he took the pair of friends and specifically push them apart, even to the extent of not letting them hang out together during production, definitely has us interested in watching Black Swan again with that knowledge in mind.

What makes this news even more interesting is the fact that it comes not too long after Natalie Portman admitted that screen legend Lauren Bacall was apparently not a huge fan of hers' after working on a short film together. Though that opinion came from Portman's uncertainty as the director of said short, and wasn't any sort of malicious grudge. And neither was the on-set feud between her and Mila Kunis, as the two are still good friends after their Black Swan experience.

Thankfully, Darren Aronofsky's conscious choice to feed Portman and Kunis' argument didn't turn what was the ultimate duo of method performances in Black Swan into a real, live feud between professionals. Lessons that were learned during that experience, as well as her time directing Lauren Bacall, will undoubtedly have colored her directorial skill set, which makes us all the more excited to see A Tale of Love and Darkness. The film is now open in New York and Los Angeles, with no current plans for expansion announced.

The world's greatest filmmakers tell their stories from the very first frame in their movies to the very last. Need proof? Just watch the amazing supercut below, and you'll notice just how many brilliant films have beginnings and endings that work in stunning tandem.

This video, titled bluntly "First and Final Frames," was created by Vimeo user Jacob T. Swinney, and it's an impressive edit that highlights the brilliant work of filmmakers from every era, including John Ford, Martin Scorsese, Stanley Kubrick, Quentin Tarantino and many more. It's amazing to watch just how many movies have perfectly poetic beginnings and endings.

So what are some of the highlights? One of the earliest in the video comes from a film that was only released just last year: David Fincher's Gone Girl. The mirrored beginning and ending here isn't exactly subtle in framing, but what's lurking behind Rosamund Pike's eyes completely changes the context.

My next favorite is featured from Paul Thomas Anderson's Punch Drunk Love. This is a movie all about a man rejecting his loneliness and finding love, and it's illustrated perfectly here.

And then there's the visual magic of Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey, which juxtaposes "sunrise" with the giant space baby:

I've always found that part of the fun in watching these kinds of videos is simply naming as many of the movies as you can - and I imagine that many of you are the same way. If you've already made your guesses, head over to Page Two to check them against the full list of films, which the editor was kind enough to provide.

Starz has been upping the ante when it comes to larger than life original drama, including the recent swashbuckling hit Black Sails and the upcoming epic Scottish romance Outlander. They’ll soon rein in the external thrills for something far more personal and stress-inducing with the series order they gave to the ballet drama Flesh and Bone from creator and former dancer Moira Walley-Beckett, the producer/actress/writer responsible for some of Breaking Bad’s most memorable episodes. I suppose their expectations of drawing audiences back to ballet fiction following 2011’s Black Swan are more reasonable with such a creative talent putting it all together.

Part of the network’s decision came from the central casting of professional footsmith Sarah Hay, who just so happened to star in Black Swan. Hay successfully outlasted thousands of potential applicants in a nationwide search for the right performer, so I think it’s safe to say no one will be worried about the on-screen dance work coming off as unprofessional. She is still a newcomer to the acting game, so it remains to be seen how squarely on her shoulders this cable series can sit. According to Deadline, Starz CEO Chris Albrecht said the project wasn’t moving forward without a “world class dancer who had the ability to convey the widest range of emotions that Moira has written,“ which is as close to a perfect recommendation as I can think of.

Hay will star as Claire, a young artist with a troubled past who joins a prestigious New York company, which isn’t quite as luxurious as it sounds. The series will delve into the grit and the grime that go hand in hand with the glamour and prestige of the dancing community. Dance is probably filling in for some other addiction Claire has, which will doubtlessly reveal itself in the most unpleasant of ways. I bet the footpad budget for this is going to be outrageous.

Lawrence Bender, a longtime producer of Quentin Tarantino’s films, will executive produce along with Kevin Brown, who comes from the family of dancers that inspired the Oscar-nominated 1977 drama Turning Point. Center Stage star and world famous performer Ethan Stiefel has signed on to the project as a consultant and choreographer. November was also a good month for the project, as four supporting roles were all filled by professionals, including American Ballet Theatre soloist Sascha Redetsky (Center Stage), Emily Tyra (Boardwalk Empire), former ABT principal dancer Irina Dvorovenko and Ballet Arizona company dancer Raychel Diane Weiner. Nobody can say they aren’t approaching this from a method angle.

Starz recently opted out of their series order for the drama Fortitude, which was meant to air in the last quarter of 2014, which would be a prime spot for Flesh and Bone, but it looks like the series won’t be hitting the air until 2015 at the earliest. Production is scheduled to begin in New York City early this year.

Whether it's a spontaneous bit of dancing or a more choreographed number, movie history is full of great dance moments. And as it happens, the internet is full of supercuts, but the above video and the sequel that followed rises above some of the rest, thanks in large part to great editing, as it looks like the creator really took the time to fit the dance clips together so they line up with the song. Set to Men Without Hats' "Safety Dance," "We Can Dance - Hollywood Movie Dance Tribute" links Road Trip, It's a Wonderful Life, Grease, Mean Girls, Dirty Dancing, Silver Linings Playbook, 500 Days of Summer and quite a few other great movies together through dancing. And it all ends up with the Beetlejuice scene.

Beyond the editing, what I really like about Robert Jones' video is that he works some more obscure dance moments into it. Like Andrew Garfield's very brief attempt at dancing during the Caribbean Night scene in The Social Network:

And GIFed because it's one of my favorite spontaneous musical moments in a movie, Joseph Gordon-Levitt dancing his feelings in (500) Days of Summer:

The above video went up last May and has since racked up nearly 10 million hits, so there's a good chance you've seen it. But Jones has since done a sequel to it, which includes some other movies, including Billy Elliott, Mary Poppins, Revenge of the Nerds, Chicago and more…

I was actually hoping for a bit of Newsies in this one, but instead we got Swing Kids…

Still, Bale is Bale, right? Speaking of swing dancing, I loved the added snippets from Swingers and Blast from the Past.

And if we're comparing the second video to the first one, it looks like Revenge of the Nerds' Poindexter took the place of Napoleon Dynamite as the awkwardly awesome scene-stealing dancer. It also looked like they worked a few more scenes from classic cinema into this one, in addition to more recent movies. Between dance movies and musicals alone, there's probably no shortage of footage that can be used for additional videos, so hopefully these two aren't the last we see of these great montages.

With the job market still an incredibly inhospitable place, it's estimated that more than a million young people (and comedy stars) have turned to internships to get them footholds into future work in industries that interest them. Half of these are unpaid. For those fascinated by film, this could mean taking an unpaid internship on a movie production. While it sounds glamorous, the reality is long hours, thankless grunt work, little respect, and no pay. Something that spurred a Manhattan judge to rule that Fox Searchlight Pictures violated New York minimum wage laws when they didn't pay production interns on the set of Black Swan.

