• Tesla's Cybertruck unveiling in Los Angeles on Thursday night began with an introduction from a mysterious hologram of a woman.
• The hologram bears a strong resemblance to CEO Elon Musk's girlfriend, the singer-producer Claire Boucher, better known as Grimes, though it was not introduced as such and she is not credited.
• The "cybergirl" has a leg tattoo that appears to match Grimes', and her fans are convinced that it was her.
• Spokespeople for Grimes and Tesla did not immediately respond to Business Insider's request for comment.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Tesla's Cybertruck unveiling on Thursday night in Hawthorne, California, began on a slightly absurd note.

A mesh of lasers crossed the stage, and a hologram of a woman in a blond wig appeared.

"In the future, there will be no straws, I promise," she said.

Spectators quickly began to speculate that the "hologram girl" was none other than Grimes, the alt-pop singer and girlfriend of Tesla CEO Elon Musk whose real name is Claire Boucher.

Spokespeople for Grimes and Tesla did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Here's what people are saying about Grimes' apparent cameo during the Tesla event.

SEE ALSO: The 12 coolest features of Tesla's new $39,900 Cybertruck pickup

"Los Angeles, November 2019. The skies are polluted. The world is addicted to oil," the maybe-Grimes hologram said at the start of the event.

"But we're here to offer a solution: the Cybertruck. The No. 1 mode of transport for a cybergirl. The greatest evolution in vehicular fashion and function. I now present to you my creator," she said before Musk entered onstage.

Fans were quick to point out that the hologram woman's leg tattoo appears to match Grimes'.

Grimes' tattoo artist posted the tattoo on Instagram in 2017.

Grimes and Musk have been dating for years. One of their first public appearances together was at the Met Gala in 2017.

At that time, people speculated that Grimes was wearing a choker meant to imitate the Tesla logo, but the couple denied it.

Grimes is promoting her forthcoming album, "Miss Anthropocene," which deals with themes including futurism and the rise of algorithms.

• Going gray is a natural part of life — even for your favorite celebrities.
• While many people, famous or not, opt to dye their hair, these 23 celebs prove that going gray can look amazing.
• Harrison Ford, for example, has embraced his silver fox status for years.
• Visit Insider's homepage for more stories.

For some, finding that first gray hair can trigger mild existential dread, but these famous figures might have you embracing the new hue.

In fact, many of them look better with this more distinguished hair color — which isn't even that different from the current trends of going platinum blonde or even "grombre."

These before and after transformations might convince you to put down the hair dye for good.

Tom Hanks has recently been seen sporting a silver beard.

On the press tour for "A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood," Hanks has been making the rounds with a brand new silver beard. 

Harrison Ford has been showing us what it means to be a silver fox for decades now.

Clearly, age is just a number. Ford reprised his role as Han Solo in 2015's "Star Wars: The Force Awakens," appeared as Rick Deckard again in 2017's "Blade Runner 2049," and is set to once more don his fedora and whip for a new "Indiana Jones" movie sometime soon.

Jamie Lee Curtis has slowly been embracing her natural hair, but she debuted an icy white shade at the 2019 Golden Globes.

For the first few decades of her career, Curtis rocked a reddish-brown hue. But starting in the 2000s, she began embracing her graying hair, and has kept it that way.

"The epiphany came when I was sitting in a hair salon thinking, 'What the eff am I doing putting a chemical on my head that burns?',"she told Everyday Health.

Jon Bon Jovi has switched from brown to gray, and we're into it.

"Yup, I'm the guy who embraced going gray! There are a lot of gentlemen out there whose names I won't mention — and none of them have embraced the real them, have they," Bon Jovi told the Telegraph in 2018. "I'll embrace the gray hair — but I won't become fat Elvis," he continued.

Two decades after leaving behind "Cheers" and a hairpiece, Ted Danson is now everyone's favorite silver-haired demon on "The Good Place."

Before "The Good Place" cemented his silver fox status, arguably Danson's most famous hair moment came during an episode during the 11th and final season of "Cheers," in which his character Sam Malone whipped off his toupee to cheer up Carla (played by Rhea Perlman).

It's almost impossible to believe that Rita Moreno is almost 90 — and dare we say she looks better with gray hair than black.

The EGOT winner says she's lucky she doesn't "look like an old wallet" after all the time she spent in the sun in her youth. "I used to sit in the sun until I looked like a piece of bacon," Moreno told People.

Kyle MacLachlan has been slowly going gray for the past few years, but he is now fully silver.

MacLachlan is mainly known for roles with his trademark jet black hair, but over the last few years, he has embraced the gray.

It's almost impossible to remember a time before George Clooney had gray hair.

Clooney is the prototypical silver fox — handsome, charming, and rocking his natural hair color. In 2014, the Daily Mail reported that he was voted the No. 1"Man Aging Gracefully" poll.

Bradley Whitford joked that "Donald Trump turned my hair white" during an interview.

Whitford has always been politically outspoken, and during a January 2019 appearance on "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert," the former "West Wing" star joked that his new 'do was due to stress over the presidency.

Nichelle Nichols has been in the spotlight for almost six decades, and she looks good with both black and silver hair.

Nichols, best known for her role as Uhura in "Star Trek," was 34 years old when the sci-fi show premiered in 1966. She became a huge role model for people of color in both STEM and entertainment, and was even asked by NASA to recruit women and minorities.

Pierce Brosnan has been living the salt and pepper life for a few years.

The former James Bond has been dyeing his hair on and off for the past few years, but just this April decided to embrace his inner silver fox.

It's no surprise that President Obama has gone gray — the job is stressful — but he's rocking it.

The presidency definitely ages you — even Obama himself has joked about his new hair color. We think it makes him look even more sophisticated.

Read more: Before-and-after photos show how dramatically presidents have aged while in office

Steve Carell's gray hair had fans everywhere pleasantly surprised.

He definitely doesn't look like Michael Scott anymore. When Carell debuted this look back in 2017, the internet immediately took notice and declared him a hottie.

His response?  "I am so sick of people just looking at me for my physical attributes,"he (jokingly) told ET at the premiere of "Despicable Me 3."

Helen Mirren recently transitioned from blonde to white.

As recently as 2015, Mirren was dyeing her own hair a beige shade of blonde. For the past couple of years though, she started transitioning from blonde to a bright white.

However, she's not totally done with experimenting — she debuted a new pink 'do at the Cannes Film Festival in May.

Jeff Goldblum has completely embraced his new professor aesthetic, complete with glasses and silver hair.

Goldblum's luscious black hair was a part of his identity for years, but he's embracing a new look now.

"My hair used to be dark, and now it's salt-and-pepper. I like the way it looks. Luckily it's still mostly there, so this is easy for me to say, but I would hope that if I lose my hair, I'll just roll with it,"he told GQ. "When you try to be youthful, it only makes you look older," he continued.

Watching Jon Stewart's hair go from dark brown to salt and pepper to gray over the course of "The Daily Show" occupied us for 16 years.

To watch this transition in high-speed, look no further than this supercut done by YouTuber Billy Chasen, who assembled footage from every single episode of "The Daily Show" and smashed it together in honor of the host's final episodes in 2015.

While Sam Elliott's hair color may have changed, his mustache remains the same.

During a recent stint on "Justified," Elliott appeared without his mustache and looked almost unrecognizable. "It was fun transforming my look, but I did feel naked without the mustache,"he told AARP in 2015.

Anderson Cooper is one of the most famous silver foxes on TV.

Cooper admitted on "Live with Kelly and Ryan" that he's not totally cool with his white hair, going so far as to say "I don't really like my gray hair. I wish I still had brown hair. It's not my thing."

He even compared himself to a White Walker from "Game of Thrones," according to People.

We beg to differ, Mr. Cooper.

Diane Keaton went fully gray in 2014 and has never looked back.

Keaton debuted her gray hair at the 2014 Golden Globes, but she's rocked a few different shades over her decades-long career, including both brown and blonde.

Dermot Mulroney showcased his new hair color in his show "Homecoming."

Mulroney has been a part of our lives since the '80s, but is most famous for his role in 1997's "My Best Friend's Wedding" alongside Julia Roberts, Cameron Diaz, and Rupert Everett. He reunited with Roberts in 2013 for "August: Osage County," and then again in 2018 in "Homecoming."

Matt LeBlanc was dyeing his hair black while he was still on "Friends."

Apparently, LeBlanc was going gray as early as the second season of "Friends," in which he played lovable dummy Joey Tribbiani. He shared on "The Late Late Show with James Corden" that he even attempted to dye it himself, but he accidentally dyed his ears black too.

Patrick Dempsey's hair was a big part of his character on "Grey's Anatomy."

In fact, one might have called his hair dreamy. We think that the salt and pepper suits him, especially with the silver streak in front.

Acting legend Glenn Close slays both blonde and gray hair.

Close is still turning in Oscar-worthy performances decades into her career — just look at "The Wife"— and is also breaking boundaries when it comes to Hollywood, sex, and aging.

"I think people don't realize that you keep your sexuality up until you die,"she told the Guardian, "I think it's good for kids to see it."

• Read more:
• The reason people go gray in their 20s, according to a dermatologist
• Salma Hayek posted a photo showing off her gray hair, and said she is 'proud' of not dyeing it
• The '10-Year Challenge' has taken over social media, but these 30 celebs don't seem to have aged at all
• 2 forms of exercise are the best way to stave off the effects of aging. Here's how to incorporate them into your life.

• Whether it's for Mom, Dad, a friend, or a coworker, small kitchen accessories make nice gifts for just about everyone on your list. 
• From practical additions like a serving board to quirky gadgets like a s'mores maker, there are plenty of great kitchen gifts out there, and they won't cost you much. 
• We rounded up 27 fun and practical kitchen accessories that make great gifts, and they're all $50 or less. 
• Check out all of our 2019 holiday gift guides for more inspiration. 

Whether they have a cookware collection that rivals Martha Stewart's or their most prized kitchen accessory is their drawer of takeout menus, any friend or family member on your gift list will appreciate a nice new kitchen tool to add to their space.

For a solid gift you can bank on them loving, check out our list of kitchen accessories that'll please kitchen pros and newbies alike. It runs the gamut from practical to quirky and everything in between, plus you can find all of it for $50 or less. 

Most of these items are available with two-day shipping if you have Amazon Prime, so don't stress too hard about if shopping on a time crunch — just remember that the sooner you order, the better your chances of a timely arrival.

The top 5 best affordable kitchen gifts:

1. A gadget that cooks eggs with little time and effort
2. A ravioli mold for easy homemade pasta
3. A sleek cheese board for serving and snacking
4. A s'mores maker to satisfy their sweet tooth
5. An old fashioned mortar and pestle

Keep reading for 27 great kitchen gifts under $50:

A stovetop espresso maker

Bialetti Moka Express Stovetop Coffee Maker (1-cup), $19.49, available at Amazon

For the coffee-loving types who have already tried just about every way to get their morning brew, give them this Moka pot. Bialetti actually invented the first stovetop coffee maker in the early 20th century and, even after all these years, the original model is our favorite option out there. 

A cheese melt pan

Cuisinart BBQ Cheese Melt Pan, $9.99, available at Amazon

If they're not already melting cheese on all of their favorite foods... they should probably start. Help them out with this pan that makes the ooey, gooey, cheesy topping of their dreams a reality. 

A smoothie set

Chef'n Smoothie Set, $34.95, available at Williams Sonoma

This set has all the little prep tools they never thought they needed. A strawberry huller, citrus juicer, and kale and green stripper will help them quickly turn their favorite fresh produce into a delicious smoothie. 

A rapid egg cooker

Dash Rapid Egg Cooker, $14.99, available at Amazon

Whether they like them hard boiled, poached, or scrambled, this rapid egg cooker lives up to its name — it makes cooking eggs way faster and easier than ever before. 

A foldable cutting board

Joseph Joseph Foldable Plastic Cutting Board, 9.83, available at Amazon

They probably already have a cutting board, but this one is a seriously smart upgrade. With a sturdy handle and sides that fold up when squeezed, this board will help them seamlessly chop and then pour into a pot or pan, without dropping any of the good stuff along the way. 

Mickey Mouse ramekins

Le Creuset Disney Mickey Mouse Ramekins (set of 2), $50, available at Williams Sonoma

Good ramekins are useful for baking and serving just about any dish —  and these Mickey Mouse ones are some of the cutest out there. They're adorable, but they're also seriously durable stoneware that'll last them a lifetime. 

