movies – Page 7 – Topical Fruit

10 of the Best Not-So-Super Superheroes

DC just unleashed the latest “Superman” on the world, and Marvel’s up next, with Friday’s release of “Fantastic Four: First Steps.”

But not all superheroes are created equal. In fact, some of them kind of suck. But not necessarily in a bad way. Here are 10 of the best not-so-super superheroes:

1. “The Toxic Avenger” (1984)

The years-delayed remake starring Peter Dinklage and Kevin Bacon is finally hitting theaters at the end of the summer, but let’s not forget the movie that still fuels the demented engine of Troma Films, and almost-kinda-sorta made New Jersey cool.

Melvin the Mop Boy is pranked by the patrons at the health club where he works, causing him to fall into a vat of toxic waste, which transforms him into “a hideously deformed creature of superhuman size and strength.”

This hideously deformed creature is driven to not only fight crime, but to literally tear it limb-from-limb in such graphic and gory fashion that even he starts to wonder if he’s not such a nice guy. Don’t worry, his doubt doesn’t last. Nor does the evil in Toxie’s beloved Tromaville.

2. “Super” (2010)

Before he became a Hollywood darling, “Superman” and “Guardians of the Galaxy” director James Gunn got his start at the aforementioned Troma Films. As such, his pre-Marvel and DC output was pretty weird, and often wonderful.

In “Super,” Rainn Wilson is brilliant as Frank Darbo, a depressed and possibly schizophrenic short order cook who decides to rescue his wife when she falls back into addiction, and back in with a gang of drug dealers led by a sleazy Kevin Bacon. (Yes, second mention of Kevin Bacon so far, but sadly, probably the last.)

To achieve his goals, Frank becomes a “superhero” called The Crimson Bolt, with the equally delusional Elliot Page as his female sidekick Boltie. But Frank is no superhero, nor does he become one in the end. He does more or less save the day, but ultimately, he’s just as pathetic as ever.

3. “Chronicle” (2012)

What if three high school kids suddenly got super powers? Would they become champions of the people and spend the rest of their lives fighting for truth, justice, and the American way. Hell no. They’d screw around until things went sideways and people started getting hurt.

That’s what happens in the brilliant “Chronicle,” which employs the found footage conceit better than most horror movies, and features a still-gestating Michael B. Jordan as one of the super teens.

4. “Batman” (1966)

It actually took people a while to realize that the ’60s TV Batman wasn’t bad, it was a brilliant, before-its-time superhero parody, and it might be even more relevant in this age of Marvel and DC overkill. Made during the original run of the TV series, the movie was just as good or better.

Adam West’s Batman was so decent and square, he was the cool one (a concept James Gunn co-opted for the new “Superman”). And the fact that he would just happen to carry “Shark Repellent Bat-Spray” in case an obviously rubber shark might latch onto his leg? Why not?

(And the “Some days you just can’t get rid of a bomb” scene? Chef’s kiss. In my opinion one of the great comedy routines of all time.)

5. “Mystery Men” (1999)

This one should have been a hit. A stellar cast, including Ben Stiller, William H. Macy, Hank Azaria, Janeane Garofolo, and Geoffrey Rush . . . not to mention Paul “Pee Wee Herman” Reubens as the Spleen, whose weapon is flatulence so foul it debilitates anyone downwind of him.

In the end, our heroes overcome the evil Casanova Frankenstein, as well as the fact that they’re not very good superheroes, with a GROUP HUG. Or, as Macy’s The Shoveller puts it: “We struck down evil with the mighty sword of teamwork and the hammer of not bickering.”

This movie needs a sequel, stat.

6. “Brightburn” (2019)

Is this a superhero movie or a horror flick? Any attempt to answer that question would give too much away. It’s basically the Superman origin story, but with a twist: Alien baby’s space capsule crash lands in the Midwest, and baby is adopted by farmers.

But was he sent here to do good or evil? Any similarities to the new “Superman” movie are most likely not coincidental, since “Brightburn” was produced by James Gunn, and written by his brothers Brian and Mark.

