Lists that dissect and analyze (and possibly ruin) some of the movies and TV you watched over and over and over and over when you were a kid.

Revisiting Childhood Favorites

Entertainment

The MPAA established the rating system to determine whether a movie is acceptable for specific age groups. PG-13 is considered somewhat family-friendly and appropriate for children over the age of 12, while R is restricted to anyone under the age of 17. For the most part, the system works, but throughout the 1990s, several movies were marketed to kids but were <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/grisly-moments-in-90s-action-movies/jacob-shelton">filled with a ton of violence</a>.The MPAA is strict about its ratings, and directors often must cut content to achieve a desired rating. Still, occasionally, something remains that leaves parents scratching their heads in wonder as they take their screaming child from the theater to their first counseling session of many. Most of the time, this is due to violent imagery, and these '90s movies have it and other <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/still-scary-childhood-movies/skyler-hanrath">frightening imagery</a> in spades.Take a look at the supposed kid-friendly ‘90s action movies that went as hard as R-rated movies. If you find one that left you with the impression that you probably shouldn’t have brought your underage children to it, be sure to give it an upvote to see which film rises to the top!

Kid-Friendly ’90s Action Movies That Went As Hard As R-Rated Movies

Film

Jonathan H. Kantor

Historical movies offer viewers a chance to see important events and time periods come to life. With the right script and a strong vision from the director, these films provide insight into the things that have shaped our world. Of course, excellent performances are also a vital part of the equation. You need to have actors who can make the stories feel vivid and urgent. Over the decades, many a star has scored an Oscar for doing just that in a historical movie, whether based on a true story or just a solid piece of fiction.For every case where that's happened, though, there's another where an actor gave an underrated performance. Sometimes it was because they had a supporting role, or one that wasn't as showy as a co-star's. Other times, the movies themselves didn't light up the box office to the degree that they deserved to. Whatever the case, the following actors all brought something incredibly special to the historical movies in which they appeared. Their efforts deserve to be discovered and appreciated.&nbsp;

18 Underrated Performances In Historical Movies

Actor

Underrated Performances In Historical Movies

Mike McGranaghan

Looking closer at some of the best, most realistic, most brutal depictions of war in the history of entertainment.

Wars on Screen

War Movies

War movies are both popular and common, but they tend to deal with the same small batch of wars. World War I, World War II, the Civil War, Vietnam, and the Iran/Afghanistan conflicts have all been the basis for numerous films. Many of those films have been great, a few even earning recognition as all-time classics. These wars are frequent cinematic fare because people are familiar with them, so there's a natural interest level.Of course, there have been many, many other wars over the centuries. Although historically important, the average person doesn't know as much about them as, say, WWII. The following movies are all about wars you've likely heard of, yet probably couldn't explain in much detail if asked. And that's okay - history is vast! How integral the war is to the stories can vary, as does the degree of historical accuracy. Nevertheless, each of them puts a lesser-known war into the spotlight for a few hours.

War Movies About Wars You Don't Know Anything About

A look at the best and most underrated in entertainment, music, and sports in 2022.

2022: Wrapping Up

2022

A great ending will send audiences out of the theater on a high. The year 2022 gave moviegoers a number of real winners, from Pete Mitchell's romantic flight with Penny Benjamin in Top Gun: Maverick to the pitch-perfect - and highly meaningful - final shot in Steven Spielberg's The Fabelmans. These endings let you know exactly where the main characters are going after the end credits are done rolling. Their execution is flawless.But 2022 also gave us several movie endings that got people asking, “What just happened?” These finales were sometimes intentionally vague, designed to get viewers thinking about what they've just seen. A few are a little more concrete than that, yet still offer an unconventional way of wrapping up. Whether weird, crazy, or provocative, the following endings proved memorable for the fascinating, unexpected manners in which they drew their stories to a close. Tread lightly if you haven't seen the films, because spoilers abound.&nbsp;

15 Movie Endings That Made Us Ask 'What Just Happened?' In 2022

Movie Endings That Made Us Ask "What Just Happened?" In 2022

Adventure Entertainment

If you're looking for a good action-adventure movie to watch but have already seen all the usual entries a million times, help is on the way. Sure, it's always fun to revisit Raiders of the Lost Ark, the Marvel pictures, and&nbsp;The Mummy. They're totally rewatchable. Sometimes, though, you're in the mood for something new. That's when having some recommendations comes in handy.What makes these films underrated? In many cases, they came out during slower months at the box office, or were released on the same weekend as a blockbuster that sucked all the air out of the room. A couple were simply ahead of their time, while a few more were&nbsp;initially popular but faded from the public's memory over the years. Whatever the reason, these movies often contain A-list stars and/or come from name directors. They may not have achieved the classic status several of their counterparts did, but they're plenty good for viewers looking to kick back, relax, and watch something fun for two hours.