The New York Times points out that unpaid interns are a pretty standard part of a film crew. The tradeoff is supposed to be that the intern learns valuable on-the-job training, in lieu of a paycheck. However, Judge William H. Pauley III found the responsibilities assigned to the aforementioned interns Eric Glatt and Alexander Footman were similar enough to their paid counterparts that they should have been considered regular employees. These responsibilities included taking lunch orders, answering phones, arranging travel plans for employees, tracking purchase orders, assembling office furniture and taking out the trash. The judge went on to state that the film set was not an educational environment, and since the studio benefited from the work of these interns, they deserved to be paid.

This case could have a ripple effect on film productions from here on out, forcing studios to pay interns lest they incur the wrath of the court system. For his part, Judge Pauley believes unpaid internships should be allowed only in very limited instances. He also turned down the creation of a “primary benefit test” meant to determine whether or not an internship should be paid, saying the proposed test would be too subjective and unpredictable. Instead he follows the rulings laid out but the Department of Labor that insist unpaid internships should resemble a vocational training program, not a job position that could be filled by a regular employee. He also rejected the idea that college credit makes up for a paycheck.

While Fox has already announced plans to pursue a reversal on this decision, Mr. Glatt had this to say:

I myself did a string of unpaid internships during and after college. They were a mixed bag. One at Sesame Street allowed me the treasured opportunity to see my childhood idol Frank Oz perform as Grover while I stood outside Mr. Hooper's store. (I still grin like a fool thinking of it.) Another ran me so mercilessly into the ground doing one thankless chore after another that I became a frantic wreck of tears and blistered feet. Each internship did teach me about some aspect of the business I hoped to work in, and I was told again and again that paying my dues meant not getting paid. But with the economy being as brutal as it is right now, who can afford to work unpaid 20-40 hours a week? This ruling might mean production budgets will get bigger, but then it also means getting started in this industry would become just a bit less daunting thanks to minimum wage requirements.

While I never made myself a "Eric's Favorite Movies of 2010" list, public or private, if I did the top two movies would have been The Social Network at number one and Black Swan at number two. Sure, they aren't the most shocking choices in the world, but, if anything, the number of lists the two titles showed up on demonstrates how incredibly great they were. Now, in a very strange way, the two movies are being combined.

The Los Angeles Times reports that Mark Heyman, one of the three writers behind Darren Aronofsky's Black Swan, has produced a script called XOXO that has started getting studio attention. A thriller that seems to have close ties to Fatal Attraction, the story is about a man in his 20s who begins a digital relationship with a girl on Facebook, but things start taking a dark turn when the girl becomes obsessed with him and begins to stalk him. Rather than have the two leads sitting in front of computers chatting with each other, which would likely be a total bore, an unidentified source said that "stylized visual sequences" will be used while the man and woman are interacting on their computers. The article says that Aronofsky will serve as a producer, as will one of the producers of Sideways (the article doesn't specify if it's Michael London or George Parra).

As excitement-inducing as all of the names mentioned above are, I can't help but be skeptical about this project. While the comparisons to Fatal Attraction are obvious, one must also point out that both Obsessed and Swimfan came out in the last decade using the exact same premise. Throw in the fact that Catfish, one of last year's best documentaries, constructed a similar idea just last year, this project is looking less and less fresh.

The MTV Movie Awards are like a televised drinking game for celebrities. It doesn’t even matter who wins or loses. No one remembers who won a beer pong game from five years ago, just like no one remembers who took home that popcorn statue. The whole point is for movie stars is to show up, have a few laughs with their friends and then call it a night. It sort of sounds like an insult said so overtly like that, but in actuality, it isn’t. There are literally dozens of awards shows every year. The Academy Awards matter. The Golden Globes and Emmys sort of matter. The Independent Spirit Awards have a nice off-beat charm to them. Everything else is mostly a pretentious waste of time, except the MTV Movie Awards that put up no pretense whatsoever. They know exactly what they are, and they’re fine with it. So am I.

Check out the complete list of 2011 MTV Movie Award winners below. Or skip down to the bottom to replay our interactive live blog of the event, in which Cinema Blenders hugged it out while Twilight ran away with everything.

Reading the news from Deadline about the new James Franco & Winona Ryder film The Stare, it's hard to miss the parallels to Ryder's 2010 film, Black Swan. Here's the plot description as they provide it:

It basically seems like Ryder's chance to take on a role as challenging and out-there as Natalie Portman's in Black Swan, a parallel even funnier when you think about the fact that Ryder's character in the movie is being replaced by Portman's-- revenge of the ousted prima ballerina Beth! But thinking back even further, Ryder is the O.G. girl with possible delusions, an actress who's always done her best work occupying the fringes of rational human behavior. Let's take a look at the highlights: Best of Crazy Ryder:

-- 1988: Beetle Juice A 16-year-old goth girl who can see the dead and may or may not wind up marrying a gross, adult ghost.

--1990: Edward Scissorhands A teenage girl in a cookie-cutter suburb who falls for a boy with, uh, scissors for hands.

--1990: Mermaids An obsessive Catholic teenage girl who believes God is punishing her with pregnancy after kissing a boy.

--1997: THe Crucible An obsessive, adulterous teenage girl who accuses various people in her town of being witches out of nothing but spite.

--1999: Girl, Interrupted I mean, she's in a mental hospital. But maybe she's the sanest one! Or maybe the craziest! Either way, mental hospital is kind of the definition of fringes of society.

--2010: Black Swan A ballerina past her prime who openly threatens the new girl-- and may or may not stab her in a hospital room. OK, that probably didn't happen.

So you see, Winona Ryder was playing women losing their grip on the real world long before Natalie Portman strapped on a pair of toe shoes, and as she makes what's looking like a real comeback, Ryder is returning to what she does best: being just a little crazy. We couldn't be happier to see her back in the swing of things.

We're less than a week away from Black Swan hitting Blu-ray and DVD, and Fox Searchlight has kicked the promotional machine for the Oscar-winning head-tripper into high gear. For a movie so wrapped up in notions of identity, insecurity, and duality, it's only appropriate that the studio has put together The Black Swan Experience, which will help you determine if you are a Black Swan or a White Swan. As far as I can tell, there is no third "Ugly Duckling" option.

Basically, clicking on the link above will take you to a sort of interactive game that will present you with clips from Black Swan, then allow you to choose which statement best reflects what feeling the scene conjures in you. And no, it doesn't appear to include that scene between Natalie Portman and Mila Kunis, despite it almost certainly generating a variety of feelings in viewers.

Black Swan twirls onto Blu-ray and DVD next Tuesday, March 29th.

