Category: Money Making

Voice acting jobs are taking the work-from-home market by storm, and there is a LOT of proof for that.

According to Voices.com, global spend on voice over jobs and audio production is USD $4.4 billion. As digital media grows exponentially, companies are hiring voice actors for social media marketing, video production, marketing campaigns.

Voice acting is about using your voice for characters or other digital media. Voice over acting can be used in many areas, like cartoon movies, advertisements, book narration, announcements, etc.

What are voice acting jobs?

Voice acting or voice over jobs are where you use your voice in the background for cartoons, live events, TV programs, commercials, audiobooks, podcasts, etc. Voice acting comes in different forms and can be done without any experience. All you need is a good home studio and to tune your voice to your projects.

You can be audiobook narrator, a backstage event announcer, or lend your voice to popular cartoon characters. One of my friends gives voice overs for cartoons back in India.

Here is a more detailed description of what a voice actor does.

Do you have a way with words? A talent for putting together the catchiest and lyrics? 

Do think you’ve got what it takes to make it as a paid songwriter?

If you want to get paid to write song lyrics, you’re in the right place. There are several different ways to make money writing songs.

In this post I’ll share a list of websites where you can make money writing song lyrics, plus some essential info on how songwriters actually get paid, and tips on making contacts to kick-start your music career.

The music industry is competitive, and not everyone will make it as a professional songwriter. But with these tips, you’ll have the best chance of putting out your own music and making money from lyric writing.

Websites that pay you for your song lyrics

Songbay

Songbay is a website where artists can sell their original lyrics, music and poems. It claims to be the biggest original lyric library in the world. 

Songbay is used by record companies, agents, producers, advertising execs, and all sorts of other professionals who source unique music. 

So if you want to get paid to write song lyrics, this site should be your first stop.

They won’t accept any old lyrics – they assess all submissions for ‘literary, musical and emotional qualities’. But, once accepted, you keep 100% of all your royalties.

You need a paid membership to sell your lyrics on Songbay. Membership is cheap, with the monthly subscription fee starting from just £1.99. You can set your own prices for the lyrics you want to sell and you retain complete control over your work.

In addition, when you become a Songbay member you can set up your own membership page with your bio, samples of your work and contact details. This allows potential buyers or collaborators to contact you directly about commissioning new work.

SoundBetter

SoundBetter is a kind of freelance marketplace similar to Fiverr, but uniquely for the music industry. 

You can set up a profile showcasing your songwriting talents so that potential clients can find you. You can also browse job listings and pitch for work.

It’s free to sign up, but SoundBetter will take a small commission out of any jobs you get through the site.

Many of the users on SoundBetter are budding musicians and upcoming artists looking for collaborators or freelance pros to help them put together their own songs. So as well as finding paid work, it can be a great way to network and make connections with others in the industry.

As with other freelance sites, positive reviews are key to make your profile stand out! It can be slow going in the beginning as you build a reputation, but it can potentially lead to some very profitable work.

AirGigs

Similar to SoundBetter, AirGigs is another marketplace for freelancers in the music business. You can set up a profile and pitch for current projects, or allow clients to contact you directly. 

It’s free to sign up and there is no membership fee, but you will have to pay a commission out of any paid work you get through the site.

These sites can also be a good way to connect with musicians to collaborate with.

Creative Commission

Creative Commission is a site where music industry professionals and record labels post projects to attract new creative talent. There are a wide range of projects and some are very highly paid! 

At the time of writing, I didn’t find many jobs specifically for lyricists but I think this site is one to keep an eye on – especially if you have any other skills you could use in the music industry.

TuneCore

TuneCore is a platform for distributing your music to streaming services and digital stores. Through TuneCore, you can upload your original songs to Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon, iTunes, TikTok, Tidal and dozens more – and get paid.

You keep all your rights to your songs.

TuneCore is different from Songbay because they only accept complete tracks. So if you only write lyrics, you will need to partner with a co-writer who can set it to music. 

There is a yearly membership fee, starting at $19.99.

Soundrop

Soundrop is a music distribution site like TuneCore. Upload your songs to Soundrop to distribute them on streaming platforms and social media sites such as Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, Deezer, Pandora, Instagram, TikTok, and more.

Many users prefer Soundrop’s transparent pricing structure. It’s just 99c to upload each track, and then they keep 15% of all your profits. But there’s no expensive membership fee, and it’s easy to start earning right away.

Like TuneCore, you need to upload complete tracks – not just lyrics. So if you don’t write and produce music yourself, you will need to partner with someone who does before you can start making money on Soundrop.

Ditto Music

Ditto is another great platform where you can upload your songs for distribution to various streaming and social media sites, including Spotify, Apple Music, TikTok, Amazon, Deezer, Instagram, and Tidal and more. Ditto can distribute your music to over 150 platforms around the world!

You keep 100% of the royalties you earn.

This is a paid membership site. The basic plan starts at just £19 a year, and that includes unlimited uploads! The plan also comes with a one month free trial. On the Pro plan for £59 a year, you get extra benefits such as access to their database of music industry contacts and the opportunity to be put forward for TV and movies pitches.

Nashville Songwriters Association

The Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) is a Tennessee-based non-profit organization that supports budding and pro songwriters. Don’t be misled by the name – you don’t have to live in Nashville, or even the United States. There is a registration fee of $200. 

The purpose of this platform is to support songwriters by helping them learn and grow. There are online workshops and resources on the craft of songwriting. You can form relationships with other songwriters and find mentors and people to critique your work and help you grow. The organisation also fights for writers’ rights and fair compensation. 

They are not a pitching company, but they can help you get your songs in front of recording artists, publishers and record label execs. You can earn royalties after a song you submit is recorded and distributed. They can also help you network with co-writers and others in the music industry. 

Upwork

Upwork is one of the biggest and best known freelance marketplaces on the web. So although it is not specifically targeted at the music industry, there are still opportunities to get paid for writing lyrics.

As with many other sites, although there are some jobs just for lyric writers, you will stand a better chance of finding work if you can write music, too.

There is no charge to join Upwork or pitch for work, but they will take a cut of your earnings.

Twine

Twine is another job board where clients post their job adverts in order to reach freelancers all over the world. It is not specifically for music professionals, but they do have a songwriting category. 

I noticed that the songwriting category is not particularly active, but this still might be a useful site to check in with every now and again. One advantage is that clients generally post their budget upfront so you know how much a job will pay.

How do songwriters actually get paid?

There are various ways you actually make money from the lyrics and songs that you’ve written. It depends what kind of contract you’ve entered into, and it’s important to understand this upfront. 

It’s a common misconception that songwriters can ‘sell’ a song for instant riches. Usually, you don’t earn anything just for creating a song. Instead, songwriters and music publishers make money from royalties. 

This means that if you own the rights to a song, you will get paid every time the song is sold, downloaded, played on the radio, and so on.

Keep in mind that you will not make much money unless a song gets big. Most streaming platforms pay just fractions of a cent per stream. 

Plus, depending on your contract, the royalties will likely be split between the lyricist, singer, musicians, producer, and potentially many other people involved!

But, the awesome thing about royalties is that once you have put a track out there, it can earn you passive income. You can potentially earn a steady drip, drip, drip of money from songs you put out there months or years ago. 

And if a track does take off, the potential earnings can be huge!

There are several different types of royalty:

Mechanical royalties 

This means you get paid whenever your song is reproduced. This includes downloads, streaming, CD/vinyl sales, and cover versions.

Streaming income is a type of mechanical royalty. This should absolutely not be overlooked because according to Forbes, in 2024 music streaming services make up 89% of total music industry revenue!

This means streaming will be the fastest and probably most profitable way to earn from your compositions. 

You will earn royalties whenever your track is streamed on online platforms such as Spotify or Apple Music. Sites such as TuneCore, Ditto and Soundrop (linked above) will help you distribute your music to dozens of streaming services and will handle the payments.

Performance royalties

Also called “music played in public” royalties. This is when you get paid whenever your song is played or performed in public. This could mean live performances, played on the radio or in venues. A music publishing business or platform will collect and distribute the royalties for you.

Sync licensing 

This is when your song is licensed to be featured in a movie, TV show, video game, ad and so on. You would normally receive an upfront sync licence fee, and possibly ongoing royalties every time the show etc is aired.

Print music royalties 

This is for sales of sheet music. It tends to be much smaller than other forms of royalty, but it can still be a viable income stream.

One-off/project fee

Alternatively, lyric writers might choose to work to a brief and/or sell their lyrics directly to musicians, singers, music producers etc, without retaining any rights. 

As a freelance lyricist, you would agree an upfront fee for the work and would not get any ongoing royalties.

This can be the quickest way to start making money writing song lyrics at the beginning of your songwriting career, or when you just need money fast. You are exchanging money for time, like most traditional jobs, and not gambling on whether a song will eventually earn you enough royalties to make it worth your while. 

That said, your earnings will be capped because your time is limited. It’s up to you whether this route makes sense for you or not.

You can find freelance lyric writing work on gig sites and online job boards like Upwork, Fiverr, SoundBetter and AirGigs.

Finding musicians to work with

As you can see from the list of websites above, it is possible to get paid as a lyricist alone – but it will be much easier to make money with your lyrics if you can partner with a musician/composer/music producer to produce complete tracks to sell. This means you can distribute your new songs on streaming platforms and potentially start to earn royalties.