18 Underrated Action-Adventure Movies

Lists that rank the greatest performers to hit the large and small screens.

The Best Actors and Actresses

Show business is notorious for being one of the most unforgiving of industries. While it can raise people up and put them on top of the world - often landing them in the coveted position of being on the so-called “A-list” - many stars have found such success is remarkably fleeting.&nbsp;Sometimes,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/next-big-thing-80s-stars-that-vanished/anncasano">stars vanish from public visibility</a> at the height of their fame, while others go from starring primarily in films to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/90s-movie-stars-who-went-to-tv/tyler-mitchell">appearing on television</a>. Oftentimes, these are the actors who managed to capture something peculiar about the moment they were at the height of their powers. For this reason, it’s worth taking a look back at them in order to appreciate what has been lost as a result of their brief time on the A-list.

18 Actors We Wish Had Been On The A-List Longer

Actors We Wish Had Been On The A-List Longer

Thomas West

Lists that rank the best and worst film series, sequels, prequels, threequels, and other ways movie studios chew up and regurgitate good ideas to squeeze out every last dignity-free penny.

Super-Franchise Me

Entertainment Franchises

The remake trend of the last few decades has paved the way for the rise of unnecessary gritty reboots. These reboots typically take happy and light franchises and ask the question: What if instead of filling people with joy, these films made people existentially sad? It&#39;s a simple formula, really. A director&nbsp;takes a beloved character from the past and ages&nbsp;them up, or applies real-life rules to their unrealistic lives, or decides that they kill people now. This radically new way of seeing the character is&nbsp;eye-catching, so audiences flock to the theaters. In doing so, executives make more money and greenlight more gritty remakes.&nbsp;

The best of these gritty remakes ask (and answer) an interesting question about the human experience by way of using an established IP. The worst gritty remakes suck all the fun out of the property while somehow failing to make this new bummer of a film interesting in any way. Sadly, a lot more of these gritty remakes have been the latter. From the big screen to the small screen, these are the gritty reboots that really didn&#39;t need so much grit.

17 Gritty Reboots Of Popular Franchises That No One Asked For (Or Wanted)

General

Jake Brian Williams

Unforgettable Film Characters

Total Nerd

When screenwriters are trying to dream up larger-than-life characters, the real world has <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/comic-book-characters-based-on-real-people/ranker-comics">plenty to offer</a> by way of inspiration. But when it comes to recreating famous people, filmmakers have to tread lightly. Making a movie that is explicitly based on a celebrity’s life <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/films-accused-of-copyright-infringement/matthewcoleweiss">can lead to lawsuits</a>, which is why many screenwriters opt for creating <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/best-movies-loosely-based-on-true-stories/ranker-film">lightly fictionalized</a> versions of the famous people they have in mind. With this tactic, Gus Van Sant was able to make a controversial biopic about the last days of Kurt Cobain’s life, Orson Welles was able to critique the career of a tyrannical millionaire, and Francis Ford Coppola was able to draw a direct connection between Frank Sinatra and the mafia.Sometimes, even name changes don’t prevent celebrities from lashing out at their thinly veiled on-screen counterparts. David Bowie threatened to sue Todd Haynes for&nbsp;Velvet Goldmine, for example, while the Koch Brothers had some choice words for Zach Galifianakis after he conceded that&nbsp;The Campaign&nbsp;was skewering their influence on politics. In all these cases, the parallels between famous people and supposedly fictitious characters are impossible to ignore. Vote up the most blatant fictional stand-ins for real people.

15 Movie Characters Who Are Just Thinly Veiled Versions Of Famous People

Movie Characters Who Are Thinly Veiled Versions Of Real People

Lily McElveen

Looking closer at the '80s movies you've probably already committed to memory.

'80s Movie Marathon

The 1980s were a very important time for comedy. There were more of the all-time greats working at their peak during that decade than in any other - Richard Pryor, Robin Williams, Bill Murray, Chevy Chase, Eddie Murphy, and so many others. Unsurprisingly, they turned out a series of movies that have gone on to become certified classics. Some they did individually, and others they did in various pairings. Audiences continue to enjoy them many years after their initial releases.Those same actors also had their share of pictures that were overlooked, either because they were a bit too ahead of the curve or got lost amid crowded release dates. In many cases, they're great demonstrations of the stars trying new ideas or showing off sides to their talent that they hadn't been able to show up to that point. Now is a good time to discover any of them that you may have missed. You're guaranteed to get a few good laughs from these overlooked movies.