[note: Our ongoing series of Oscar Rants continues with Will's take on Best Pic nominee Black Swan. Watch for more Oscar Rants coming soon. Here's Will…]

There’s a formula you can follow to work your way in contention for the top prize at the Academy Awards. Heavy drama plus a few well placed laughs and two or three scenes that leave the audience choked with tears and you’ll have no problem landing among the elite ten being scrutinized for the Oscar’s best picture. But what if you’re a brilliant film that blurs the line between thriller and horror, two genres rarely considered for awards let alone best picture, until you can’t tell where one ends and the other begins? Enter Black Swan, Darren Aronofsky’s 2010 opus which, while teeming with personal drama, left us all watching half the movie through the spaces between our fingers.

The horror genre has been widely absent at the Academy Awards since their inception, save for a scant few that have weaseled their way in. Last year, District 9 clearly expressed horror elements, and before that 1999’s Sixth Sense found a spot among the leaders. That’s an 11 year stretch with only a few mild thrillers mixed in, and an even longer span before that. As a horror lover, I’ll be the first to admit that this omission is not entirely because the Academy is simply unwilling to consider the genre, the truth is most horror films simply aren’t good enough or innovative enough to compete with well thought out works like The Social Network or No Country for Old Men. There’s a stigma to awarding horror, and maybe it’s one that the genre’s earned.

Black Swan is different. At first disguising itself as “that ballet movie”, none of the film’s early viewers got what they were expecting. As the movie traveled through festivals, it unfolded its wings to reveal its next guise, as a psychological thriller. And yet, while it more closely resembles a thriller than a ballet movie, Black Swan’s final transformation is something else entirely. By the end of the Nina’s story it’s clear that it’s actually a horror movie, one that makes no apologies for shocking its unsuspecting audience, sure to cringe even more later, as they relive the memory telling their friends about it.

This year, the Academy recognized the horror genre by putting Black Swan in the top ten, perhaps in part because may not have even recognized it as a horror film. Many Oscar voters will have seen the film in its early stages under the preconceived notion that it’s just a drama or that it’s just a thriller, thus allowing them to cast their vote for Aronofsky’s latest without hesitation, free from the stigma of voting for an actual, honest-to-goodness horror film.

This isn’t a horror film like Dawn of the Dead is a horror film. And it’s certainly not a horror film like The Thing is a horror film. Black Swan has no ghosts or zombies or ghouls or demons (inner demons?) to hang on for its scares. It lives simply in the mind of Natalie Portman’s Nina who drives this film like she pulled it through the deepest depths of the human psyche, where real horror lives. Much like Carrie, Nina endures never ending torment from her mother and her peers until she snaps. The film burns slowly like a candle and as Nina’s wick of sanity reaches its end, the story explodes into a crescendo of dementia impossible to escape not only by Nina, but by audiences unable to look away.

Darren Aronofsky has not put horror “on the map”, he just managed to do it well enough that it looks like something else. In how many other dramas have you seen toenails break and skin pulled back to the bone amidst a backdrop of endless, taunting hallucinations? It doesn’t happen. Black Swan is a horror movie, but beyond the scares, perhaps it’s greatest trick is in convincing people who fear the genre that it isn’t part of it. Now that Black Swan on Oscar’s stage, it’s time deep and brooding horror took home the top prize.

[Read more Cinema Blend Oscar Rants right here.]

Great movies are built on great ideas, or amazing performances, or the perfect script. Maybe they're best remembered as a completed whole, a piece of art which doesn't come together until every single frame has unspooled on screen. But more often than not, it's the moments we remember most; those special, singular places in time where everything comes together on screen for a few brief seconds or minutes to create something so indelible, so perfect, you'll carry it with you for the rest of your life.

Maybe the rest of the movie doesn't really work or maybe you're in the middle of watching one of the year's best films. Whatever the movie, in that moment, for those seconds, you're carried away by unstoppable laughter, soaring on waves of emotion, or left sinking into the pits of sadness and despair. For a few specific seconds some films are able to capture lightning in a bottle. 2010 had more than its share of those unforgettable, lightning in a bottle moments on film. These are the ones we'll remember most.

SPOILER WARNING: The following discussion contains major spoilers from each of the films involved. If you haven't seen the movie, skip it and go on to the next one.

Aron Ralston Smiles in 127 Hours

The most unforgettable moment in 127 Hours isn't the now infamous five minutes James Franco's Aron Ralston spends cutting off his own arm, it's what he does afterward. Trapped for days with his appendage wedged between a boulder and a narrow canyon wall, Aron has had little to hope for except a quick and painless death. Dehydrated and hopeless, he finally begins tearing at his own flesh. It seems clear that when he starts he never hoped to actually survive but suddenly after hacking and tearing and suffering, suddenly he's free.

Aron stumbles back against the canyon wall and stops, almost surprised to be moving under his own power, and when he stumbles backwards he looks back at the spot where he'd been imprisoned, he looks back and the remains of his severed limb... and smiles. It's that moment, more than any other in 127 Hours which you'll never get. It's the smile of pure freedom, it's the smile of someone who suddenly has a chance at life. For that one second, he doesn't feel the pain of his missing arm or the stiffness in his water-deprived muscles. There is only freedom.

Unfortunately that particular scene from 127 Hours isn't available to view online. Check out a different clip below instead, as a reminder of the circumstances from which Ralston freed himself.

Obliviate in Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows

We've never really seen much of Hermione's home life in the Harry Potter movies. All we've been told is that her parents are, well, normal. In a few brief seconds at the start of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows part 1 though, we learn all there is to know about the Grangers. They are normal, very normal and judging from the pictures on their mantle they deeply love their daughter.

But they're in danger and to keep them safe, Hermione erases their memory of her. As she raises her wand behind unsuspecting parents, the pictures on their mantle filled with happy times spent doing things with their daughter fade away. Her parents hunch over on the couch, as if all the happiness has just been sucked out of their lives. Hermione will remember their life with her, but they won't.

Watch Hermione sacrifice her past to keep the people she loves safe, with a small part of the obliviate scene in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows part 1 embedded below.

MacGruber Blows Up Heroes in MacGruber

The best Saturday Night Live movie since Wayne's World may have been slandered by critics and underappreciated by fans, but it's still responsible for one of the better misdirection scenes in comedy history. After tracking down and reassembling his imposing gang of professional wrestlers, MacGruber takes pause to ridicule Ryan Phillippe, as half a dozen or so American heroes with over one hundred years of combined combat experience chant "fuck the brass" from inside their specially-equipped van. And then it explodes, taking all their brotherhood and expertise with it.