Network

• Follow people you’d be interested in working with on social media (YouTube, Instagram, Sound Cloud etc) and try reaching out. Sure, you will get a lot of rejections (or more likely, just get ignored) but if you keep reaching out you might make connections willing to partner with you.
• Go to music/open-mic/singer-songwriter nights in local pubs or music venues
• Look for singer/songwriter networking and social events on sites like Meetup 
• Join songwriting organisations and communities – online and in-person local groups if available near you

Online songwriting communities 

An online communities are a must if you want to break into the songwriting industry. You can connect with other songwriters to get feedback on your lyrics, tips and advice, and essential contacts that could lead to paid work. 

There are countless free songwriting groups on Facebook and other platforms, but you might also consider joining a paid association. 

The following are paid songwriting communities. They offer benefits that can push you to take the next step in your music career, including forums, networking opportunities, constructive critiques of your work, pro workshops or courses, and live writing sessions to help you keep focused. Many of them also have contacts that can lead to paid opportunities. 

Get paid to write song lyrics: yes you can!

If you want to get into professional songwriting, just writing great songs is not enough. You need to know how to distribute your tunes and collaborate with the right people to get your lyrics out there. 

We’ve gone over the best sites to make money from your lyrics, whether you want to write lyrics for other musicians or collaborate to produce complete tracks. Remember to keep honing your craft and work to put out the best lyrics possible. I hope we’ll see your name in the credits of the biggest new tracks soon! 

For the past six decades, Steve Martin has ranked as one of the most beloved comedians of his generation. Taking to the stage in the mid 1960s, Martin merged his musical talents with his energetic brand of surreal humor, ensuring a comedy act the likes of which few people had ever seen before.

Rising in popularity by the late 1960s, Martin soon became one of the most famed comedians of his day, starring in numerous hit movies and hosting such iconic television shows as Saturday Night Live on multiple occasions. To this day, he remains a prolific creator of comedic content, touring with his frequent collaborator Martin Short, producing his own music and written material, and starring in such well-loved TV series as Hulu’s Only Murders in the Building.

For a testament to his talent, here the best Steve Martin movies and TV shows.

1. Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987)

The most famous Thanksgiving movie ever made, Planes, Trains and Automobiles also ranks as the single best film to star either Steve Martin or John Candy. With John Hughes’ strong script guiding them, Martin and Candy make for an ideal pairing opposite one another–the ‘80s equivalent to Abbott and Costello or Laurel and Hardy.

With Martin opting for a more withdrawn performance, Candy receives ample opportunity to shine as the kind-hearted (if annoying) shower curtain ring salesman, Del Griffith. Rather than getting drowned out by Candy’s formidable portrayal, though, Martin still does a fantastic job holding audiences’ attention, with Martin able to show his character’s slow transformation from icy and stand-offish to compassionate and understanding.

2. Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (1988)

Like the aforementioned Planes, Trains and Automobiles, Steve Martin’s contrasting portrayal opposite Michael Caine accounts for Dirty Rotten Scoundrels’ supreme success.

A classic screwball premise transposed for the 1980s French Riviera, Martin’s loud-mouthed American conman pairs well alongside Caine’s suave, charming con artist, allowing each man to excel in their respective roles.

3. The Jerk (1979)

The first film that Martin starred in, The Jerk also marked the first of several collaborations between Martin and director Carl Reiner (leading to their later reunions on The Man with Two Brains, Dead Men Don’t Wear Plaid, and All of Me).

Like each of their later films together, The Jerk’s odd, often surreal humor helped define Martin’s career as a comedian, establishing him as a legitimate star to watch out for as the 1980s approached.

4. Parenthood (1989)

One of Martin’s more straight-laced performances came with 1989’s masterful Parenthood. A thought-provoking depiction of how every parent raises their children in their own distinct way, Parenthood also underscores the stresses and anxieties that come with overseeing a household.

Through Martin’s eyes, viewers sympathize with his dramatic plight, witnessing the constant worries in balancing a career with a stable home life, as well as the boundless joys that come with parenting a child.

5. Bowfinger (1999)

Like Martin himself, Eddie Murphy has always done well appearing alongside a notable co-star, handing in inspired performances opposite Nick Nolte in 48 Hrs. and Dan Aykroyd in Trading Places.

In 1999, Murphy signed on to star with Martin in the satirical comedy Bowfinger. A hilarious take-down of the often pretentious Hollywood film industry, Murphy may get all the best lines in Bowfinger. However, Martin still manages to eke out a stable place for himself as the inventive title character.

6. L.A. Story (1991)

Martin has always maintained a complex outlook on Los Angeles, admitting to feeling an infatuation with and deep hostility towards the city.

Channeling his love and frustrations with life in Los Angeles, L.A. Story also focuses on a hapless weatherman’s attempts to find meaning in his otherwise superficial life. As weighty as that plot might sound, Martin’s grounded humor makes the underlying message subtle and powerful. It also makes L.A. Story one of the best Steve Martin movies.

7. Roxanne (1987)

A contemporary retelling of Cyrano de Bergerac, Martin’s screenplay for Roxanne captures all the tender eloquence of its source material.

Casting himself as a large-nosed yet kind-hearted fire chief who harbors some deep-seated insecurities about his appearance, Martin hands in a performance that alternates between infectious physical comedy and more emotional drama.

8. All of Me (1984)

The final film between Martin and his recurring director Carl Reiner, All of Me allowed the two to conclude their working relationship in grand fashion. Another impressive outing for both comedy icons, All of Me delivers a promising Freaky Friday-type romantic comedy, with Martin handing in a momentous appearance opposite his co-star, Lily Tomlin.

Smart, funny, and above all imaginative, the film engages and holds audiences’ interests throughout its rapid 90-minute runtime.

9. Only Murders in the Building (2021-present)

Martin’s long-awaited return to the limelight came with his 2021 Hulu series, Only Murders in the Building. Partnering once again with frequent co-star Martin Short, Martin also brings in next-gen talent, Selena Gomez, as the third lead in the show.

Reflecting back on pop culture’s growing obsession with true crime, Only Murders in the Building appeals to every prospective member of the audience through its whodunit plot points, indelible humor, and sensational casting.

10. The Man with Two Brains (1983)

Yet another collaboration between Martin and Carl Reiner, The Man with Two Brains employs a more loose-knit and radical comedic style than the duo’s previous or later films together.

A fast-paced sci-fi romantic comedy, the film’s surreal gags and random jokes seem more at home in Monty Python, Mel Brooks, or Looney Tunes cartoon than in a typical Martin-Reiner movie. Through its bizarre, often animated comedy, though, the movie makes a point of never slowing down or letting up in its rapid-fire delivery of comedic sequences.

11. Saturday Night Live (1975-present)

The fact that most people assume Steve Martin had joined Saturday Night Live as a regular cast member should tell viewers all they need to know about Martin’s tenure on the show. A recurring host known for appearing in the show’s formative years, Martin’s unique comedic style worked well with SNL’s own idiosyncratic brand of humor.

Whether dancing a horrendous tango with Gilda Radner or hamming it up with Dan Aykroyd as a “wild and crazy guy,” audiences could rest assured they were in for a good time whenever Martin took over hosting duties on the show.

12. The Spanish Prisoner (1997)

Abandoning any pretext of a comedic performance, Martin appears in 1997’s The Spanish Prisoner as an enigmatic businessman whose motives remain a mystery.

Without a doubt Martin’s most dramatic performance, his straightforward portrayal of Jimmy Dell makes The Spanish Prisoner an enticing Hitchcockian thriller, one where (like Campbell Scott’s main protagonist) the viewer never realizes the motivation behind Martin’s character.

13. Pennies from Heaven (1981)

A sweeping homage to the ‘30s musicals of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, Pennies from Heaven focuses on the inherent sense of hope espoused in such movies as Top Hat, Swing Time, and Shall We Dance. Set against the backdrop of the Great Depression, the film follows Martin’s idealistic music sheet salesman as he pursues the happiness found within his cherished sheet music.

tarring alongside his then-girlfriend Bernadette Peters and a tap-dancing Christopher Walken, the film achieves the same glamorous presentation as the movies it tries so hard to emulate.

14. Grand Canyon (1991)

Dubbing itself “The Big Chill for the 1990s,” Grand Canyon acts as Lawrence Kasdan’s ambitious follow-up to his famed 1983 comedy drama. Tackling larger thematic issues with daring gusto, Kasdan strings together an ensemble cast (Martin, Kevin Kline, Danny Glover, and Alfre Woodard) to explore the intricate topic of race, crime, and the economic divisions of class in Los Angeles.

With respect to Martin, the comedian appears as an existential action filmmaker who gains a renewed stance on life, seeking to remove any sensationalized depictions of violence after a near-death experience.

15. My Blue Heaven (1990)

A hilarious companion piece to Martin Scorsese’s Goodfellas, My Blue Heaven poses the tantalizing question: “What happened to Henry Hill after he settled down into his new life in the suburbs?” Answering that question with constant ingenuity, My Blue Heaven delivers a hailstorm of laugh-out-loud comedic sequences, many of which feature Martin’s Henry Hill stand-in, Vinnie Antonelli.

The best film to star both Martin and the always fantastic Rick Moranis, My Blue Heaven never wastes an opportunity to lob some kind of joke at the audience.