7. “Kung Fury” (2015)

Even though it’s only 31 minutes long, this is one of the greatest superhero movies ever made. An homage to everything ’80s, from Miami-cool to buddy cop movies, martial arts flicks, VHS, and even the Nintendo Power Glove, and beyond.

“Kung Fury” is a cop who was supercharged by being struck by lightning AND bitten by a cobra at the same time. He travels through time to defeat no less than Adolf Hitler, with the aid of his partner Triceracop, his retro tech wiz ally Hackerman, some sexy female Viking warriors, and an actual T-rex.

(Bonus: You can watch the whole thing on YouTube. Oh, and did I mention the David Hasselhoff cameo?)

FYI, a sequel featuring Arnold Schwarzenegger as the president was made a few years ago, but remains criminally unreleased.

8. “Italian Spiderman” (2007)

A series of short films meant to parody not only superheroes, but Eurotrash cinema of the ’70s and early ’80s, Italian Spiderman isn’t even Italian. It was made by an Australian collective and starred “Franco Franchetti” (not his real name) in the title role.

He’s out of shape, he has a creepy pornstache, and he probably smokes too much . . . but he’s just as amazing as his American cousin, although for vastly different reasons.

9. “The Machine Girl” (2008)

If you asked me to name the 100 weirdest movies I’ve ever seen, it’s a strong bet that at least 75 of them would be Asian. And “Machine Girl” would probably make the list.

Ami Hyūga is an orphaned schoolgirl (Because Japan, obvi) whose arm is cut off by the yakuza. So she does what any orphaned schoolgirl would do: She slaps a machine gun on her stump and starts wasting bad guys who come at her with chainsaws, flying guillotines, and the dreaded drill bra. (Trailer)

10. “Batpussy”

To paraphrase cult movie god Bruce Campbell, this movie wasn’t released, it escaped. And we are all the worse for it. This porn flick was discovered in the storeroom of an adult movie theater in Memphis in the mid-1990s

Nobody knows who made it or when, but best guesses say late ’60s or early ’70s. There’s also no indication who the “actors” are, but boy, must we use that term loosely.

The “film” starts with a highly unappealing couple having highly unerotic sex, while insulting each other the entire time. Soon Batpussy arrives via hippity-hop… I’m not joking… and we have what’s got to be the most sack-deflating threesome ever committed to film.

This could easily be the worst porn flick ever made, the worst superhero movie ever made, and even the worst movie ever made. I’d also bet my mortgage that in the 30 years since it was uncovered, no one has ever masturbated to it. And anyone who has needs to be on some kind of watch list.

But if your mission is to seek out the worst that film has to offer, that mission can never be complete until you’ve watched Batpussy at least once.

(Here’s the safe-for-work four-plus-minute hippity hop scene. It includes a pee break and a little crimefightin’ on the side.)

Scarlett Johansson Becomes Hollywood’s Highest-Grossing Lead Actor of All Time

Scarlett Johansson has officially cemented her place in box office history, becoming the highest-grossing lead actor in Hollywood thanks to the monster debut of Jurassic World Rebirth. And yes, she’s now pulled ahead of not one, but two of her former Marvel co-stars in the process.

According to new box office figures, films starring Johansson—either as the lead or as part of a major ensemble—have now raked in a jaw-dropping $14.8 billion worldwide. That puts her just ahead of Samuel L. Jackson, whose movies total $14.6 billion, and Robert Downey Jr., who holds the third-place spot at $14.3 billion.

What makes Scarlett’s new record even more impressive is the fact she did it in far fewer films. Jackson’s haul came from 71 movies, Downey’s from 45, and Scarlett? Just 36. That’s some serious efficiency.

Of course, Johansson’s track record includes a massive chunk of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, where she played Natasha Romanoff, a.k.a. Black Widow. But outside the superhero realm, she’s also turned heads in award-nominated roles (Marriage Story, Jojo Rabbit) and box office smashes like Lucy.