As MacGruber frantically checks the wreckage for survivors and screams for someone to call 911, viewers finally get a taste of what they might be in for. It's surprising and strangely brilliant and far more clever than most people give it credit for. What can you really expect out of the jackass that just blew up his entire support network? An hour and a half of unconventional, foul-mouthed hilarity. Don't bother disagreeing. MacGruber will just head butt you in the face until you reconsider.

Watch MacGruber blow up his own team embedded below:

Albert's Penguin Story in The King's Speech

Before he becomes embroiled in matters of state, we first meet Albert as a family man who never really expected to take the reigns of power. He loves his children yet because of his stammer finds himself often utterly unable to communicate with them. In what is without a doubt the film's most moving, human moment Albert comes in to kiss his daughters before bed. They beg him to tell them a bed time story, and the sadness in Albert's eyes at that moment is so great, that it threatens to take on a life of its own.

Knowing he's unable to tell a proper story Albert attempts to compensate and, wearing the tuxedo he'll need for his late night engagement, gets down on his hands and knees to imitate a penguin for his daughters, while stuttering out a penguin story. The story is simple and his delivery is halting and unsteady, but Albert loves his daughters and attempts to compensate by flopping around the room, without hesitation or embarrassment. They love him for it.

The King's Speech is only recently in theaters, so this scene isn't available to watch online. Do yourself a favor and whether or not you've already seen it, buy a ticket for The King's Speech right now.

Nina Dances The Black Swan in Black Swan

Unable to find the darkness inside herself necessary to dance the dance of the Black Swan for her performance in Swan Lake, Natalie Portman's Nina spends most of the film slowly driving herself mad in pursuit of perfection. Backstage between dances, she slowly gives in to the madness and it gives her power on stage, the power to pull off the greatest performance of her career. Nina steps on stage to dance the black swan and while the audience simply sees an amazing dance, in Nina's mind she's slowly beginning to transform into a bird as the darkness she's had bottled up in her is suddenly released.

Director Darren Aronofsky shoots the entire thing beautifully and Portman, who worked tirelessly to transform her body for the role, actually performs a lot of the moves herself. The result is perhaps one of the best ballet sequences ever captured on screen.

Here's the first part of Nina's dance of the black swan, embedded below. It gets weirder and goes further, shortly after this clip ends.

Allen Gets His Wooden Gun Back in The Other Guys

In The Other Guys Will Ferrell's loser cop Allen is so incompetent that he's given a wooden gun. Except he can't even hold on to that, and it's soon taken from him by the movie's bad guys. Allen and his partner (Mark Wahlberg) are called into the Captain's office to be chewed out for their actions where the Captain informs them that in a move of ninja-like humiliation their attackers have returned Will Ferrell's wooden gun and we learn, for some reason, have also improved it by staining the wood and rubbed it down with linseed oil. Allen is impressed by the attention to detail. It's a scene so ridiculous that it probably couldn't have happened in a proper movie, but that's just how The Other Guys rolls. The plot may not work at all, but the sheer absurdity of what's going on makes this moment, along with a lot of the others in this film, one of the funniest of the year.

Will Ferrell's admiration of his gun's new finish isn't available online, but here's what happens later when he loses his gun again:

Henley Sequence in The Social Network

For those who row crew, there are few events more hotly anticipated than the Henley Royal Regatta on the River Thames. Rowers from around the world go every year and future Olympians Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss are no exceptions. Standing 6'5” and weighing in at 220 pounds, the twins work year round to try and bring home the top prize for their beloved Harvard University.

Starting quietly, we hear the sound of Edvard Grieg's “In The Hall of the Mountain King” and as the camera pans around the town of Henley-on-Thames, England, the tilt shift camera work making everything look miniature. The music grows as we see the boats for the first time, slowly moving towards us from a distance. The rowers' oars move in perfect synchronicity, silent coxswains calling out orders to their teammates. Grieg's masterpiece gains volume and tempo as we get closer to the rowers as they grit their teeth, flex their arms and try to keep their breath. As the two boats get closer and closer to the finish line, staying neck in neck, the music becomes deafening and the rowers look more and more exhausted, but never give up. Finally, one boat crosses the finish line and… it's the Hollandia Roeiclub from the Netherlands that finishes first by less than a full boat length. The Dutch rowers are jubilant though bushed, and the Winklevosses appear to be near tears. From high above the race, the Winklevoss' business partner, Divya Narendra, turns away. It's yet another second place finish.

Relive one of the most brilliant moments from David Fincher's The Social Network below.

Hiccup And Toothless Touch in How To Train Your Dragon

It happens in incremental moments, this connection between a Viking boy and the dragon he's been taught to fear and kill his entire life. Of course, since it started with Hiccup shooting down Toothless in the night sky during a battle, it was obviously going to take some time for these two to warm up to each other. First Hiccup brings a fish, and Toothless coughs up a bit of the tail so Hiccup can share-- making sure he swallows, of course. At that point it's too early, though, and Toothless runs away the moment Hiccup reaches out his hand. Then Hiccup draws Toothless in the dirt with a stick, and Toothless imitates him, sketching circles in the ground around Hiccup with a giant tree branch. All the while we come to see Toothless as less fearsome dragon and more eager housecat, trying to understand and communicate with his new friend.

Finally it happens-- Hiccup reaches out his hand to Toothless's nose, eyes averted to the ground, and Toothless presses into the boy's palm. It's the beginning of a friendship that will define each of their lives as well as this lovely, adventurous movie, and it starts with a simple touch between creatures trained to kill one another above all else.

Revisit the start of the friendship between Hiccup and Toothless below:

Drinking With Terry Hoitz in The Other Guys

When Will Ferrell's Allen has trouble at home with his way too hot to be with him wife, Mark Wahlberg's Terry Hoitz has the solution: Drinking. Not just any drinking, drinking with Terry Hoitz. Drinking with Terry Hoitz, as it turns out, involves such highly entertaining antics as pouring beer on bar patrons, firing off guns in a crowd while shotgunning vodka, and peeing on pool tables. It's all told in a pretty eye-popping, single-take still image which the camera weaves through while The Black Eyed Peas “Imma Be” blares on the soundtrack providing a funky beat to their antics.

For those of you keeping count, that's the Black Eyed Peas second appearance on this list. 2010 was their year, and probably with good reason. This scene just wouldn't be as good without their vibe.

Watch Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg go drinking Terry Hoitz style, embedded below:

Big Daddy Takes Down A Warehouse in Kick-Ass

While he doesn't know it yet, Kick-Ass is screwed. Tricked by a guy he believes to be a fellow superhero, he's being driven to his doom and all he can do is sit in the passenger seat jamming out to “Crazy” by Gnarls Barkley. Or at least that's what Red Mist thinks as he alerts the men at the warehouse that they are on their way. Fortunately for Kick-Ass, Big Daddy beats both of them there.