16. Father of the Bride (1991)

One of the more well-known additions to Martin’s filmography, Father of the Bride features plenty of out-and-out hilarity in its classical screwball aesthetic and hammy supporting characters (none more so than Martin Short’s eccentric wedding planner, Franck Eggelhoffer).

Through it all, though, Martin never falls into the same outright hysteria he’d spent a bulk of his career specializing in. Opting for a more dialed-back performance, Martin uses his character to meditate on the crippling anxieties that come with bidding a grown child goodbye as she prepares for marriage.

17. Leap of Faith (1992)

Despite its biting critique of televangelism, Leap of Faith weaves in a sentimental storyline that bears very little bitterness in its plot. Focusing on a Christian faith healer who doctors “miracles” to unsuspecting rural crowds, Martin’s lead character demonstrates an intricate personality who reflects on the harms and benefits of his performances.

Endearing himself to his audiences through his sheer charisma and theatrical showmanship, Martin ropes viewers in just as much as he does the film’s fictional crowds.

18. Dead Men Don’t Wear Plaid (1982)

While Dead Men Don’t Wear Plaid seldom achieves the same level of popularity as Martin and Carl Reiner’s other lasting collaborations (The Jerk and The Man with Two Brains), the finished film makes for a unique viewing experience.

Cobbling together a unique noir mystery with doctored appearances from Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman, James Cagney, and Cary Grant, Dead Men Don’t Wear Plaid’s distinct editing makes this 1982 film a hilarious–if little-known–cult classic among Steve Martin movies.

19. Little Shop of Horrors (1986)

Yes, Martin’s appearance in Little Shop of Horrors falls into the territory of a mere cameo. However, Martin himself uses every opportunity he can to leave a lasting impression on audiences, hitting it out of the park as the sadistic, gas-huffing dentist, Orin Scrivello, DDS.

With his lacquered Southern accent and propensity for inflicting maximum pain on his patients, Martin’s villainous turn as Scrivello makes Little Shop of Horrors both hilarious and more than a little frightening in some places.

20. Three Amigos (1986)

A long-time passion project of Martin’s, Three Amigos may fall when it comes to its otherwise promising cast list (Martin, Short, and SNL alumnus Chevy Chase).

Though perhaps funnier on paper than in practice, the titular leads still demonstrate supreme camaraderie together, charming audiences with their inspired chemistry.

Like all great surrealists, there’s absolutely no one that has as distinct a creative vision as David Lynch. One of the most popular surreal artists in mainstream pop culture today, Lynch’s indelible talents have informed each of his artistic endeavors over the years, be it in the medium of film, television, music, or visual art.

Since his career began in the mid-1960s, Lynch has continued to rank among the most original filmmakers working today, his unique style resulting in numerous unforgettably odd films. From his earliest psychological horror films to his recent work in the 2000s, here is every one of Lynch’s feature-length films, ranked from best to worst.

Mulholland Drive

Having worked in the film industry for the majority of his career, Lynch used his inner knowledge of the business for his 2001 horror film Mulholland Drive. An intense, roving portrayal of the industry at large, Lynch analyzes the subject of dreams in both a literal and metaphorical sense. Through the ethereal atmosphere of Los Angeles, Lynch looks at a wide cast of characters, each trying to make it on their own in La La Land – their dreams of success undercut by the limits of their own talent or the demands of their employers.

Such a breathless examination of the Hollywood system helps Mulholland Drive stand tall not just as the best Lynch film, but also the greatest illustration of Hollywood since Sunset Boulevard.

Blue Velvet

An extraordinarily controversial film upon its release in 1986, Blue Velvet had a difficult time resonating among larger audiences, mostly due to its uncomfortably bizarre nature, violence, and other adult subject matter. As with most of Lynch’s work, though, critical reevaluations have only been more positive with time.

Pointing his lens at small-town suburbia, Lynch shows us all how inherently odd even the most mundane places can be if we look hard enough. Inhabited by gangsters, corrupt cops, and a gas-huffing Dennis Hopper, it’s one of the greatest neo-noir films ever made – a movie Hitchcock himself would’ve piloted if he had been born 40 years later.

Eraserhead

The movie that practically launched the midnight movie phenomenon, Eraserhead was one of the first surrealist movies in mainstream film.

Praised by noted auteurs Mel Brooks and Stanley Kubrick (who named the film one of his favorites, later using it as an influence on The Shining), Lynch managed to combine a threadbare budget with his unique artistic outlook, creating a movie that’s alienating, uncomfortable, and frequently disturbing (in the best way imaginable, of course).

The Elephant Man

Impressed by his breakthrough work on Eraserhead, Mel Brooks promptly hired the young Lynch to spearhead the 1980 film The Elephant Man, a biographical study of Joseph Merrick.

Filmed in startling black-and-white to evoke the feeling of a ‘30s Universal horror movie, Lynch’s tender treatment of Merrick makes The Elephant Man what it is: a personal, hauntingly beautiful portrait of a man wrongfully villainized by society entirely because of his physical appearance.

Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me

Universally panned upon its release in 1992, Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me’s reputation has only grown more revered with time, transforming in the public consciousness from Lynch’s worst film to his most underrated.

A prequel continuation of the canceled-too-soon Twin Peaks, Fire Walk with Me delves more deeply into surreal territory than Twin Peaks ever did, introducing elements and characters that would play a vital role in 2017’s Twin Peaks: The Return.

The Straight Story

It’s interesting to note that one of the most interesting films in Lynch’s body of work is also his most conventional. A radical departure for the surreal-obsessed director, The Straight Story is more closely akin to a feel-good Spielberg or Zemeckis movie, detailing an elderly farmer’s 240-mile journey while riding a John Deere tractor.

It may not be the first movie people think of when they call to mind David Lynch, but it’s easily among his original and affecting movies.

Wild at Heart

David Lynch has always expressed a deep love, artistic interest, and personal infatuation with The Wizard of Oz (for a more in-depth take on this, just check out the new documentary, Lynch/Oz).

Taking plenty of inspiration from the 1939 children’s classic, Lynch sets to work combining Oz with his similarly heartfelt appreciation for Elvis movies in 1990’s Wild at Heart. A road movie that seems like a twisted version of Badlands, the movie has since overcome its initially mixed critical reception, earning significantly warmer reviews in recent years.

Inland Empire

The most recent feature-length film Lynch has made, 2006’s Inland Empire, is impossible to simplify into a brief synopsis. A disparate surrealist film in the same mold as Eraserhead, it’s like the final ten minutes of Mulholland Drive stretched into three hours.

As with most of Lynch’s work, it can be tricky trying to pin down its elusive narrative, but Lynch consistently succeeds at evoking an emotional response – the funny scenes are all funny, the scary scenes all terrifying. When compared to his previous films, though, this one might prove difficult for even the most avid of Lynch’s fans to sit through or decrypt.

Lost Highway

As with most of Lynch’s lesser works, Lost Highway tends to receive a ton of (perhaps warranted) criticism aimed at its plot, with many viewers contending that the film is difficult to fully understand.

However, it can be argued that the movie was an ambitious warm-up for Lynch’s later work on Mulholland Drive or Inland Empire, two films that similarly utilized a disconnected narrative presentation. As with many of Lynch’s movies, Lost Highway has since developed a loyal cult following of fans in more recent years.

Dune (1984)

The fact that Lynch has personally disowned Dune should tell you all you need to know about this 1984 sci-fi film. A significantly watered-down adaptation of Frank Herbert’s sci-fi classic, Dune’s troubled production virtually marred the film from the get-go, resulting in a movie that’s tedious, unevenly-paced, humorless, and as dry as its desert setting.

With his own ambitious plans for the film squashed by the studio, Lynch’s nightmarish experience working on this movie almost certainly informed his take-down of the Hollywood industry in 2001’s Mulholland Drive. (So at least something good came out of this movie.)

Willem Dafoe is a good-natured Midwesterner who approaches his job with no pretension. This unassuming quality surprises those who only know Dafoe through his varied and courageous career that stretches across four decades.

Dafoe has made his name in shocking, controversial movies, playing Jesus in The Last Temptation of Christ or a grieving parent who works through his suffering with violence. But Dafoe is just as great in more mainstream roles, including the Green Goblin of the Spider-Man films or a wise fish in Finding Nemo.

These 25 great performances capture the range of Dafoe’s acting ability, even if the actor himself doesn’t think he’s such a big deal. 

1. The Florida Project (2017)

In the popular imagination, Willem Dafoe plays over-the-top bad guys, men who embrace their darker natures and take them to places others would sooner avoid. Such a figure would fit into Sean Baker’s beautiful and tragic The Florida Project, about a troubled single mother (Bria Vinaite) trying to raise her daughter Moonee (Brooklynn Prince) in the shadow of Disneyland. Instead, Dafoe plays kindhearted motel manager Bobby, a guy whose gruff demeanor allows him to protect the children and show grace, albeit sometimes hard, to his ne’er-do-well tenants.

2. The Lighthouse (2019)

No one but Willem Dafoe could play Thomas Wake, the ragged old Wickie in The Lighthouse. In the hands of any other actor, Wake would devolve into a pirate cartoon, something better suited to SpongeBob Squarepants than Robert Eggers’s surreal story about two men going mad in an isolated lighthouse. But Dafoe commits to the role, using his weathered looks and flinty voice, calling down curses from Poseidon with the same commitment that he asks his partner (Robert Pattinson) about the quality of his cooking.