Meanwhile, her Jurassic World reboot appears to be the dino-sized hit Universal was hoping for, helping propel her over the top.

Now, before you go crying for the guys she leapfrogged, don’t. Samuel L. Jackson is still showing up in seemingly every other movie, and Robert Downey Jr. isn’t going anywhere—especially not with him rejoining the MCU in a surprising new role as Doctor Doom. (Yes, really.) As for Black Widow? Well… she’s canonically dead in the MCU. But clearly, Scarlett’s career is anything but.

Whether or not she’ll keep the crown for long remains to be seen, but for now, it’s ScarJo on top of the world—and Hollywood’s most profitable leading lady of all time.

Popcorn and Patriotism: Top Movies for Your Independence Day Binge

Looking to celebrate the Fourth of July with something a little more chill than fireworks and cookouts? Fire up the popcorn and your favorite streaming service—because patriotic movie marathons are in season. Whether you’re in the mood for action, history, or a little old-fashioned Americana, ThePioneerWoman.com has you covered with a list of festive flicks perfect for the holiday.

Here are 30 standouts to help set the red, white, and blue mood:

“Jaws” (1975) – Nothing says “Fourth of July” quite like a beach town being terrorized by a great white shark. Classic.
“Top Gun” (1986) – Jet-fueled action, volleyball, and Tom Cruise in aviators. Instant USA vibes.
“The American President” (1995) – Presidential romance meets political idealism.
“Rocky” (1976) – An underdog story that’s all heart and Philadelphia grit.
“The Sandlot” (1993) – Summertime nostalgia and baseball—need we say more?
“An American Tail“ (1986) – A sweet animated tale of immigration and the American dream.
“Live Free or Die Hard“ (2007) – Cyber-terrorism vs. Bruce Willis. USA wins, obviously.
“National Treasure” (2004) – History class meets heist movie with Nicolas Cage doing peak Nicolas Cage things.
“Captain America: The First Avenger” (2011) – A literal superhero wrapped in a flag. Perfect.
“Apollo 13” (1995) – Real-life NASA drama that reminds you of American ingenuity.
“Mr. Smith Goes to Washington” (1939) – Jimmy Stewart delivers peak civic virtue.
“Air Force One” (1997) – “Get off my plane.” – Harrison Ford, American icon.
“Forrest Gump” (1994) – A Forrest-through-the-decades view of modern U.S. history.
“Hamilton” (2020) – If you haven’t watched it yet, now’s the perfect time.
“1776” (1972) – Founding Fathers sing their way through independence.
“The Six Triple Eight” (2022) – Tells the powerful true story of the only all-Black, all-female battalion in WWII.
“Captain America: Brave New World” (2025) – Sam Wilson takes up the shield in this latest Marvel chapter.
“Purple Hearts” (2022) – A military romance that dives into the complexities of love and service.
“Argo” (2012) – Tense and heroic, Ben Affleck’s film spotlights a daring hostage rescue.
“First Daughter” (2004) – Life in college gets tricky when you’re also the president’s kid.
“Johnny Tremain” (1957) – A Disney classic that revisits Paul Revere’s midnight ride.
“U-571” (2000) – A gripping WWII submarine thriller.
“Mr. 3000“ (2004) – Baseball and redemption mix in this sports comedy.
“Gettysburg“ (1993) – An epic Civil War retelling that leans heavily into historical drama.
“Lone Survivor” (2013) – A harrowing Navy SEAL mission based on real events.
“Night at the Museum” (2006) – History comes alive (literally) in the most fun way possible.
“The Post” (2017) – A newsroom drama steeped in First Amendment battles.
“The Right Stuff” (1983) – A high-flying story of NASA’s earliest pioneers.
“We Are Marshall” (2006) – A college town rebuilds after tragedy, grounded in grit and unity.
“The Great American Fourth of July and Other Disasters” (1982) – A nostalgic TV special about one family’s chaotic holiday.

But seriously, where is “Independence Day” on this list? Alien invasions, exploding monuments, Will Smith punching an extraterrestrial? We demand justice.