Sneaking in like a ninja, the hulking former cop dressed up like Batman lays waste to every man in the building. In the background, John Murphy's “In The House In A Heartbeat” from the 28 Days Later score slowly rises as the superhero glides around. Knife slashes throat. Kick guy in the chest. Knife stabs chest. Shots fired with pistol. Use human shield. More stabbing, more shooting. Ascend the stairs, dodge the bullets. Shoot a guy, throw a grenade. Hop down, steal shotgun and fire away. In less than a minute, a warehouse filled with trained killers becomes a warehouse filled with corpses. After that, there's nothing more to do then to set it all aflame.

Watch Big Daddy bring all the baddies down in the video below:

John And Cyrus Discuss Panic Attacks in Cyrus

Mothers are like the Godfather's Luca Brasi. They're fiercely devoted, unwaveringly intense and usually the worst possible people to piss off. Cyrus and John at least agree on that. Their seething hatred for each other has evolved into open warfare, but they both know no good will come out of telling Molly, John's girlfriend and Cyrus' mom. For fear of evil eyes and more nights on the couch, they take to a spare bedroom to whisper vicious threats before the woman in their lives enters, setting the stage for a delicate, back-and-forth, overly nice verbal manipulation about the best way to handle panic attacks.

Cyrus claims he's been having them and needs to move back home. John invents a bullshit, heart-wrenching story about how overcoming his fight with them in college without help turned him into the man he is today. And on and on it goes, a brilliant one-up battle of back-and-forth fabrications before Cyrus turns up the heat and shyly asks John if he isn't allowed back. Internally weighing the pros and cons, John decides to give up the battle to continue the war. The whole thing is ridiculous, yet it's still strangely authentic. Where lesser films would have devolved into over-the-top improv, Cyrus treads lightly, letting the humor come from the men's conniving dislike rather than the absurdity of individual phrases. To paraphrase David Merrick, it's not enough to win if your enemies don't lose.

This scene isn't online yet, but the movie's on Blu-ray and DVD. Run out and pick it up now.

Black Widow's Fight in Iron Man 2

Until Iron Man 2 no one had ever really thought of Scarlett Johansson as an action star, but in a little under two-minutes of battle her character, the Black Widow, delivers a series of roundhouse punches and mace to the face with such ferocity that it's not only easily the best scene in Iron Man 2 but one of the best straight up action sequences of the year.

While Tony Stark is off fighting more metal robots, Black Widow aka Natalie Romanov goes with Stark's driver Happy (Jon Favreau) to break into a secure facility and shut down the metal monsters demolishing the city. To get in she'll have to strip down and slide into a slinky catsuit, then demolish a veritable army of security guards while Happy stands around getting his ass kicked by one dude. Favreau's sense of humor about himself in the scene is a lot of fun, but not as much fun as watching Scarlett go nuts on a bunch of henchman.

Revisit Black Widow's fighting skills below:

I've Got A Dream in Tangled

Though he likes breaking femurs, you can count Brad Garrett's hook-handed thug amongst the dreamers. The same goes for all the other Barbarians Rapunzel meets in the scariest saloon this side of Dodge City. They may not have clean consciences (or hands), but below the gruff exteriors, they're just grown-up kids with unfulfilled aspirations. For almost a century, Disney has thrived on littering its films with these goofy, idealistic side characters and perhaps none have ever been given a better musical tribute than Tangled offers its ragtag band of loveable miscreants.

A lesser film would have laughed at these Philistines, but directors Nathan Greno and Byron Howard eschew mean-spirited finger pointing in favor of well-deserved giggles. Anyone can laugh at the fish out of water or the Barbarian out of key, but Rapunzel gleefully joins in, seeing the Brutes as partners rather than enemies. Her decision serves her well later, as it does the audience. “I Can See The Light” may be the film's emotional center, but “I've Got A Dream” is far and away its most charming. Walt Disney would be proud.

Sing along with the first part of “I've Got A Dream” from Tangled in the video below.

Tell us about your favorite movie moments of 2010 in the comments below.

To get more of Cinema Blend's Best Of 2010, click here.

Last year, as we here at Cinema Blend celebrated the end of the decade, I wrote an article titled “Film's 10 Best Music Moments In The Aughts.” The goal was simple: look at the all of the movies from the past ten years and pick out the scenes that made the best utilization of their soundtrack. The selection process was incredibly difficult and I never expected that I would be able to make the same kind of list for one specific year. Then 2010 came around and blew me away.

Say what you will about the quality of films we got this year, particularly during the summer months, but this was an amazing year for soundtracks and scores. Composers like Hans Zimmer, Clint Mansell and Daft Punk created some truly stunning pieces while directors utilized the songs of Joni Mitchell, Edith Piaf, Metric and The Human League flawlessly. So without further ado, I present the 10 Best Movie Music Moments Of 2010.

(Warning: There are some spoilers involved below. If you haven't seen one or more of the films, you might want to skip the appropriate sections until you have)

Inception

Song: "Non, Je ne regrette rien" by Edith Piaf / ”Half Remembered Dream” by Hans Zimmer

Prior to the release of Inception, analysts had absolutely no clue how things would play out at the box office. While the film certainly played up the “From The Director Of The Dark Knight” angle, they were unsure if people in middle America would have any interest in a blockbuster art film about the world of dreams. But do you know who didn’t underestimate audiences’ intelligence? Christopher Nolan. In fact, if anything, he overestimated them. Case in point, the brilliant use of “Non, Je ne regrette rien” by Edith Piaf.

In addition to using the beautiful song as the signal to the dreamers that they were about to experience a kick, the song was also slowed down and used by Hans Zimmer as the basis for the entire score. So how does this tie back to Nolan overestimating the audience? Following the casting of Marion Cottiard as the villainous Mal, Nolan wanted to scrap the use of Piaf all together because Cottiard had just won an Oscar for playing the singer in La Vie En Rose and he was afraid that audiences would make the connection when there wasn’t any. The slowing down of the song also perfectly fits in with the film’s concept of time moving much slower while in the dream state. Much like the movie itself, Nolan’s use of “Non, Je ne regrette rien” is brilliantly leveled and gets more fascinating the deeper you go.

Catfish

Song: "All The Way Down" by “Megan”

When first concocting the idea for this list last year, one major criteria that I kept in mind was the effect of the music on the plot of the film. After all, what’s the point of making a list of movies with impactful music if the music has no impact in the movies? Elton John’s “Tiny Dancer” helped get Stillwater back together in Almost Famous; the performance of “I Am A Man Of Constant Sorrow” by The Soggy Bottom Boys literally solved every single problem in O Brother Where Art Thou?; and it is the song "All The Way Down" that changes everything in Catfish.

