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Minority Report Remains a Flawed But Fantastic Sci-Fi Noir

The Philip K. Dick adaptation from Steven Spielberg and Tom Cruise turns 20 this week.

The best movie rewatches happen when you revisit a film you know you liked, but don’t really remember. That happened to me last week with Steven Spielberg ’s 2002 sci-fi film   Minority Report . I saw it in theaters when it was released 20 years ago this week but have probably only seen it once since then. So I was honestly very excited to sit down and dive back into a Steven Spielberg movie I had little to no memory of... outside of memes of Tom Cruise moving video feeds with his hands and the knowledge that the film predicted much of our modern technology.

Rewatching Minority Report on its 20th anniversary, a few things instantly became clear. First, this film hasn’t aged at all. One or two shots look a little wonky effects-wise but everything else, from the visual and practical effects to the compelling story, award-worthy production design, and hugely talented cast, all feel timeless. That’s also in large part to the fact that as time moves along, concepts in the film like facial recognition, targeted advertising, self-driving cars, etc., have all become either common or much closer to reality. And yet, despite all of that, I also realized why Minority Report hasn’t really stuck with me all these years. That’s because while it’s very good, it has a few major narrative issues that hold it back from being top-tier sci-fi, or top-tier Spielberg.

Based on a short story by Philip K. Dick, Minority Report takes place in the year 2054. Society has figured out a way to predict murders before they happen, thanks to a trio of clairvoyant individuals called Precogs (for precognition). John Anderton (Tom Cruise) works in Precrime, a police division that interprets the Precog visions and thwarts the murders before they happen. The department has basically stopped all murder in the Washington D.C. area and the founder Lamar Burgess (Max Von Sydow) is hoping to expand the program nationally.

Then, one fateful day, the Precogs have a vision of Anderton himself committing a murder of a man he’s never seen. How could they see a vision of him committing a murder, especially of a person he doesn’t know? And so Anderton goes on the run, beginning a film noir-inspired quest to solve not just his own future crime, but its ties into the roots of Precrime itself.

Oddly, the best parts of Minority Report are also some of its weakest, which seems impossible but hear me out. The story here is multilayered, with tons of twists, turns, double-crosses, and more. But in order for many of those things to make sense, the audience also has to understand the nuts and bolts of Precrime: w here it came from, how it works, its moral and ethical implications, etc. That requires a handful of dense exposition scenes where characters stand in a room and explain things to each other. The topics discussed are fascinating, including the reason why the film is called “Minority Report,” but the scenes work against the film, slowing it down enough to hinder it.

That’s partially the film’s fault because the action sequences linking everything can be rather spectacular. Cruise jumps across floating cars, dodges robots on an assembly line, flies through alleys on a jet pack— t he movie is filled with a lot of super cool stuff. So when a pulse-pounding action scene concludes, and as a result, you get a long, plodding info dump, it’s very constrictive.

And yet, pacing aside, the topics discussed are ultra rewarding. The best examples are the film’s arguments about fate, some of which are implied, while others are explicitly dealt with in the text. Precrime is an idea where a person is arrested before they are going to commit a crime. So they never actually commit the crime they’re arrested for. Is that fair? Was it absolutely going to happen? Later, when Anderton knows he’s fated to commit a murder, does he still have to go through with it? And if he doesn’t, does that mean the whole system is fatally flawed? Spielberg deals with these issues a lot, especially in the film’s final act, and as prominent as they are, you also wish there was more of it. Meaning, that even those many of those scenes may hurt the film in one way, they boost it up in others.

Another major issue with the film happens at its most crucial point: the ending. Minority Report is so excited to unravel all its very smart narrative reveals, it ends up tripping over itself. For example, throughout the whole movie, Anderton has been at odds with Colin Farrell’s character, another detective named Danny Witwer. Eventually, Witwer realizes that Anderton is not the villain at all and ends up solving the whole mystery on his own. In fact, he describes it to another character in one of those aforementioned exposition-heavy scenes. A few scenes later, Anderton himself does the exact same thing... to the exact same character Witwer did it too. The shocking revelations just aren’t as shocking when you hear them twice in 10 minutes. Not to mention, near the end of the film Anderton gets captured, only to be broken out mere seconds later by a character that’s barely been in the movie— h is ex-wife, played by Kathryn Morris. These are just a few more examples of the ways Minority Report holds itself back.

Despite some problems with the storytelling, though, Minority Report is a super solid film. The visual effects and production designs are so magical, you want to spend extra time exploring this world, obsessing over all of the cool technology that was created to be placed on a shelf in the background. The supporting cast too, which includes not just Van Sydow and Farrell, but Samantha Morton, Tim Blake Nelson, and Peter Stormare, feels like a sampling of the coolest actors from the past, present, and future. And, of course, Cruise makes for a formidable, compelling lead.

Simply put, Minority Report is awesome. Is it perfect? Hell no. But 20 years after its release it can still take you on an adventure that enriches the mind as well as the senses. And while I’m no precog, I think the same will be said 30, 40, 50 years down the road too. Minority Report is currently not available to stream anywhere for free, but it is available to rent and purchase in all the usual spots.

Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel and Star Wars releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV , and everything you need to know about House of the Dragon and Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power .

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Emily Blunt Starring in Steven Spielberg’s Next Film

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Emily Blunt is in early talks to star in Steven Spielberg ‘s next film.

The movie, like all of Spielberg’s productions, is shrouded in secrecy, but it is an “event film,” so think special effects and vast scope. It’s based on a story that Spielberg conceived and boasts a screenplay from David Koepp, who wrote “Jurassic Park,” “War of the Worlds” and “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.” Universal Pictures will release the film wide on Friday, May 15, 2026.

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Spielberg is a three-time Oscar winner, earning best director prizes for “Saving Private Ryan” and “Schindler’s List” — the latter picked up a best picture award, as well. He most recently directed “The Fabelmans,” which received seven Oscar nominations, including for best picture and for Spielberg’s direction.

Blunt is represented by CAA and Sloane Offer Weber & Dern.

The news of Blunt’s casting was first reported by Deadline.

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“I have never seen that happen before”: Not Tom Cruise or Harrison Ford, Working With 1 Other Actor Was Steven Spielberg’s Greatest Experience

S teven Spielberg has proved that he is the Jack of all trades and master of everything when it comes to versatility in cinema. A filmmaker who has never been boxed into any specific genre when it comes to his filmography, Spielberg has also worked with some of Hollywood’s biggest superstars including Tom Cruise and Harrison Ford.

While his films like the Indiana Jones series and War of the Worlds featuring Ford and Cruise have become massive blockbusters, the Jaws director revealed that it was the genius of Daniel Day-Lewis whom he directed in Lincoln , that stunned him. In an interview, Spielberg revealed his reasons for considering Lewis as one of the greatest actors of his generation.

Steven Spielberg Was Completely Awestruck By Daniel Day-Lewis

In 2012, Steven Spielberg took on the herculean task of recreating the life of the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln, in a biopic. The film starred British actor Daniel Day-Lewis who is famously known for his intense method acting skills that made him one of the most versatile actors of his time.

Lewis’ talent and genius in bringing characters to life was witnessed first hand by his director Spielberg, who himself has mesmerized audiences and critics around the world with his mastery over the craft. Having worked with many huge superstars in his career, the E.T. filmmaker could not quite believe what Lewis was able to achieve.

“I don’t think you should really do that”: Steven Spielberg Found an Underrated Star Wars Actor for the Franchise Who Deserves Much More Respect from the Fans

In an interview with Economic Times in 2013 during a trip to India to meet filmmakers, the Schindler’s List director spoke of his lead actor’s ability immerse himself into the role he was playing, a trait that completely left him speechless when he witnessed it first hand while filming the movie.

For me, he is like the experience of my career. He was the number one experience of my career, in terms of working with an actor. He transformed himself and became completely unrecognizable. I have never seen that happen before.

Spielberg believed that anyone who took on the role of a depicting a real character, especially someone of Lincoln’s stature in history, needed to be able to become one with the person. He admitted that only Lewis had this innate ability to pull of the role with such aplomb.

How Steven Spielberg Convinced A Reluctant Daniel Day-Lewis To Become Lincoln

It is hard to imagine anyone other than Daniel Day-Lewis portraying the various nuances of Abraham Lincoln in Steven Spielberg’s critically-acclaimed biopic. The film also won the British star his 3rd Academy Award For Best Actor and deservedly so. Spielberg too, has confessed that the Gangs of New York star is among his favorite actors in Hollywood.

But there was a time when Lewis rejected Lincoln when he was approached for it, which led to the director almost casting Liam Neeson for the role. The Oscar-winning actor though, ultimately signed on to portray the great American President. Recalling how things came a full circle, Spielberg stated what went down in an interview with   Collider.

So, the timeline was simply that I had approached Daniel first to play Lincoln, but he turned me down. That was about eight or nine years ago. And then, Liam and I had a very healthy flirt about possibly doing it together. And then, we both decided to do other things. And then, I came back to Daniel.

Lewis further elaborated on why he initially took the decision to step back from this project, which even to someone of his acting stature, was an intimidating prospect.

Steven put the idea in front of me and it was not that I didn’t take it seriously, from the word go, but it seemed inconceivable to me that I could be the person to help him do this thing that he wished to do. Least of all, did I want to be responsible for irrevocably staining the reputation of the greatest President this country’s ever known.

Ultimately, Spielberg succeeded in bringing the Oscar winner on board by convincing him through a brilliant script that put the nuances of the character of Abraham Lincoln front and center, with the aspects of the Civil War being the secondary features.

“You know, this is too Disney”: Steven Spielberg Won’t Accept 1 Criticism for His Oscar Nominated Movie He Feels Could Have Been Filmed Better

Lewis for his part, was extremely respectful towards his fellow actor Neeson and believed that he would have done a stellar job of bringing Lincoln to life. He was also grateful to the Irish veteran for his selflessness and grace in encouraging him to take on the role and having discussions with him about it, despite having stepped away from it himself.