3. Platoon (1986)

By 1986, Dafoe already had a type, giving director Oliver Stone something to cast against for his Vietnam epic Platoon. In a movie filled with cruel people who use the lawlessness of the war to indulge in their worst qualities, Dafoe’s Sgt. Elias defends his humanity, even more so than innocent protagonist Chris Taylor (Charlie Sheen). As Elias leads members of his platoon, he tries to maintain his dignity and the dignity of the Vietnamese, a battle as hopeless as the war in which he fights.

4. Shadow of the Vampire (2000)

German actor Max Schreck made his name playing usual and grotesque characters, none more so than Count Orlok, the vampire in the 1922 classic Nosferatu. In real life, Schreck’s unusual offscreen behavior raised more than a few eyebrows. In the world of director E. Elias Merhige and writer Steven Katz’s Shadow of the Vampire, Schreck (Dafoe) was an actual vampire, brought into the movie business by obsessed director F.W. Murnau (John Malkovich). That unusual take could have resulted in a terrible film, but Dafoe and Malkovich never wink at the audience, making the film a bizarre delight.

5. The Last Temptation of Christ (1988)

Today, people laugh when they learn that Martin Scorsese cast Dafoe as Jesus for his Paul Schrader-penned adaptation of the Nikos Kazantzakis book The Last Temptation of Christ. Leaving aside that a Midwesterner of German descent makes a strange choice to play a 1st-century Palestinian Jew, Dafoe’s weird energy seems very different than that of Max Von Sydow, Jim Caviezel, and other famous people who have portrayed Jesus. But as a fully human Christ, a man who feels haunted by God and fears his ultimate sacrifice, Dafoe embodies a fallible messiah. 

6. Streets of Fire (1984)

Dafoe already had a biker role under his belt when he signed onto Walter Hill’s rock opera Streets of Fire, but none were as perfect as Raven, the leather-clad baddie. Hill’s story of a grizzled loner, Tom Cody (Michael Paré), who teams with a mechanic (Amy Madigan) to rescue kidnapped rockstar Ellen Aim (Diane Lane) walks the line between the grit of 50s biker pictures and the technicolor of an MGM musical. Dafoe’s gender-bending take on the leader of the gang melds the sultry allure of black leather with the aggressive growl of his motorcycles, making something altogether unique.

7. Antichrist (2009)

Even before the Lars Von Trier film Antichrist goes to stomach-churning extremes, some viewers might place Dafoe’s character (known only as “He”) among his cruelest roles. After he and his wife (“She,” played by Charlotte Gainsbourg) experience the death of their child, the two go through a prolonged period of grief, one that destroys the mother. As a therapist, He tries to treat She and guide her through the experience, which sometimes feels manipulative. But Dafoe depicts He as a fellow grieving parent, someone who is making sense of the ineffable tragedy using the tools available to him.

8. Wild at Heart (1990)

Dafoe has no problem going big for a part, but rarely has he gone as far as he does as Bobby Peru in David Lynch’s Wild at Heart. The most off-putting character in Lynch’s most off-putting film (which is saying something), Bobby Peru embraces his disgusting nature and dies the way he lived with an outrageous final scene. In the same way that Lynch, adapting the novel by Barry Gifford, balances the gross with the romantic, grounding the Wizard of Oz-inspired romance of Sailor (Nicolas Cage) and Lula (Laura Dern), Dafoe makes Bobby Peru somehow real within a wholly unreal world.

9. Spider-Man (2002)

The most popular of Dafoe’s roles, some might be tempted to scoff at his take on the classic villain, the Green Goblin. In a period where we like complex villains with good points, folks like Thanos or Killmonger, the Green Goblin in Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man has no shades of gray, a man who feels no self-consciousness even when monologuing in a silly green costume. But Dafoe never winks at the camera, never condescends to the material. He remains invested in being a scientist-turned-supervillain, and the movie is better for it.

10. The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou (2004)

Starting with The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou, Dafoe became one of Wes Anderson’s regular players, contributing to all of the Texan director’s films up through his latest release, Asteroid City. As great as he is in all of these flicks, Dafoe’s most interesting part came in Anderson’s underrated Jacques Cousteau riff. As with Spider-Man, Dafoe doesn’t acknowledge the red beanie on his grizzled head or the tiny shorts he sports. Rather, Dafoe uncovers layers of empathy for his character Klaus, letting his need for acceptance shine through, even when acting jealous of newcomer Ned Plimpton (Owen Wilson) and respect for Zissou (Bill Murray).

11. American Psycho (2000)

Director Mary Harron and co-writer Guinevere Turner had a daunting task before them when they translated Bret Easton Ellis’s novel American Psycho for the big screen. Not only did they need to realize Ellis’s nauseating depiction of an immoral Yuppie, but they also needed to capture the book’s unreliable narrator–always a challenge when using a more-or-less objective camera. Harron achieved this goal by directing Dafoe to depict his detective character in different ways. Sometimes, he played Kimball as believing the tales of Patrick Bateman (Christian Bale). Sometimes, he doubted Batemen, and other times, he wasn’t sure. By finding continuity between the different takes, Dafoe helps sell a complex character, elevating the film over the source material.

12. Finding Nemo (2003)

Given his distinctive face and full-bodied performances, it’s easy to overlook the power of Dafoe’s voice. But director Andrew Stanton, who co-wrote the movie with Robert Peterson and David Reynolds, takes advantage of the actor’s gravelly timbre for the Pixar film Finding Nemo. Sure, designers give the angel fish Gil a deep scar that recalls the actor’s own features. But Dafoe brings notes of vulnerability and hope to the wisened sea creature, allowing him to encourage young Nemo (Alexander Gould) to escape the fish tank that holds him and reunite with his father, Marlin (Albert Brooks).

13. To Live and Die in LA (1985)

At first glance, To Live and Die and LA feels like a companion piece to Walter Hill’s Streets of Fire. William Friedkin eschews the gritty realism of his previous crime movie, The French Connection, for the neon lights of 80s Los Angeles. But where even the most shocking parts of Hill’s film feel like something from a fairy tale, Friedkin doesn’t turn away from the violence. The strongest connection between the movies is Dafoe, who brings the same sensuality to his evil counterfeiter, Rick Masters. Dafoe has rarely looked so pretty, something his rivals mistake his softness for weakness, an assumption he disabuses with every brutal kill. 

14. The English Patient (1996)

As this list shows, Dafoe feels most comfortable in offbeat parts rather than Oscar favorites like Anthony Minghella’s adaptation of the Michael Ondaatje novel The English Patient. However, Dafoe manages to act the rascal, even in a grandiose tale of a scarred World War I pilot (Ralph Fiennes) reuniting with his love (Juliette Binoche). His mysterious agent, Caravaggio, skulks around the edges of the film, promising an explosion of anarchy to upset the otherwise stolid proceedings.

15. Mississippi Burning (1988)

Despite the other-worldly energy he projects, Dafoe is a Midwesterner, who got his start doing theater in Milwaukee. That upbringing serves him well in Mississippi Burning, in which he plays Northerner FBI Agent Alan Ward, who comes to the South to investigate the disappearance of three race activists. Paired with Agent Rupert Anderson (Gene Hackman), a native Southerner who can talk to the locales, Dafoe captures the moral outrage of the audience, a man who rages against a system he cannot, and does not want, to understand.

16. Affliction (1997)

On a surface level, the plot of Paul Schrader’s Affliction follows an investigation into the suspicious death of a hunter in New Hampshire. But as policeman Wade Whitehouse (Nick Nolte) looks further into the death, he must face unpleasant truths about his family, including brother Rolfe (Dafoe). Schrader embraces the despair of the Russel Banks novel on which his film is based, covering the story as thick as the New England snow. Surprisingly, Dafoe finds notes of lightness in his character, offering a welcome respite from the otherwise punishing film.

17. Death Note (2017)

To devotees of the manga and anime that director Adam Wingard brought to America for a live-action Netflix film, Death Note fails to reach the heights of the source material. But even the most grouchy viewer can appreciate Dafoe’s take on Ryuk, the demon who kills anyone whose name is written in the film’s central book. Although he contributes just a voice to the film, Ryuk feels like a character Dafoe would portray in live action, making the character more believable. Even better, Dafoe channels his puckish qualities into the demon, playing him not just as a bringer of death but also as a figure of anarchy who sees all these humans as little more than toys.

18. The Boondock Saints (1999)

For some, The Boondock Saints belongs among the greatest cult films of all time, a hyper-violent story of Irish Catholic vigilantes in Boston. Even those who don’t share the same appreciation for director Troy Duffy’s overheated action flick can appreciate the level of dedication Dafoe brings to his part as the FBI agent hunting down brothers Connor and Murphy MacManus (Sean Patrick Flanery and Norman Reedus). Even when not donning a wig and a slinky dress to take down a target, Dafoe delivers a dose of crazed energy to the film, destroying Duffy’s sometimes too-serious approach.

19. Inside (2023)

Almost every scene in Inside features Willem Dafoe playing an art thief called Nemo, and nobody else. Nemo has devoted his life to art, which drove him to break into a high-tech penthouse in search of a valuable self-portrait. Nemo fails to find his desired piece, but he does find himself trapped inside the apartment, stuck by himself with an impressive collection. Director Vasilis Katsoupis and writer Ben Hopkins run out of anything interesting to say long before Inside finishes its 105-minute runtime. Still, Dafoe gives a committed performance as a man going mad for the things he loves.