Whether you’re into historical dramas, family fun, or full-blown fireworks on screen, there’s something on this list to suit every kind of patriot. So if you’re staying in this weekend, grab some snacks, crank up the A/C, and let the stars and stripes fly on screen.

Movies and TV Shows From the ’90s That Have Aged Like Milk

The 1990s gave us some iconic TV shows and movies—but let’s be real, not all of them have stood the test of time. According to Buzzfeed readers, a few beloved classics haven’t exactly aged like fine wine. Whether it’s problematic jokes, outdated storylines, or just plain cringe, here are some throwback titles people say hit differently in 2025.

1. Seinfeld
This sitcom was legendary for its “show about nothing” premise, but not every gag flies today. One reader called out the episode where Jerry is possibly assaulted by his dentist while under anesthesia—a scenario that was treated as a punchline.

2. Doogie Howser, M.D.
Remember when we were all charmed by the idea of a teenage doctor? Yeah, turns out the early episodes feature some incredibly questionable adult behavior toward said teenage doctor. One viewer pointed out that the first two episodes involve adult women either seducing or trying to get pregnant by him. Uh, yikes.

3. Will & Grace
Despite being groundbreaking at the time for featuring gay lead characters, the humor hasn’t aged well for everyone. One reader said they felt their queerness was reduced to a punchline, with storylines reinforcing that being gay meant being either “silly” or “sad and alone.”

4. Friends
Still one of the most-streamed shows today, but the list of issues is long: a parade of fat jokes, casual homophobia, Ross dating a student and trying to kiss his cousin, plus the infamous episode where the gang dumps a friend for getting sober. Chandler’s dad being played as a punchline for her gender expression didn’t help either.

5. The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
Even this feel-good favorite isn’t immune. One person tore into Uncle Phil, saying he was portrayed as pro-Black while simultaneously ashamed of his humble roots. They also criticized how he blamed Will for just about everything and tried to control his daughters’ choices—like forbidding Hilary to pose for Playboy.

6. Mrs. Doubtfire
Robin Williams is unforgettable in the role, but modern viewers have flagged the film for transphobic undertones and the unhealthy dynamic of making kids lie to their mom about their dad’s double life in disguise.

Moral of the story? Nostalgia is fun—but sometimes it’s worth rewatching your faves with fresh eyes.

Camping Nightmares: Five Crazy Sleeping Bag Deaths from Horror Movies

It’s camping season. At least I think it is. Actually, I have no idea. I’m more of a hotel guy. I’ve seen way too much death in the great outdoors. At least in the movies.

Plus, sleeping bags are death traps. Don’t believe me? Then I respectfully enter these five examples into evidence.

“Friday the 13th Part 7: The New Blood” (1988)

Jason Voorhees had already survived a vicious onslaught from Corey Feldman (something we, as a society, have yet to achieve) and returned from the dead to continue mowing through teenagers with an assortment of gardening tools.

But surprisingly, for a franchise rooted in summer camp lore, they waited an awfully long time to have Jason just wrap someone up in their sleeping bag and bash them to death against a tree. They wouldn’t wait that long again…

“Jason X” (2001)

Just three films later we got the obligatory “in space” installment in the “Friday the 13th” franchise. Reviled by many, I would argue it’s the best one since the original more than 20 years prior. All pretense is out the window as we dive intentionally into self-parody. And it’s fun.

Jason, cryogenically frozen for more than 400 years, awakens on a spaceship in the year 2455. (Don’t ask, just go with it.) Obviously, he’s still got murder on his mind, and despite all their gadgetry and scientific know-how, crew members begin dropping just as easily as their dimwitted camp counselor ancestors.

In the movie’s best scene, they try to confuse Jason by luring him onto a holodeck and setting it to “Crystal Lake, Nineteen-Hundred-Eighty.” Jason finds himself in a virtual reality simulation of his old stomping grounds, where two nubile young girls try to tempt him with alcohol, marijuana, and – GASP! – the dreaded premarital sex.