Lincoln can be rented on Apple TV.

Steven Spielberg

1. The Last Gun

3. Something Evil

4. The Sugarland Express

6. Close Encounters of the Third Kind

8. Raiders of the Lost Ark

9. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial

10. Twilight Zone: The Movie

11. Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom

12. The Color Purple

13. Empire of the Sun

14. Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade

17. Jurassic Park

18. Schindler's List

19. The Lost World: Jurassic Park

20. Amistad

21. Saving Private Ryan

22. Minority Report

23. Catch Me If You Can

24. The Terminal

25. War of the Worlds

More to explore, recently viewed.

Actor Tom Cruise is the star of several box-office hits, including Risky Business , A Few Good Men , The Firm , Jerry Maguire , and the Mission: Impossible franchise.

Who Is Tom Cruise?

Thomas Cruise Mapother IV, better known as Tom Cruise, was born on July 3, 1962, in Syracuse, New York, to Mary and Thomas Mapother. Cruise's mother was an amateur actress and schoolteacher, and his father was an electrical engineer. His family moved around a great deal when Cruise was a child to accommodate his father's career.

Cruise's parents divorced when he was 11, and the children moved with their mother to Louisville, Kentucky, and then to Glen Ridge, New Jersey, after she remarried. Like his mother and three sisters, Cruise suffered from dyslexia, which made academic success difficult for him. He excelled in athletics, however, and considered pursuing a career in professional wrestling until a knee injury sidelined him during high school.

At age 14, Cruise enrolled in a Franciscan seminary with thoughts of becoming a priest, but he left after a year. When he was 16, a teacher encouraged him to participate in the school's production of the musical Guys and Dolls . After Cruise won the lead of Nathan Detroit, he found himself surprisingly at home on the stage, and a career was born.

'Taps,' 'The Outsiders'

Cruise set a 10-year deadline for himself in which to build an acting career. He left school and moved to New York City, struggling through audition after audition before landing an appearance in 1981's Endless Love , starring Brooke Shields. Around this same time, he snagged a small role in the military school drama Taps (1981), co-starring Sean Penn .

His role in Taps was upgraded after director Harold Becker saw Cruise's potential, and his performance caught the attention of a number of critics and filmmakers. In 1983, Cruise appeared in Francis Ford Coppola 's The Outsiders , which also starred Emilio Estevez , Matt Dillon and Rob Lowe —all prominent members of a group of young actors the entertainment press dubbed the "Brat Pack." The film was not well received, but it allowed Cruise to work with an acclaimed director on a high-profile project.

'Risky Business'

His next film, Risky Business (1983), grossed $65 million. It also made Cruise a highly recognizable actor — thanks in no small part to a memorable scene of the young star dancing in his underwear.

In 1986, after a two-year hiatus, the budding actor released the big-budget fantasy film Legend , which did poorly at the box office. That same year, however, Cruise's A-list status was confirmed with the release of Top Gun , which co-starred Kelly McGillis, Anthony Edwards and Meg Ryan . The testosterone-fueled action-romance, set against the backdrop of an elite naval flight school, became the highest-grossing film of 1986.

'The Color of Money,' 'Rain Man' and 'Born on the Fourth of July'

Cruise followed the tremendous success of Top Gun with a string of both critically acclaimed and commercially successful films. He first starred in The Color of Money (1986) with co-star Paul Newman , and then went on to work with Dustin Hoffman on Rain Man (1988). Cruise's next role, as Vietnam veteran Ron Kovic in the biopic Born on the Fourth of July (1989), earned him an Academy Award nomination and a Golden Globe for Best Actor.

'A Few Good Men,' 'The Firm' and 'Interview with a Vampire'

In 1992, Cruise proved once more that he could hold his own opposite a screen legend when he co-starred with Jack Nicholson in the military courtroom drama A Few Good Men . The film grossed more than $15 million its first weekend and earned Cruise a Golden Globe nomination. He continued to demonstrate his success as a leading man with The Firm (1993) and Interview with a Vampire (1994), which co-starred Brad Pitt.

'Mission: Impossible,' 'Jerry McGuire'

Next, Cruise hit the big screen with two huge hits—the $64 million blockbuster Mission: Impossible (1996), which the star also produced, and the highly acclaimed Jerry McGuire (1996), directed by Cameron Crowe. For the latter, Cruise earned a second Academy Award nomination and Golden Globe for Best Actor.

'Eyes Wide Shut,' 'Magnolia'

Cruise and then-wife Kidman spent much of 1997 and 1998 in England shooting Eyes Wide Shut , an erotic thriller that would be director Stanley Kubrick 's final film. The movie came out in the summer of 1999 to mixed reviews, but that year Cruise enjoyed greater success with the release of Magnolia . His performance as a self-confident sex guru in the ensemble film earned him another Golden Globe Award and an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.

'Vanilla Sky,' 'The Last Samurai'

Cruise then starred in the long-awaited smash hit Mission: Impossible 2 in 2000, alongside Anthony Hopkins , Thandie Newton and Ving Rhames. In 2002, he starred in Vanilla Sky , his second collaboration with Crowe, as well as Steven Spielberg 's Minority Report . The following year, Cruise traveled to Australia to shoot the $100 million war epic The Last Samurai, which earned him another Golden Globe nomination.

'War of the Worlds'

Cruise proved he remained a top draw by starring in the Spielberg-directed remake of the science-fiction classic War of the Worlds (2005), which grossed more than $230 million at the box office.

His next effort, Mission: Impossible 3 (2006), also scored well with audiences. However, Cruise was faced with a professional setback in August when Paramount Pictures ended its 14-year relationship with the actor. The company's chairman cited Cruise's erratic behavior and controversial views as the reason for the split, though industry experts noted that Paramount more likely ended the partnership over Cruise's high earnings from the Mission: Impossible franchise.

Cruise quickly rebounded and on November 2, 2006, he announced his new partnership with film executive Paula Wagner and the United Artists film studio. Their first production as a team, the political drama Lions for Lambs (2007), proved a commercial disappointment despite a strong cast that included Meryl Streep and Robert Redford .

'Tropic Thunder'

Taking a break from weighty material, Cruise delighted audiences with his performance in the comedy Tropic Thunder (2008). Despite his relatively small role in a movie that featured Robert Downey Jr. and Ben Stiller , Cruise stood out by obscuring his trademark good looks to play a balding, obese movie studio executive.

'Valkyrie,' 'Rock of Ages'

In December 2008, Cruise released his second project through United Artists. The film, Valkyrie , was a World War II drama about a plot to assassinate German leader Adolf Hitler . Cruise starred as a German army officer who became involved in the conspiracy.

Cruise returned to one of his most popular franchises in 2011 with Mission: Impossible—Ghost Protocol . Breaking into new territory, he then starred in the 2012 musical Rock of Ages . Although Cruise received some positive reviews for his performance as a rock star, the movie failed to attract much of an audience.

'Jack Reacher,' 'Edge of Tomorrow'

Returning to his mainstream action roots, Cruise starred in the 2012 crime drama Jack Reacher , based on a book by Lee Child. He then headlined a pair of science-fiction adventures, Oblivion (2013) and Edge of Tomorrow (2014). Showing no signs of slowing down, the veteran actor in 2015 delivered his usual high-energy performance for the fifth installment of his blockbuster franchise, Mission: Impossible—Rogue Nation .

Latest Movies and Familiar Franchises

In 2016, Cruise reprised the role of Jack Reacher for Never Go Back . He then headlined a reboot of The Mummy (2017), which performed respectably at the box office but was savaged by critics, before earning better reviews later that year for the crime thriller American Made .

2018 brought a return to familiar territory for Cruise, who starred in Mission Impossible —Fallout that summer. Prior to its release, he tweeted a photo to mark day 1 of production on the long-awaited sequel Top Gun: Maverick , scheduled for a June 2020 release.

Scientology and Personal Life

Cruise married actress Mimi Rogers in 1987. It was through Rogers that the actor became a student of Scientology, the religion founded by writer L. Ron Hubbard. Cruise credited the church with curing his dyslexia, and he soon became one of its leading proponents. However, while his spiritual life flourished, his marriage to Rogers ended in 1990. That same year, Cruise made the racecar drama Days of Thunder alongside Kidman. Though the movie was unpopular among critics and fans alike, the two lead actors had real chemistry. On Christmas Eve 1990, after a brief courtship, Cruise and Kidman married in Telluride, Colorado.

Divorce from Kidman

For much of the 1990s, Cruise and Kidman found themselves fiercely defending the happiness and legitimacy of their marriage. They filed two different lawsuits against tabloid publications for stories they considered libelous. In each case, the couple received a published retraction and apology, along with a large monetary settlement which they donated to charity. The couple has two children, Isabella and Connor.

On February 5, 2001, Cruise and Kidman announced their separation after 11 years of marriage. The couple cited the difficulties involved with two acting careers and the amount of time spent apart while working. Following the divorce, Cruise briefly dated his Vanilla Sky co-star Penelope Cruz , followed by a much-publicized relationship with actress Katie Holmes. A month after his ties to Holmes became public, Cruise professed his love for the actress in a now-famous appearance on The Oprah Winfrey Show, during which he jumped on Winfrey's sofa, shouting "Yes!"

Marriage to Katie Holmes

In June 2005, after a two-month courtship, Cruise proposed to Holmes in a restaurant at the top of the Eiffel tower. In October, they announced that they were expecting their first child together. The hasty proposal and surprise pregnancy quickly became tabloid gossip. But Cruise made even bigger headlines that year as an outspoken advocate for Scientology. He openly criticized former co-star Brooke Shields for using anti-depressants during her recovery from postpartum depression. He also denounced psychiatry and modern medicine, claiming Scientology held the key to true healing. Cruise's statements led to a heated argument with news anchor Matt Lauer on The Today Show in June 2005, for which Cruise later apologized.