The Most Underrated Movies Of 1980s Comedy Stars

Celebrities

&quot;Tough guys&quot;&nbsp;are usually revealed to be big ol&rsquo; softies - something society has shamed them into hiding beneath their muscle-clad, action-hero personas - simply because they can&#39;t just be like everyone else, can they? Not only does Hollywood deal often in this archetype, but it also often tackles a subgenre in which <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/best-action-stars?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">action movie stars</a> find themselves in charge of kids - in some cases just one kid, in other cases a whole boatload of them.

These family-friendly comedic outings see their stars drop their guns, swords, or&nbsp;shields and trade them in for baby bottles and binkies. This break from the norm often reaches a more mainstream audience, dialing the R rating down to a PG. From Arnold Schwarzenegger to Dwayne &quot;The Rock&quot;&nbsp;Johnson,&nbsp;their reluctance doesn&#39;t always make them the best babysitters at first (especially when they allow the kids to engage in violent or otherwise dangerous activities), but eventually, their inner softies take over.

Vote up the tough guys who&#39;ve proven they can handle themselves, in case you ever need an emergency babysitter.

13 Times Tough-Guy Actors Had To Begrudgingly Take Care Of Kids In Movies

13 Movies Where Action Stars Take Care Of Kids

Josh Plainse

Lists of the best (and worst) times superheroes and villains took their fights off the pages of comic books and onto the big screen.

For the Fanboys and Fanatics

Superhero & Comic Book Movies

In superhero movies, parents play major roles. Whether they are a part of the respective hero's origin or involved in the passing of the mantle, mothers and fathers are somehow linked to the overall storyline. In some cases, though, the parents' actions become catalysts for the larger plot, which could even result in&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/mcu-villains-created-by-heroes/williamsbrianjake">the creation of supervillains</a>.There are times when the next generation suffers because of their folks' actual mess, a minor transgression, or someone merely feeling slighted by something from the past. Hey, more often than not, the parents have a good reason for doing what they did, but the person at the other end of their decision may not agree. So, let's take a look at the superheroes who have the most gray hairs because of their parents.

14 Superhero Movies Where The Hero Suffers Because Of The "Sins Of Their Father"

14 Superhero Movies Where The Hero Pays For The Sins Of Their Father

Sergio Pereira

Remakes & Reboots

If a movie or TV show has even the slightest bit of success, chances are it will get a reboot or a revival at some point. This is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, these properties have a built-in fan base. On the other, trying to do justice to a beloved property is a daunting and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/forgotten-remakes-of-classic-movies/jacob-shelton?ref=browse_list&amp;l=1">often futile task</a>. Nothing can eclipse the nostalgia that fans have for the original, no matter how worthy a follow-up proves to be.&nbsp;Some properties lend themselves to remakes and revivals.&nbsp;Dr. Who, for example, is premised on the fact that the title character can take any identity at any point in history at his choosing. This allows&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/greatest-tv-actor-replacement-switcheroos/ranker-tv">new actors to play the role</a> for isolated periods of time without the change feeling artificial. Other series are harder to rework. In some cases, this is because the story hinges on a particular actor who can’t revise their role. It’s hard to imagine&nbsp;Indiana Jones as anyone other than Harrison Ford. In other cases, a movie or series is so revered that rehashing it feels wrong. A remake of&nbsp;The Princess Bride might get some fans excited, but it would almost certainly be disappointing.&nbsp;Despite the many examples of reboots and revivals that&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/worst-tv-reboots/ranker-tv">really shouldn’t have happened</a>, there are a few that seemed like a terrible idea but actually turned out great. Vote up the ones that were so much better than anticipated.

15 Reboots And Revivals That Seemed Like A Bad Idea - But Turned Out Great

Reboots And Revivals That Seemed Like A Bad Idea - But Turned Out Great

Performances

There is something enduringly appealing about the war film, even if the genre sometimes features underrated performances from its main cast. These are the types of films which immerse the viewer in the dark, sinister and terrifying world of combat. However, while war films are often praised for their cinematography and epic scope, it’s truly the acting that helps to elevate them into the realm of greatness.The men and women who appear in these films help to ground the broader picture, anchoring the drama and giving audiences people they can cheer for and care about, often showing the very human, and devastating, impact it has on the individual.&nbsp;

15 Underrated Performances In War Movies

Underrated Performances In War Movies

Lists about great entertainment that took chances and strayed from that same boring formula.