They pop their tops and hop into their sleeping bags, only to have Jason bash them to death against each other. And then a tree. Ain’t space grand?

“Rats: Night of Terror” (1984)

There is simply nothing like Italian Horror from the ’70s and ’80s… especially when the writer-director team of Bruno Mattei, Claudio Fragasso, and Rosella Drudi were involved.

This one’s pretty simple: A biker gang roaming the post-apocalyptic world think they’ve found an old ghost town to hunker down for the night. And then… rats. Followed by a night of terror.

One of the biker chicks makes the mistake of getting into a sleeping bag with a bad zipper, and she’s stuck in their while a rat burrows into her… well, I’ll let you use your imagination.

Minutes later, when her cohorts find her corpse, they watch in, yes, terror as her mouth opens and the rat emerges. A simple trick achieved by the actress wearing a rat “puppet” on her tongue.

FYI, Fragasso and Drudi, married until her death earlier this year, are responsible for one of the greatest “bad” movies of all time, 1990’s “Troll 2.”

“Night of the Demon” (1980)

This is a Bigfoot movie, but it’s no “Harry and the Hendersons.” This sasquatch impregnates a human woman, disembowels a guy and swings his intestines overhead like a lasso, and, in the film’s most outrageous scene, rips a man’s dick off while he’s peeing in the bushes.

He also happens upon a young man sleeping peacefully out in the great wide open. Does he show mercy? Hell no. He picks him up, sleeping bag and all, twirls him around several times and lets him fly. He ends up impaled on a tree branch, hanging upside down while the blood flows up his neck and all over his face.

“Prophecy” (1979)

Decades before “South Park” brought us ManBearPig, director John Frankenheimer served up this eco horror trashterpiece featuring a gigantic mutant bear. Twisted out of proportion by a New England paper mill’s toxic waste, this thing runs amok and starts killing.

As sleeping bag deaths go, this one isn’t the most graphic, but it’s shocking in its sheer brutality. As the bear-thing attacks his campsite, a young kid jumps up, still in his sleeping bag, and tries to hop away. But the bear-thing swats him so hard, he goes flying into a nearby boulder.

This poor boy hits that thing harder than Wyle E. Coyote ever smashed into a rock wall with a tunnel painted on it; such is the force of the impact that his sleeping bag explodes in a snowstorm of feathery down. Truly absurd, yet incredibly effective.

And so, in closing, you can keep your great outdoors; your bugs, your snakes, your sasquatches, and your immortal hockey-masked serial killers.

I’ll be at the hotel, where the only horror that awaits me is my bill after I drink a six-ounce bottle of water from the mini fridge.

20 Iconic Beach Scenes That Still Make Waves in Pop Culture

Summer’s here, the sunscreen’s out, and whether you’re actually beach-bound or just dreaming from your desk, it’s the perfect time to relive some of the best beach moments ever captured on screen. “Entertainment Weekly“ pulled together a salty, sun-drenched list of pop culture’s most unforgettable beach scenes—and honestly, it’s a total vibe.

Let’s dive in (with SPF 50, obviously).

1. “Jaws” (1975)
Beach terror hits its peak with the frantic rush of swimmers fleeing the water.

2. “Baywatch” (1989–2001)
An entire TV show dedicated to slow-mo running on the sand. Red swimsuits, dramatic rescues, and a generation of people suddenly motivated to become lifeguards.

3. “The Notebook” (2004)
“If you’re a bird, I’m a bird.” Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams get romantic and soggy in a beachside moment of pure rom-dram.

4. “Point Break” (1991)
Patrick Swayze’s final, defiant surf into a deadly wave is haunting and beautiful. A perfect exit.

5. “Casino Royale” (2006)
Daniel Craig walks out of the ocean in tight blue trunks, flipping the traditional Bond girl moment on its head. Internet = broken.

6. “The 400 Blows” (1959)
In Truffaut’s French New Wave masterpiece, young Antoine finally reaches the ocean. His frozen, pensive stare into the camera has haunted cinephiles ever since.