A 3-in-1 avocado slicer

OXO 3-in-1 Avocado Slicer, $9.95, available at Williams Sonoma

The only tool avocado lovers need — it can halve, pit, and slice an avocado all in one go. Plus, it's all plastic so they don't have to worry about any avocado-related injuries. 

A pizza stone and cutter

Heritage Black Ceramic Pizza Stone and Cutter, $37.99, available at Amazon

You can't give them a wood fired oven (well, maybe you can), but you can bring them a little closer to getting that crispy, pizzeria-quality crust. Any frozen pizza will be given an upgrade when cooked on this pizza stone.

A popcorn maker

Whirley Stainless-Steel Induction Popcorn Maker, $49.95, available at Williams Sonoma

A vintage-style stovetop popcorn maker that you crank by hand — this thing is the real deal. It's a little more effort, but they'll never want to return to the microwave stuff after this. 

A ravioli mold

Ravioli Mold with Roller, $26.95, available at Williams Sonoma

They could just pop some frozen ravioli into a pot of boiling water and call it a day, but the homemade version is undeniably more fun (and delicious) to make. This mold and roller set is a simple way to get them started. 

A mini rice cooker

Dash Mini Rice Cooker, $19.99, available at Amazon

This appliance is small, but mighty — it can make rice, stews, soups, pasta, and more. The two-cup capacity is good for making small meals and won't take up too much of their precious counter space. 

A s'mores maker

S'mores Maker, $49.95, available at Williams Sonoma

When it's too cold to head out to the fire pit, they'll appreciate this thoughtful set with all of the tools they need to get outdoor quality s'mores — without ever having to leave the kitchen. 

A spiralizer

Paderno 4-Blade Spiralizer, $39.96, available at Williams Sonoma

Zucchinis, sweet potatoes, carrots, beets — anything can be a noodle if you really believe, or if you use a spiralizer. Plus, these spindly shapes make eating veggies a lot more fun. 

A splatter screen

Silicone Splatter Screen, $24.95, available at Williams Sonoma

Save them from one of the perils of frying foods at home: the dreaded hot oil splatter. This screen has holes to release steam, so everything stays crunchy, but keeps all of the grease in the pan as it's intended to be. 

A state pride dish towel

State Dish Towel, $20, available at Uncommon Goods

Add some sentimentality to their kitchen with a dish towel of their home state. The bright towels include iconic names, landmarks, and images of what makes their favorite state so special. 

A sushi kit

DIY Sushi Kit, $29.95, available at Williams Sonoma

If they love sushi, and a good challenge, they'll love trying to make their own rolls with this set. It comes with tools and ingredients like rice, nori, and wasabi powder so they can recreate recipes their favorite sushi spot from the comfort of their own kitchen. 

A molcajete

Molcajete, $39.96, available at Williams Sonoma

An old-fashioned mortar and pestle set is the key to crushing and grinding everything from fresh herbs and spices to making perfectly smooth guacamole. 

An Oreo cup

Dunky Cup, $19.95, available at Amazon

A thoughtful gift that shows you understand their Oreo obsession, this cup helps them get the perfect cookie dunk every time. It also comes with a pack of Oreos for good measure. 

A bento box

Modern Large Bento Box, $35, available at Food52

This bento box is made up of multiple stackable components. It's dishwasher- and microwave-safe, and surely an upgrade to the brown paper bag.  

A microwave grill

Microwave Grill, $40, available at Uncommon Goods

If a small kitchen or lack of an outdoor space is stopping them from grilling their favorite foods, they'll love this. They can put their favorite veggies in between the two plates and just pop in the microwave for perfect grill marks every time.

A serving board

Anolon Marble/Teak Serving Board, $39.99, available at Amazon

This serving board makes a beautiful backdrop for charcuterie boards, appetizers, and more. The piece even made it onto Jennifer Lawrence's Amazon wedding registry. 

A martini shaker and glasses

Libbey Capone Entertaining Set, Shaker and 4 glasses, $36.47, available at Amazon

Amateur and experienced mixologists alike will get a kick out of shaking up their own cocktails, and presenting them in these classy martini glasses. 

Fancy olive oil

Alive Extra Virgin Heirloom Olive Oil, $37, available at Brightland

A drizzle of good olive oil adds a flavorful punch to any dish. Brightland's high-quality olive oils are sharp, peppery, and come in sleek, coated glass bottles that will look nice on their kitchen counter. 

A cookie spoon pan

Cookie Spoon Pan, $18, available at Uncommon Goods

Indulge their sweet tooth with this innovative pan that lets them turn their favorite cookie doughs into spoon-shaped cookies. They can use them to scoop ice cream, stir their coffee, or dip into the Nutella jar — every use is equally delicious. 

An automatic pan stirrer

Automatic Pan Stirrer with Timer, $25, available at Uncommon Goods

Help them save time and elbow grease with this little gadget. All they have to do is place it in the pan, set the timer, and let it whiz around so they can do other kitchen tasks while their sauce is stirred for them. 

A pancake pan

Nordic Ware Silver Dollar Pancake Pan, $34.95, available at Crate & Barrel 

This pan lets them cook seven silver dollar pancakes at once and ensures that each one is a perfectly round circle. 

A food scale

Bamboo Food Scale, $29.95, available at Crate & Barrel

If they're serious about baking, they'll appreciate this food scale. It'll help them make sure they're using the exact measurements every time. Plus, the bamboo and sleek LED display make it look nice in their space. 

Looking for more gift ideas? We've got you covered.

• Our master list of every gift guide you'll ever need
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• The Travel Security Administration, better known as the TSA, is responsible for screening millions of pieces of luggage every year.
• Its Instagram account documents some of the wilder things that people have attempted to bring on planes.
• Here are the weirdest things people have tried to travel with, from moose poop to concealed razor blades.
• Visit Insider's homepage for more stories.

Every day, millions of Americans hop on planes out of LAX, or JFK, or MIA, or any one of the hundreds of airports located in the US.

But that means that every day, TSA employees are finding embarrassing, dangerous, illegal, or otherwise confusing items that people are trying to bring on their travels with them.

Keep scrolling for the weirdest things that TSA employees found this year.

A passenger attempted to bring a grenade/brass knuckles combo on their flight, but they were quickly stopped.

"TSA Officers from LaGuardia Airport (LGA) discovered this 3-in-1 NO-NO,"wrote the TSA on Instagram, "Depending on your jurisdiction, you could be fined or even arrested for bringing an item similar to this one. Don't take a chance on accidentally bringing a prohibited item."

Sadly, a groom named Blake had to leave this wedding present — an axe — behind.

According to the TSA, this 10-inch hatchet was a wedding gift for the groom, Blake. He thought it would be fine to bring this personalized wedding present on his flight out of Richmond. Blake was wrong.

This knife was cleverly hidden inside a lipstick tube.

All knives are prohibited from being packed into your carry-on luggage, including knives that are hiding inside your makeup bag, as this passenger in Nashville found out.

A passenger out of Alaska tried to travel with pounds of moose poop, which is technically not forbidden by the TSA.

It's not totally clear what someone would want with a giant bag of moose feces, but it's what one traveler tried to bring on their flight out of Juneau.

"While TSA has no policies that would prevent you from traveling with a bag of animal poo, we would strongly suggest that you check with your airline on their policies. Several carriers do have rules in place to avoid smelly situations aboard their planes. Besides, having to leave your souvenirs behind would really stink,"wrote the TSA.

This 15-inch snake was left behind at security by its owner.

Snakes aren't expressly prohibited by the TSA, but plenty of airlines have their own restrictions about flying with animals. This little guy, a "harmless 15-inch ring-necked snake," was left behind at Newark's security checkpoint. Port Authority Police was called to take him to safety.

While you can bring a live snake, this snake blade has to get checked.

"It's #WorldSnakeDay and, before you jump on that Boa-eing constricting plane, here's a friendly reminder that knives are not allowed in carry-on bags. That includes those cool blades with #snake themed handles. They are however, allowed in your checked bags,"according to the TSA.

Not even beautiful knives are allowed in carry-on luggage ...

This knife was found at Central Nebraska Regional Airport, on its way to an Alaskan adventure. It needs to be checked for the flight.

... Something travelers simply never learn.

This looks like it would fit in a scene of "Game of Thrones" or "Lord of the Rings," not at the Buffalo Niagara International Airport.

That goes for any beautiful, yet potentially dangerous, items — just like this glittery pepper spray.

For obvious reasons, pepper spray has to be checked, and the TSA asks that you only bring four ounces of it with you on your travels.

One would-be passenger asked it it was OK to bring an elk pelvis with them.

"A passenger recently reached out to our AskTSA team to preemptively resolve a bone-related matter, specifically whether an elk pelvis bone was allowed in their luggage. Fortunately for this traveler, animal bones can be packed as you choose, as they are allowed in both carry-on and checked luggage. We do recommend that travelers check with their airline, as some carriers may not allow a literal 'bag of bones' on their aircraft,"wrote the TSA on Instagram.

This arsenal was found on Valentine's Day this year.

Maybe you don't think this is romantic, but clearly somebody in Colorado Springs does. "This carry-on goody bag, presented to our TSA officers at the security checkpoint, included an axe, throwing star, double-edged dagger, and machete. Safe travels, you romantic fool,"wrote the TSA.

One traveler at Newark Airport had their novelty toilet paper roll confiscated due to its similarity to a functioning handgun.

Just because you can't shoot any bullets out of this toilet paper roll doesn't mean it's allowed. Replica weapons aren't allowed in any capacity because they "could potentially cause some major delays during screening," according to the TSA. Nobody wants that.

A man was caught trying to bring 35 pounds of liquid cocaine into the US via shampoo bottles.

The cocaine was confiscated at Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport and, according to authorities, was worth up to $400,000.

The drugs were found inside a piece of checked luggage. The luggage belonged to a man from Colombia, who was promptly returned to the country after the drugs were found.

These weapons look like they belong in Westworld and Shogun World.

"This traveler was obviously a fan of two cinematic genres – cowboy westerns and samurai movies — and decided to pack accordingly for a flight from Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport,"wrote the TSA.

Someone's shoe was found to have a razor blade sewn into the sole.

While disposable razors and cartridges are allowed in carry-on bags, straight-up razor blades like this must be checked. This discovery was made at the Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport.

Bringing fireworks into a confined space like a plane is never a good idea. Just think about what could go wrong!

Fireworks are simply not allowed on flights, not even in states where fireworks are legal.

This bouquet of flowers was more deadly than delightful — there was knife hidden inside.

"One of our officers from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) discovered it during a routine screening of carry-on bag on July 23," wrote the TSA.

Please, save us all some time, and don't attempt to hide knives in your carry-on luggage. Airport security will find it.

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• They include Marvel blockbusters to Korean tear-jerkers and action movies.
• "Get Out" topped our list.
• Visit Insider's homepage for more stories

The 2010s was a roller coaster of a decade for film.

We saw Disney dominating at the box office with the rise of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, a renewed "Star Wars" franchise, live-action reboots, and the continued dominance of their animated films. But we also saw the rise of streaming and the decline of movie-ticket sales, sparking fears that cinemas are dying out. But maybe nothing defined film this decade more than the fact that movies by and large have continued to become easier and cheaper to make, resulting in more films being released than ever before.

Despite the fact that so many amazing films were produced, we did manage to narrow down our list. So without any further ado, here are our top 100 movies of the 2010s.

100. "Nocturnal Animals" (Director: Tom Ford, 2016)

Amy Adams and Jake Gyllenhaal display their supreme acting talents in this film, but the movie works because of writer/director Tom Ford's singular vision. He takes the different textures of each period of time and story in which the film takes place, and makes them distinct while seamlessly connecting the tissue of the greater story. "Nocturnal Animals" smartly and oh-so-elegantly explores what it would be like for an author to use his life as fodder for his art. — A.C. Fowler

99. "Free Solo" (Directors: Jimmy Chin and Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi, 2018)

"Free Solo" provides a window into the world and mind of Alex Honnold, perhaps the best free solo rock climber to ever live. The film follows the lead-up to his attempt to free solo El Capitan (the toughest free solo ever attempted). The documentary touches on how Honnold trains and there is outrageously gorgeous footage of climbing, but the more interesting story is about why someone like Alex has the impulse to free solo and how someone who free solos maintains relationships with friends, family, and partners. — A.C. Fowler

98. "Creed" (Director: Ryan Coogler, 2015)

Director Ryan Coogler succeeded in the tall task of striking the right balance of nostalgia — connecting to the earlier Rocky films without drowning us in the past. The final fight scene in "Creed" is so incredibly engulfing with it's frenetic energy and balletic choreography that it makes you want to stand up, clap, and cheer. — A.C. Fowler

97. "Deadpool" (Director: Tim Miller, 2016)

The success of this movie rests on the fact that the film is genuinely funny. In the opening credits, the writers are called "the real heroes here" and that is 100% true — they ended with an hour-and-forty-five minutes of nearly endless verbal and visual quips. The film is a total foul-mouthed pulpy romp and doesn't apologize for it. — A.C. Fowler

You can read our review here. 