And Now: Something Different

There is something quite jarring about watching seemingly lighthearted movies suddenly becoming something much darker than they initially appeared to be. Depending on the effectiveness of the filmmaking, audiences may be delighted by the sudden shift&nbsp;or they could feel bamboozled. Often it&#39;s an intentional twist in the narrative, intended to keep the audience on their toes, which can have an even greater impact if there is no indication of the tonal variations in the film&rsquo;s marketing.

These films typically begin as comedies or romantic comedy, and the direction of these feel-good genres have the tendency to be formulaic and predictable. This is also why a sudden turning point taking the narrative in an unexpected direction is so shocking. Which comedic beginning led to an unexpectedly dark turn you didn&rsquo;t see coming? Vote up the most surprising tonal shifts below.

Warning: Major plot spoilers ahead!

15 Lighthearted Movies That All Of A Sudden Get Really Dark

Ryan Izay

Actors' firsthand accounts of their work and personal lives as described in press junkets, talk shows, the red carpet, and their own personal media.

In Their Own Words

Firsthand Accounts

It’s hard for the “Regular Joe” 9 to 5 working stiff to understand why a successful actor would ever want to leave such a lucrative career as show business. However, these actors made the decision to exit entertainment for a different life. Read what these actors had to say about <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/actors-who-quit-after-one-major-movie-role/anncasano">leaving Hollywood</a>.Some actors leave Hollywood to start a different career. Others leave simply because they are tired of the Tinseltown grind. One famous comedy actor left to take care of his kids after his wife passed.Make your voice heard. Vote up the most understandable explanations for leaving showbiz.&nbsp;

What Actors Said About Leaving Hollywood Behind

Person

What Actors Said About Leaving Hollywood

Ann Casano

Actors

The year 2022 was a very rich one when it came to discovering new stars. Whether in fantasy or biopic, sweeping drama or intimate comedy, the year marked a key moment in the careers of some of the industry’s most promising performers. Many of these individuals had fine careers before this year, of course, but very often they managed to fly under the radar, waiting for the one big role that would not only give them a chance to flex their acting muscles but also reach a wider audience.Fortunately for them, and for those sitting in the audience, many got just what they wanted, heralding a bright new future for their careers.

14 Up-And-Coming Actors Who Officially Arrived In 2022

Up-And-Coming Actors Who Officially Arrived In 2022

Total Nerd lists at Ranker - the ultimate source for lists and rankings in all categories

Total Nerd lists on Ranker

Total Nerd lists at Ranker - the ultimate source for hundreds of Total Nerd lists and rankings.

Ramsay Snow

Gregor Clegane

Cersei Lannister

Teen Wolf

The Vampire Diaries

Merlin

Stranger Things

Star Trek: Discovery

Doctor Who

Iron Man

Spider-Man

Thor

Are you a Marvel fanatic? Vote on these lists of the best, funniest, dumbest, most underrated, etc. characters in the MCU to have your voice heard.

MCU Character Power Rankings

Marvel Comics

Since the big-screen debut of Iron Man in his self-titled 2008 franchise-starter, the Marvel Cinematic Universe has been turning niche characters into household names - and reigniting the popularity of legendary characters from its comic-book pages. Many of the greatest comic book characters of all-time - superhero and otherwise - have been featured throughout the franchise and its many sub-franchises.Beyond the big-ticket superheroes like Thor, Captain America, and Spider-Man, the likes of Bucky Barnes, Happy Hogan, Rocket Raccoon, and Bruce Banner are among the best MCU characters. and that’s just the heroes - the list wouldn’t be complete without the ongoing series’ many memorable villains, including Killmonger, Vulture, Loki, and Thanos.From movies like the original team-up, The Avengers, to TV shows like <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/best-agents-of-shield-storylines/jonathan-kantor">Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.</a> and Moon Knight, the Marvel Cinematic Universe continues to expand. Who is <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/underrated-mcu-characters/joedonley">your favorite</a> character? Who deserves <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/marvel-characters-missing-from-the-mcu-movies/williamsbrianjake">more screen time</a>? Vote up the best characters <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/best-mcu-movies/ranker-film">in the MCU</a>, and feel free to add any new or underrated characters to the list. After all, there are still plenty of Marvel characters <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/top-avengers-not-in-mcu/joedonley">who haven’t showed up… yet</a>.