7. “Barbie” (2023)
Ryan Gosling’s Ken gets ultra competitive with Simu Liu’s Ken in a “beach off.” Bonus: Venice Beach plays a starring role when Barbie ventures into the real world, sparkles and all.

8. “From Here to Eternity” (1953)
No beach list is complete without this one: Burt Lancaster and Deborah Kerr rolling around in the surf mid-affair. Waves crashing. Passion overflowing. Absolute classic.

9. “The Office” (2007)
“Beach Games” features Michael Scott leading the Dunder Mifflin crew in ridiculous competitions. Fun fact: it’s actually a lake. But the energy is very beach.

10. “Planet of the Apes” (1968)
The Statue of Liberty buried in sand. The twist. The existential horror. All thanks to one chilling beach reveal.

11. “Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle” (2003)
Demi Moore struts out of the ocean while Little Surfer Girl plays. Sass, style, and surf—it’s peak early-2000s camp.

12. “Happy Days” (1977)
The origin of the phrase “jumping the shark,” literally. Fonzie water-skis over a shark while wearing his leather jacket on the episode, “Hollywood: Part 3”. Television, folks.

13. “Mad Men” (2013)
Don Draper might be in paradise in the episode “The Doorway”, but this Hawaiian beach scene reveals a man haunted by existential dread, all while reading Dante’s Inferno in the sun.

14. “Die Another Day” (2002)
Speaking of Bond girls: Halle Berry’s slow-mo strut from the sea in an orange bikini became instant film history.

15. “Top Gun” (1986)
Shirtless, sweaty volleyball with Tom Cruise and Val Kilmer. Need we say more?

16. “The Karate Kid” (1984)
Wax on, wax off. And yes, that includes Ralph Macchio learning the iconic crane kick right there on the sand.

17. “Chariots of Fire” (1981)
That opening scene . . . runners charging along a wind-whipped beach to the Vangelis synth score . . . pure cinematic gold.

18. “Friends” (1997)
“The One with the Jellyfish” gave us way too much info about first aid, and peeing on someone to help them.

19. “Saving Private Ryan” (1998)
One of the most harrowing depictions of D-Day ever filmed, as Tom Hanks and company land on Omaha Beach. Brutal. Important. Unforgettable.

20. “Splash” (1984)
Tom Hanks meets Daryl Hannah (as a literal mermaid) in a dreamy, sandy, fish-out-of-water moment that launched a thousand beachy rom-coms.

America’s Favorite Pop Culture Sharks

If you’ve noticed a wave of “Jaws” nostalgia flooding your feed, you’re not imagining things—this summer marks the 50th anniversary of the iconic shark thriller. And naturally, the internet is celebrating the best way it knows how: with lists, polls, and a healthy amount of snark.

A recent ranking of the most popular sharks in pop culture threw a surprising twist into the chum-filled waters: Bruce from “Finding Nemo” took the top spot, edging out the original Bruce from “Jaws.” That’s right—the goofy, toothy vegetarian shark beat out the cinematic terror that started a generation’s fear of the ocean.

Here’s how the finned celebs stacked up:

Bruce, Finding Nemo (2003)
Bruce, Jaws (1975)
Lenny, Shark Tale (2004)
King Shark, The Suicide Squad (2021)
Destiny, Finding Dory (2016)

Fun fact: the name Bruce in “Nemo” was actually a nod to Spielberg’s infamous mechanical shark. So technically, Bruce beat Bruce.

The Most Searched Shark Is . . .

Meanwhile, Google Trends revealed which sharks are swimming through our search histories. The Great White shark dominated across nearly every state. The only holdouts? Alaska, Utah, and Georgia, where whale sharks took the lead. And in Hawaii, residents are more intrigued by tiger sharks.

And the Most Dangerous Shark Is . . .

It’s worth noting that the Great White isn’t just the most famous—it’s also the most dangerous. Shark attack stats put it at #1, followed by the tiger shark, bull shark, requiem shark, and blue shark.