In the documentary, photographer Nev Schulman believes that he has discovered the love of his life in Megan, a girl who he has never met but has had endless conversations with over the phone and online. But then something happens that completely alters his perception: she sends him an audio file of her singing a song called “All The Way Down.” After doing some research into the song’s origin, Nev realizes that it is, in fact, not her singing, but rather someone else entirely. It’s because of this seemingly insignificant song that he begins to doubt everything that he has felt about “Megan” and kicks off his desire to discover the truth.

The Other Guys

Song: "Imma Be" by The Black Eyed Peas

Say what you will about the band’s talent as a whole, but if there’s anything that the Black Eyed Peas can do well it’s make party music. You can be the wallfloweriest of wallflowers, but if the song “Imma Be” comes on over the speakers, you should be careful not to spill your beer as you start nodding your head in rhythm with the beat. Hence why it was such a perfect song choice for the bar scene in Adam McKay’s The Other Guys.

After Det. Allen Gamble (Will Ferrell) gets into a fight with his wife, his partner and woman-troubles sympathizer Det. Terry Hoitz (Mark Wahlberg) decides to take him out for a few drinks at the local pub. Fueled by the Black Eyed Peas song and filmed as a nod to the short film “Carousel” by Adam Berg, the scene packs a entire night of inebriation, gun fire, and priest-biting into less than a minute. Though the scene could have been even better had it lasted just 30 seconds longer, it’s so awesome as it stands that it deserves a spot on this list. (Watch it here.)

Four Lions

Song: "Dancing In The Moonlight" by Top Loader

While sadly under-seen (it was never released to more than 14 theaters during its domestic run), Chris Morris’ Four Lions was one of the funniest and most irreverent movies that I saw this year. The film is an absolutely brilliant satire of one of the world’s least funny issues, suicide bombers, but it is crafted so perfectly that it acts more as a soothing balm than as a target for outrage. Lucky for me, because I won’t be posting a personal top 10 list, it also contains a screamingly hilarious music scene, giving me an excuse to write about it.

Featured towards the end of the film, the four surviving members of the small, English terrorist cell have finally decided what they are going to bomb and hop in the car to road trip down to London. To start, the group listens to nasheed, Islamic vocal music, to try and get in the proper mood for what they are about to do. While the group’s leader, Omar (Riz Ahmed) does his best to try and get the others into it, the whole thing is for naught as the rest of the group nods their heads trying to get into the music, but simply can’t. Smash cut to the next morning and the group is rocking out to “Dancing in the Moonlight” by Top Loader, a song that features the lyrics, “Everybody’s feeling warm and bright, Its such a fine and natural sight.” Not only is the contrarian mood of the song a laugh by itself, but their reactions speak deeply about their real character and commitment to their cause, which is to say that they don’t have any. (Watch it here.)

Tron: Legacy

Song: "Derezzed" by Daft Punk

Names like John Williams, Hans Zimmer and Danny Elfman mean a lot to people who are completely infatuated with film, but you rarely see a film score make its way into the top spots of the Billboard 200. But that’s exactly what Daft Punk’s score for Tron: Legacy did. Sold with as much buzz as the movie itself, the French duo provided the film with some of its best highlights, including one scene in particular.

Sold as an actual single off of the soundtrack, complete with a music video and everything, the use of the song “Derezzed” in the film is nothing short of breath-taking. Set in the End of Line Club, with Daft Punk in the background spinning the records as a pair of MP3s, the track is used to back one of the most exciting scenes in the film, as Sam (Garrett Hedlund), Quorra (Olivia Wilde) and Kevin (Jeff Bridges) have been found by the evil program Clu. Even if the battle had been fought using feathers and ticklish spots, the music infuses it with so much energy that it’s elevated to a different level. Top it off with Michael Sheen’s Castor playing air guitar on his cane and you have a winner.

Cyrus

Song: "Don't You Want Me" by The Human League

In the Duplass brothers’ movie Cyrus, things don’t start off great for John C. Reilly’s character, John. Divorced for the last seven years and a self-contained prisoner in his own apartment, he couldn’t possibly be any lonelier. Making matters worse, his ex-wife, who he stays in close contact with, tells him that she is getting remarried. Urging him to go out and meet new people, she drags him to a party where he meets a beautiful woman named Molly, played by Marisa Tomei. So how does he go about getting her to like him? By singing a drunken rendition of “Don’t You Want Me” by The Human League, of course.

Because it takes place so early in the film and the audience is only just learning to like John, the scene is incredibly important to the rest of the film’s storyline and everyone involved absolutely nails it. Because everyone’s made a fool of themselves at least once while wasted, John earns our empathy when everyone at the party is just staring at him and not joining in. It’s when Molly steps in to sing the second verse, however, that everything steps perfectly into place. The spark between them is immediately ignited and the audience is fully prepared to watch them for two hours – and all because of some 80s synthpop. (Watch it here.)

The Kids Are All Right

Song: "All I Want" by Joni Mitchell

For the vast majority of Lisa Cholodenko’s The Kids Are All Right, Annette Bening’s character, Nic, can’t stand the character played by Mark Ruffalo, named Paul. The biological father of her two children, Joni (Mia Wasikowska) and Laser (Josh Hutcherson), not only is she upset that they tracked him down, but she doesn’t approve of anything he does. She doesn’t like that he rides a motorcycle; she doesn’t like that he spends so much time with her wife, Jules (Julianne Moore); and she doesn’t like that her kids are spending so much time with him instead of her. So when the two characters finally see eye-to-eye on something, it’s a major step forward, and they do so with a little help from Joni Mitchell and the song “All I Want.”

Sung a cappella by Nic while at a family dinner at Paul’s house, the scene perfectly balances awkwardness while also informing the characters (Joni was named after Joni Mitchell). Only making the scene better is how the rest of the night plays out, with Nic discovering that Paul and Jules are sleeping together. All of the progress that they’ve made shatters like glass, and it wouldn’t have been nearly as effective without the song.

Scott Pilgrim vs. The World

Song: "Black Sheep" by The Clash At Demonhead

After a bad break-up, there’s nothing in the world you want more than to see your ex fail. You want to see them punished for breaking your heart. It’s the little bit of schadenfreude that exists in all of us. Unfortunately for Scott Pilgrim (Michael Cera), his one major ex, Envy (Brie Larson), happens to be in one of the biggest bands in the country and his best friends have roped him into seeing them perform. Then comes the double-whammy: the band is absolutely amazing and the bassist is one of the seven evil exes that he must do battle with.

There’s an incredible number of amazing music moments in Edgar Wright’s Scott Pilgrim vs. The World and it was a sincere challenge picking just one. When watching the performance of The Clash At Demonhead for the first time, however, I was literally pushed back into my seat. The song itself is a stunner (as is Larson’s singing voice) and the editing, isolating the characters as they stare each other down, is magic. The reaction by Mark Webber’s Steven Stills after the performance says it all: “That was…that was devastating.” (Watch it here.)