In 2006, Cruise and Holmes welcomed daughter Suri into the world. That year, they were married in an Italian castle, with celebrities Will Smith , Jada Pinkett Smith , Jennifer Lopez and Victoria and David Beckham among those in attendance. However, the storybook romance wouldn't last, and in June 2012, the couple announced their separation.

QUICK FACTS

• Birth Year: 1962
• Birth date: July 3, 1962
• Birth State: New York
• Birth City: Syracuse
• Birth Country: United States
• Gender: Male
• Best Known For: Actor Tom Cruise is the star of several box-office hits, including 'Risky Business,' 'A Few Good Men,' 'The Firm,' 'Jerry Maguire' and the 'Mission: Impossible' franchise.
• Astrological Sign: Cancer

We strive for accuracy and fairness.If you see something that doesn't look right, contact us !

CITATION INFORMATION

• Article Title: Tom Cruise Biography
• Author: Biography.com Editors
• Website Name: The Biography.com website
• Url: https://www.biography.com/actors/tom-cruise
• Access Date:
• Publisher: A&E; Television Networks
• Last Updated: March 26, 2021
• Original Published Date: April 3, 2014

The Biography.com staff is a team of people-obsessed and news-hungry editors with decades of collective experience. We have worked as daily newspaper reporters, major national magazine editors, and as editors-in-chief of regional media publications. Among our ranks are book authors and award-winning journalists. Our staff also works with freelance writers, researchers, and other contributors to produce the smart, compelling profiles and articles you see on our site. To meet the team, visit our About Us page: https://www.biography.com/about/a43602329/about-us

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Editor's Note: The following contains spoilers for House of the Dragon Season 2 Episode 1.

The Big Picture

• Alicent's relationship in House of the Dragon Season 2 with Ser Criston Cole is contradictory as she engages in a sexual affair despite condemning similar actions.
• Alicent's role always prioritizes House Hightower's interests over duty and sacrifice, manipulating her children for power.
• Alicent continues to harbor anger over her son Aemond's eye, fueling the Dance of Dragons conflict and opposing Rhaenyra.

Season 2 of House of the Dragon starts with a bang in the premiere, " A Son for a Son ." As always, a lot of blood is spilled and a lot of plotting and scheming is done, but one of such plots is particularly interesting. When Prince Aemond Targaryen ( Ewan Mitchell ) is debating strategy with Ser Criston Cole ( Fabien Frankel ), he mentions that his mother, Alicent Hightower ( Olivia Cooke ), "speaks with two tongues." In saying so, the prince shows that he has a perfect reading on his mother, who is growing angrier and more contradictory with every new development in the Dance of Dragons.

House of the Dragon

The reign of House Targaryen begins with this prequel to the popular HBO series  Game of Thrones. Based on George R.R. Martin's Fire & Blood , House of the Dragon  is set nearly 200 years before Game of Thrones , telling the story of the Targaryen civil war with King Viserys.

Alicent’s Relationship With Ser Criston Cole Is Contradictory

One of the most surprising reveals of "A Son for a Son" is that Alicent Hightower and Ser Criston Cole share a sexual relationship . They have sex twice in the episode, and, in the first scene, Alicent herself tells Cole that they can't keep doing it, and the knight agrees, but they are seen together again at the end of the episode. The relationship itself should already be problematic enough, considering that it involves the Dowager Queen and the Lord Commander of the King's Guard , but what makes it even more staggering is that Alicent is doing the exact same thing that she condemned young Rhaenyra Targaryen ( Milly Alcock ) for years earlier , and that started their whole feud.

The book Fire & Blood never clarifies what exactly happened between Rhaenyra and Cole , but House of the Dragon takes this liberty. Then the Crown Princess, she playfully gets him to sleep with her, which he is reluctant to do at first, but eventually gives up. Knights of the King's Guard are supposed to be chaste, and Cole breaks his oath for the first time then. Later, when he understands that Rhaenyra wasn't actually in love with him and wouldn't give up her position as heir to the Iron Throne to run away with him, he grows bitter towards her and leaves her service. Cole instead becomes young Alicent's ( Emily Carey ) sworn sword, and, when Alicent learns about the whole affair, the rift between her and Rhaenyra grows bigger .

This isn't the only reason behind the feud between Alicent and Rhaenyra, of course, but it does aggravate things. Alicent understands that, as princess, Rhaenyra can get away with anything, and that Rhaenyra herself doesn't care about rumors or accusations. Alicent is not in this position, she was pushed to marry Rhaenyra's father, King Viserys ( Paddy Considine ), to secure her family's place at court. Now, by having a relationship with Cole , Alicent proves to herself that she is the one with power over Rhaenyra now , because she is doing the exact same thing she condemned Rhaenyra for, and without consequences.

Alicent’s Role Was Always To Use “Duty and Sacrifice” in Favor of House Hightower’s Interests

The words "duty" and "sacrifice" have long been favorites in Alicent's lexicon. She uses them to confront Rhaenyra in Season 1, Episode 7, " Driftmark ," after a young Aemond ( Leo Ashton ) loses his eye in a fight with one of Rhaenyra's sons, Lucerys Velaryon ( Harvey Sadler ). Now, "A Son for a Son" consolidates the idea that "duty and sacrifice" are things Alicent only considers when consolidating her own position at court — and over Rhaenyra . Her duty and her sacrifice were always to help her father, Hand of the King Ser Otto Hightower ( Rhys Ifans ), to maneuver King Viserys in their favor. Now, this involves her own children.

In the Season 2 premiere, Alicent has a conversation with Otto about how they can continue to maneuver her children in the context of the upcoming conflict with Rhaenyra's ( Emma D'Arcy ) faction. They see Alicent's eldest son, Aegon ( Tom Glynn-Carney ), as a puppet king, and Aemond as an angry loose canon. But the conversation itself isn't necessarily about how the two boys can serve Hightower interests, but rather about Alicent feeling undermined by Otto and fearing to lose her influence over them . Otto agrees, but only because, strategically, it makes sense, since Alicent is closer to them. He still believes his own influence is bigger, which is why he talks to Aemond later about plans being made without the Hand of the King being aware.

It's curious that Alicent tells Otto that Aemond is angry, because that's exactly how Aemond describes her to Ser Criston Cole, too. Most of Alicent's actions since the beginning of the series have been taken out of anger . Anger at Rhaenyra, at her "duty" of having to sacrifice herself for her house's ambitions... Her feeling makes sense and, to some degree, is even justified. Her actions, on the other hand, aren't, because anger is what led to the whole conflict in the first place.

'House of the Dragon's Dragon Skull in Dragonstone Means More Than You Think

The skull of that dragon hints at more tragedy in both the past and the future for House Targaryen.

Alicent Still Doesn’t Consider the Matter of Aemond’s Eye Finished

The Dance of Dragons effectively begins when Aemond kills Lucerys ( Elliot Grihault ) in a dragon fight above Shipbreaker Bay. The feud between the two of them is a continuation of the one between their mothers, Alicent and Rhaenyra , respectively, but taken to more violent extremes. Back in "Driftmark," young Aemond claims Vhagar as his dragon and returns to the castle to bully and threaten his nephews, only to end up having his left eye slashed by young Lucerys in a brawl.

In her conversation with Ser Otto in "A Son for a Son," Alicent makes it clear she still hasn't gotten over it and still believes Lucerys never paid for Aemond's eye. "Rhaenyra's son took his eye and was never punished for it," she says. "What he did, however vicious..." she begins to say, but is interrupted by Otto , who defines it as "the caprice of youth." Alicent may not have finished her sentence, but her train of thought is clear: she doesn't think that Aemond killing Lucerys settles the matter , and doesn't see how problematic her son's behavior is even on a strategic level.

Alicent's anger is the focal point of the early stages of the Dance of Dragons. The skirmish between Aemond and Lucerys gave her the personal justification she needed to openly oppose Rhaenyra and put Aegon on the Iron Throne. Later, Aemond killing Lucerys makes Rhaenyra cross the line between her duty of fighting as Viserys' rightful heir and fighting for personal reasons. But Alicent will never admit her side has caused trouble, because, to her, Rhaenyra is still doing whatever she wants and getting away with it , even if Rhaenyra has already lost a son and a throne. So Alicent indeed "speaks with two tongues": one to denounce Rhaenyra, and the other to secretly do the things she publicly condemns.

New episodes of House of the Dragon air weekly on Sundays on Max.

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Review: Tom Cruise Fights the Bad Guys, Delivers in Latest ‘Mission: Impossible’

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Respected film critic Roger Ebert shared this classic opinion during the original “Siskel & Ebert” review for Steven Spielberg’s Indiana Jones & the Last Crusade in 1989: “I don’t go to an Indiana Jones movie for humanity. I don’t go for convincing father-son relationships. I go for action and stunts.”

One action franchise that seems to have always embraced this line of thinking is Mission: Impossible. It’s ironic we received new additions to Indiana Jones and Mission: Impossible this July, since both, along with Matt Damon’s Jason Bourne movies, were initially Hollywood’s answers to James Bond’s success.

While Indiana Jones continues to pack in more sentimentality in each new adventure, Mission Impossible now sets the standard for quality action sequences. There’s a reason its lead, Tom Cruise, is considered one of the biggest movie stars of all time. To him, the magic of filmmaking is in the choreography and special effects.

But we know he also has the acting talent to back up his love of stunts. And so do most of the actors he recruits for his beloved film series, including in their newest assignment of Christopher McQuarrie’s Mission: Impossible—Dead Reckoning, Part 1 . 

Here in Dead Reckoning Pt. 1 , we channel the original movie that took a popular CBS TV show from 1966-1973 and made it a mega blockbuster: Brian de Palma’s Mission: Impossible (1996). De Palma isn’t back, but the over-the-top editing and direction reminds us of his style, which will either be effective or polarizing depending on the viewer. There’s even a flashback to young Ethan Hunt (Cruise) with shadows and silhouettes, rather than digital de-aging, which is nice.