So whether you’re Team Bruce, Team Lenny, or still not over Jaws making you fear swimming pools, the shark love is real this summer. Just maybe avoid the water while you’re at it.

The 15 Best Shark Movies of All Time

Do you remember the first time you saw “Jaws” as a kid? If you did, probably one of two things happened: You either had an instant fear of the ocean and swimming pools OR you fell in love with sharks (just me?).

Well, either way Steven Spielberg’s masterpiece has been doing it for five decades. “Jaws” turns the Big 5-0 on June 20th. So to celebrate the genre, SlashFilm ranked the 15 Best Shark Movies of All Time:

1. “Jaws” (1975)

2. “The Shallows” (2016)

3. “Open Water” (2003)

4. “The Reef” (2010)

5. “Under Paris” (2024)

6. “Deep Blue Sea” (1999)

7. “47 Meters Down: Uncaged” (2019)

8. “Bait” (2012)

9. “47 Meters Down” (2017)

10. “Jaws 2” (1978)

11. “Sharksploitation” (2024)

12. “Shark Night 3D” (2011)

13. “Tintorera… Tiger Shark” (1977)

14. “The Meg” (2018)

15. “Shark Attack 3: Megalodon” (2002)

(Sorry “Sharknado” and “Santa Jaws” fans.)

Happy Summerween! Here Are the 13 Best Horror Movies to Watch

Summerween is real, and it’s here to stay.

The term originated in the cult-favorite Disney animated series “Gravity Falls”, where it was portrayed as a tongue-in-cheek holiday celebrated in the middle of summer. But what started as a fictional tradition has taken on a life of its own for fans of spooky season who aren’t willing to wait until October to get their horror fix.

Summerween has turned into a full-fledged seasonal aesthetic. From TikTok hashtags to themed parties, it’s now common to see people embracing the creepy vibes during the year’s hottest months. Think pineapples carved like jack-o-lanterns.

If you’re planning a Summerween movie night, there are certain horror flicks that hit just right this time of year. Whether they’re set in summer or simply ooze the kind of dread that lingers long after the campfire’s out, these 13 movies are perfect for the vibe:

“IT” (2017) – A modern classic that feels like summer break gone horribly wrong.
“Wrong Turn” (2003) – For those who fear the backroads.
“I Know What You Did Last Summer” (1997) – A ‘90s teen slasher with beachy vibes.
“Midsommar” (2019) – A daylight horror that’s all about summer rituals.
“Jeepers Creepers” (2001) – A road trip movie that devolves into pure terror.
“Jaws” (1975) – The OG summer horror movie. Admit it, you were scared of a shark coming through your pool drain.
“Fear Street Part Two: 1978” (2021) – A throwback to classic slasher camp horror, with axes, secrets, and summer bloodshed.
“The Texas Chain Saw Massacre” (1974) – Oppressive heat, sweat, and chainsaws.
“Sleepaway Camp” (1983) – Summer camp horror at its campiest.
“Sinners” (2025) – Small town. Big heat. Even bigger secrets.
“The Final Girls” (2015) – A clever, funny, and heartfelt love letter to ‘80s slasher tropes—with a killer summer-camp backdrop.
“The Lost Boys” (1987) – Vampires, boardwalks, and a killer soundtrack. A goth summer dream.
“Friday the 13th” (1980) – Because Summerween wouldn’t be complete without a trip to Camp Crystal Lake.

Pro-tip: Take your movie night outside with a screen and projector. But don’t forget the mosquito repellent, or that’ll be the real horror.

20 of the Best Movie Dads of All Time (Just in Time for Father’s Day)

With Father’s Day landing this Sunday, it’s the perfect excuse to revisit some of the greatest dads in movie history. Whether they’re brave, bumbling, endlessly wise, or just trying their best, these on-screen fathers have made us laugh, cry, and maybe even text our own dads more often.