Black Swan

Song: "A Swan Is Born" and “Perfection” by Clint Mansell

Just as Nina Sayers spends her entire life preparing to dance the lead in Swan Lake, the movie Black Swan builds entirely toward the dance of the ballet and the Tchaikovsky music that comes with it. As Nina endures rehearsals and the immense psychological pressure of tapping into her dark side to dance both the white and black swan, Clint Mansell's score veers between the unsettling, modern notes of his own work and hints of Tchaikovsky's classic. We hear the major themes from Tchaikovksy's work in Nina's cell phone ring and the music box her mother places by her bedside, in the piano and violin music in the rehearsal room, and in scraps Mansell's score, quickly covered up by the haunting modern piano and violin that contrast so sharply with the classical work.

And then, it's time for Nina to dance, and the score gives over completely to Tchaikovsky's work so familiar from the past century of ballet. The violins soar and the percussion booms as Nina dances, shyly at first during the white swan segment, and then with ferocity matching the orchestra as she transforms into the black swan. She's introduced with a trumpet fanfare as she begins the black swan dance, and what's striking about the music at that moment isn't its intensity, but how similarly jarring and strange it is to Mansell's original score. Tchaikovsky, it turns out, is just as dark and oddly compelling as something written this decade. Even in a scene where a young woman transforms to an evil swan before our eyes, music written 130 years ago is the real showstopper. (Watch it here.) (Contributed by Katey Rich)

The Social Network

Song: "In The Hall Of The Mountain King" by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross

Unlike last year, when I ranked the top ten music moments of the aughts, I decided that this time around I wouldn’t put the scenes in competition with each other, instead letting them stand on their own as small, amazing moments in cinema from the last year. That said, I will admit that this scene isn’t only my favorite music moment from 2010, but my favorite scene overall.

Known to most as the “Henley Sequence,” what separates this scene from the others is that it actually has no baring on the plot whatsoever – it’s simply an incredible piece of filmmaking. Shot using what’s called tilt shift photography, the cinematography alone is enough to blow anyone away, but it’s the adaptation of Edvard Grieg’s “In The Hall of The Mountain King” by score composers Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross that makes the scene utterly perfect. Meshing perfectly with the visuals of spectators watching the annual Henley Royal Regatta, the music slowly builds and builds before becoming massively chaotic towards the end of the race, where the Winklevoss twins and the Harvard crew team experiences defeat. If my news production slows after January 11, when The Social Network is released on Blu-ray, know that it’s because I am too busy watching this scene over and over. (Watch it here.)

Honorable Mention: “How You Like Me Now” by The Heavy in The Fighter; “Let’s Get It Started” by Craig Robinson in Hot Tub Time Machine; “In The House In A Heartbeat” by John Murphy in Kick-Ass; “You and Me” by Penny and the Quarters in Blue Valentine; “Never Hear Surf Music Again” by Free Blood in 127 Hours.

For more of Cinema Blend's 2010 wrap-up go here.

Everyone everywhere celebrates Christmas a little differently. Sure, some of the traditions are the same – Christians put a Christmas tree in the living room, Jewish people go to Chinese restaurants, etc. – but other than that we all have our own traditions while celebrating the holiday. Some have massive family gatherings, others like to keep it intimate and small. Some people really like to celebrate, while others couldn’t care less. Regardless of how you spend your time, one way to make sure that you’ll survive is to include at least one trip to the movie theater. It’s in that area that we here at Cinema Blend are happy to help.

Below you’ll find a complete guide to this year’s in-theater movie selection, paired along with your main reason for seeing it, who you should go with, and how the experience will compare to Christmases in the recent past. Feel free to print it out and stick a copy in your back pocket or purse. You never know when it might come in handy and it might even save your life. Read on below for Cinema Blend’s Official Movie Guide To Christmas 2010.

When You Have To Find Something To Distract The Kids From The Presents Around The Tree: Tangled.

Not only will the kids absolutely adore this one (I can 100% guarantee that they will laugh every time Pascal the Chameleon or Maximus the Horse is on screen), but it’s something that the parents escorting them will love too. The film is beautifully animated, has a classic Disney feel and some really great music to boot.

Best for: A house filled with rug rats that have eaten far too many of the cookies that were left out for Santa.

Kind of like that time you all saw… Princess and The Frog last year and regained a taste for Disney versions of classic fairy tales.

When You're Dealing With Teens Who Say They're Too Old/Cool For Tangled: Tron: Legacy.

The reality is that nobody is too cool for Tangled, but there’s something about being between the ages of 13 and 18 that makes you act like kind of an asshole. So instead of waiting for them to throw a hissy fit about not wanting to go to a “kids movie,” buy them a ticket to see Tron: Legacy. With its incredible use of 3D and amazing action sequences, they will be thoroughly entertained and if they like it enough, it could be a goldmine for last minute gift ideas.

Best for: The group of sixteen-year-olds who have isolated themselves from the rest of the family to go play videogames in someone’s bedroom.

Kind of like that time you all saw… Avatar last year and realized for the first time that buying IMAX 3D tickets for a large group is jaw-droppingly expensive.

When The Snow Outside Makes Everything Look To Clean And You Want To Watch Something Dark And Dirty: True Grit.

An entire neighborhood blanketed in white can be beautiful, but, if you’re like me, it can get monotonous pretty fast. You know what a great way to break up that monotony is? Watching blood get sprayed onto the dust in the middle of Indian Territory. Roger Deakins’ cinematography work on the western landscapes in True Grit is nothing short of breathtaking and the movie itself is simply fantastic. The Coen brothers will even remind you of the outside conditions by having some snowfall of their own.

Best for: Fathers who want to use the opportunity to teach their sons about classic westerns and the eternal awesomeness that is John Wayne.

Kind of like that time you all saw…. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King in 2003, only instead of massive orc hordes you have cowboys with bad teeth.

When You Want To Look At Pretty Places And Pretty People But Don't Care About Story Or Characters: The Tourist.

The Tourist isn’t a particularly good movie, but let’s face it, most of your relatives wouldn’t know a good movie if it arrived on their doorstep with an Oscar trophy. Instead when you suggest going to a movie, the first question they’ll ask is whose in it. You’ll answer “Natalie Portman” and they’ll respond “who?” Skip their derisive and confused looks as you try to explain that she’s actually pretty famous and just tell them you’re all going to see a movie with Johnny Depp and Angelina Jolie. It isn’t a particularly good movie, but it looks nice and your relatives won’t notice whether or not it’s kind of a mess. (Contributed by Josh Tyler)

Best for: Women who read Us Weekly or The National Enquirer.

Kind of like that time you all saw… Ocean’s 12 in 2004. It wasn’t very good but at least it was pretty and you knew the names of all the actors without sticking around for the end credits.