Dead Reckoning, Pt. 1 is more of what we usually get with Ethan on the job: an evil mastermind (played by Esai Morales), a dangerous plan of world domination that will destroy everything, multiple femme fatales (Rebecca Ferguson, Hayley Atwell, Vanessa Kirby and Pom Klementieff) who kick butt, and Ethan’s buddy IMF agents played by Ving Rhames and Simon Pegg.

Though the visual direction of Mission: Impossible has always been the main draw, we do still get some character development over the course of Agent Hunt’s missions. For example, Michelle Monaghan occasionally appears as Ethan’s estranged wife. While the action might override the story in any Mission: Impossible, the characters at least sound smart and bright to make up for it, or as much as they can in such a ridiculously animated universe.

Cruise continues to shine as Ethan all these years later, and plays off the new and old supporting actors naturally. Atwell and Klementieff are solid additions, especially with their Marvel backgrounds, but Kirby is barely in the film. My biggest issue was that McQuarrie and Erik Jendresen’s script utilized a very outdated trope for Ferguson’s character, who is now rendered a cliché.

But at the end of the day, Mission: Impossible remains about good guys fighting bad guys, and Dead Reckoning, Part 1 delivers on that front the same way Joseph Kosinski’s Top Gun: Maverick did last year.

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Signed steven spielberg tom cruise war of the worlds signed photo rare.

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Dakota Fanning Reveals Gift Tom Cruise Gives Her Every Year for Her Birthday

The actress recently rang in her 30s with her annual gift from her co-star.

Dakota Fanning , while a pre-treen on the set of the War of The World, expressed excitement for two things: a Motorola Razr and adult shoes.

Nearly 20 years later, her co-star Tom Cruise continues to deliver.

The two, who played father and daughter Ray and Rachel Ferrier in the Steven Spielberg film when Fanning was only 11 years old, have continued a birthday tradition for nearly two decades. According to Fanning, now 30, she's unboxed a new pair of shoes from Cruise every year since 2005.

Appearing on The Kelly Clarkson Show this week, Fanning recalled how she was just starting to fit into more adult shoes while on the press tour of their movie -- and was ready for her fashionista coming-of-age moment.

"I didn't have anyone to call but I just waned a Razr so bad," Fanning told Clarkson, confirming Cruise also gifted her the most popular phone in the US at the time for her 11th birthday.

“I loved shoes when I was little and I started to be able to fit into really small adult shoes when I was on the War of the Worlds press tour, I was very excited about that," she continued. "So from that birthday on he always sends me shoes."

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Apparently Cruise really is the gift that keeps on giving, as Fanning has grown a massive luxe footwear collection since working together.

"That's so nice. You were together so long ago," Clarkson said. "That's so random too. I love it."

Cruise is known for his ongoing gifts for friends and has made headlines for the holiday cake he sends out for the holidays. Every year, Cruise sends a white chocolate coconut bundt cake made by Doan's Bakery in Woodland Hills, Calif. to his exclusive Hollywood circle. Retailing for $126, the cake features a coconut sponge, white chocolate chunks, cream cheese frosting and is covered in toasted coconut flakes.

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Even with Spielberg-style cuddliness, there’s a cold, dark void at the heart of artificial intelligence

Hugh linehan: with his kubrick-derived film ai artificial intelligence, the director created a surprisingly convincing version of where technology is leading us.

AI Artificial Intelligence: Haley Joel Osment in Steven Spielberg’s 2001 film. Photograph: Warner Bros

I didn’t much care for AI Artificial Intelligence when it came out, in 2001. The film’s origin story – a decades-long, endlessly reworked Stanley Kubrick project picked up by Steven Spielberg and put into production within months of Kubrick’s death – was, it seemed at the time, probably responsible for its many flaws. I agreed with the San Francisco Chronicle when it wrote that “we end up with the structureless, meandering, slow-motion endlessness of Kubrick combined with the fuzzy, cuddly mindlessness of Spielberg. It’s a coupling from hell.”

But a couple of decades and several technological leaps forward later, the film looks a more convincing version of where we are heading than it did at the start of this century. Most of that is a question of pure form; the phenomenon known in English as the uncanny valley was coined in 1978 by the robotics professor Masahiro Mori to describe the sense of unease generated by machines that look, sound or behave almost ­but not quite like humans.

In AI the same queasiness is generated not by a robot (although that is one of the film’s supposed themes) but by the very contrary world views and obsessions of its two creators. The movie is itself a sort of uncanny valley. As Tim Greiving pointed out in a 20th-anniversary appreciation for the Ringer, “when you cut AI open, you find cold Kubrick machinery underneath warm Spielberg skin”.

Kubrick spent almost 30 years trying to develop Brian Aldiss’s short story Supertoys Last All Summer Long. By the early 1980s it had been reconfigured as a Pinocchio allegory, with David, an artificial boy, rejected by his human “mother” and going on a quest with his Jiminy Cricket-like friend Teddy in search of a Blue Fairy who will explain the mystery of his existence. Having hired and fired several screenwriters, as was his wont, Kubrick showed it to his friend Spielberg, who described it as “the best story you’ve ever had to tell”.

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Kubrick was an obsessive genius with a bleak view of the human condition expressed through a canon of unique films that he managed to finance by pretending they were in mainstream genres such as historical drama or horror. Spielberg is a populist master of commercial cinema with a humanist sensibility that seeks a transcendent redemption to every narrative arc. Kubrick, who never had a blockbuster hit on the scale of Jaws or ET: The Extra-Terrestrial, thought AI could be his shot at topping the box office. But as the years wore on, the gaps between his films became longer and longer. In the final 20 years of his life he only made three – and died of a heart attack while completing post-production on the last of those, Eyes Wide Shut. With Minority Report delayed by Tom Cruise’s unavailability, Spielberg jumped in.

Kubrick’s long-time confidant and collaborator Jan Harlan insists the director “truly believed Steven would be the better director for this film – and I think he was right”.

He wasn’t. The film has the ho-hum competence we associate with middling Spielberg. An 11-year-old Haley Joel Osment, fresh from his Oscar nomination for The Sixth Sense, is at the core of everything as the lost robot boy. The set pieces in a 22nd-century dystopia scarred by climate change are unmemorable. There is no sense of the internet, much less of the “intelligence explosion” that IJ Good posited in 1965, four years before Aldiss wrote Supertoys Last All Summer Long and 35 years before the film AI was made. Good predicted a tipping point at which technology achieves sentience and autonomy from humans. In that sense, The Terminator is a more accurate vision of the future.

But, with all its flaws (or maybe because of them), AI still feels a more plausible future than Arnold Schwarzenegger chasing us with a big gun. A decaying capitalist society. A climate disaster. The end of humanity. It just doesn’t sound like a Spielberg movie. Spielberg was faithful to Kubrick’s preparatory notes and adjusted his shooting style to match the older man’s visual sensibility. But that warm fuzziness is still there, encasing Kubrick’s far chillier vision. And despite what the San Francisco Chronicle said, there’s none of the deadpan monotony of classic Kubrickian sequences in 2001: A Space Odyssey, Barry Lyndon or The Shining.

Viewed in 2024, though, AI Artificial Intelligence bears many of the qualities that are becoming familiar from the chatbots and generative products that are beginning to infiltrate our day-to-day lives courtesy of Google, Microsoft and soon, apparently, Apple. The humanlike touches. The ingratiating tone. And, beneath it all, the cold, dark void.

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Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg Attend D-Day Memorial Event for 80th Anniversary

Hanks and Spielberg attended the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial in Colleville-sur-Mer on Thursday, June 6

Gabrielle Rockson is a staff writer-reporter for PEOPLE. She joined PEOPLE in 2023 and covers entertainment and human interest stories. She's interviewed David Beckham, Zendaya, Timothée Chalamet and many others. Her previous work can be found in OK! Magazine, MyLondon, GRM Daily, and more.

SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty

Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg were pictured commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Normandy landings on Thursday, June 6.

Hanks, 67, and the veteran filmmaker, 77, were snapped having a conversation at the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial in Colleville-sur-Mer, which overlooks Omaha Beach in Normandy, France.

Spielberg and the Hollywood actor appeared in relaxed spirits as they wore suits and shades to cover their eyes.

They were also pictured standing with other event attendees at the ceremony, which honored the American soldiers who died in Europe during World War II.

The event - which marks the massive military operation that saw 156,000 men, 7,000 ships and 10,000 vehicles attack German forces in Normandy on June 6, 1944 - was also attended by first lady Jill Biden and President Joe Biden , who met with American veterans of D-Day, per AP News .

The ceremony in honor of D-Day, which saw thousands of troops from countries such as the United States, Britain, France and Canada invade Nazi-occupied northwest Europe in 1944, was also attended by King Charles and Queen Camilla , who went to the Ministry of Defence and the Royal British Legion’s event at the beachfront British Normandy Memorial at Ver-sur-Mer.

According to AP News, French President Emmanuel Macron awarded eleven U.S. WWII veterans with France’s highest distinction, the Legion of Honor.

Meanwhile, during Thursday’s event, Hanks was pictured with former United States Secretary of State John Kerry. The duo displayed smiles on their faces as they gathered for a photo.

DANIEL COLE/POOL/AFP via Getty

D-Day has remained close to the hearts of both Hanks and Spielberg.

In 1998, the pair collaborated on the movie, Saving Private Ryan, which told the story of the Allied invasion of Normandy in 1944.

The Spielberg-directed film saw the director win the Academy Award for Best Director.

Ammar Abd Rabbo/Abaca/Sipa via AP

“If we pulled this off in the right way — and it stood the test of time — this was going to stand in, in some small way, for what those kids experienced at 6:30 in the morning on June 6, 1944,” Spielberg told NBC News on the movie’s 21st anniversary in 2019.