20. The Loveless (1981)

Few would count The Loveless among their favorite Kathryn Bigelow movies. Before the Academy Award-winning director went on to make exciting explorations of masculinity, such as Point Break and The Hurt Locker, she and Monty Montgomery made this deconstruction of the biker flick. As a first-time filmmaker, Bigelow veers more to the academic than many would like. However, Dafoe plays a believable, if disturbing, figure, cutting through the high-minded material to disturb the audience.

21. Nightmare Alley (2021)

Like its source material, a 1946 novel by William Lindsay Gresham, Nightmare Alley teems with horrific imagery. Tracing the rise and downfall of a carnival worker and conman (Bradley Cooper), director Guillermo del Toro, who co-wrote the script with Kim Morgan, uses circus imagery to intensify the morality tale. In a small but crucial role, as carnival owner Clem Hartley, Dafoe gets to be the harbinger of doom, warning Cooper’s Stan Carlisle of the fate that awaits him and delighting when the brash young man does it anyway.

22. Body of Evidence (1992)

In Body of Evidence, Dafoe plays a detective investigating Madonna. Sure, there’s more to this thriller from director Uli Edel and writer Brad Mirman, which stars Dafoe as lawyer Frank Dulaney, who agrees to defend Rebecca Carlson (Madonna) after the death of her elderly husband. But the movie bumbles through the legal thriller aspects, slowing down only for love scenes between the leads. The sadomasochism that shocked the movie’s first viewers no longer has the same impact (not after Antichrist, anyway), but Dafoe still makes for a great thriller protagonist.

23. Flight of the Intruder (1991)

Dafoe has depicted a surprising amount of authority figures across his career, tough-guy cops and soldiers. But few have been as entertaining as Lieutenant Commander Cole from the fighter jet picture Flight of the Intruder. Written by Robert Dillon and David Shaber, and directed by John Milius, Flight of the Intruder has all the masculine tropes that one would expect from that creative team. However, the real joy of the film comes in Dafoe’s portrayal as a maverick pilot, one whose reckless actions threaten to plunge the nation into war. Where others would have played Cole as a principled warrior fighting for freedom, Dafoe leans into the absurdity of the plot and transforms it into a wacky war picture.

24. Ripley Under Ground (2005)

If the Roger Spottiswoode adaptation of Patricia Highsmith’s Ripley Under Ground fails to live up to its predecessor The Talented Mr. Ripley (and it does), don’t blame Willem Dafoe. Dafoe has a small, but crucial, part as an art dealer whose murder draws attention to Tom Ripley (Barry Pepper) masquerading as an up-and-coming painter. Spottiswoode can’t balance the film’s slick European thriller trappings with arch comedy that Claire Forlani and Alan Cumming seem to be in, squandering a solid script by W. Blake Herron and Donald Westlake. But Dafoe manages to walk that line during his few scenes, hinting at a much better Ripley film than the one we have here.

25. At Eternity’s Gate (2018)

Despite what internet memes might have you believe, At Eternity’s Gate is a traditional biopic. Yes, director Julian Schnabel does use fish-eye lenses and hand-held camera shots to give his Vincent Van Gogh story some visual flourishes, making for images that people mock on social media. But most of At Eternity’s Gate follows the known beats of Van Gogh’s life. Whatever the shortcomings in the script by Schnabel, Jean-Claude Carrière, and Louise Kugelberg, Dafoe’s performance deserves attention. Dafoe plays the sweetness and vulnerability of the doomed painter, never slipping into parody and connecting the audience with his plight.

For nearly a century, Batman has remained one of the most popular superheroes in pop culture. As you’d expect, his movies, particularly the live-action films, are a big reason for that. Beyond the Caped Crusader’s appearances on the big screen, several additional reasons might explain Batman’s endearing popularity today – the now-classic comic books written by comic legends like Frank Miller, Alan Moore, or Neil Gaiman, his constant relevance through various TV shows and video games, or his equally iconic rogues gallery of villains all immediately springing to mind.

As important as these things have been in securing Batman’s place in the comic book fandom today, a key explanation for Batman’s continuing popularity today can be directly tied to the numerous films featuring the Dark Knight in action.

From award-winning superhero films from the 2000s to kitschier interpretations of the character, here is every movie featuring Gotham’s famous Dark Knight, ranked from best to worst.

The Dark Knight (2008)

Easily one of director Christopher Nolan’s best movies and one of the best superhero movies of all time, The Dark Knight did more than raise the bar on comic book films. It challenged all movies to be so good. The acting, action, pacing, music, dialogue, and more mature themes earned the movie acclaim, and Heath Ledger gave a defining performance of the Joker, winning him a posthumous Academy Award.

Not only is it a great superhero movie, but it is also a must-watch film that should absolutely be seen by everyone, whether you’re a fan of Batman or not.

The Batman (2022)

Learning that a dangerous serial killer known as The Riddler (Paul Dano) has begun terrorizing Gotham, the masked vigilante Batman (Robert Pattinson) sets out to solve the murders, uncovering secrets about his own past in the process.

The Dark Knight might seem an insurmountable benchmark for Batman films today, but 2021’s The Batman came close to matching it. Like Nolan’s vision of Gotham, director Matt Reeves’ interpretation of Batman’s universe was intense and gritty, closer in style to the setting of a David Fincher horror film. As expected, Pattinson did a fantastic job as a startlingly modern interpretation of Bruce Wayne, portraying his version of Batman as someone inherently broken, desperately dedicating himself to saving Gotham from its own rampant waves of crime.

Batman (1989)

The first “serious” Batman movie and the film that helped redefine the character, this 1989 classic is known for setting the standard for the superhero genre in the decades to come. Starring Michael Keaton cast-against-type as Batman (he was known for his more comedic roles at the time), the movie focuses on the Caped Crusader’s battle against the psychopathic gangster, the Joker (played by the legendary Jack Nicholson).

There is so much to love about this movie that knowing where to start is impossible. From the brilliant performances to the macabre vision of Gotham City that director Tim Burton brings to the screen, its influence on the world of Batman cannot be overstated.

Batman Begins (2005)

The movie responsible for reigniting an entire generation’s interest in Batman, the first movie in Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight Trilogy remains an incredible superhero movie to this day. Loosely based on Frank Miller’s classic Batman: Year One, Batman Begins focuses on Batman’s origin story, explaining how Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale) came to fight organized crime in Gotham City in the first place.

Featuring fan-favorite villains Ra’s al Ghul (Liam Neeson) and Scarecrow (Cillian Murphy), Batman Begins was praised by fans and critics alike for Bale’s performance and the emotional and psychological aspects of Bruce Wayne’s character – something that had never been extensively explored before in a Batman movie.

The Dark Knight Rises (2012)

When the now crime-free Gotham City is threatened by a masked mercenary named Bane (Tom Hardy), Batman (Bale) must return to crime-fighting after a nearly decade-long retirement. The third and final entry in Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy, The Dark Knight Rises had a lot to live up to with the overwhelming success of The Dark Knight.

While it may not have measured up completely to its predecessor, The Dark Knight Rises still makes for a fittingly strong entry to Nolan’s trilogy, offering a satisfying conclusion to the series.

Batman Returns (1992)

After the mysterious Penguin (Danny DeVito) emerges from the sewers of Gotham with a plan to kill all of the city’s firstborn sons, Batman must try to stop him, all the while playing a game of cat and mouse with the equally enigmatic Catwoman (Michelle Pfeiffer).

This sequel to the wildly popular 1989 Batman stars a returning Michael Keaton once again as the Dark Knight. Admittedly, director Tim Burton may have gone a little too dark in some aspects of the story. Still, there’s no question that Batman Returns makes for an entertaining (if slightly disturbing) movie with great performances by the three main leads.

Batman: The Movie (1966)

Fresh off the success of the first season of the popular Adam West Batman series came 1966’s family-friendly superhero film, Batman: The Movie. Featuring most of the original series’ main cast, the movie focuses on Batman and Robin (Burt Ward) as they battle the villainous team of The Riddler (Frank Gorshin), Joker (Cesar Romero), Penguin (Burgess Meredith), and Catwoman (Lee Meriwether), all of whom plan to hold the world hostage with an invention that rapidly dehydrates people.

Batman: The Movie is about as lighthearted a Batman movie as you’ll find, full of wacky dialogue, zany action, and plenty of “Swoosh,” “Kapow,” and “Ouch!” sound effects during fight sequences. Amazingly, it’s only slightly more cartoony than the later Joel Schumacher-produced Batman films.

The Flash (2023)

Trying to keep up with the MCU’s ongoing foray into the Multiverse, The Flash attempted to merge every pre-existing version of Batman into one film. With appearances from Ben Affleck, George Clooney, and Michael Keaton, it’s as much a Batman movie as it is strictly a Flash film.

Though not nearly as good as the premise makes it out to be, The Flash has plenty of enjoyable moments, with Keaton himself effortlessly slipping back into the cape and cowl of the Tim Burton-era Batman. A formal goodbye to the DCEU as fans knew it, it’s perhaps most worth watching for Keaton’s return alone.

Batman Forever (1995)

After a criminal mastermind known as The Riddler (Jim Carrey) appears and begins partnering with the unstable crime boss Two-Face (Tommy Lee Jones), Batman (Val Kilmer) reluctantly joins forces with a young hero named Robin (Chris O’Donnell) to stop them.