When You're Feeling Passive Aggressive About Spending Time With Your Family: The Fighter.

As much love an happiness that families can provide during the holiday season, they can also be quite irritating. From the grandpa that keeps telling you that you should get a real job to the clichéd uncle who gets drunk and yells at everybody, it doesn’t take long until your nerves are completely grinded down. This is when you take everyone to a screening of The Fighter. You’ll quickly find yourself sympathizing with Mark Wahlberg’s Micky Ward as he suffers under the weight of his overbearing family. Also be sure to get an end seat and send the occasional glance down the row just to make sure that they understand why you brought them there.

Best for: Right after your cousin Alex finishes telling your mother about his new job with the corner office and she looks at you disappointingly.

Kind of like that time you all saw… Rocky Balboa in 2006. Sure, it didn’t have the same plot about the pressures of family, but it probably helped to watch a couple of guys beat the crap out of each other.

When When You Feel Like Enjoying The Darker Side of Christmas: Black Swan.

If you do decide to take in a viewing of Black Swan this Christmas (and I highly recommend that you do), be sure to leave the kids at home. Swan Lake is certainly a beautiful ballet that’s perfect for the winter season, but you don’t want your little ones waking up in the middle of the night screaming because they dreamed about a giant, black, bird-looking monster coming down the chimney instead of Santa Claus. You’re not going to get the “Merry Christmas… everyone!” feeling walking out of the theater, but you should have known that going in.

Best for: Those family members who feel like they’re suffocating in Aunt Sally’s homemade Christmas sweaters.

Kind of like that time you all saw… Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street in 2007, only this time around there is more extacy-induced lesbian sex.

When You Start To Realize That There Isn't Enough Nudity On Christmas: Love And Other Drugs.

With thanks to stories about Santa Claus, Frosty The Snowman and the Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, in the air, Christmas time often feels unbearably saccharine sweet. You need something to help neutralize it and the edited version of Bad Santa on cable is just not going to cut it. The solution? Watch Jake Gyllenhaal and Anne Hathaway get naked and have sex in between scenes of Gyllenhaal trying to sell boner pills. Once again, though, this is not one for the younger set.

Best for: After little Timmy manages to overcome his insecurity about his lisp and missing front tooth to say grace before dinner.

Kind of like that time you all saw… Closer in 2004 – sure, there wasn’t as much nudity, but it’s still a movie around Christmas time that includes scenes in a strip club. I think it gets a pass.

When You're Feeling Suicidal, But Need Something To Help You Pull The Trigger: Yogi Bear, Little Fockers, or Gulliver's Travels.

First things first, I should say this: I don’t condone holiday suicide. The truth is that this is an anti-recommendation. By now I’m sure you’ve read plenty of the reviews about these films and have recognized a pattern: they are truly awful. As things stand while I’m writing this, these three movies have an average review score on Rotten Tomatoes of 15%. We’re written this feature for the sole purpose of driving you away from these three films in favor of much more positive holiday fare. Do yourself a favor and stay away from Jack Black fart jokes, past-their-prime circle of trust gags and lame animated slap-stick.

Best for: Nobody. These movies are best for nobody.

Kind of like that time you all saw… Alvin and the Chipmunks in 2007, Meet The Fockers in 2004, and Bedtime Stories in 2008. Remember how miserable you were? Don’t make the same mistake a fourth time.

In the last few years I've been on a roll, seeing more movies in each calendar year than the one before and constantly building a wider base of knowledge in this industry I'm so, so lucky to write about every day. 2010 was no exception; I attended the Sundance and Toronto Film Festivals for the first time in addition to writing regular reviews here, and wound up seeing a huge variety of films, from obscure arthouse stuff that won't see theatrical release until next year (just wait until I get to write about Meek's Cutoff) to expensive spectacles I barely remember a few months later (Sex and the City 2, painful as it felt at the time, did eventually fade).

But as much mediocre or simply bad stuff I saw, there was a whole lot of good to find, to the point that writing a top 20 list-- much less a top 10-- was exceptionally difficult. I had no doubt about the three or four movies at the top of my list, but everything else from there was practically a toss-up, and there are dozens of different permutations of this list I'll probably wish I'd written tomorrow. I wouldn't call many of these movies perfect, but all of them have something spectacular and special to offer, adding to a year's cinematic landscape that's complicated, rich, and totally enjoyable. We'll put it this way: 2010 brought us one of the most inventive and visually lush summer blockbusters we've ever seen, and I couldn't find room for it on my top 10.

Check out my list below, and don't forget to look at the list of great movies that didn't make the cut before fighting me over my choices in the comments.

1. Black Swan

Darren Aronofsky takes his flashy, feverish and dynamic filmmaking style and applies it to a fairy tale, with results that are heart-stopping, hilarious and tragic all at once. Working with Natalie Portman in an intense, unfiltered way that usually only male actors get to explore, Aronofsky crafts a story that on the surface is a beautiful and crazy parable for artistic devotion, but crackles with authentic insight about the life of a ballerina, the way women can be burdened or empowered by their sexuality, mother-daughter relationships both vital and toxic, and how the most intense competition of all is against oneself. It's a pinned-to-your-seat, breathless movie experience, but also one of the more thought-provoking works of art about art I've seen in years.

Best Moment: Nina transforms into the black swan onstage.

2. The Social Network

Months after The Social Network became indisputably the most-discussed movie of the year, we're still left with so many questions. How much does the movie actually have to say about Facebook and the way it's changed modern relationships? How much of the real Mark Zuckerberg is in there? How much are we even supposed to sympathize with this kid? Beneath the film's relentless technical perfection, clever writing and stupendous acting there are these bigger emotional, philosophical questions that writer Aaron Sorkin and director David Fincher lead you to but refuse to solve. It's devilish and original entertainment suffused with a streak of melancholy and nostalgia for a distant but long-gone past, pointing a finger at all of us living our lives online through the story of the boy whose invention changed us all.

Best Moment: Mark asks Eduardo to come back to California; the emotions on their face say everything the two soon-to-be-enemies can't vocalize themselves.

3. The Kids Are All Right

Writer-director Lisa Cholodenko spent seven years putting together her comedy about a complicated modern family, and all that time well spent resulted in a near-perfect script, plus an ideal cast to embody the flawed, hilarious, almost unbearably human characters at the center of her story. The movie is generous but also unflinching with all its characters, including the kids of the title, and allows for the emotional satisfaction of a good comedy while also acknowledging the wrinkles of real life. It's not political, even in this time of so much strife over gay marriage and same-sex parents, but a supremely enjoyable comedy of relationships and manners and love and how hard and necessary all of those things can be.

Best Moment: Joni (Mia Wasikowska) watches her family drive away after dropping her off at college.