96. "Interstellar" (Director: Christopher Nolan, 2014)

The film's greatest triumph is in its themes. How is love quantified? Who's to say what actions are truly selfless? Visually, it's stunning and Matthew McConaughey gives a stirring performance making the film, which is full of scientific jargon and action, yet still deeply emotional.  — A.C. Fowler

You can read our review here.

95. "Take Shelter" (Director: Jeff Nichols, 2011)

"There is a storm coming!" Anyone who has seen "Take Shelter" will forever remember this line, thanks to the perfectly cast lead, Michael Shannon, as the seemingly deranged Curtis who's having visions of the apocalypse. The psychological thriller left you wondering what really happened in the end, but everyone could agree the film was fresh take on the genre and a hit with critics. — Chris Snyder

94. "Guardians of the Galaxy" (Director: James Gunn, 2014)

Who would've known that a sentient tree voiced by Vin Diesel would bring together fans across the world with three little words? Director James Gunn ("Slither") was tasked with adapting one of Marvel's most obscure alien teams, the Guardians of the Galaxy. Not only did he succeed ("GotG" became the third highest-grossing movie of 2014), but Gunn delivered one of Marvel's edgiest films by giving us a group of quirky anti-Avengers to fall in love with along with a killer soundtrack. We are Groot. — Kirsten Acuna

You can read our review here.

93. "Django Unchained" (Director: Quentin Tarantino, 2012)

Quentin Tarantino continued his revisionist history streak with "Django Unchained," in which a freed slave named Django (Jamie Foxx) teams up with a bounty hunter (Christoph Waltz) to rescue Django's wife from the brutal plantation owner Calvin Candie (Leonardo DiCaprio). It's equal parts over-the-top violent, hilarious, and shocking and proved that, 20 years into his career, Tarantino had not lost his edge. — Ian Phillips

92. "Phoenix" (Director: Christian Petzold, 2014)

"Phoenix" tells the story of a woman who returns to her estranged husband after being released from a Nazi concentration camp. Petzold gives a master class in meticulous plotting and faultless pacing.  — Carter Thallon

91. "The Revenant" (Director: Alejandro González Iñárritu, 2016)

Amy Adams and Jake Gyllenhaal display their supreme acting talents in this film, but the movie works because of writer/director Tom Ford's singular vision. He takes the different textures of each period of time and story in which the film takes place, and makes them distinct while seamlessly connecting the tissue of the greater story. "Nocturnal Animals" smartly and oh-so-elegantly explores what it would be like for an author to use his life as fodder for his art. — A.C. Fowler

90. "Booksmart" (Director: Olivia Wilde, 2019)

"Booksmart" carefully and masterfully encapsulates all of the energy of a typical coming of age story, but infuses it with enough newness for it to feel special all on its own. More than any film I've seen in the last several years, "Booksmart" is nonstop laughter, with the two fantastic leads elevating the work of the writers. — A.C. Fowler

89. "Scott Pilgrim vs. the World" (Director: Edgar Wright, 2010)

When Edgar Wright left "Ant-Man," disappointed fans were left without a superhero movie from one of the most original directors alive. However, we still have "Scott Pilgrim vs. the World," based on the graphic novel series by Bryan Lee O'Malley. The movie is funny and inventive, making the audience feel like they're inside a video game and a comic book all at once. Come for Michael Cera's excellent against-type performance and stay for Chris Evans' scene-stealing performance as a skateboarder-turned-action star. — Ian Phillips

88. "John Wick" (Director: Chad Stahelski, 2014)

How did an action movie with a $20 million budget about a hit man avenging a dead puppy become Hollywood's best original movie franchise in ages? It helps that director Chad Stahelski is a former stuntman, and thus delivered some of the best staged action sequences imaginable. And on top of all of that, it revived the career of Keanu Reeves and turned him into arguably a bigger action star than he's ever been. We've already gotten two great sequels expanding this cinematic universe far beyond the hitman hotel. Here's to many more sequels down the road. — Ian Phillips

87. "Gravity" (Director: Alfonso Cuarón, 2013)

In the overcrowded field of space movies, Alfonso Cuarón's "Gravity" manages to separate itself from the pack within its first 13 minutes. That's the length of the opening shot — one single, uninterrupted take, made possible by the masterful cinematography of Cuarón's longtime collaborator Emmanuel Lubezki. His fluid, free-floating camerawork results in perhaps the most successful attempt at reproducing the overwhelming infinity of outer space. Stranded in the midst of all this nothingness, Sandra Bullock's character provides the emotional core of the film, as she grapples with past trauma while confronting the vast expanse of the universe. — Meredith Geaghan-Breiner

You can read our review here.

"Zero Dark Thirty" (Director: Kathryn Bigelow, 2012)

Kathryn Bigelow takes us behind the scenes to explore the decade-long search for Osama bin Laden. The raid on bin Laden's compound at the end of the movie is a powerful piece of filmmaking. — Jason Guerrasio

85. "The Conjuring" (Director: James Wan, 2013)

While many horror movies have sequels — that don't often live up to the first — it's rare that they go on to launch an entire franchise. "The Conjuring," however did just that, with a very creepy film (based on real events) that really gets under your skin, and a number of spin-offs focusing on a terrifying doll named Annabelle and a ghoulish nun. — Chris Snyder

84. "Your Name" (Director: Makoto Shinkai, 2016)

There are many reasons why "Your Name" has become the highest grossing anime in the world. But its most brilliant quality is the story that's difficult to guess as much as it is emotionally resonant. And the beautiful animation work definitely helps. — Nathaniel Lee

83. "What We Do in the Shadows" (Directors: Taika Waititi and Jemaine Clement, 2014)

"What We Do in the Shadows" is a raucous mockumentary that follows a group of vampires through all their ups and downs: sun allergies, navigating New Zealand nightlife, dealing with love lost, having a showdown with werewolves, and of course, as one character gently puts it, "The unfortunate [...] need to drink human blood." Taika Waititi and Jemaine Clement are at the height of their comedic powers, expertly flourishing their storytelling abilities and dry Kiwi wit. — A.C. Fowler

82. "Snowpiercer" (Director: Bong Joon-ho, 2013)

From writer-director Bong Joon-ho, "Snowpiercer" takes place in a dystopian future aboard the eponymous train that travels around the globe with the Earth's last remaining inhabitants, some of whom look for revolution from the class-divided cars. Bong's English-language debut thrills as it's equal parts science-fiction, action, and social commentary. Bong and Kelly Masterson's script engulfs you with every progression through the train cars. It's a ride you have to take. — Meryl Gottlieb

81. "Spring Breakers" (Director: Harmony Korine, 2012)

James Franco gives one of the best performances of the decade as aspiring rap artist/drug dealer, Alien. Harmony Korine gives the audience 90 minutes of unadulterated debauchery and ecstasy as we dive deep into the world of the Spring Break lifestyle. — Carter Thallon

80. "Room" (Director: Lenny Abrahamson, 2015)

"Room" is hard to shake. It's a gut-wrenching story of a woman who was taken captive by a predator and now lives in a cramped, single room with her 5-year-old son who was born in captivity. Director Lenny Abrahamson masterfully knows how to make the tiny setting feel more open and, alternatively, how to close in on the suffocation of the situation. But it's stars Brie Larson and Jacob Tremblay that shine above all else. Their relationship is the reason the film lingers in your mind and soul — and probably never leaves. It's beyond deserving that the role of Ma not only won Larson an Academy Award but also permanently landed her on the A-list. — Meryl Gottlieb

79. "Skyfall" (Director: Sam Mendes, 2012)

From the instantly iconic (and Oscar-winning) theme song by Adele to the breathtaking action sequences shot by cinematographer Roger Deakins to the terrifying villain turn by Javier Bardem, "Skyfall" is an all-time great Bond entry. Like "Casino Royale" before it, it fulfills the promise of Craig's Bond movies by reflecting on 007's fraught place in the modern world. Even if some of Craig's other Bond entries ("Quantum of Solace,""Spectre") were letdowns, we'll always have "Skyfall."— Ian Phillips

78. "Toy Story 3" (Director: Lee Unkrich, 2010)

"Toy Story 3" came out 15 years after the original, when it's time for Andy to go to college. For kids who grew up with "Toy Story" this meant that they were reaching this milestone in life alongside Andy. The themes of change and saying goodbye resonated with viewers in a powerful way. — Clancy Morgan

77 . "The Farewell" (Director: Lulu Wang, 2019)

Writer/director Lulu Wang's touching semi-autobiographical film "The Farewell," follows the story of Chinese-American Billi (Awkwafina) as she travels to China to say goodbye to her grandmother whose terminal cancer diagnosis is being hidden from her. The film's marvelous screenplay about family, cultural differences, and goodbyes, provides the foundation upon which the outstanding cast shines brightly. — Carter Thallon

76. "Train to Busan" (Director: Yeon Sang-ho, 2016)

"Snowpiercer" meets "World War Z" in "Train to Busan." The South Korean film follows a father and daughter on a harrowing train journey during a fast-moving zombie outbreak. With much of the action taking place on a train, you'll be on the edge of your seat, especially during the climactic and emotional final act. By the film's end, you'll be a big fan of Ma Dong-Seok who will appear in Marvel's "The Eternals."— Kirsten Acuna

75. "Coco" (Director: Lee Unkrich and Adrian Molina, 2017)

At this stage in human history, we ought to know that animated films can reach the same emotional heights as any other work of art, but for some reason it is sometimes still shocking to me that something created primarily for the entertainment of children can reduce this grown man to a blubbering fool. The way in which Disney/Pixar represents Mexican culture, the creative artistry they bring to Dia De Los Muertos, and the genuine emotion elicited by "Coco's" beautiful story is nothing short of astounding. — A.C. Fowler

74. "Sing Street" (Director: John Carney, 2016)

"Sing Street" is a film that reached out its hand, plowed into my chest, grabbed my heart, and squeezed it. My every emotion was wholly at the mercy of the movie. The songs, in the context of the visuals and this story, can absolutely wreck you, if you let them. — A.C. Fowler

73. "Avengers: Endgame" (Directors: Anthony Russo and Joe Russo, 2019)

Marvel Studios is very aware that they're in the business of delighting fans, and boy, do they do this more than ever in "Avengers: Endgame." For those who grew up reading comic books and/or grew up with this cinematic universe, seeing these films unfold and get better through the years holds a special meaning. It may seem like an over the top reaction, but I think "Endgame" has the power to access a feeling within us that we so rarely experience and is therefore so hard to explain. To accurately describe how grandiose this film is is impossible. The most that I can say is that it awakens something inside for those of us tied to the series, something that speaks to the longing of our hearts to be part of something truly magnificent, to fight for life against death, to have a purpose. And if that doesn't get you excited about the power of filmmaking, nothing will. — A.C. Fowler

You can read our review here.