It’s nearly as weird as Batman & Robin but not quite as bad; this movie’s main issue is its hopeless miscasting. Kilmer gives a particularly robotic performance as Batman, with Jones and Carrey seemingly trying to one-up each other in some sort of bizarre, over-the-top acting competition. Abandoning Tim Burton’s darker approach with his earlier Batman movies, director Joel Schumacher attempted to infuse some lighthearted silliness into this movie reminiscent of the original Batman series. As you’ll see, the decision was … questionable, to say the least.

Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)

Initially billed as the DC equivalent to the MCU’s Avengers film, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice was the long-awaited cinematic mash-up between Superman and Batman that audiences had waited for decades.

Unfortunately, the finished film completely failed to live up to its momentous hype, forcing audiences to grit their teeth through two and a half hours of atrociously written dialogue and surprisingly bad CGI. As hackneyed as most of the film is, Ben Affleck hands in an admirably hard-boiled version of the Caped Crusader, borrowing plenty of inspiration from Frank Miller’s older iteration of the character from 1986’s The Dark Knight Returns.

Justice League (2017)

One of the most disappointing mainstream films of the 2010s, Justice League single-handedly killed what little momentum the DCEU had in the middle of the decade. An embarrassing crossover that somehow managed to be even worse than Batman v Superman, fans can accurately describe Justice League as the final nail in DC’s cinematic coffin.

As underwhelming as most of the movie is, Justice League deserves some praise for its cast’s performances. In the case of Affleck’s Batman, the World’s Greatest Detective maintains an excellent comedic rapport with both Gal Gadot’s Wonder Woman and Ezra Miller’s Flash (a relationship that took center-stage with 2023’s The Flash years later).

Batman & Robin (1997)

A movie so bad George Clooney himself reportedly still offers fans who saw it in theaters a refund. Batman & Robin was responsible for single-handedly derailing the original Batman franchise. A direct sequel to Batman Forever, the film stars Clooney as the Dark Knight in his first and only outing as the character.

Assisted by Robin (Chris O’Donnell) and Batgirl (Alicia Silverstone), Batman races against time to stop Mr. Freeze (Arnold Schwarzenegger) and Poison Ivy (Uma Thurman) from destroying Gotham City. This movie was laughably bad – full of cheesy, ice puns, cartoonish dialogue, and odd aesthetic design choices, making it one of the strangest Batman movies ever made and by far the worst.

Everyone recognizes the name Street Fighter regardless of whether they’ve even played the game or not. An iconic staple in video game fandom, Street Fighter games also serve as a major pillar of the fighting game genre, influencing countless succeeding titles like Mortal Kombat.

Like other classic gaming franchises such as The Elder Scrolls or Metal Gear Solid, multiple entries in the franchise have seen releases over the years, but only a select few stand the test of time as the best Street Fighter games in the series’ existence.

1. Street Fighter II: The World Warrior (1991)

The best fighting game ever released, Street Fighter II set the foundation for the fighting game moving forward. A title that influenced everything from Mortal Kombat to Virtua Fighters, Street Fighter II laid the groundwork for the genre at a pivotal moment, living on not just as best entry in the Street Fighter series, but the fighting game that should be at the top of every gaming fans’ bucket list.

2. Street Fighter IV (2008)

After a temporary series lull from the late 1990s to the end of the 2000s, Street Fighter games returned in grand fashion with Street Fighter IV. Between its fluid 2D graphics and retro arcade aesthetic, Street Fighter IV felt like a loving homage to the best Street Fighter had to offer. A sequel in the same favorable mold as Street Fighter II, Street Fighter IV met everyone’s greatest expectations when it came to Street Fighter games, matching the acclaim of everything that came before it.

3. Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike (1999)

The second and final spin-off addition to Street Fighter III, one might refer to 3rd Strike as a more polished version of Street Fighter III. Adding in five new characters (including fan-favorite protagonist Chun-Li), the game also came equipped with a more conducive combat system, improving upon the weaknesses of 2nd Impact. In theory, aside for Street Fighter II, most players will have a difficult time finding a better ‘90s-era fighting game than this 1999 masterpiece.

4. Street Fighter 6 (2023)

The most recent addition to the Street Fighter games universe, Street Fighter 6 marks a definitive return to form for Capcom’s hit series. The prototypical fighting game of tomorrow, Street Fighter 6 features a slew of ahead-of-its-time innovations, right down to a real-time commentary presiding over matches. Making use of a larger roster, more immersive stages, and a cross-platform playability, Street Fighter 6 captures the same addictive tone that made Street Fighter II so fun to play in the first place.

5. Super Street Fighter IV (2010)

While most fans tend to dismiss Super Street Fighter IV as a minor addition to the franchise, such gross assumptions fail to capture how fantastic the game had been upon its release in 2010. One of the greatest fighting games brought to a handheld device, every major component associated with Street Fighter IV wound up in the game, from the signature 2D art style to the smooth gameplay of its sister title.

6. Super Street Fighter II Turbo (1994)

A game well ahead of its time, Super Street Fighter II Turbo introduced moves no one had ever seen before in a fighting game, from fast-paced super combos to the inventive air combo. The fact that gamers still play Super Street Fighter II Turbo in competitive tournaments just further proves how sensational a game Turbo ranks as for diehard fans across the globe.

7. Street Fighter Alpha: Warriors’ Dreams (1995)

In contrast to the more realistic graphics of Street Fighter II, Street Fighter Alpha: Warriors’ Dream made the interesting decision to revert to a more manga-esque animation design. While such inspired artistic direction helped Warriors’ Dream win over audiences in the mid-1990s, the game’s infectious gameplay serves as the primary reason players return to it again and again in the decades since. A promising first entry in the Alpha series, it also ushered in one of the most successful periods in Street Fighter games history (as seen with its sequels).

8. Street Fighter: 2nd Impact – Giant Attack (1997)

An updated version of Street Fighter III: New Generation, at first glance, 2nd Impact seems to bear little difference to its earlier sister title. On closer examination, however, players might notice more fine-tuned gameplay features, including a new variation of Special Moves known as EX Specials (an attack that became a common characteristic in Street Fighter games that followed).

9. Street Fighter Alpha 2 (1996)

A perfect improvement over the already seminal Street Fighter Alpha: Warriors’ Dreams, few things could’ve made Street Fighter Alpha 2 any better. With a massive lineup of playable characters from Street Fighter games before it, Street Fighter Alpha 2 also takes the time to improve upon the basic gameplay of Warriors’ Dreams, adding in new stages, new combos, and a more nuanced single-player mode.

10. Street Fighter II: Champion Edition (1992)

Capcom had a tough assignment when it came to improving the already perfect Street Fighter II. Despite this tall order, the company soon outdid itself, releasing the better-than-expected Street Fighter II: Champion Edition. Containing only a handful of small differences from its predecessor, Champion Edition tailored itself more to fans of the Street Fighter games, with Capcom adjusting each characters’ strengths for more balanced gameplay between players.

11. Street Fighter II Turbo: Hyper Fighting (1992)

Like Street Fighter II: Champion Edition, Street Fighter II Turbo: Hyper Fighting concerned itself with creating a more streamlined gameplay experience, balancing out characters’ strengths and weaknesses to ensure more competitive interplay. Unlike Champion Edition, however, Hyper Fighting features a far more fast-paced gameplay style, with players having to use timing and precision to land each move, heightening the drama of every fight.

12. Super Street Fighter II: The New Challengers (1993)

Another entry in the Street Fighter II subseries, Super Street Fighter II: The New Challengers continues the same basic trends as Champion Edition and Hyper Fighting. Like its sister titles, The New Challengers strives to balance out each playable character’s basic strengths while introducing four new characters to the mix (Fei Long, Dee Jay, T. Hawk, and Cammy). However, Capcom also rolled out some additional gameplay features this time around, including new special moves like Ryu’s “Fire Hadōken” and M. Bison’s “Devil Reverse.”

13. Super Street Fighter IV: 3D Edition (2011)

The most amazing aspect of Super Street Fighter IV: 3D relates to how well it plays. Despite its status as a mobile game, it has the same basic gameplay features as the original Super Street Fighter IV, playing just as well as its 2010 counterpart. A satisfying Nintendo 3DS exclusive, 3D Edition does enough to entice every prospective gamer through its rich gameplay aesthetic.

14. Hyper Street Fighter II: The Anniversary Edition (2003)

As its name might suggest, Hyper Street Fighter II: The Anniversary Edition serves as a loving homage to Super Street Fighter II Turbo. A mishmash of every major Street Fighter arcade game before it, Hyper Street Fighter II allowed avid fans a look into the golden age of Street Fighter games, revisiting old stages while playing as a variety of cult favorite characters. It may have done little to reinvent the Street Fighter name or push the series in new directions, but with its nostalgic look back at Capcom’s flagship fighting series, the game met with resounding success.

15. Street Fighter III: New Generation (1997)

Perhaps the most perplexing game in the Street Fighter franchise, Street Fighter III took everything Capcom had perfected with its Street Fighter II subseries and omitted it from New Generation (hence the name). With only Ryu and Ken returning here, New Generation’s radical roster of new faces did little to endear itself to fans of the series. However, one must note that each subsequent entry to bear the Street Fighter III name acted as a major improvement over New Generation (especially 3rd Strike).