“If we ever forget that it was a bunch of individuals that went over, and they all had names like Ernie, and Buck and Robert — that’s when we’ve done a bad job of being citizens of the world, I think,” Hanks, who played the role of Captain Miller in the critically-acclaimed film, added.

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Did Tom Cruise skip the Oscars because of Jimmy Kimmel or Nicole Kidman?

Tom Cruise spent months promoting Top Gun: Maverick all around the world. It was seriously one of the most exhaustive promotional tours I’ve ever seen, but that’s what Tom Cruise does well – he’s a salesman and he goes out to personally ask people to see his movie. While Tom didn’t do the traditional American media blitz last year, he did come to LA during the awards season for something resembling a victory lap . He was the man of the hour at the Oscar luncheon last month, with everyone (including Michelle Yeoh and Steven Spielberg) rushing over to him. He held court at various LA events during his victory lap, but it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Judd Apatow was the MC at the Producers Guild Awards, and he ripped into Cruise (who wasn’t there) and Scientology. So… was that why Cruise avoided the Oscars, even though he was nominated as producer of Maverick? From Variety’s piece about what happened inside the Oscars telecast:

Jimmy Kimmel… had planned to spend a good chunk of his Oscars monologue riffing on how Tom Cruise had helped save the movies thanks to “Top Gun Maverick.” But when Cruise decided to bow out of this year’s event, most of those gags ended up on the cutting room floor.

“Jimmy loves Tom. Tom had just been on the show the week before,” McNearney said. “And they talked about seeing each other and Jimmy was excited to tell him that we got real Navy pilots to do the flyover at the top of the Oscars. Jimmy was really disappointed he didn’t come.”

Insiders had hinted that Cruise pulled out because he had caught wind that Judd Apatow — who had made a series of brutal jokes at Cruise’s expense at the DGA Awards — was helping with Kimmel’s monologue. But that wasn’t actually the case, and McNearney hopes that’s not the reason Cruise didn’t come.

“Jimmy tends to send his monologue to a group of people he trusts, comedy writers and comedians,” McNearney said. “They don’t help with the monologue. They just tell him like that joke’s working, that joke’s not working. No, Judd was not writing or doing anything for the monologue.”

Would that “L. Ron Hubba Hubba” joke have been used if Cruise were in the room? “No. We had about a three minute chunk of the monologue dedicated to Tom Cruise, honoring him and his role in reviving the movie industry. We were so disappointed when we learned a few days before the Oscars that he wouldn’t be there. Jimmy loves him and really wanted to celebrate him.”

[From Variety]

It sounds like Kimmel is desperate to convince everyone that he wasn’t the reason why Tom Cruise avoided the Oscars. The official reason cited by Cruise’s people was that Cruise is back at work (in Europe, I think?). Now, do I think Cruise had several reason for avoiding the Oscars, even given his “king of Hollywood” reception in LA one month ago? Yes. And one of those reasons was probably Cruise wanting to avoid being the butt of jokes from Kimmel.

Interestingly, the Daily Mail reported that Cruise decided to skip the Oscars because his ex-wife Nicole Kidman was scheduled as a presenter. Tom and Nicole divorced more than twenty years ago… are they still avoiding each other? They’ve been at the same Hollywood events and awards shows since the divorce, although – to be fair – they always studiously avoid each other. A source told the Mail: “Tom was not there because she was there, and he did not want a run-in.” But Cruise’s people slapped back, saying he didn’t skip the Oscars for personal reasons.

I also halfway believe that Cruise saw which way the wind was blowing and he knew that Maverick wasn’t winning Best Picture, so he was like “why bother?”

Photos courtesy of Backgrid.

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15 Best War Movies on Paramount+ to Watch Right Now

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With nearly a thousand films in its library, Paramount+ may not offer as much content as streaming services like Netflix or Prime Video, but they offer significant quality over quantity, with some of the biggest box office hits of recent years and critically acclaimed films. That quality applies to its war movie offerings as well.

The following are the best war films currently available on the Paramount+ service. We've included films in which war and combat are prominent themes and not just action films that feature gunplay. These films also explore a soldier's experiences in war, a perspective that separates the genre from traditional action.

Updated on June 19, 2024, by Soniya Hinduja: This article has been updated with additional content to keep the discussion fresh and relevant with even more information and new entries.

15 Whiskey Tango Foxtrot (2016)

Whiskey tango foxtrot.

Based on a memoir written by Kim Barker, titled The Taliban Shuffle: Strange Days in Afghanistan and Pakistan , Whiskey Tango Foxtrot puts a creative spin on the otherwise depressing war genre. It follows an American journalist named Kim Baker, who takes up a short assignment as a war correspondent in Afghanistan. Despite the turmoil of war, she braves challenges, covers the ongoing conflict, develops friendships with peers, and ends up staying in Afghanistan for years.

Humorous Take on Front Line Battle

Directed by Glenn Ficarra and John Requa, this biographical war comedy captures the chaos and confusion of America’s longest war through the personal toll of reporting the same. Tina Fey inhabits the lead role of Kim with immense wit and heart, exploring feminist themes of finding purpose in a man’s world. Enjoyable for its humor and praised for nailing the docu-drama style of storytelling, Whiskey Tango Foxtrot is life-affirming and a tad melancholic.

14 Battle of Little Bighorn (2020)

Battle of Little Bighorn is a documentary that attempts to tell the true story of the titular battle, the events that conspired, and the impact it left on generations. We follow Lieutenant Colonel George Custer, who led the attack against Chief Sitting Bull’s massive encampment. But what was meant to be an ambush turns into a three-day-long skirmish as Custer’s companies are outnumbered. Casualties mount and Custer’s Last Stand becomes history’s most infamous massacre.

Immersive Look Into History

Expertly directed by Molly Hermann, the movie brings fresh authenticity to the iconic battle and its small-unit actions, serving as an accurate summary for those who are not familiar with the incident. Filmed on-site, it places viewers right in the middle of the battle and the gunshots. Its urgent pacing, exploration of culture, tactile cinematography, and outstanding performances make it a great watch. Also worth noting is the fact that the documentary is both accurate and respectful of history .

13 Allied (2016)

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Set in the year 1942, against the backdrop of Casablanca in Morocco, Allied follows a Canadian spy and a French Resistance fighter, who pose as husband and wife on a deadly mission. Despite agreeing that things would always remain professional between them, Max and Marianne grow close and eventually fall in love. When the stakes escalate and their loyalties are put to test, they must choose between love and duty amidst the chilling hours of conspiracy where one wrong step means death.

When Hearts and Nations Collide

Allied is a brilliant war movie that flopped at the box office. It was still a hit with fans and critics, who praised the costume design and cinematography. Under the sublime direction of Robert Zemeckis, the movie builds intrigue around WWII and the moral compromises made by the individuals involved. Brad Pitt and Marion Cotillard share a smoldering chemistry, their duties laced with passion. Masterfully paced, intense, and packed with action, Allied is a rumination of nationality, war, betrayal, and how much we’re willing to sacrifice for love.

12 The African Queen (1952)

The african queen.

A classic wartime drama directed by John Huston, The African Queen stars Humphrey Bogart as a tough-as-nails captain of a steamer and Katherine Hepburn as the sister of a British missionary. With war having broken out between Germany and Britain and her brother dead, Charlie helps Rose escape in his steamboat. Despite clashing personalities and different backgrounds, the two form an unlikely bond. War finds them isolated, and their only way out is to attack the Germans.

An Epic Tale of Romance and Survival

It goes without saying that Bogart and Hepburn deliver remarkable performances and make the movie an immediate classic. Their electric chemistry was infused with adventure, suspense, black comedy, and a steamy romance. Bogart even won his only Best Actor Oscar for the role. Critics also praised The African Queen for its visceral photography, portrayal of the tiny life raft, and intimate storytelling, quoting that the movie “remains thrilling, funny, and effortlessly absorbing even after more than half a century.”

11 The Battle of Normandy: 85 Days in Hell (2019)

A comprehensive docu-drama that offers a glimpse into the three-month Battle of Normandy like never before, this film captures the Allied invasion of German-occupied France in 1994. Viewers are taken on a step-by-step journey – from D-Day beaches and bloody battles to liberated towns. The combat itself sees U.S., British, and Canadian soldiers engaging in an intense battle. The violence shown is brutal but also accurate.

Brings Normandy To Life Again

The Battle of Normandy: 85 Days in Hell brings to screen the largest invasion in history, one that helped turn the tide of war. It is directed by Guilain Depardieu, who depicts a deluge of bullets and parachute drops, as well as a gritty on-the-ground perspective for the audiences to feel the exact heat of battle in their eyes, hearts, and ears. Respectful to all who suffered on Normandy’s hell-like plains, the documentary portrays every town and the cost of its freedom with care. The archival footage, narration, and overall format are great.

10 Tropic Thunder (2008)

Tropic thunder.

Tropic Thunder , starring and directed by Ben Stiller , is one of the most remarkable comedy films of the 21st century. It follows an ambitious director who is making a war film based on the memoirs of a Vietnam War veteran, 'Four Leaf' Tayback, but the production is falling behind the schedule despite the film featuring an ensemble of A-list prima-donna actors: Tugg Speedman (Ben Stiller), Jeff Portnoy (Jack Black), and Kirk Lazarus (Robert Downey Jr.).

In a desperate situation, the filmmaker drops the cast in a Vietnamese forest, hoping to find some realism, but they are unaware that the area is controlled by a heroin-producing gang that is also heavily armed. Are these actors capable of making it out of there alive?

A Comedy that Will Truly Shock You

Tropic Thunder is a brilliantly written comedic war film that gets better on subsequent viewing. With modern comedy growing increasingly stale, this film offers something unique. Furthermore, despite boasting a dream cast consisting of Robert Downey Jr., Jack Black, and Ben Stiller, the writing and directing aspects of the film are what makes it so remarkable, it's well worth a watch.