72. "The Babadook"  (Director: Jennifer Kent, 2014)

An already-strained relationship between a mother and her son worsens when their household becomes possessed by a monster from a bedtime story. Essie Davis is perfect as Amelia, a troubled widow struggling with depression. Full of jump scares, dread and freudian dysfunction, "The Babadook" resonated with the fears of parents around the world and put Australian director Jennifer Kent on the map. — Ju Shardlow

71. "Selma" (Director: Ava DuVernay, 2014)

"Selma" is a story so wonderfully suited for film, and what better hands could it have been placed in than Ava DuVernay's. Carmen Ejogo plays King's wife conveying an evident strength that is patiently held beneath the surface and David Oyelowo shows us another side of King by embodying the human with all his flaws and uncertainty. Selma is a deeply moving and richly emotional film experience. — A.C. Fowler

70. "Amour" (Director: Michael Haneke, 2012)

The premise of "Amour" is simple: an octogenarian couple Georges (Jean-Louis Trintignant) and Anne Laurent (career-best Emmanuelle Riva) live out the final months of their relationship. But Michael Haneke's 2-hour-7-minute film unfurls a dark, morally complex story about the ending of life. Similar to its title, "love" is tragic, brutal and necessary. — Ju Shardlow

69. "Shoplifters" (Director: Hirokazu Koreeda, 2018)

As writer, director, and editor, Hirokau Koreeda aims to redefine the meaning of family in his film "Shoplifters." After a multigenerational motley crew living in a run down shack meant for one adds one more to their ranks, a little girl from an abusive home, everyone has to adjust. The film asks its characters (and the audience) questions about love, morality, stealing, and the meaning of family. — A.C. Fowler

68. "Sorry to Bother You" (Director: Boots Riley, 2018)

Rapper-activist Boots Riley made his directing debut with the absurdist satire "Sorry to Bother You," set in a heightened-reality version of Oakland, California. Lakeith Stanfield stars as Cassius, a broke telemarketer navigating corporate America in all of its wild contradictions. What starts off as a dark comedy takes a sharp turn into sci-fi and body horror, in a bold and ultimately gratifying indictment of late-stage capitalism. — Meredith Geaghan-Breiner

67. "Logan" (Director: James Mangold, 2017)

"Logan" gave us what we had been craving for years — Wolverine going to town on some bad guys in an R-rated film. But beyond the violence is something emotional that elevates and gives this film its true power. In the past films featuring Hugh Jackman's Wolverine, we get a general sense, an allusion to this character's pain, but in "Logan" we experience it far more viscerally. The potency of his aching body and heart fills the theater. Logan's devastating brokenness is what makes the two relationships at the core of the film so moving. It's really quite an achievement that an action film at its core can be about the necessity of family, particularly for those who are different.  — A.C. Fowler

You can read our review here.

66. "Spotlight" (Director: Tom McCarthy, 2015)

"Spotlight," which tells the story of the Boston Globe reporting that exposed a longtime cover-up of sexual abuse by local Catholic priests, is the kind of movie that gives us faith in justice and the importance of speaking truth to power. — Jethro Nededog

65. "The Favourite" (Director: Yorgos Lanthimos, 2018)

"The Favourite" takes a society governed by a long list of social rules and exposes the seedy, secret things beneath the surface. Both Lady Sarah (Rachel Weisz) and Abigail (Emma Stone) also see their world for what it is and use that knowledge to their advantage, all while Queen Anne (Olivia Colman) suffers as the powerful pawn stuck between two brilliant manipulators. And as funny as "The Favourite" is, there's an aching sadness that comes through in Colman's performance that helps ground the film in something deeper. — A.C. Fowler

64. "A Quiet Place" (Director: John Krasinski, 2018)

The strength of "A Quiet Place" is its simplicity. Director/actor Jon Krasinski certainly has us on edge of our seats the entire time, but where the film succeeds most is allowing us to experience, quite viscerally, just how much these parents love their children. It's thrilling, haunting, and beautiful. — A.C. Fowler

63. "Bridesmaids" (Director: Paul Feig, 2011)

Director Paul Feig is at his comedic best in "Bridesmaids," in which a maid of honor and a bridesmaid attempt to upstage one another to prove who is better friends with the bride-to-be. The script, by Kristin Wiig and Annie Mumolo, captures the complexities of female relationships and the challenges of balancing friendships old and new. It is complemented by a brilliant cast, including Wiig, Maya Rudolph, and Melissa McCarthy. — Ashley Rodriquez

62. "Prisoners" (Director: Denis Villeneuve, 2013)

Jake Gyllenhaal, Hugh Jackman, and a stellar ensemble cast all deliver standout performances in this movie following a detective and father trying to get to the bottom of two young girls' disappearances. "Prisoners" is a tightly wound story and a masterclass in tension, building up to one of the most stunning and horrific endings we've ever seen in a thriller movie.  — Kim Renfro

61. "The Great Beauty" (Director: Paolo Sorrentino, 2013)

Journalist Jep Gambardella has long-indulged in glitzy parties and empty relationships. But his patience with frivolity wears thin on the eve of his 65th birthday. Any viewer who has already fallen in love with Rome will fall again, as Gambardella ambles through its magnificent, ageless streets in search of meaning. A surreal, whirling romp, "La Grande Bellezza" is perhaps director Paolo Sorrentino's greatest work. — Ju Shardlow

60. "A Separation" (Director: Asghar Farhadi, 2011)

"A Separation"— about a couple who splits up because they're torn over seeking a better socio-economic life for their child and a parent with Alzheimer disease, as well as a bunch of other stuff — is simply the best movie I've ever seen about how life just f---ing sucks sometimes. I think we can all relate.  — Jacob Shamsian

59. "Star Wars: The Last Jedi" (Director: Rian Johnson, 2017)

Although not a perfect film, Johnson took the necessary steps in his narrative and direction to help the franchise evolve — no longer is this new iteration just a cheery homage to the original three films. The moments and sequences where Johnson and team cranked into high gear were nothing short of astounding. — A.C. Fowler

You can read our review here.

58. "First Man" (Director: Damien Chazelle, 2018)

"First Man" explores the thrilling adventure of going to the moon through the lens of the reticent Neil Armstrong. While Ryan Gosling and Claire Foy deliver knockout performances, Justin Hurwitz's score might be the real star of the film. — Carter Thallon

57. "If Beale Street Could Talk" (Director: Barry Jenkins, 2018)

There's probably no one who could translate the poetic nature of Baldwin's novel — about a young black couple so miraculously in love only to be separated by a sheet of glass because of the racism that has terrorized the United States since before it was established — better than writer/director Barry Jenkins. His style feels transcendent, infused with notes of jazz that define the version of the New York City through which the characters walk. It's as if Jenkins and Baldwin, despite the separation of time and death, are walking in tandem steps telling one story. — A.C. Fowler

56. "The Big Short" (Director: Adam McKay, 2015)

"The Big Short" literally explains to the audience how the 2008 financial crisis developed and looks at several of the financial experts who predicted that it was coming. Cutaways featuring celebrities explaining financial concepts is just one of several tactics that director Adam McKay uses to make this film punchy and entrancing. — Carter Thallon

55. "Tangerine" (Director: Sean Baker, 2015)

"Tangerine" follows a trans sex worker over the course of a day as she tries to find her boyfriend and his mistress. Come for the performances by Kitana Kiki Rodriguez and Mya Taylor, but stay for Sean Baker's editing and direction. — Carter Thallon

54. "Minding the Gap" (Director: Bing Liu, 2018)

"Minding the Gap" is a singular documentary that doesn't feel like it's trying to say any one thing. There's no thesis statement. You don't learn a very valuable lesson 10 minutes from the end. It challenges you to form your own interpretation of what you're watching, and ends up lingering in your thoughts as a result.  — Tony Manfred

53. "Upstream Color" (Director: Shane Carruth, 2014)

Writer-director Shane Carruth and Amy Seimetz give amazing performances as two wounded souls who find one another. But this is far from a traditional love story, as Carruth delves into ideas about immortality and the purpose of life that will make you think about the movie long after you've watched it.  — Jason Guerrasio

52. "Short Term 12" (Director: Destin Daniel Cretton, 2013)

There have been movies similar to "Short Term 12," but none quite like it. In a sea of color-by-number dramas, it stands out as one of the most magical and empathetic films of the decade that still genuinely moves you. — Nathaniel Lee

51. "Carol" (Director: Tod Haynes, 2015)

Rooney Mara and Cate Blanchette lead this bittersweet drama that explores the overwhelming emotions of falling in love and what it means to be known against the societal consequences of queer relationships in the 1950s. This film was shot on Super 16 film to give it a dreamy, soft quality and is a triumph for career collaborators director Tod Haynes and producer Christine Vachon. — Ally Giannini

50. "A Star Is Born" (Director: Bradley Cooper, 2018)

"A Star Is Born" is full of rousing musical performances and a whirlwind romance we can all believe in. In his directorial debut, Bradley Cooper proves that he has a very clear vision and the ability to execute it (along with being the immensely talented actor we already knew about). Then there's Lady Gaga who shows us that she too can do it all — revealing something about Ally with every note she sings. — A.C. Fowler

49. "The Shape of Water" (Director: Guillermo del Toro, 2017)

The story — a woman falling in love with a fish-man — is both weird and wonderful and the whole film is coated in a Del Toro-esque blackness, with ocean-like greens and blues. The visuals give this paradoxical film a sense of cohesion, but the togetherness of the film goes far beyond the colors and light. It's because this bold premise is masterfully merged with this style of filmmaking.  — A.C. Fowler

48. "Burning" (Director: Lee Chang-dong, 2018)

It's been a great decade for Korean cinema but "Burning" is definitely one of the standouts. "Burning" is a compelling look at social class and masculinity that reads like a mystery but looks like visual poetry. — Nathaniel Lee

47. "Brooklyn" (Director: John Crowley, 2015)

"Brooklyn" tells the story of Eilis (Saoirse Ronan), a homesick Irish girl who sailed to the United States and falls in love with an Italian plumber. Director John Crowley masterfully conveys the visceral love that is laid out in Nick Hornby's screenplay. — A.C. Fowler

46. "Gone Girl" (Director: David Fincher, 2014)

This film urges the audience to try and solve the mystery of Amy's (Rosamund Pike) disappearance as David Fincher raises the drama through his expert directing. Then your blood begins to boil and you feel the tension of the film in your whole body. There are moments when it's nearly impossible to restrict audible gasps. — A.C. Fowler

45. "12 Years a Slave" (Director: Steve McQueen, 2013)

"12 Years a Slave" is a masterclass in filmmaking. The direction, pacing, sound design, and cinematography convey the emotion of the story in a way that few films can. The iconic low angle shot of Solomon staring gives so much without saying a single word. — Clancy Morgan

44. "Once Upon a Time...in Hollywood" (Director: Quentin Tarantino, 2019)

In "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood," Tarantino spends the majority of his time getting us to care about the characters in a deeper way. This approach feels different from most of his other films (with the exception of "Jackie Brown") and seems to be a much more personal film. That being said, the film still contains all of our Tarantino favorites — sharp dialogue, pulp, situational comedy, long scenes, and those slow-burning character revelations.  — A.C. Fowler

43. "Inside Out" (Directors: Pete Docter and Ronnie del Carmen, 2015)

Disney and Pixar's animated feature is a brilliant personification of core emotions Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear and Disgust. The Academy Award, BAFTA, and Golden Globe-winning film follows protagonist Riley as she adjusts to her family's move from Minnesota to San Francisco. Its lessons about the importance of feeling and emotional health are poignant for viewers of all ages. — Ally Giannini

42. "Before Midnight" (Director: Richard Linklater, 2013)

Richard Linklater created his third romantic masterpiece with "Before Midnight," following up on the two previous entries in the series, "Before Sunrise" and "Before Sunset," starring Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy. By filming and setting each entry nine years apart, Linklater deepened his characters in a way that digital graphics and regular editing could not. He shows how the passage of time complicates relationships, but also allows them to deepen and grow. With "Before Midnight," we see the soil-firmed roots and blossoming flowers of it all. — Jacob Shamsian

41. "The Handmaiden" (Director: Park Chan-wook, 2016)

Set in Japanese-occupied Korea in the 1930s, Park Chan-wook's "The Handmaiden" chronicles an elaborate plot between a swindler and a pickpocket to seduce and con a Japanese woman of her inheritance from under the nose of her authoritarian uncle. The film's twisting plot, elaborate characters (in multiple senses of the word), and masterful directing results in one of the best love triangle/heist/dramas ever made. — Carter Thallon

40. "Good Time" (Directors: Benny Safdie and Josh Safdie, 2017)

"Good Time" is the decade's best 'one crazy night' movie, the decade's best New York movie, and the decade's best movie in which Robert Pattinson acts like he was shot out of a cannon at a thousand miles an hour. — Tony Manfred

39. "Birdman" (Director: Alejandro Gonzàlez Iñárritu, 2015)

Alejandro Gonzàlez Iñárritu creates a fluid concept of reality in the way that the camera floats in and out of scenes in "Birdman." Relevance compounded with ego is dangerous and Iñárritu has us waiting anxiously to see what lays at the end. — A.C. Fowler