16. Street Fighter (1987)

The one that started it all, Street Fighter may have been the first entry in the series, but most fans fail to regard it in the same favorable light as some of its best sequels. A decent enough cabinet arcade game, Street Fighter does little to differentiate itself from the other, far better fighting games that flooded the market in the years ahead, like Mortal Kombat, Virtua Fighters, or The Kings of Fighters.

17. Super Street Fighter IV: Arcade Edition (2010)

Rounding out the Street Fighter IV subseries, Super Street Fighter IV saw two satisfactory releases, with the Arcade Edition just slightly below the 3D Edition release for the Nintendo 3DS. Regardless, this exclusive release for the PS3 and XBox 360 went above and beyond glossing over the basic mechanics of Street Fighter IV. Placing a deeper strategic focus on characters’ health meters, Arcade Edition makes for one of the more interesting, if somewhat unremarkable, Street Fighter sequels in recent memory.

18. Street Fighter Alpha 3 (1998)

The chief characteristic that sets Street Fighter Alpha 3 apart from every other addition to the Street Fighter games series has to do with its signature “ism” feature. In essence, Street Fighter Alpha 3 gives a player a choice of three different gameplay styles–A-ism, X-ism, and V-ism–each providing a major overhaul of each character’s moves and skill sets. Aside from this unique feature, though, Street Fighter Alpha 3 offers little else to measure up to the earlier Alpha sequels, paling in comparison to 3rd Strike or 2nd Impact.

19. Street Fighter V (2016)

To be fair, Capcom’s regular patches allowed Street Fighter V to grow into a far better game than it had been upon its release in 2016. However, most fans couldn’t help but express their utter disappointment with the initial iteration of the game. With a threadbare 16-character roster, it felt like a serious step back in the franchise, although subsequent updates added 30 more characters for players to choose from.

20. Ultra Street Fighter II: The Final Challenger (2017)

While the Street Fighter series has no shortage of great games, the series has its fair share of weaker entries as well, none more so than the mediocre Ultra Street Fighter II: The Final Challenger. Despite its gleaming graphics, The Final Challenger proves how much importance fans place in a cohesive gameplay structure (a key attribute missing from Ultra Street Fighter II: The Final Challenger).

Alien director Ridley Scott and Aliens director James Cameron seem impressed by Fede Álvarez’s Alien: Romulus, a stand-alone interquel that takes place between Alien and Aliens. Produced by Scott, Alien: Romulus stars Cailee Spaeny, David Jonsson, Archie Renaux, Isabela Merced, and Spike Fearn.

The official description of Alien: Romulus — the seventh film in the Alien franchise — reads: “While scavenging the deep ends of a derelict space station, a group of young space colonizers come face-to-face with the most terrifying life-form in the universe.”

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Álvarez said, “I love all of those [Alien] movies. I didn’t want to omit or ignore any of them when it comes to connections at a story level, character level, technology level, and creature level. There’s always connections from Alien to Alien: Covenant.”

Álvarez showed producer and Alien franchise creator Scott a director’s cut of Alien: Romulus without VFX. Scott said, “Fede, what can I say? It’s f-ing great.”

Álvarez continued, “[Aliens director] James Cameron is also someone I’ve met through the years, and when he learned that I was doing it, we started chatting about it. So I also had that conversation with him at the script level. He’s now seen [Alien: Romulus] and loved it. It’s also fascinating because [Cameron and Scott’s] notes and comments are completely different. [Laughs.] They wouldn’t repeat a note. Whatever Ridley said, Cameron said something different. They were all supersmart comments, notes and thoughts on [Alien: Romulus] and the filmmaking, et cetera, but both of them have completely different approaches. So the fantastic part of being able to make [Alien: Romulus] is to have the chance to work with them.”

Alien: Romulus screams into theaters on August 16. Click here to watch the first official trailer for the Alien interquel.

‘Blade Runner’ Actor M. Emmet Walsh Passes Away at 88

Character actor M. Emmet Walsh — who played LAPD Captain Bryant in Blade Runner — has passed away at age 88. He died from cardiac arrest in Vermont just three days before his 89th birthday.

Walsh enjoyed a 55-year career as a character actor, often playing grizzled, hardened characters. In addition to his role as Harrison Ford’s former boss in Blade Runner, Walsh appeared in the Coen brothers’ debut film, Blood Simple, for which he won an Independent Spirit Award for Best Male Lead. Walsh also had memorable parts in Straight Time, The Jerk, Critters, Christmas With the Kranks, and Knives Out.

According to IndieWire, “Born in Ogdensburg, New York in 1935 but raised in Vermont — that New England thwang of his (can’t call it a twang) doubling for so many other accents throughout his career — [Walsh] studied business at Clarkson University and seemed to stumble into acting by accident. His characters are often people you underestimate, then prove shockingly formidable.”

‘Chucky’ Season Three, Part Two Trailer: The Killer Doll Fights Old Age on Syfy Series Starring Jennifer Tilly

Time has caught up with aging killer doll Chucky in the new trailer for the second half of Chucky season three. The Syfy and USA Network spin-off series from the Child’s Play movies stars Zackary Arthur, Björgvin Arnarson, Alyvia Alyn Lind, Teo Briones, Brad Dourif, Devon Sawa, and Jennifer Tilly.

According to Syfy, “Chucky isn’t the only one a little worse for the wear in the remaining half of season three. Tiffany Valentine (Jennifer Tilly) is still sitting on death row for her many, many, many crimes. While she and Chucky are constantly on the rocks, it seems with both of them knocking on death’s door permanently for the first time, they decided to have a little phone call to talk things out. However, all of that seems to pale in comparison to what the First Family is going through after the unbelievable massacre Chucky created at Halloween.”

The new trailer offers glimpses of John Waters as the creator of the Good Guy dolls, plus Brad Dourif in the flesh — not just as the voice of Chucky. Sawa — who has played four different characters who look astonishingly similar on Chucky — plays the president of the United States in season three. Will the character live to see season four or will Sawa get offed and recast again? Whatever happens, Chucky promises to make it an outrageously wild ride that keeps fans guessing.

The second half of Chucky season three premieres April 10 on Syfy. Click here to watch the new trailer.

‘Humane’ Trailer: Peter Gallagher Plays a Troubled Family Patriarch in Caitlin Cronenberg’s Directorial Debut

Peter Gallagher plays a family patriarch who enlists in a euthanasia program to help save the environment in the dystopian thriller Humane. The directorial debut of Caitlin Cronenberg — the daughter of iconic body-horror director David Cronenberg — Humane also stars Jay Baruchel and Emily Hampshire.

IFC Films’ official logline for Humane reads: “A global environmental collapse forces world leaders to take extreme measures to reduce Earth’s population.”

“It had humor and darkness and felt timely while still essentially being a family drama,” said Caitlin Cronenberg to IndieWire about Humane. “Michael [Sparaga] is a brilliant writer and I knew he’d be amazing to collaborate with through this process. I don’t consider it a straight horror film as it doesn’t necessarily fit into the classic definition of horror. I like to think of it as genre-bending or a ‘family thriller.’ The characters had so many levels we knew it would attract a brilliant cast, and it all just fell into place.”

Humane premieres in select theaters on April 26 and will stream on Shudder July 26. Click here to watch the trailer.

U.S. Department of Justice Sues Apple for Allegedly Monopolizing Smartphone Market With iPhone

If you think that Apple has unfairly monopolized the smartphone market with its ubiquitous iPhone, the U.S. Department of Justice agrees with you. The DOJ has filed an antitrust lawsuit against Apple, alleging that the megacorporation has harmed consumers, developers, and competitors such as Samsung by establishing a monopoly.

In an 88-page lawsuit filed on Thursday and reported by Variety, the government said, “Each step in Apple’s course of conduct built and reinforced the moat around its smartphone monopoly.”

“Consumers should not have to pay higher prices because companies violate the antitrust laws,” said U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland in a statement. “We allege that Apple has maintained monopoly power in the smartphone market, not simply by staying ahead of the competition on the merits, but by violating federal antitrust law. If left unchallenged, Apple will only continue to strengthen its smartphone monopoly.”

Shockingly, Apple sees things very differently from the DOJ and issued its own statement: “At Apple, we innovate every day to make technology people love — designing products that work seamlessly together, protect people’s privacy and security, and create a magical experience for our users. This lawsuit threatens who we are and the principles that set Apple products apart in fiercely competitive markets. If successful, it would hinder our ability to create the kind of technology people expect from Apple — where hardware, software, and services intersect. It would also set a dangerous precedent, empowering government to take a heavy hand in designing people’s technology.”

Apple isn’t the only Big Tech company in the U.S. government’s crosshairs. Last year, the DOJ filed an antitrust lawsuit against Google. The FTC also sued Amazon in 2023 for its “monopoly power.”

Oscar Winner Cillian Murphy Will Return for ‘Peaky Blinders’ Movie

Oscar winner Cillian Murphy will return to play Thomas Shelby — the head of the Shelby crime family — for a follow-up Peaky Blinders movie. The BBC period crime-drama series set after World War I ran for six seasons, airing its finale on April 3, 2022.

In a conversation with Birmingham World reported by Deadline, Peaky Blinders series creator Steven Knight confirmed Murphy’s return for the upcoming movie. “He definitely is returning for it,” said Knight of Murphy. “We’re shooting it in September just down the road in Digbeth [England].”

Deadline continues, “Peaky Blinders takes its name from the Birmingham gang whose exploits it chronicles in the aftermath of World War I. Murphy led the popular British crime drama series as gang leader Tommy Shelby, with the show running for six seasons between 2013 and 2022.”