9 Braveheart (1995)

Braveheart is an epic historical drama film starring and directed by Mel Gibson , who portrays Sir William Wallace, a Scottish warrior who led a rebellion against King Edward I of England in the 13th century. After losing a loved one to English soldiers, Wallace rallies Scottish warriors to liberate their homeland from Edward I's tyranny. Despite being oppressed by the massive English army, the mighty warrior puts everything on the line with the assistance of Robert the Bruce (Angus Macfadyen).

Iconic For a Reason

Braveheart is one of the greatest war films of all time , bolstered by being based on historical events. Sure, it has shortcomings in terms of historical accuracy, but it's a rousing spectacle that induces sophisticated emotional swirls throughout its three-hour runtime. Aside from boasting a stellar ensemble such as Mel Gibson, Sophie Marceau, Patrick McGoohan, and Angus Macfadyen, the film also has incredible character development, epic battle sequences, and provides a visually stunning experience.

8 Flags of Our Fathers (2006)

Flags of our fathers.

Flags of Our Fathers is a poignant film helmed by Academy Award Winner Clint Eastwood. During World War II, the American government discovered that most of its war treasury was empty due to the public's distrust of their forces. To raise finances for the war, the government brings three survivors of Iwa Jima and introduces them as war heroes despite their initial defeat. Will these honorable soldiers play along with the government's lies as they rise to new levels of fame and status after the war?

Tension and Emotions Run High

Oftentimes, when you fictionalize a tale about historical wars, you run the risk of inaccuracy and subsequently dishonoring the memories of these warriors. However, Clint Eastwood's Flags of Our Fathers portrays the concept in such a way that viewers are left to judge their actions, making it extremely intriguing. Moreover, it is difficult to find fault with any of Clint Eastwood's films and Flags of Our Fathers , which is packed with drama and action, is no exception.

7 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi (2016)

Michael Bay is well known for his over-the-top action films and the Transformers franchise, but in 2016, he went in a different direction, telling the true story of heroism in the War on Terror. 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi depicts the terror attack on an American consulate in Libya on Sep. 11, 2012. The film focuses on the small group of CIA military operators who protect U.S. Ambassador Chris Stevens and his staff from Islamic extremists who attempt to infiltrate their compound on one harrowing night.

The film stars John Krasinski as CIA contractor Jack Silva, a role far different from his role as Jim in the sitcom The Office , and it proved he was capable of being a serious leading actor in film. James Badge Dale ( 24, The Departed, 1923 ), Pablo Schreiber, and David Denman all co-star as the operators fighting with him, in a film that stands apart from Michael Bay's usual blockbusters .

Intense and Immersive

The bombastic action style that has become a Michael Bay trademark is still here, but there is an underlying emotional gravity and urgency. Outstanding performances by the cast highlight the real-life heroism and sacrifice of those involved. Movie critic Dan Buffa called the film "a truly visceral experience," adding "When you left the theater, you felt a piece of shrapnel sticking out of your heart."

6 Devotion (2022)

Read Our Review

Devotion flew under the radar of many moviegoers during its theatrical run in November 2022. The film is based on the true story of Ensign Jesse Brown, the first African-American Navy pilot. Set during the start of the Korean War, the film follows Brown (played by Marvel actor Jonathan Majors) as he is paired with Lt. Tom Hudner ( Top Gun: Maverick star Glen Powell) as his wingman. Two very different people became close friends, and the outbreak of war tested their friendship in ways they didn't foresee.

A Rarer Korean War Movie

Devotion takes place during the Korean War, a conflict rarely depicted in Hollywood or covered in history books. That alone makes the film a unique viewing experience, and the added layer of racial inequality gives the film emotional gravity, thanks to an excellent performance by Majors. The flight sequences are superb, with an authentic feel and strong camera work.

5 Gladiator (2000)

Set in 180 A.D., Gladiator tells the story of a Roman general (Russell Crowe) who is betrayed by the Emperor's son (Joaquin Phoenix) and sets out on a path of revenge as a powerful gladiator. As he attempts to restore justice to Rome, he finds allies in a fellow gladiator (Djimon Hounsou) and the Emperor's daughter (Connie Nielsen). The film is filled with incredible action scenes, including the film's opening battle, featuring hundreds of warriors in the forests of Germany.

A Genre-Defining Classic

Ridley Scott crafts yet another genre masterpiece. Russell Crowe was never better in a career-defining, Oscar-winning role as a general who became a slave, and then became a gladiator who defied an empire. A mix of old-school Hollywood epic and gritty historical adventure, Gladiator won five Oscars, including Best Picture. Crowe took home the Best Actor Oscar, and as good as he is, he was matched by Best Supporting Actor nominee Phoenix, who plays the Emperor's power-hungry son Commodus. Hans Zimmer's iconic music is still one of the most memorable scores ever written.

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4 Saving Private Ryan (1998)

Saving private ryan.

Steven Spielberg's World War II masterpiece Saving Private Ryan opens with a harrowing sequence, recreating the Normandy landings on D-Day. A group of soldiers, led by Capt. Miller (Tom Hanks), sets out on a mission to bring a mother's last surviving son home from the war. The task is not easy, as the son, Pvt. James Ryan (Matt Damon) is lost behind enemy lines, with the Germans bearing down on them. More than two decades after its release, the film is still a towering cinematic achievement.

A Legendary Installment in Spielberg's Body of Work

By 1998, Spielberg's directing style had matured somewhat from his 1980s blockbusters, but Saving Private Ryan still features his signature tent-pole sequences. Here, however, his directing hand was more nuanced, and the action sequences display the harsh realities of war and its cost. Tom Hanks gives an iconic performance, and the rest of the cast is fantastic. The final scene can still bring viewers to tears, and it is a travesty that the film lost the Best Picture Oscar to Shakespeare in Love .

3 Top Gun (1986)

Set at the Navy's fighter pilot school in California, Top Gun blended outstanding pre-CGI visuals with a rousing underdog story. Navy pilot Pete "Maverick" Mitchell (Tom Cruise) and wingmate Nicholas "Goose" Bradshaw (Anthony Edwards) are chosen to attend the Navy's Fighter Weapons School, a.k.a. "Top Gun." A training accident sends Maverick on a personal spiral, just as an international incident puts him on a path to a showdown against an enemy country piloting Russian MiG fighters.

Empty Blockbuster, Propaganda, or Art? You Decide

Top Gun may be considered summer blockbuster fluff to some film snobs, but Tony Scott's film was more than the best Air Force recruitment film ever made. It captured the mood of a nation finding its place on the world stage once more, and willing to use its military might to do so. Tom Cruise captured the confidence and hopefulness of the Reagan era, and regardless of the clichés, Top Gun is a heck of a lot of fun.

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These great warriors were brave even in the face of death.

2 Top Gun: Maverick (2022)

Top gun: maverick.

Top Gun: Maverick was Hollywood's first runaway blockbuster to emerge from Hollywood after the COVID-19 pandemic, and it's the rare sequel that's actually better than the original film. Pete "Maverick" Mitchell, now a training pilot, is called back into service to train a new generation of Navy pilots for a dangerous mission. Things get complicated, however, when he learns one of the pilots is the son of his former wingman, Goose.

An Epic Comeback

Even though it follows many of the same beats as the original film, Top Gun: Maverick manages to feel fresh by addressing its age. The brash cockiness that defined Maverick in the first film is still there, but there is now an undercurrent of both age-crafted wisdom and regret. Val Kilmer's appearance is bittersweet, and Cruise proves that he's more than a persona. Top Gun: Maverick dared to make movies fun again, and it succeeded.

1 We Were Soldiers (2002)

We were soldiers (2002).

Based on the true story of the first major battle of the Vietnam War, We Were Soldiers follows Lt. Col. Hal Moore (Mel Gibson) and 400 American soldiers, who find themselves pinned down by thousands of Viet Cong soldiers in the Ia Drang Valley in 1965. As the troops fight for their lives in the "Valley of Death," their families back home begin to receive word of their desperate situation.

An Epic Tale of Emotion and Combat

Mel Gibson reunited with Randall Wallace, who wrote his Oscar-winning masterwork Braveheart , and together, the two crafted one of the best Vietnam epics ever made. The supporting cast is superb, with Sam Elliott, Greg Kinnear, and Barry Pepper also appearing. The battle scenes focus less on gunplay, and more on the human element. It gives the film much more emotional gravity, and a richer viewing experience overall, in what could have been a pedestrian war film.

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Photos of 25 iconic actors at the start of their careers vs. now

Not only is Hollywood an incredibly hard place to get your foot in the door, but it's an even more difficult one to stick around in for decades. Ever-changing trends, shifting audience preferences, and persistent ageism can mean that today's biggest stars could soon become tomorrow's has-beens.

Though crafting a long-lasting career in the industry seems next to impossible, there are a handful of actors who have withstood the test of time. Their careers—some of which began when they were just kids—have spanned decades and are still thriving. These stars have churned out hit after hit, set box office records, and wormed their way deep into the hearts of audiences around the world.

In celebration of these beloved stars, Stacker looked back at photos of 25 actors from around the time they got their big break and traced their careers to where they are today. Using information from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, and celebrity news outlets like People, the following list highlights the careers of these icons.

Read on to see if your favorite actor made the cut.

Tom Cruise at the start

Tom Cruise burst onto the scene in 1983 with three hit movies: "Risky Business," "The Outsiders," and "All the Right Moves." He soon followed with turns in "Top Gun," "Rain Man," and "Born of the Fourth of July," which quickly cemented his status as one of Hollywood's most sought-after leading men throughout the '80s and '90s.