From action stars to sitcom-level softies, here are 20 of the most unforgettable movie dads of all time:

1. Atticus Finch (To Kill a Mockingbird, 1962)

No dad list is complete without Atticus. Gregory Peck’s quiet, principled lawyer raised his kids with compassion and conviction in one of the most admired roles in cinema history.

2. Clark Griswold (National Lampoon’s Vacation series)

Chevy Chase’s eternally optimistic dad is the king of forced family fun. His road trips may crash and burn, but his intentions are pure dad gold.

3. Chris Gardner (The Pursuit of Happyness, 2006)

Will Smith’s emotional performance as a homeless father fighting for a better life is equal parts heartbreaking and inspiring — and even more powerful because it’s based on a true story.

4. Daniel Hillard / Mrs. Doubtfire (Mrs. Doubtfire, 1993)

Robin Williams’ role as a dad who disguises himself as a nanny just to spend time with his kids is the kind of comedic heartbreak that hits even harder as an adult.

5. Bryan Mills (Taken, 2008)

A very specific set of skills — and one of the most quoted dad monologues ever. Liam Neeson’s laser-focused rescue mission turned him into an action-dad icon.

6. Marlin (Finding Nemo, 2003)

Who knew a clownfish could break our hearts? Marlin’s ocean-spanning search for his son is a crash course in overprotection and devotion.

7. Jason “Furious” Styles (Boyz n the Hood, 1991)

Laurence Fishburne’s calm, powerful presence stood in contrast to the chaos around him — a portrait of strength, guidance, and grounded fatherhood.

8. Harry Stamper (Armageddon, 1998)

Bruce Willis saving the planet is impressive. But doing it so his daughter can live? That’s next-level dad energy.

9. Howard Langston (Jingle All the Way, 1996)

Arnold Schwarzenegger punches, races, and turbo-charges his way through holiday madness — all for a toy and a chance to redeem himself as a dad.

10. Mr. Levenstein (American Pie series)

Eugene Levy’s awkward, overly honest dad became the MVP of the American Pie movies. Awkward? Sure. But weirdly comforting too.

11. Mufasa (The Lion King, 1994)

Regal, brave, and wise, Mufasa (voiced by James Earl Jones) was everything a kid could want in a dad. And his death still wrecks us.

12. John Quincy Archibald (John Q., 2002)

Denzel Washington’s desperate father takes a hospital hostage to save his son. It’s a gut punch of a performance with a very clear message: he’ll do anything for his child.

13. Gil Buckman (Parenthood, 1989)

Steve Martin’s portrayal of a stressed, self-doubting dad is one of the most relatable in film. Parenthood is messy, and Gil knows it.

14. Darth Vader (Star Wars saga)

Yes, he tried to kill his kid. But redemption matters — and in the end, Vader made the ultimate sacrifice for Luke. A complicated legacy, sure, but still iconic.

15. Don Vito Corleone (The Godfather, 1972)

Not exactly warm and fuzzy, but Marlon Brando’s patriarch protected his family at all costs — in his own chilling, strategic way. Just… maybe not your parenting role model.

16. Professor Henry Jones, Sr. (Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, 1989)

Sean Connery’s academic foil to Indy brought unexpected warmth and humor — and gave us one of the best father-son pairings in action-adventure history.

17. Cameron Poe (Con Air, 1997)

Nicolas Cage’s Southern-drawled ex-con just wants to get home to his daughter. Hijacked plane? No problem. He’s got a teddy bear to deliver.

18. George Bailey (It’s a Wonderful Life, 1946)

Jimmy Stewart’s everyman dad reminds us that being present, loving, and selfless matters more than money or success. A timeless Father’s Day mood.

19. Jack Byrnes (Meet the Parents, 2000)

Robert De Niro’s CIA dad-from-hell interrogates his daughter’s fiancé like a suspect. Terrifying? Sure. But also darkly hilarious.

20. Mac MacGuff (Juno, 2007)

J.K. Simmons delivers a quiet but powerful performance as a dad who meets his teen daughter’s pregnancy with support, sarcasm, and love — just how she needs it.

Want more? You can see YardBarker’s full list here.