38. "O.J.: Made in America" (Director: Ezra Edelman, 2016)

"O.J.: Made in America" deftly follows the rise and fall of O.J. Simpson while also delving into the bubbling, decades-long issues between African-Americans and the Los Angeles Police Department, which flared during Simpson's murder case. — Jethro Nededog

37. "Blade Runner 2049" (Director: Denis Villeneuve, 2017)

November 2019 is the year the original "Blade Runner" takes place, which was celebrated across the internet by fans this month. Hopefully in 30 years, people will be celebrating "Blade Runner 2049" in a similar fashion. Director Denis Villeneuve delivers a sci-fi masterpiece that improves upon its predecessor, and wrestles with just what it means to be human in thought-provoking ways. — Travis Clark

36. "Moonrise Kingdom" (Director: Wes Anderson, 2012)

Director Wes Anderson captures the innocence and beauty of young adulthood in "Moonrise Kingdom," about two preteen lovers who run away from their idyllic New England homes to be together. The film's charming script — written by Anderson and Roman Coppola — elegant score, and colorful, 1960s-inspired aesthetic are accented by the whimsical performances of its ensemble cast, led by Bruce Willis and Edward Norton, whose characters form a search party for the missing children. — Ashley Rodriguez

#35. "The Wolf of Wall Street" (Director: Martin Scorsese, 2014)

Martin Scorsese's endlessly rewatchable epic of excess invites the audience to observe and even enjoy the bacchanal of bad behavior the movie simultaneously celebrates and vilifies. Eventually, the hubris of Leonardo DiCaprio's financial huckster Jordan Belfort catches up to him, his life is ruined, and the audience feels the guilt that accompanies the hangover as though we were also part of the party. — Graham Flanagan

34. "Black Panther" (Director: Ryan Coogler, 2018)

"Black Panther" is a film worth praising for its celebration of black people and strong black women, all the while also being a fantastic movie. "Black Panther," despite holding on to the Marvel formula in some way, manages to be the freshest film the Disney/Marvel machine has churned out. It's a smart, sleek superhero story that's grounded in traditions and folklore that feel centuries old. Director Ryan Coogler and his team managed to build a world on par with the greatest science fiction and fantasy series. It's this level of complexity that we should expect if we want to begin demanding more of popcorn entertainment. — A.C. Fowler

33. "The Act of Killing" (Director: Joshua Oppenheimer, 2012)

This gripping documentary tracks down former Indonesian death squad leaders and has them reenact their mass-killings. The result is one of the most incredible pieces of non-fiction you will ever see. — Jason Guerrasio

32. "La La Land" (Director: Damien Chazelle, 2016)

"La La Land" is a film divided. It's partly a sobering look at a romantic relationship, grounded in real emotions and hardship. It's partly a dreamlike and colorful musical — a true musical where characters sing for no apparent reason. Beyond an examination of love and love lost, it's a joyride of emotion brought to you by writer/director Damien Chazelle, an artist with a clear vision for the story he's created. — A.C. Fowler

31. "Phantom Thread" (Director: Paul Thomas Anderson, 2018)

"Phantom Thread" has everything you'd expect from a work of cinematic art: great characters, excellent performances, gorgeous cinematography, a perfectly matched score, and a genius director (Paul Thomas Anderson) at the helm. But what really makes this film incredible is the story. About halfway through, "Phantom Thread" takes a turn from a decadent story about troubled love toward something a bit weirder. It's an unexpected pivot, but that's why it's so perfect. "Phantom Thread" is about people who seem incapable of loving, and just to what extremes they're willing to go to experience it, even if that means love as we know it becomes unrecognizable in their context. — A.C. Fowler

You can read our review here.

30. "Arrival" (Director: Denis Villeneuve, 2016)

When mysterious spaceships arrive in 12 locations around the world, linguist Louise Banks (Amy Adams) heads the investigation for the United States as she and her team attempt to find a way to communicate with the extraterrestrials. From the opening moments, "Arrival" challenges the mind to a race to put all the pieces together. Director Denis Villeneuve sets the pace perfectly, mirroring the anxiety the characters must feel. It all amounts to an exceptionally smart sci-fi movie as well as a beautiful experience that is utterly exhilarating. — A.C. Fowler

You can read our review here.

29. "Hereditary" (Director: Ari Aster, 2018)

In "Hereditary," there's a sense of terror that's beyond traditional horror thrills and scares. Throughout this film, we feel the growth of something dark and terrible approaching, and when we finally find out what it is, it has the ability to leave us with jaws agape. Writer/director Ari Aster has made something sordidly devastating, and Toni Collette leads the way in convincing us in the moment that this something is real. — A.C. Fowler

28. "Parasite" (Director: Bong Joon-ho, 2019)

"Parasite" follows the poor Kim family living in a rundown basement flat doing whatever menial work they can get to survive. Not only is it a comparison of two families from distinct worlds, but about how each of them survives in the world they have to inhabit together. It's a story about society, survival, and symbiosis. — A.C. Fowler

27. "Whiplash" (Director: Damien Chazelle, 2014)

Whiplash" tells the story of a determined young drummer (Miles Teller) and his ruthless teacher (J.K. Simmons). Damien Chazelle's deft direction and J.K. Simmons' explosive performance makes for a thrilling ride you can't take your eyes away from (even though the film dares you to do so). — Carter Thallon

26. "Paddington 2" (Director: Paul King, 2017)

While the first "Paddington" movie (the story of an orphaned bear trying to find a home) was lovely, its sequel transcended the family-friendly genre. The film is often visually compared to Wes Anderson's whimsical, pastel-laden style, and it's the cinematic equivalent of sinking onto a comfortable couch after a stressful day. "Paddington 2" was the start of a movement in both film and TV towards more wholesome, soothing narratives, and we couldn't be more grateful for this kind bear and his story. — Kim Renfro

25. "Ex Machina" (Alex Garland, 2014)

Writer/director Alex Garland's "Ex Machina" is an artificial intelligence/philosophy 101 lecture presented as a gripping sci-fi thriller (and I mean that in the best way possible). The script expertly reveals just the right amount of new information to constantly make the audience second guess everything they know about the characters, all the while exploring the question of what it means to be human. — Carter Thallon

24. "Inception" (Director: Christopher Nolan, 2010)

After delivering two "Batman" films that crushed at the box office, Christoper Nolan convinced Warner Brothers to back his big-budget original idea that likely had executives scratching their heads in the pitch phase. The gamble paid off, resulting in a mind-bending action-epic that lured viewers back for repeated viewings in the hopes they would crack the movie's complex code of dreams.  — Graham Flanagan

23. "Drive" (Director: Nicolas Winding Refn, 2011)

"Drive" isn't just one of the best movies of the decade, but it features one of the best opening scenes of the decade, a quiet but tense getaway sequence that perfectly sets the tone for the rest of the film. Ryan Gosling's anonymous Driver lays out the rules: his client has a five-minute window to get in and get out ... anything outside of that, they're on their own. Nicolas Winding Refn's "Drive" is, for long stretches, a meditative movie unconcerned with bombastic action sequences. But it will suddenly blindside the viewer with bursts of violence that ensure we are never perfectly comfortable with what we're seeing on screen. — Travis Clark

22. "Roma" (Director: Alfonso Cuarón, 2018)

Master filmmaker, Alfonso Cuarón, crafts a beautiful portrait of someone who goes unseen. Cleo (Yalitza Aparicio Martínez), the domestic worker for a well-to-do family in Mexico, lives life bearing the burden of so many. She does this with grace and strength, all but knowing she'll never be recognized for what she's able to accomplish. Adding to her pain, she's often mistreated by the family she works for and by people in her personal life. — A.C. Fowler

21. "Mother!" (Director: Darren Aronofsky, 2017)

The polarized reactions to "Mother!" didn't come as much of a surprise to its director, the often divisive Darren Aronofsky. After all, he described writing the script in the throes of a disturbing fever dream. Onscreen that experience translates into a two-hour assault on the senses, capturing the destructive effects of an artist's vanity and the psychological horror of violated boundaries. The dizzying spectacle is grounded in a showcase performance from Jennifer Lawrence, who plays the devoted homemaker trapped in Aronofsky's nightmare. — Meredith Geaghan-Breiner

20. "The Grand Budapest Hotel" (Director: Wes Anderson, 2016)

When you combine an excellent ensemble cast, a central European dreamscape, and Wes Anderson, you get the genre defying Grand Budapest Hotel. The film features a masterful use of story framing as reflected by the use of three different aspect ratios. We follow the hilarious and heartfelt adventures of Zero (Tony Revolori/ F.Murray Abraham) and M. Gustave (Ralph Fiennes) as they run for their lives and solve a murder. — Ally Giannini

19. "First Reformed" (Director: Paul Schrader, 2018)

The film's conversations about depression and the irreversible effects of climate change brings on a deep sadness that's uncomfortable to sit with. Ethan Hawke, as a lonely, dying pastor, crafts a quiet and powerfully engaging character. We see how one person's despair is transferred like a debt to another, and how despair leads to something more extreme. — A.C. Fowler

18. "Nightcrawler" (Director: Dan Gilroy, 2014)

Read into "Nightcrawler's" deeper themes however you want. At its face value, it's a thrilling ride with Jake Gyllenhaal who plays Louis Bloom, a petty criminal at first, only to become what can only be described as pure evil. Bloom films car crashes and crime scenes and sells the tapes to a local news station, and as time goes on, his appetite for gruesome footage becomes more powerful than anything he can control. The film is both sleek and gritty – it's hard to take your eyes off the screen, both because it's absolutely gorgeous and because you're afraid you're going to miss something that only Bloom can see. — Sydney Kramer

17. "Dunkirk" (Director: Christopher Nolan, 2017)

The first thing that arrests the audience is just how visually and audibly astounding "Dunkirk" is. Nolan captures such moving and intense images that give us a window into the Second World War, with remarkable beauty. What makes "Dunkirk" work, though, is that Nolan has written a film that captures not just the horrors of war, but the range of emotions that come between the moments of wartime conflict.  — A.C. Fowler

16. "Black Swan" (Director: Darren Aronofsky, 2010)

In "Black Swan," Darren Aronofsky created one of the best psychological horror movies in recent memory against one of the most unimaginable backdrops: ballet. Natalie Portman deservedly won her first Oscar as a dancer driven mad by ambition, obsession, and jealousy. Aronofsky proved himself a master of the genre by creating a work that made you see the world a little differently when you left the theater. — Graham Flanagan

15. "The Tree of Life" (Director: Terrence Malick, 2011)

It's not easy to make a movie that has both the scale of a single human lifetime and of the age of the universe. But Terrence Malick has shown us how they can be the same thing. "The Tree of Life" is a roving, gorgeous look at how people grapple with infinity without falling into the traps of narcissism. — Jacob Shamsian

14. "Her" (Director: Spike Jonze, 2013)

"Her," a movie about the love affair between a man and an AI, does an amazing job of capturing humanity's growing dependence on tech, and the deep distance it has created between people. And because of that, we the viewers could understand how this unnatural love could occur. — Jethro Nededog

13. "Inside Llewyn Davis" (Directors: Joel Cohen and Ethan Cohen, 2013)

The Coen Brothers constantly vacillate between the silly ("Burn After Reading") and the serious ("No Country for Old Men"), but what they always seem to have in common is never letting their characters get away safe. That is also the case for the melancholy "Inside Llewyn Davis," the story of the rise and fall of a folk musician in 1960s New York, that's all the fall and none of the rise. It's an authentic look at artistry with Oscar Isaac giving one of the great performances of the decade. And as a bonus, it has a soundtrack you'll want to listen to on loop.  — Ian Phillips

12. "The Master" (Director: Paul Thomas Anderson, 2012)

"The Master" is both loud and quiet, beautiful and terrifying. It follows Freddie Quell (Joaquin Phoenix) as he attempts to acclimate to life after World War II and finds cult leader Lancaster Dodd (Phillip Seymour Hoffman). The pair's strange relationship is tumultuous, to say the least, and the audience is taken on a journey that some interpret as being an account of the beginnings of Scientology. Whatever its true meaning, all three lead actors (Phoenix, Hoffman, and Amy Adams) received Academy Award nominations for their performances and it's no doubt one of the decade's most interesting screenplays about trying to find yourself in the world. — Sydney Kramer

11. "Frances Ha" (Director: Noah Baumbach, 2012)