Tom Cruise now

In the 40 years since his big break, Cruise has won three Golden Globes and has been nominated for three acting Academy Awards. Now in his 60s, Cruise is mainly an action star, appearing in movies like the "Mission: Impossible" franchise and 2022's hugely successful and long-awaited "Top Gun" sequel, "Top Gun: Maverick." Among celebrity watchers, Cruise is just as well-known for his personal life, like his marriages to Nicole Kidman and Katie Holmes as well as his devotion to Scientology.

Meryl Streep at the start

A stage actor by training, Meryl Streep was already a Tony nominee when she made her film debut in 1977's "Julia." She followed the World War II drama with several more critically acclaimed movies, like "The Deer Hunter," "Kramer vs. Kramer," and "Sophie's Choice" in the late '70s and early '80s.

Meryl Streep now

Widely regarded as one of the most talented actors of her generation, Streep has starred in a huge number of critically acclaimed films and blockbusters alike over the last five decades, including "Mamma Mia!," "The Devil Wears Prada," "Julie & Julia," and "The Bridges of Madison County." If that list isn't evidence enough of her talent, she currently holds the record for both the most acting Oscar nominations of all time (21) and the most Golden Globe nominations of all time (32). Throughout the 2020s, Streep has made the move to streaming, appearing in Netflix movies "The Prom" and "Don't Look Up" and on series like Hulu's critically acclaimed "Only Murders in the Building."

Morgan Freeman at the start

Morgan Freeman also got his start on the stage . Some of his earliest notable roles were in an all-Black production of "Hello, Dolly!" and the Broadway hit "The Mighty Gents," which earned him a Tony nomination in 1978. He also rose to fame playing the Easy Reader on the '70s Children's Television Workshop series "The Electric Company" before the release of his first big film, "Eyewitness," in 1981.

Morgan Freeman now

Freeman now has 50 years and more than 100 films under his belt, as well as an Oscar for his work in "Million Dollar Baby." Some of his most acclaimed films to date also include "Driving Miss Daisy," "The Shawshank Redemption," "Invictus," and "The Bucket List." His distinctively deep voice has also made him a prolific narrator, lending his voice to a significant number of documentary projects, from "March of the Penguins" to "Through the Wormhole."

Nicole Kidman at the start

Australian native Nicole Kidman's breakthrough role was in "Dead Calm," a 1989 film set on the Great Barrier Reef. Though she had been appearing in Australian movies since 1983, the psychological thriller was the first to bring her critical acclaim internationally. The following year, Kidman starred in "Days of Thunder" alongside Tom Cruise, whom she married later that year, and things took off for her from there.

Nicole Kidman now

These days, Kidman is best known for projects like "The Hours," "Eyes Wide Shut," "Moulin Rouge!" and "The Others." More recently, she's branched into TV, with well-received roles in series like HBO's "Big Little Lies" and Hulu's "Nine Perfect Strangers." For her performances, Kidman has won an Emmy, five Golden Globes, and an Academy Award (becoming the first Australian to win Best Actress). One of her most recent acclaimed projects is the 2024 Amazon Prime Video series "Expats," which she also executive produced.

Tom Hanks at the start

Though many would think of him today as the quintessential movie star, Tom Hanks' first project was on the small screen. He starred in the ABC sitcom "Bosom Buddies" with actor Peter Scolari as two friends who dress in drag in order to live in a well-priced hotel that's only for women. Though the show ran for two seasons from 1980 to 1982, it wasn't until the 1984 romantic-comedy "Splash" with Daryl Hannah that audiences began to recognize Hanks as a true leading man.

Tom Hanks now

After "Splash," Hanks spent the rest of the '80s and '90s landing a slew of fan-favorite roles in movies like "The Money Pit," "Big," and "A League of Their Own." His most famous projects are almost too extensive to name—"Toy Story," "Forrest Gump," "Saving Private Ryan," "Philadelphia," "Sleepless in Seattle," and the list goes on and on. With over $9 billion in global ticket sales , Hanks is the second-highest-grossing actor worldwide. His performances have earned him two Oscars and four Golden Globes. In addition to appearing in front of the camera, Hanks is also a prolific director and producer. He recently produced the hit 2024 Apple TV+ war miniseries "Masters of the Air."

Angela Bassett at the start

Two of Angela Basset's earliest speaking roles were in 1991's "Boyz n the Hood" and 1992's "Malcolm X." But it was her depiction of Tina Turner in 1993's "What's Love Got to Do With It" that earned her wide acclaim, with one critic calling it "the performance of a lifetime."

Angela Bassett now

Despite winning two Golden Globes, a recent NAACP Image Award for Entertainer of the Year, and an honorary Academy Award , it seems Bassett has no plans to slow down anytime soon. More recently, she's endeared herself to a new generation of fans with her role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, appearing as Queen Ramonda in "Black Panther," "Avengers: Endgame," and "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever." For the "Black Panther" sequel, Bassett earned an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress, making her the first actor in a Marvel movie to be nominated. She's also become a fixture on television, thanks to the horror anthology series "American Horror Story" and the Fox drama "9-1-1."

George Clooney at the start

Heartthrob George Clooney got his big break on "The Facts of Life," the beloved spinoff of "Diff'rent Strokes," which he appeared in during the mid-'80s. After a handful of episodes of "Roseanne" at the end of the decade, he shot to fame as Dr. Doug Ross on the drama "ER." It didn't take long for Clooney to shift his focus to the big screen though, starring in "From Dusk Till Dawn," "One Fine Day," "Out of Sight," and "Three Kings" in the late '90s.

George Clooney now

At the turn of the 21st century, Clooney really showed off his acting chops in movies like "The Perfect Storm" and the Coen brothers' "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" and he won over the masses thanks to the "Ocean's Eleven" franchise. Clooney has had an illustrious career, winning two Academy Awards: one for his acting work in "Syriana" and another for producing "Argo." While he's slowed down on the acting front in recent years, his producing and directing credits continue to grow. His latest on-screen project is the upcoming Apple TV+ psychological thriller movie "Wolfs," which sees Clooney re-team up with his "Ocean's Eleven" co-star Brad Pitt.

Gwyneth Paltrow at the start

Kids these days would call Gwyneth Paltrow a "nepo baby ," but others might consider her Hollywood royalty ; she's the daughter of actor Blythe Danner and late director Bruce Paltrow. Her big break came when she was cast as Wendy in "Hook," her godfather Steven Spielberg's Peter Pan retelling from 1991. Over the next decade, she went from up-and-comer to bona fide star with appearances in major movies like "Se7en," "Emma," and "Shakespeare in Love."

Gwyneth Paltrow now

After starting her own family in the mid-2000s with ex-husband Chris Martin, Paltrow began scaling back the number of roles she would accept. One of her most memorable from the last 15 years though is Pepper Potts, who she played in seven movies in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. These days, she's best known for her lifestyle brand, Goop. The only acting projects she's taken on in recent years ("American Horror Story" and "The Politicians") see her teaming up with her husband, Brad Falchuk, who's the longtime co-creator of Ryan Murphy.

Jennifer Lopez at the start

A singer, actor, and dancer, triple-threat Jennifer Lopez has always been the full package. In the late '80s and early '90s, she had a successful career as a professional dancer, working with MC Hammer, New Kids on the Block, and Janet Jackson. She was also hired as a Fly Girl on the sketch comedy show "In Living Color." A few years later, she became a household name when she was cast as Selena Quintanilla-Pérez in the 1997 biopic "Selena."

Jennifer Lopez now

Though Lopez's acting career continued to thrive, she's also had a successful run as a pop star with hits like "If You Had My Love," "Ain't It Funny," and "I'm Real" throughout the late '90s and early 2000s. Now, she's had eight studio albums, a Las Vegas residency, and, in 2014, she received the Billboard Icon Award —making her the first woman to do so. She's also continued to focus on acting; some of her biggest commercial hits are "Maid in Manhattan," "Monster-in-Law," and "Hustlers." One of her latest projects sees her teaming up with her husband, Ben Affleck: "Unstoppable," a biopic about wrestler Anthony Robles, with Affleck—and longtime partner Matt Damon–producing.

Leonardo DiCaprio at the start

Though Leonardo DiCaprio starred in commercials as a youngster, his career really took off when he became a teenager. First, it was the TV series "Growing Pains" in the early '90s and his critically acclaimed performance in 1993's "What's Eating Gilbert Grape." Later that decade, films like "Romeo + Juliet" in 1996 and the box-office-smashing "Titanic" in 1997 made DiCaprio the star he is today.

Leonardo DiCaprio now

Having worked steadily for the last three decades, DiCarprio's resume has been jam-packed with major projects from acclaimed directors, including hits like "Catch Me If You Can," "Inception," "The Wolf of Wall Street," "The Revenant," and "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood." One of his most recent acclaimed projects, 2023's "Killers of the Flower Moon," saw him re-team up with Martin Scorsese. Outside of work, he's a devoted environmental activist and a member of the United Nations Messenger of Peace program . He also frequently lands himself in the tabloids thanks to his eventful love life .

Jodie Foster at the start

Jodie Foster jumped into acting feet-first as a preteen in the 1970s. She appeared in numerous Disney films, including, most memorably, 1976's "Freaky Friday." But Foster first truly proved herself in Martin Scorsese's "Taxi Driver" the same year, which earned the actor her first Oscar nomination at the age of 14.

Jodie Foster now

After taking a break from acting to attend Yale University, Foster returned to the big screen with "The Accused" and "Silence of the Lambs" (both of which won her Academy Awards). Other big hits of hers include "Panic Room," "Nell," "Flightplan," "Anna and the King," and "The Mauritanian." In 2024, Foster made the move to television, starring in the acclaimed HBO anthology series "True Detective: Night Country." In addition to acting, Foster works behind the scenes as both a producer and director.

Robert De Niro at the start

Frequently talked about as one of the greatest actors of all time, Robert De Niro's first major role was in a 1968 film called "Greetings." He'd spend the next several years working on lower-budget projects before his heyday in the 1970s, '80s, and '90s.