In an interview with Esquire, Knight said, “The film, I know exactly what it’s about. And I know what two stories it’s going to tell. How the story will unfold, I don’t know. What will happen after that, I want that to depend on the film. For all we know somebody is going to pop out – I think I know who it’s going to be.”

‘House of the Dragon’: Choose Between Rhaenyra and Alicent In Dueling Season Two Trailers

To drum up even more excitement for House of the Dragon season two, HBO has released two “dueling” trailers that invite viewers to choose between Rhaenyra’s black faction or Alicent’s green one. House of the Dragon is a Game of Thrones prequel series set 172 years before the birth of Daenerys Targaryen. Emma D’Arcy (pictured) plays Rhaenyra Targaryen and Olivia Cooke plays Alicent Hightower.

According to Variety, “In the wake of the season one finale, in which Aemond murders Rhaenyra’s son Lucerys and his dragon, war is imminent in Westeros. The blacks and the greens are both gathering their forces, dragons, and new allies to face off in a fiery battle to the death. In King’s Landing, young King Aegon is doubling down on his claim to the Iron Throne, which his half-sister Rhaenyra views as her rightful inheritance from their late father. The trailers also tease a return to Winterfell, the snowy home of the Starks that is ruled over by Cregan Stark in the prequel.”

The second season of House of the Dragon premieres June 16 on HBO. Click here to watch the black trailer, and click here to watch the green trailer. Choose a side!

Pete Davidson Walks Away From Semiautobiographical Peacock Series ‘Bupkis’ Despite Renewal for Second Season

Former SNL cast member Pete Davidson has walked away from his semiautobiographical Peacock series Bupkis despite its renewal for a second season. The comedy-drama series also stars Edie Falco and Joe Pesci.

“I’ve always seen Bupkis as a window into my life, since it is so personal and about my struggles and family,” said Davidson in a statement reported by Variety. “After nearly a decade of my personal life being in the media I wanted a chance to tell my story my way. Of all the work I’ve ever done, Bupkis is by far what I’m most proud of. I am so grateful to Lorne Michaels and Broadway Video, Peacock, Universal Television, and the amazing cast and writers for helping me create something honest, funny, and heartfelt. I do also feel that this part of my life is finished. I’m very excited for this next chapter and for you guys to see the work. Thank you to all who support me for I am forever grateful.”

All eight episodes of Bupkis are available to stream on Peacock.

When people think of luxury fashion, many brand names come to mind. High-end fashion brands define luxury and style, influencing every corner of fashion, from haute couture runways to everyday loungewear.

There are several iconic brands out there that have carved fashion space in the luxury market and currently command what it means to look fashionable and luxurious.

1. Louis Vuitton

Since its founding in 1854, Louis Vuitton has been a brand at the forefront of fashion and is synonymous with luxury. It’s considered one of the top brands in the world, thanks to its artistic and timeless pieces that appeal to everyone.

The legacy of Louis Vuitton is undeniable, and the brand still dominates the luxury fashion space.

2. Dior

Dior is well-known for its haute couture that hits the runway every year, but its retail pieces are just as fabulous and inspiring.

They also have one of the broadest ranges of products, from fragrances to ready-to-wear clothes and more. It’s easily one of the most successful brands on the globe.

3. Gucci

Gucci is a brand that symbolizes high fashion and sophistication and has maintained this reputation since its founding in 1921 despite many scandals surrounding the company.

The brand always sets new trends and often pushes the envelope in the fashion world.

4. Chanel

While many of these brands are elegant, none are as graceful or tasteful as Chanel, the stunning French brand founded in 1910.

This brand holds a special place in the luxury market, from the warm and floral perfumes to the iconic Chanel suits that scream femininity and professionalism. It will likely never go out of style.

5. Rolex

Rolex sells one thing and one thing only: watches. They are the pinnacle of luxury watches and have been crafting the most extravagant and high-end watches since 1905.

Not only are their watches gorgeous and fashionable, but they’re also known for their high functionality and reliability.

6. Versace

This Italian brand rivals Gucci but tends to lean more toward glamor than innovation. Everything Versace puts out, ever since its founding in 1978, feels lavish and opulent, so there is no mistaking a Versace dress for something off the rack.

The brand’s dramatic Medusa motifs and intricate detailing make it even more alluring.

7. Michael Kors

Founded in 1981, the Michael Kors brand is all about being fabulous and sophisticated, offering some of the finest resort wear.

While the products seem more casual than the luxury brands mentioned above, Michael Kors has staked a spot in the luxury market thanks to its sophisticated and modern designs.

8. Ralph Lauren

Ralph Lauren has been the default country club aesthetic since its founding in 1967.

It blends the comfort and casualness of American sportswear with the poise and refinement of high fashion, creating iconic silhouettes and patterns that people still gravitate toward today.

9. Prada

Nowadays, Prada sells clothing, footwear, eyewear, and fragrances, but its claim to fame is its extraordinary leather goods, from coin purses to wallets to totes.

Their items are contemporary and eclectic but still accessible, so it’s easy for runway looks to become everyday outfits.

10. Coach

Coach has become a potent symbol of American fashion and luxury, founded in 1941.

The horse coach logo is classic, and the brand continues to churn out lovely products, from handbags to hats, that people fall in love with at first sight.

11. Hermés

Hermés is a French design house, possibly best known for its iconic silk scarves, one of the most desirable accessories ever sold.

This brand doesn’t shy away from bold patterns and unorthodox luxury materials, showcasing some of the fashion industry’s most creative and enchanting pieces.

12. Givenchy

Givenchy creates an air of luxury with its clean geometric patterns and tasteful neutral colors.

It’s one of the edgier fashion houses selling a mix of casual aesthetics, funky futuristic looks, and classic styles, making it one of the more aesthetically diverse luxury brands always thinking outside the box.

13. Balenciaga

This Spanish fashion house loves to utilize edgy silhouettes and accents, making its products feel more bizarre and reinvented.

Many of the Balenciaga pieces are spellbinding and can be pretty divisive, but they remain one of the top fashion houses in the world.

14. Fendi

Fendi is a chic brand that loves to play with peculiar silhouettes and distinct materials.

Their claim to fame has always been their furs, bags, and accessories, from intricate belts to innovative purses, fluffy fur parkas, and more.

15. Tom Ford

Tom Ford is a dazzling brand that manages to be edgy and romantic simultaneously, creating pieces people would die to wear using familiar silhouettes and designs.

Many of the products are highly textured and detailed, which adds to the allure of this high-end brand.

16. Estée Lauder

Estée Lauder is one of the top beauty companies in the world. It was founded in 1946 in New York City. The brand sells makeup, skincare, perfume, and hair care products, covering many market corners.

They’re synonymous with beauty and purity, with many of their products stapling a woman’s daily routine.

17. Valentino

Possibly the most romantic luxury house on this list, Valentino is all about playfulness and taste, creating beautiful items that feel timeless and enchanting.

Founded in 1960, the brand relentlessly showcases endearing and alluring items that look and feel effortless but are wildly clever and creative.

18. Burberry

Everyone is familiar with Burberry’s iconic plaid pattern that appears in most of its products. They’ve become the symbol for modern and chic British style, selling items not everyone associates with luxury fashion, such as rainboots and umbrellas.

Their trench coats have become a must-have for fashion lovers.

19. Yves Saint Laurent

Founded in 1962, Yves Saint Laurent is a French brand specializing in haute couture, leather goods, accessories, and ready-to-wear clothing.

The brand creates exquisite and ethereal products while playing with different textures and patterns to develop awe-inspiring looks.

20. Cartier

Cartier is a luxury jewelry brand that sells bags, watches, fragrances, and jewelry. For many, they are the height of luxury jewelry, selling stunning pieces that feel affluent and elegant.

The celestial and expressionistic designs make their pieces highly sought after and iconic in fashion.

21. Swarovski

Another high-end fashion brand is Swarovski. The company has become a symbol of gleaming crystals and dazzling diamonds.

The brand creates whimsical and playful designs without losing its air of majesty or lavishness. One of their most iconic works is the crystal dress Rihanna wore on the red carpet.

22. Miu Miu

Miu Miu is another playful brand that oscillates between classic and contemporary. This brand is never afraid to play with fun colors and contrasting styles that seem outrageous until they come together.

While it’s the sister label to Prada, Miu Miu has its legacy of fabulousness and luxury. And I exclusively wear the classic Miu Miu Eau de Parfum.

23. Tiffany & Co.

Tiffany & Co. is likely best known for its mesmerizing and lustrous engagement rings or its references in the movie Breakfast at Tiffany’s.

This luxury brand is all about simplistic and refined designs that aren’t flashy and extravagant but still make a statement. Tiffany’s designs often feature romantic themes and clever styles with clear inspiration.

24. Calvin Klein

Calvin Klein is one of the few luxury brands supremely famous for its undergarments. The brand has an unapologetic legacy of casual sportswear and comfortable undergarments that have become staples in many wardrobes.

People adore the quality of Calvin Klein products and the simple but classy designs.

25. Chloé

Chloé is a French brand founded in 1952 that highlights femininity and innocence. From the runway to the street, Chloé clothes are easy to wear and deliver an ethereal and delicate vibe that permeates season after season.

The brand is famous because it’s playful and modern without being flashy.