Written by Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach, Frances Ha is half "Catcher in the Rye," half "Broad City." Gerwig plays Frances Halladay, a 20-something struggling to make ends meet in New York, on top of managing the kinds of strained relationships that come with not quite feeling like an adult, but instead, feeling like an old teenager. As you age, you have to come to terms with reality and "Frances Ha" does a great job of exploring this with dark humor that only makes you feel a little depressed, but in a good way. — Sydney Kramer

10. "Call Me by Your Name" (Director: Luca Guadagnino, 2017)

The mood of "Call Me by Your Name" mirrors the hot and relaxing Italian summer days that are depicted in the film. Set in 1983, "Call Me by Your Name" tells the story of the slow-burn romance between two young lovers, Elio and Oliver. Luca Guadagnino's stylized direction is entrancing, as are the performances by Armie Hammer and Timothée Chalamet. "Call Me by Your Name" is a realistic depiction of young love that is amplified by a divine score from Sufjan Stevens. All in all, any movie that can forever change the way that society looks at peaches is a film worth celebrating.  — Carter Thallon

9. "Eighth Grade" (Director: Bo Burnham, 2018)

Seeing life itself play out with such specific detail can be scary. And that's what we get with "Eighth Grade." In his script, writer/director Bo Burnham has somehow captured something both individual and universal. The film is of its time — Kayla (Elsie Fisher) deals with social media, technology, and changing social attitudes. Burnham smartly makes the story one that is distinctly Kayla's by not only tying it to her generation, her culture, and her gender, but also her individual personality. Even without living your own middle school life in the time of YouTube videos or the pervasive use of the internet; without experiencing the joys and pains of American girlhood firsthand; without having a similar sort of loosey-goosey relationship with one's parents, at the heart of the film is an experience that we all can relate to. — A.C. Fowler

8. "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse" (Directors: Peter Ramsey, Bob Persichetti, and Rodney Rothman 2018)

"Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse" fully delivers on story, which is a tough challenge for any film, but especially a film released in this context — we've seen far too many iterations of Spider-Man in less than two decades and frankly the zeitgeist is a bit fatigued by the constant reboots. Additionally, the animation is the wild combination of the uber-saturated 2D comic-book look, with it's grid-like color cells, and computer generated animation that, quite simply, is like nothing we've ever seen before. — A.C. Fowler

You can read our review here.

7. "The Florida Project" (Director: Sean Baker, 2017)

"The Florida Project's" brightly colored cinematography contrasts with the heavy nature of the film's subject matter to create a darkly beautiful film about childhood. The film is about Moonee (Brooklyn Prince), a 6 year old girl living with her struggling mother in one of the motels surrounding Disney World.  The fully realized characters are the heart of this film and are elevated by the amazing performances by Willem Dafoe and the rest of the cast (which is especially impressive considering that no one in the film besides Dafoe had ever acted before in a film). Like in his previous film "Tangerine," Sean Baker acts as writer, director, and editor, proving that he is a master of his craft. — Carter Thallon

6. "The Social Network" (Director: David Fincher, 2010)

On a surface level, "The Social Network" is about the rise of Mark Zuckerberg and Facebook, but the film is much more interested in the human aspect of the story. David Fincher brings Aaron Sorkin's neo-Shakespearean screenplay to life — perfectly balancing a dozen characters, time-skips, and intertwining narrative arcs. And Jesse Eisenberg delivers his best performance ever. When you put all of that together, you get an outstanding film that hopefully will outlive Facebook itself. — Carter Thallon

5. "Lady Bird" (Director: Greta Gerwig, 2017)

Greta Gerwig and Saoirse Ronan are a match made in indie Hollywood heaven. "Lady Bird" carries the same wit and tone we've seen in films Gerwig has starred in, but with her at the reigns, we get a window into her soul as she shows us the painful and endlessly funny roller coaster that is the life of a teenage Catholic school rebel. — A.C. Fowler

4. "Mad Max: Fury Road" (Director: George Miller, 2015)

Set in the not-so distant dystopian future, "Mad Max: Fury Road" has a fairly straightforward plot — Max and Imperator Furiosa attempt to outrun and escape the warlord Immortan Joe and his caravan of deadly vehicles. Technically, the film is flawless — its acting, directing, stunts, editing, and choreography are all top notch. Additionally, the film's stripped-down plot allows room for the action to really shine. "Mad Max" has more memorable moments in one five-minute action sequence than other action movies have in their entire runtime. The film is wild, immersive, and hardly ever slows from its full-throttle action insanity.  — Carter Thallon

You can read our review here.

3. "Boyhood" (Director: Richard Linklater, 2014)

The plot of "Boyhood'" is simple, it's about the day to day life of a boy, Mason (played by Ellar Coltrane), from age 6 until 18. One of the many things that makes "Boyhood" exceptional is that it was filmed over an 11 year period — a herculean filmmaking achievement. Linklater created a fulfilling narrative, slowly piecing it together as they filmed every summer from 2002 to 2013. A totally unique approach to creating a film, combined with Patricia Arquette, Ethan Hawke, and Linklater at the height of their powers created this stellar one-of-a-kind film.  — Carter Thallon

2. "Moonlight" (Director: Barry Jenkins, 2016)

From director Barry Jenkins, "Moonlight" follows Chiron, a boy living in the projects of Miami, as he grapples with his harsh home life and his sexuality. The film's earnest script is complimented by a dreamy pastel color palette, an aching score from Nicholas Britell, and an outstanding cast from top to bottom (including an Academy Award-winning performance from Mahershala Ali). — Carter Thallon

1. "Get Out" (Director: Jordan Peele, 2017)

Writer/director Jordan Peele announced himself as an auteur with "Get Out," which is a mystery/thriller and a spot-on commentary about race in America. The movie is both intense and funny, but more than anything it's an incredibly sharp critique of white liberalism and the lie of a post-racial America. — A.C. Fowler

• The longest train route in North America takes travelers between Toronto and Vancouver over the course of four days.
• The Canadian winds its way across the provinces of Canada, which each have their own landscapes filled with different mind-blowing sights.
• From abandoned farms to glacial lakes, there is so much to see along the way.
• Here are the most mesmerizing sights I experienced on my trip across Canada by train. 
• Visit Insider's homepage for more stories.

The Canadian takes travelers through Canada's southern countryside between Toronto and Vancouver over the course of four days.

From lakeside vistas just outside of Toronto ...

... to the snowcapped Rocky Mountains in Alberta, there are so many stunning views to enjoy along the way.

Traveling across the country, we were able to see how Canada's landscape changes from province to province.

The first day of our journey took us from Toronto through Sudbury Junction, both cities in Ontario.

We first rode through the landscape just outside of Toronto, which proved to be filled with vast green lawns and rural homes.

Orchards and vineyards were visible from the train's windows in Ontario ...

... as were both abandoned-looking and working barns.

The landscape started to change as we continued on that first day. The views of homes and rural life were taken over by views of color-filled trees.

The trees throughout the province of Ontario boasted luscious, fall colors.

One VIA Rail employee told passengers that day one through Ontario was the only time we'd get to see red trees on this trip. So everyone went snap-happy with their cameras.

The trees weren't the only interesting things to look at in Ontario, though. There were train-watchers scattered all along the route who waved at us as we chugged by.

The different bridges we saw along the way were also beautiful. This was the first bridge sighting of the trip in Ontario between Toronto and Sudbury Junction.

Bridges and the top of the train could only be seen from the glass dome of the Skyline car — a train car with a lounge and an elevated observation seating area. There were four of these on the train I was on.

From the elevated, front-facing windows, we were able to see what was coming ahead. In this case on the first day, we saw what looked like a fire coming up on the left.

There was something cinematic about watching real-life happen outside this glass bubble we were sitting in.

The only downside to the elevated seating was that when it rained — which was quite often on my trip — the windows were covered in raindrops making it difficult to see the scenery.

The next day we were still moving through Ontario, but now we had passed our first station checkpoint of Sudbury Junction and were on course to arrive in Winnipeg, a city in Manitoba, that night.

As we moved across southern Ontario, we passed through communities known for fishing. Docks had small motorboats that were waiting to be taken out on the water.

Source: VIA Rail

Farther from the water, there were plenty of abandoned buildings, too. The towns we moved through were mostly built to service the railway and facilitate fur trade.

Source: VIA Rail

We stopped mid-day at the Sioux Lookout station in northwestern Ontario, which looked like a station from mid-2000s romance movies I've seen.

It's a short ride from there to the Ontario-Manitoba border. Once we crossed into the next province, we saw lakeside homes and communities like this one.

Source: VIA Rail

This area of Manitoba is made up of undeveloped forests and lakes in the Whiteshell Provincial Park and is known for canoeing and fishing.

Source: VIA Rail

Continuing through the forest, were able to see out above the tops of rock walls that lined the tracks by sitting in the Skyline car.

In this same area, there were beautiful, bright leaves growing on the sides of dark tunnels we passed through.

From the Skyline observation deck, we were able to get a full view of the train as it snaked around curves on the edge of the forest and the cusp of a lake.

But different parts of the train offered different views. From the Park car — exclusive to first-class travelers for most of the day — these windows looked like picture frames.

Even as the landscape changed, it looked as though someone was just changing a green screen outside the glass.

I preferred watching the locomotive wind around rocks in Manitoba from my business-class Skyline seat, though.

As we got closer to Winnipeg, we passed more farms. We started to see herds of cattle ...

... and even horses grazing on the snow-soaked ground.

Because of its location, Winnipeg was once the center of the Canadian fur trade. Today, it's a fully developed city — we pulled in and saw the lights illuminate the sky.

We ended day two of this journey in Winnipeg and began day three en route to the Saskatchewan border while crossing the prairie region, which stretches from Manitoba to Alberta.

Just outside of Winnipeg, before we reached the border, we passed through "some of the richest farmland in Manitoba," according to VIA Rail.

Source: VIA Rail

Most of the land was vast and empty. But as we passed into the Saskatchewan province, there were areas scattered with farming equipment and smokestacks ...

... and there was even a junkyard littered with car parts as if out of a movie.

Passing through our Saskatoon stop and continuing along the Saskatchewan prairies, we saw endless golden fields.

Some portions were dotted with abandoned-looking buildings and seemingly rotting wood.

There were track maintenance employees working all along the route, even in the rain.

The fields were intermittently interrupted by small pools of water like this one.

As we got closer to Alberta, passengers were getting restless for some moose sightings. But this prank was as close as we got to seeing a moose out the window.

Instead, we were greeted by more cattle, and burned out barns were a common sight.

The flat land started to bubble into rolling hills, which had crevices that were sprouting birch trees.

We crossed into Alberta and started to see tall, skinny birch trees all along the route. The white and brown patterns on the bark were gorgeous.

We also saw so many flocks of birds flying in formation.

The rolling hills got even more interesting with splashes of greenery shaking up the color scheme.

We also started to see some breathtaking homes scattered across the horizon.

Just inside of the Alberta border, we passed through "oil country." Here we saw some oil silos in the distance as we waited for this freight train to pass by.

The next day took us from Edmonton, Alberta, through Jasper and all the way to Kamloops in British Columbia. We were headed through the Rockies!

Most mornings were laden with cloudy skies, but we did get to witness one glowing sunrise just outside of Edmonton.

The warm colors bounced off the clouds and the roof of the train.

Mid-day clouds also provided some mind-blowing color schemes, especially for anyone riding in the Panorama car. We got our first look at the Rocky Mountains as we passed through towns just before Jasper.

The Panorama car wasn't elevated, but it featured walls made of windows allowing travelers to cloak themselves in the scenery of the Rockies.

That scenery includes lakes filled with ice blue, glacial water ...

... snow-capped mountains ...

... and the green trees and golden marshes at their foothills.

We saw variations of pine trees start to pop up, which was expected as we were traveling through some of Canada's coniferous forests.

We also saw some more wildlife as we passed through the Alberta province.

We passed a pair of rams grazing ...

... and goats gathering next to the tracks.

We even saw elk taking a rest under some trees.

Back in the Skyline Car, we were able to see how the tree-covered mountains on the left contrasted against the snow-covered ones in the distance on the right.

As we got closer to Jasper, more and more of the landscape looked like this.

The mountains we saw from the train station in Jasper, Alberta, were awe-inspiring.

At the stop in Jasper, this colorful little bird — called a black-billed magpie — hung out at the station with us.