Robert De Niro now

In 1973, De Niro collaborated with Martin Scorsese for the first time on "Mean Streets." That film made him a commercial success and opened the door for projects like "The Godfather Part II," "Raging Bull," "Taxi Driver," and "Goodfellas." De Niro has two Academy Award wins under his belt and has earned nine nominations in total, the most recent being in the Best Supporting Actor category for 2023's "Killers of the Flower Moon." De Niro is also an accomplished producer and the founder of the world-renowned Tribeca Film Festival.

Brad Pitt at the start

After appearing on hit TV series throughout the '80s, from "Growing Pains" to "Dallas" to "21 Jump Street," Brad Pitt was launched into the public eye as a cowboy-hat-wearing drifter in 1991's "Thelma & Louise." Following that career-changing role, Pitt was cast in several big-budget films throughout the remainder of the decade including "A River Runs Through It," "Legends of the Fall," and "Interview with the Vampire: The Vampire Chronicles."

Brad Pitt now

In the three decades since his breakout role, Pitt has proven himself to be an incredibly bankable actor , with some of his biggest films being "World War Z," "Mr. & Mrs. Smith," "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button," and the "Oceans" franchise. He's also an accomplished producer , having nabbed an Academy Award for producing the Best Picture-winning "12 Years a Slave." Outside of work, he's a passionate environmental activist and is well-known for his relationship history, which includes marriages to both Jennifer Aniston and Angelina Jolie.

Halle Berry at the start

Halle Berry was a beauty pageant contestant and model (she was first runner-up in the 1986 Miss USA competition) before she tried her hand at acting. Her breakthrough role was alongside Eddie Murphy in the 1992 rom-com "Boomerang." That led to a few other parts in the mid '90s before Berry was cast in the 1999 TV film "Introducing Dorothy Dandridge," which won her an Emmy and a Golden Globe.

Halle Berry now

In the 2000s, Berry appeared in the "X-Men" franchise as Storm, as a Bond girl in "Die Another Day," and as the eponymous Catwoman in the much-maligned 2004 film. But her most acclaimed role was in "Monster's Ball." She won the Academy Award for Best Actress in 2002 for her performance in the drama, becoming the first Black woman to ever take home that particular trophy —a record that still holds true today, 20 years later. Berry now also spends time behind the scenes directing; she made her directorial debut with the 2020 film "Bruised."

Michelle Yeoh at the start

Another former beauty queen (she competed in Miss World 1983), Malaysian actor Michelle Yeoh got her acting start in several Hong Kong action films, but she saw her career begin to take off in the '90s thanks to the 1997 James Bond movie "Tomorrow Never Dies" and Ang Lee's "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" in 2000.

Michelle Yeoh now

Yeoh's body of work has been a mix of period dramas ("Memoirs of a Geisha" in 2005), rom-coms ("Crazy Rich Asians" in 2018), and superhero films ("Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings" in 2021). In 2023, she made history when she became the first Asian woman to win the Oscar for Best Actress for her performance in "Everything Everywhere All at Once."

Harrison Ford at the start

Harrison Ford spent much of the '60s and early '70s taking on minor parts in movies and TV shows, from "Gunsmoke" to "Ironside." But his breakout role came in George Lucas's iconic 1973 movie "American Graffiti"—and his relationship with the director changed the course of his career. In 1977, Ford's performance as Han Solo in "Star Wars" took him from fringe star to mainstream success. He's reprised the role several times over the last 45 years.

Harrison Ford now

In addition to "Star Wars," Ford has appeared in a number of memorable franchises, like the "Indiana Jones" series, the "Blade Runner" movies, and the "Jack Ryan" universe. He's also had plenty of standalone success in films like "Witness" (for which he was nominated for an Academy Award), "Working Girl," "The Fugitive," "Air Force One," "42," and "The Age of Adaline." More recently, he's lit up the small screen with his roles in "1923" and "Shrinking."

Matt Damon at the start

In 1997, after years of work on the project, Matt Damon released his breakthrough movie, "Good Will Hunting," which he co-wrote with his longtime collaborator and friend Ben Affleck. The film won the duo both the Oscar and the Golden Globe for Best Screenplay and skyrocketed them both into elite Hollywood circles.

Matt Damon now

From there, Damon went on to appear in several hit films, such as "Saving Private Ryan," "The Talented Mr. Ripley," the "Ocean's" franchise, "The Bourne Identity," "The Departed," and "The Martian." His work as an actor and producer has nabbed him several more awards and nominations, including four additional Oscar nods.

Will Smith at the start

Will Smith didn't start out as an actor but as a musician. In 1988, he won the first Grammy Award ever given out in the rap category for his single "Parents Just Don't Understand" with DJ Jazzy Jeff. Two years later, Smith parlayed that success into a career as an actor after landing the lead role in the sitcom "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air."

Will Smith now

Smith has gone on to star in a number of commercially successful films throughout the '90s and 2000s including "Bad Boys," "Independence Day," "Men in Black," and "I Am Legend." However, his personal life has recently overshadowed his professional success; at the 2022 Academy Awards, he won his first Oscar for "King Richard" but was banned from attending the awards ceremony for 10 years after slapping Chris Rock on stage.

Jane Fonda at the start

1960 was a big year for Jane Fonda—it marked her professional acting debut , in the Broadway flop "There Was a Little Girl," and her far more successful rom-com, "Tall Story." A decade later, the captivating actor took home her first Academy Award for her performance in "Klute."

Jane Fonda now

Now the recipient of an additional Oscar, several Golden Globes, and an Emmy, Fonda has a resume a mile long. Some of her more well-known projects include the films "Julia," "Coming Home," and "On Golden Pond," as well as the Netflix series "Grace and Frankie." In addition to acting, Fonda found success with her workout videos in the '80s and '90s and she spends much of her time advocating for political causes.

Sylvester Stallone at the start

Sylvester Stallone went from a struggling actor sleeping in a New York City bus terminal to an international movie icon with the release of "Rocky" in 1976. The film, which he both wrote and starred in, followed an underdog boxer as he pursues greatness. The movie also nabbed the Academy Award for Best Picture.

Sylvester Stallone now

After the success of "Rocky," Stallone released a slew of action movies, including the "Rambo" films, "Cobra," "The Expendables," and "Escape Plan," which were greeted with various levels of praise and success. Ultimately, the projects were enough to make Stallone the only actor to have a #1 film in six different decades . In 2022, he transitioned to the small screen, starring in the streaming series "Tulsa King."

Jackie Chan at the start

Often considered one of the best action stars of all time , Jackie Chan began acting as a young boy  in Hong Kong, taking bit parts in various children's films in the '60s and '70s. It wasn't until 1978, with the release of "Snake in the Eagle's Shadow," that he became a known name.

Jackie Chan now

Now with more than 100 movies to his name, including the "Rush Hour" franchise, the "Kung Fu Panda" films, "The Karate Kid" remake, and "Shanghai Knights," Chan is a bona fide international superstar, known for both his comedic chops and his martial arts skills. His films have grossed over $2.6 billion in global ticket sales .

Christian Bale at the start

British actor Christian Bale landed his breakthrough role at just 13 years old in Steven Spielberg's "Empire of the Sun" in 1987. He went on to have a successful career as a young actor throughout the '90s, working on projects like the Disney musical "Newsies," the TV adaptation of "Treasure Island," and historical dramas "Henry V" and "Little Women."

Christian Bale now

Unlike many other child actors who saw their star fizzle over the years, Bale has been just as successful, if not more so, as an adult. Some of his biggest hits have been "American Psycho," "The Fighter," "The Machinist," "American Hustle," and the "Dark Knight" trilogy. He has won both an Academy Award and two Golden Globes for his work.

Sally Field at the start

In the 1960s, Sally Field was the quintessential girl next door, getting her start on TV sitcoms like "Gidget" and "The Flying Nun" before moving to television movies like "Sybil" and to the big screen with films like "Smokey and the Bandit." Her range and ability to go from playing lighthearted and fun characters to more serious and dramatic ones is what cemented her as one of the most sought-after leading ladies of the '70s and '80s.

Sally Field now

After winning two Academy Awards in the '80s, Field had her choice of roles. She starred in commercial hits that became instant classics like "Steel Magnolias" and "Mrs. Doubtfire" and critically acclaimed films like "Forrest Gump" and "Lincoln." She also appeared on TV series like "ER" and "Brothers & Sisters," and even made her way to Broadway.

Denzel Washington at the start

Denzel Washington got his start in the medical drama "St. Elsewhere" in 1982. He then transitioned to the big screen by starring in war dramas like "Glory," political dramas like "Malcolm X," thrillers like "The Pelican Brief," and heart-crushing Oscar winners like "Philadelphia."

Denzel Washington now

The winner of two Academy Awards, two Golden Globes, and a Tony Award, Washington has split his time between the screen and the stage. Throughout the current century, some of his biggest hits include "Remember the Titans," "Training Day," "The Manchurian Candidate," and "The Equalizer." A force behind the scenes as well, he's acted as a producer and director on several envelope-pushing projects like 2016's "Fences."

Julia Roberts at the start

Many stars had a slow start in the industry, toiling away in small, low-budget roles for years before landing those big breakout parts. But not Julia Roberts. Just a year after she began acting professionally, she landed a part in the 1988 movie "Mystic Pizza," which she immediately followed up with "Steel Magnolias" and then "Pretty Woman"—both of which garnered Roberts her first two Oscar nominations.

Julia Roberts now

Roberts has added a slew of rom-coms and dramas to her oeuvre over the course of her 35-year career, including "My Best Friend's Wedding," "Runaway Bride," "Erin Brockovich" (which won her an Oscar), and "Eat Pray Love." In addition to her on-screen work, she owns a production company, is the face of cosmetics brand Lancôme, and works with charities like UNICEF and the Red Cross.

Story editing by Jaimie Etkin. Copy editing by Tim Bruns.

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