The Best Characters In The Marvel Cinematic Universe

Fictional Character

Ranker Community

All the best shows airing new episodes on regular TV and streaming through online media.

TV: What's On Now?

Lists about the best (and worst) films, TV series, novels, characters, etc. in every sci-fi genre.

The Worlds of Science Fiction

Sci-Fi

Few TV genres are as tricky to get right as the science-fiction series. However, this also allows for there to be an unlimited number of <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/underrated-sci-fi-shows-2010s/jonathan-kantor">sci-fi shows</a> with different tones, scopes, and stories depending on the platform they're coming from - be it a big-budget network smash hit, or a smaller and more intimate <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="http://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/the-very-best-of-premium-cable-original-programming?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">cable series</a>. There are some excellent current sci-fi shows on television&nbsp;- but which do you think are the best?It's time to pick the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/underrated-sci-fi-shows-funny/erin-cody">best sci-fi shows on television</a> right now - those you think everyone should be watching. These are <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="http://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/the-best-scifi-television-series-of-all-time?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">sci fi TV shows</a> or sci fi series that voters have agreed are the best of the genre - at least for the current crop (we all know Battlestar Galactica would outrank them all!). However, new&nbsp;sci-fi shows like The&nbsp;Mandalorian and Upload might quickly climb up&nbsp;the list.&nbsp;Check out this list of the best sci-fi shows on television right now and vote up the good current science <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="http://www.ranker.com/list/historical-fiction-tv-shows-and-series/reference?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">fiction shows</a> you think deserve the top spots. Whether you prefer a modern iteration of the classic Star Trek franchise, or an anthology series for the ages, if it's a great sci-fi airing now, you'll find it below.

Sci-Fi Shows You Should Be Watching Now

TV Program

30+ Current Sci-Fi Shows You Should Be Watching, Ranked by Fans

Ranker TV

Looking for movies and TV shows that are rated T for Teen? These lists feature  great movies and TV programs about teens, enjoyed by people of all ages.

Rated T for Teen

Teen TV

Teens can be some of the most loyal television series fans. Can be. Sometimes they&#39;re too busy on their iPhones and pirating music to watch TV. But, not all teens are hormonal nightmares... they&#39;re just complicated. They&#39;re about as complicated as these great teen scifi shows. These greatest teen fantasy shows of all time. What does that mean? It means that these shows are about teens are in the middle of finding themselves and these great shows help them shape their identity. Are they a Buffy person? Or is The 100 more their speed? This is the second most important question when you&#39;re a teen - just behind, &quot;what music do you listen to?&quot;

Some of the <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/best-current-fantasy-tv-series/ranker-tv" target="_blank">best fantasy shows</a> of all time are primarily made for a teenage audience. That being said, it&#39;s up to you, Rankers. Which of these teen sci-fi fantasy shows is the greatest ever? Remember, just the shows that have mostly teen characters - even if the actors tend to be a little older than high school.

Once Upon a Time

The Best Teen Sci-Fi And Fantasy TV Series

The Best Teen Scifi & Fantasy TV Series, Ranked By Fans

Exploring and ranking everything in HBO's epic fantasy series.

Game of Thrones

Game of Thrones Awards

HBO Max

*SPOILERS*SPOILERS*SPOILERS*&nbsp;This is a list of Game of Thrones characters you want to see die or at least fall off the face of the Earth, and it does NOT include people who have already died. So if you're not caught up on the most recent episodes of Game of Thrones, you may want to catch up before you vote for GoT characters you wish would die.Game of Thrones does a wonderful job at making you feel strongly about characters in both a positive and negative way, and this list of GoT characters you're totally over is your chance to vote and say &quot;Arrow. In the eye. Stat.&quot; Whether you really like a character and want to see them put out of their misery (*cough*Theon Greyjoy*cough*) or want to throw a vote at a Game of Thrones character whose actions/attitudes are just deplorable (pretty much any member of the Lannister family), this is your chance to cast a vote for the worst characters on Game of Thrones.If you know of a GoT character who deserves to be on the list of Game of Thrones characters who should die and isn't, make sure to add them to the <a href="http://www.ranker.com/list/the-most-hated-game-of-thrones-characters/ranker-of-thrones">worst GoT characters</a> list so other fans can vote for their speedy - and perhaps excruciating - death (or at least their mysterious disappearance after which they are <a href="http://www.ranker.com/list/13-famous-missing-people/celeb-stalker?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">never seen again</a>).&nbsp;&nbsp;