As we pulled out of Jasper, we watched the train wind its way through the remaining small stretch of Alberta toward British Columbia.

The elevated seating offered travelers a birds-eye perspective of the landscape, giving us leverage for seeing the beautiful reflection of mountains on the water.

The trees of British Columbia provided a visually interesting obstacle for the fog that rolled around on the rainy afternoons.

It even added a layer of character to Pyramid Falls seen below.

The fog set a beautifully ominous tone for our day spent moving through the Rockies.

Even though the mist blocked some of the mountains in the distance ...

... it made for some really stunning and eerie photo ops.

As we traveled deeper into British Columbia we saw the trees had more fall colors similar to the ones in Manitoba.

But there were still some patches of bare birch trees ...

... some of which were even sprouting life, like the trunk seen here that was growing a mushroom.

Even though we didn't see any beavers, we did see loads of beaver dams dotting rivers along the way. This one was near Blue River, British Columbia, which is known for outdoor activities.

Source: VIA Rail

As we approached Kamloops, the track route became more dramatic. It seemed like we were riding through remains of a mudslide — watching the train disappear around bends was unbelievable.

Dirt crevices gave way to hillside views. But we passed through most of Kamloops at night, so there was just a short window during which we could appreciate the sights.

Even at night, when it was almost too dark to see anything, though, the moon peeking out from behind clouds provided enough light to see the beginning of winding Kamloops.

When we woke up the next morning, we had arrived in our final stop, Vancouver, where many more mesmerizing views and experiences were waiting to be photographed. But we'd have to disembark first.

• Over five days, a dozen current and former Trump administration officials testified publicly before the House Intelligence Committee in the impeachment inquiry into President Donald Trump.
• Testimonies covered Trump's phone call with Ukraine, quid pro quo, former Ukrainian ambassador Marie Yovanovitch's job loss, conspiracy theories relating to former Vice President Joe Biden and his son Hunter, and Russia's interference in the 2016 presidential election.
• Several key figures, including Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and former national security adviser John Bolton, were implicated in pressuring Ukraine with Trump.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

The televised hearings for President Donald Trump'simpeachment inquiry are over for now.

Over five days spread across two weeks, 12 current and former Trump administration officials testified publicly before the House Intelligence Committee.

The hearings, some of which were explosive, revealed new information implicating Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and former national security adviser John Bolton in pressuring Ukraine.

Testimonies covered Trump's phone call with Ukraine, the possibility of quid pro quo, former Ukrainian ambassador Marie Yovanovitch being smeared and losing her job, conspiracy theories involving former Vice President Joe Biden and his son Hunter, and interference in the 2016 presidential election.

Here's what matters most from the impeachment hearings.

SEE ALSO: Trump openly admitted on live TV to doing the thing he's accused of in the impeachment inquiry

DON'T MISS: Everything you need to know about Trump's impeachment process: What's happened, who the players are, and what comes next

Day 1, Wednesday, November 13: Bill Taylor revealed a previously unknown phone call between Trump and Gordon Sondland about "the investigations", and confirmed the quid pro quo of Trump withholding military aid to get Ukraine to investigate Biden.

Two witnesses testified: Bill Taylor, the top US diplomat in Ukraine, and George Kent, a top State Department official overseeing Ukraine policy.

• Taylor revealed a previously unknown July 26 phone call between Trump and Gordon Sondland, the US's ambassador to the EU, in which they discussed the status of "the investigations" Trump wanted. Sondland told Trump that Zelensky would do anything he wanted and that he "loves your ass."
  • A member of Taylor's staff who overheard the call asked Sondland afterward what Trump thought of Ukraine. Sondland replied that Trump "cares more about the investigations of Biden, which Giuliani was pressing for."
• Taylor directly confirmed a quid pro quo in which Trump withheld security assistance and a White House meeting while demanding Zelensky publicly commit to investigating the Bidens and Ukrainian interference in the 2016 election.
• Kent blew a hole through all of Trump's talking points and said there was no factual basis to support allegations of Ukrainian election interference, or that the Bidens engaged in any wrongdoing.

Read our full takeaways from Day 1 »

And our live-blog to see how events unfolded in real time »

Day 2, Friday, November 15 : Marie Yovanovitch said she was ousted from her job as the ambassador to Ukraine in a "smear campaign" while Trump attacked her on Twitter.

One witness testified: Marie Yovanovitch, the ousted US ambassador to Ukraine.

• Yovanovitch took aim at Trump and Giuliani and said they carried out a "smear campaign" to oust her because she refused to help them strong-arm Ukraine.
• The former ambassador "was shocked, absolutely shocked, and devastated" by what Trump said about her in a July 25 call with Ukraine's president.
  • On the call, in addition to pressuring Zelensky to investigate the Bidens and the 2016 election, Trump mentioned Yovanovitch and said she was "bad news," adding that "she's going to go through some things."
  • Yovanovitch said a person who saw her reading the memo of the call said "the color drained from my face. I think I even had a physical reaction. Even now, words fail me."
• Trump publicly attacked Yovanovitch while she testified. Yovanovitch said she found his comments "very intimidating."

Read our full takeaways from Day 2 »

And our live-blog to see how events unfolded in real time »

Day 3, Tuesday, November 19: Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman and Jennifer Williams called Trump's phone call with Ukraine "inappropriate", and Kurt Volker and Tim Morrison — two witnesses Republicans called to testify — undercut the party's defenses.

Four witnesses testified: Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman, the top Ukraine expert on the National Security Council; Jennifer Williams, a foreign service aide detailed to Vice President Mike Pence; Tim Morrison, the NSC's former official in charge of overseeing Russia and Europe policy; and Kurt Volker, the US's former special representative to Ukraine.

• Vindman and Williams directly listened in on Trump's July 25 phone call. They both said they found it "unusual" and "inappropriate." Their testimony directly undercut Trump's claim that the call was "perfect."
• Vindman, a Purple Heart recipient whose family fled the Soviet Union and arrived in the US as refugees when he was a toddler, was accused of dual loyalty.
  • Steve Castor, the minority counsel, embarked on a line of questioning that seemed to imply that because Vindman was offered the position of defense minister in Ukraine, he had some loyalty to Ukraine.
  • But the former army officer shot Castor down: "I'm an American. I came here when I was a toddler, and I immediately dismissed these offers. I did not entertain them."
• Volker dramatically altered his testimony from what he told Congress behind closed doors.
  • When he first testified, Volker categorically denied that any investigations into Joe Biden, Burisma Holdings, or the 2016 election were raised during a July 10 White House meeting with Ukrainian officials.
  • Volker acknowledged that Gordon Sondland, the US ambassador to the EU, brought up the investigations and that he found it "inappropriate."
• Volker and Morrison, who were both on the GOP witness list, ended up giving testimony that hurt the Republicans' case.
  • Morrison expressed disappointment with Trump's July 25 phone call. Volker acknowledged a link between Trump's mentions of "Burisma" and how that was really code for the Bidens.

Read our full takeaways from Day 3 »

And our live-blog to see how events unfolded in real time »

Day 4, Wednesday, November 20: Laura Cooper testified that her staff received multiple inquiries showing Ukraine felt pressured by Trump, while Gordon Sondland implicated Trump, Mike Pompeo, and John Bolton in the Ukraine pressure campaign.

Three witnesses testified: Gordon Sondland, the US's ambassador to the European Union, Laura Cooper, the deputy assistant secretary at the Department of Defense, and David Hale, the undersecretary of state for political affairs at the State Department.

• Cooper revealed bombshell new information about how her staff received three separate inquiries from Ukrainian officials and Congress about the status of Ukraine's military aid on July 25, the same day Trump spoke with Zelensky.
  
  • Trump has insisted there was no way Zelensky could have felt pressured during their call, because Ukraine didn't even know about the frozen aid until Politico publicly reported on it in late August. Cooper's revelation blew up that defense.
• Sondland threw everyone under the bus and implicated Trump, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, and former national security adviser John Bolton in the Ukraine pressure campaign. "Everyone was in on it," Sondland testified.
• The Republicans' witness undercut their case (again).
  • Hale was on the GOP witness list but, like Volker and Morrison before him, he didn't exactly help the Republicans.
  • Hale testified that Trump and the Office of Management and Budget — which ordered the aid freeze at Trump's directive — were at odds with every other federal agency on the decision. He also vehemently defended Yovanovitch against Trump and Giuliani.

Read our full takeaways from Day 4 »

And our live-blog to see how events unfolded in real time »

Day 5, Thursday, November 21: Fiona Hill and David Holmes shot down conspiracies that Ukraine interfered in the 2016 US election. Both said they were shocked with Trump's call and disappointed with Yovanovitch's ousting.

Two witnesses testified: Fiona Hill, the National Security Council's former top Russia analyst, and David Holmes, a key State Department aide.

• Both witnesses described how "shocked,""saddened," and "deeply disappointed" they were with Trump's July 25 phone call to Zelensky.
• They forcefully defended Yovanovitch from the "shameful" smear campaign carried out against her by the president and his personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani.
  • Holmes said the attacks on here were "unlike anything I've ever seen in my professional career."
• Hill suggested Sondland misled Congress in his testimony, and said his claim that he didn't know Burisma was code for the Bidens was "not credible."
• Hill described a stunning conversation with Sondland in which they clashed over who was in charge of Ukraine policy. At one point, Hill said she told Sondland, "Gordon, I think this is all going to blow up." Speaking to Congress, she said, "And here we are."
• Both witnesses slammed the conspiracy theory promoting the idea that Ukraine interfered in the 2016 election. Hill was particularly forceful in her denunciation.
  • "I refuse to be part of an effort to legitimize an alternate narrative that the Ukrainian government is a US adversary and that Ukraine — not Russia — attacked us in 2016," Hill said. "These fictions are harmful, even if used for domestic purposes."

Read our full takeaways from Day 5 »

And our live-blog to see how events unfolded in real time »

• Samsung makes some of the best tech devices out there, from smartphones and smartwatches to TVs and computers.
• Samsung is discounting some of its best tech for Black Friday and Cyber Monday — so if you're in the market for a new device, now is a good time to buy.
• You can save up to $640 on the Galaxy Note 10 with a trade-in, $80 on the Galaxy Watch, $700 on a QLED TV, and more.
• All of the deals are available now on Samsung's website, and most will last through December 1 or 2.
• You can check out the rest of our Black Friday and Cyber Monday coverage on Insider Picks.

Black Friday is coming, and with it come some of the best deals that we're likely to see for the year. As usual, the biggest deals seem to be on tech, and if you're in the market for a new phone, TV, smartwatch, or laptop, Samsung has great deals.

Samsung has discounted a wide range of products for Black Friday, so no matter what you're looking for, there should be something for you.

Here's a rundown of the best Samsung deals we could find for Black Friday 2019. They are all available right now, and most of the deals run until either December 1 or 2 unless otherwise noted.

5 best Samsung Black Friday deals in 2019:

1. Samsung Galaxy Note 10 w/free Galaxy Buds, $309.99+ (originally $949.99) [Save up to $640 now through 12/1]*
2. Samsung Galaxy Watch, $269.99 (originally $349.99)[Save $80 now through 12/2]
3. Samsung Galaxy Tab S6, $549.99 (originally $649.99)[Save $100 now through 12/29]
4. Samsung Q80R QLED TV, $1,299.99 (originally $1,999.99)[Save $700 now through TBD]
5. Samsung Notebook 7 Spin, $599.99 (originally $899.99)[Save $300 now through 11/30]

*Discounts vary based on the value of the phone you trade in when you get the Note 10. If you don't have an eligible trade-in, you'll still get a $200 discount and a free pair of Galaxy Buds.

Shop all Samsung Black Friday deals here.

Does Samsung do Black Friday deals?

Thankfully, yes. Samsung offers a range of excellent Black Friday deals at its online store and at other retailers like Best Buy, Walmart, and Amazon.

Does Samsung offer student discounts?

Samsung does indeed offer student discounts, and if you're a student, you'll save up to 30%. To take advantage of the deals, you'll need to register with your qualifying school email address at this website. 

What are the Samsung phone models?

Samsung offers a huge range of smartphone models. At the high-end, you'll find the Samsung Galaxy S10 and Galaxy Note 10, which offer similar specs, though the Galaxy Note 10 is quite a bit bigger. At the low end, Samsung boasts a range of other phones, like the Samsung Galaxy M30, the Samsung Galaxy A30, and more.

Shop all Samsung Black Friday deals here or read on to see our favorites.

Samsung Galaxy Note 10

This deal runs now through December 1.

The Samsung Galaxy Note 10 is one of Samsung's latest and greatest flagship smartphones, and it has a whole lot to offer. For example, you'll get a Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 processor, along with 8GB of RAM and an impressive 256GB of storage. Along with those high-end specs, you'll also get a 6.3-inch screen with a small hole-punch notch, and an excellent camera.

Safe to say, if you're in the market for a high-end phone, this is the way to go, especially given the discount you can get on Black Friday. You'll also get a free pair of Galaxy Buds, which are well-rated wireless earbuds.

To get the Note 10 for just $309.99, you will need to trade in an eligible, recently released phone — older phones can also be traded in, but you'll get less money back and end up with a smaller discount. 

If you do not trade in a phone at all, you will still get a $200 discount and free Galaxy Buds, though, which is still a good deal. We recommend clicking in to see what you can get.

Get the Samsung Galaxy Note 10 from Samsung, starting at $309.99 with eligible trade-in (originally $949.99) [You save up to $640]

Samsung Galaxy Watch

This deal runs now through December 2.

If you have a Samsung smartphone or you're buying one on Black Friday, it's worth considering the Samsung Galaxy Watch too. The Galaxy Watch actually works with any phone (Android or iPhone) and offers an easy-to-use software experience, decent fitness tracking, and more. The watch is pretty well designed too, so you'll be able to wear it in any situation and with any outfit. The $80 discount makes it even more appealing.

Get the Samsung Galaxy Watch from Samsung, $269.99 (originally $349.88) [You save $80]

Samsung Galaxy Tab S6

This deal runs now through December 29.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 is one of the best tablets you can buy. It's powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 processor, along with either 6GB or 8GB of RAM and up to 256GB of storage. The device also has a 10.5-inch screen and comes with a keyboard accessory, so you can use the tablet like a laptop in a pinch. The $100 discount isn't huge, but it puts the tablet in the same range as the iPad Air.

Get the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 from Samsung, $549.99 (originally $649.99) [You save $100]

Samsung Q80R QLED TV

This deal is available now, but the end date is unknown.

Samsung makes some of the best TVs around, and the company's QLED TVs can rival even LG's OLED panels when it comes to image quality. The Samsung Q80R is no exception to that rule. Samsung's QLED tech allows for bright, vivid colors, and when combined with local dimming, you'll get deep black levels and a high level of contrast too.

Safe to say, this is easily one of the better TVs you can get. The 55-inch model of the TV is now on sale for $1,299.99, which is $700 off its normal price.

Get the Samsung Q80R QLED TV from Samsung, $1,299.99 (originally $1,999.99) [You save $700]

Samsung Notebook 7 Spin

This deal runs now through November 30.

Samsung makes some great laptops too, so if you're a professional or student who needs something relatively powerful, then this deal is for you. The Samsung Notebook 7 Spin is not only relatively well designed, but it's pretty powerful too, thanks to the Intel Core i5 mobile processor and 512GB of storage.

Sure, it's probably not the best choice for gamers, but the laptop is still more than powerful enough for word processing, web browsing, and so on. It's even more impressive given the $300 discount.

Get the Samsung Notebook 7 Spin from Samsung, $599.99 (originally $899.99) [You save $300]

See more Black Friday sales and deals

• The absolute best Black Friday deals of 2019
• The best tech deals of Black Friday 2019
• Kohl's Black Friday deals 2019
• Amazon Black Friday deals 2019
• Walmart Black Friday deals 2019
• Target Black Friday deals 2019
• The best mattress deals on Black Friday 2019

See more Cyber Monday 2019 sales and deals

• The absolute best Cyber Monday deals of 2019
• The best tech deals of Cyber Monday 2019
• Amazon Cyber Monday deals 2019
• Target Cyber Monday deals 2019
• Walmart Cyber Monday deals 2019
• Macy's Cyber Monday deals 2019
• What is Cyber Monday? Everything you need to know

• The college football season is hitting the home stretch.
• Last weekend, our picks went a solid 4-2-1 against the spread, with Alabama and Rutgers both coming through to cover in wildly different ways.
• This week we're back with seven more picks against the spread for Week 13 of the college football season.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

We made a tidy profit during Week 12 of the college football season.

Thanks to a big win from Alabama, a gutsy cover from Rutgers, and a solid push from LSU, our picks went a solid 4-2-1 against spread last Saturday.

This week, we're back this week with seven more bets, and backing some heavy underdogs and a few wild favorites to keep the winning streak going.

Take a look below for our best bets of the Week 13 college football slate (* indicates home team).

LAST WEEK: 4-2-1
OVERALL: 45-36-3

Penn State (+18.5) over Ohio State*

The biggest game on Saturday's schedule is also the toughest one on the board to book. Ohio State is a powerhouse, quite possibly the best team in all of college football, and has steamrolled almost every challenger they've faced so far this season.

Penn State is a solid team and amongst the best in the country on their best day, and could be missing wide receiver KJ Hamler — the most dangerous offensive weapon at their disposal. Knowing Ohio State, this game could be 21-0 before the first quarter is over. Knowing the Big Ten, this game could end as a 17-13 nail-biter.

Here's to hoping the Nittany Lions can at least find a way to keep things close.

Arkansas (+43) over LSU*

LSU is cruising through the season. However, this feels like a spot where the Tigers might take their foot off the gas a bit. Playing at home with a comfortable win all but assured, how long will Joe Burrow play before heading to the sideline?

The Razorbacks are not going to win this game, but if they can score twice, that might be enough to stay within the number.

Arizona State* (+14) over Oregon

Despite four straight losses, Arizona State proved they're more than capable of coming through in big spots as underdogs early in the year, and have given Oregon fits during trips played in Tempe, even beating the Ducks in 2017 when they were ranked No. 24 in the country.

Look for the Sun Devils to play up for this game as the team is still fighting for bowl eligibility.

Air Force (-22.5) over New Mexico*

New Mexico gave up 42 points and 215 yards rushing last week against Boise State. This week they face an Air Force team that sports a rushing attack that will be even more difficult to contain. I don't see how the Lobos stop them.

Michigan State (-20) over Rutgers*

Michigan State was embarrassed last weekend against in-state rivals Michigan, and there's no better place to take out their frustrations than against Rutgers. The Scarlet Knights have lost eight times this season, seven of which have come by more than 20 points.

Georgia* (-12.5) over Texas A&M

Even after Georgia's tough loss to South Carolina, they are still in contention to make the playoff this year. To do it, they'll need to keep building their resume with every chance they get.

A statement win over the Aggies would be significant as LSU faces them next week, leaving the possibility to impress the committee while comparing a mutual opponent.

Wake Forest* (-7) over Duke

After a strong start to the season, Duke has lost four straight games and failed to score more than seven points in each of their last two outings. They'll still be motivated, as they need to win out to make a bowl game, but right now, it feels like it's just time for basketball season in Durham.

Now check out our best bets for Week 12 of the NFL season...

NFL WEEK 12: Our official predictions for who wins this weekend

• Each week, Insider rounds up a list of great movies to watch on Netflix on the weekend.
• This weekend, we recommend watching the shocking yoga documentary "Bikram: Yogi, Guru, Predator," as well as the Ryan Gosling movie "Drive."
• With the holidays fast approaching, there are also plenty of festive movies to watch on Netflix, like animated children's film "Klaus," and "The Knight Before Christmas," starring Vanessa Hudgens.
• Visit Insider's homepage for more stories. 

Netflix has hundreds of movies available to stream, and it can get a little overwhelming figuring out what to watch. That's why Insider rounds up a list of great films (and TV shows) to watch on Netflix each weekend.

The holidays are coming up, which means that there's plenty of festive movies available to stream, including the animated children's film "Klaus," about a postman and a reclusive toy maker, and "The Knight Before Christmas," which stars Vanessa Hudgens. 

In addition to the holiday fare, "Bikram: Yogi, Guru, Predator," a shocking new documentary about the founder of a popular yoga movement, is also available to stream. 

Here are seven great movies you can watch on Netflix this weekend.

"Bikram: Yogi, Guru, Predator" is a shocking documentary about the creator of a popular yoga movement.

Netflix description: "This documentary charts the rise and fall of hot yoga founder Bikram Choudhury as his global empire is born and disturbing revelations come to light." 

Rotten Tomatoes critic score: 89%

Audience score: n/a

Yoga enthusiasts and casual practitioners alike should check out "Bikram: Yogi, Guru, Predator," which features bombshell allegations against the hot yoga founder that rival those of the #MeToo movement. While it can sometimes be hard to watch, this documentary takes a necessary look at the patterns of alleged abuse that existed in the yoga community.

"Earthquake Bird" is based on a novel by a British writer

Netflix description: "In 1980s Tokyo, an enigmatic expat is suspected of killing her friend, who's gone missing in the wake of their love triangle with a local photographer." 

Rotten Tomatoes critic score: 57%

Audience score: 56%

Featuring masterful performances by Alicia Vikander and Riley Keough, "Earthquake Bird" features several mind-bending twists that will leave you guessing til the end. The mysterious plot and film noir-esque setting of 1980s Tokyo make it an engaging, if not exactly groundbreaking, movie that's still worth watching. 

Vanessa Hudgens stars in the feel-good holiday rom-com "The Knight Before Christmas."

Netflix description: "Medieval magic sends a 14th-century knight to modern-day Ohio, where he falls for a high school science teacher who's disillusioned by love." 

Rotten Tomatoes critic score: n/a

Audience score: n/a

One of the best parts about the holiday season is the plethora of cheesy, feel-good holiday films available to stream, and "The Knight Before Christmas" is a must-watch for fans of Netflix's other original Christmas movies. The plot is, admittedly, pretty corny, but Vanessa Hudgens is wonderful as a lovelorn science teacher. By the end, you'll definitely be basking in the holiday feels — and rooting for Hudgens' character and Sir Cole to end up together.

"Drive" was critically acclaimed upon its release in 2011.

Netflix description: "A Hollywood stuntman and getaway driver is lured from his isolated life by a lovely neighbor — until her violent husband is released from prison." 

Rotten Tomatoes critic score: 92% (certified fresh)

Audience score: 79%

"Drive" doesn't have an intricate plot or hard-to-understand characters, but it's still an engaging movie to watch nonetheless. Focusing on the efforts of the Driver (played by Ryan Gosling) to protect his neighbor and her son, the film is an unabashed action flick that's gorgeous to watch, too. Plus, Gosling and Carey Mulligan, who plays the Driver's neighbor, give showstopping performances.

"Klaus" is a heartwarming, family-friendly holiday film.

Netflix description: "A selfish postman and a reclusive toy maker form an unlikely friendship, delivering joy to a cold, dark town that desperately needs it." 

Rotten Tomatoes critic score: 89%

Audience score: 97% 

Celebrities like Jason Schwartzman, Rashida Jones, JK Simmons, and Norm Macdonald all voice characters in "Klaus," a children's film about an entitled, spoiled postman stuck in a remote Arctic town. It certainly lacks the panache of, say, "Frozen," but for a holiday kids' movie, it's pretty cute.

Read Insider's Kirsen Acuna's review here.

A legendary jazz musician is the focus of 1980s documentary "Thelonious Monk: Straight, No Chaser. "

Netflix description: "The spotlight shines on iconic jazz pianist and composer Thelonious Monk in this 1988 documentary featuring vintage performance chips and interviews." 

Rotten Tomatoes critic score: 83%

Audience score: 89%

Thelonious Monk was a mysterious figure during his life, but this 1980s documentary seeks to uncover some of the talented musician's secrets. Even though Monk was responsible for numerous jazz standards, and played with a variety of musicians, there's still a lot to learn about him, which is where this engaging documentary (that's a must-watch for jazz nerds) comes in.

"Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" wasn't well-reviewed upon its release, but has since become something of a cult classic.

Netflix description: "A sports writer and his Samoan lawyer embark on a hallucinogenic three-day romp from Los Angeles to Las Vegas in this counterculture cult favorite." 

Rotten Tomatoes critic score: 49%

Audience score: 89%

Even though critics hated it, "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" is worth watching for Johnny Depp and Benicio del Toro alone. They both give outrageous, over-the-top performances that are fun to watch, especially if you're a fan of the Hunter S. Thompson novel that inspired the film.

• As the decade comes to a close, it's a good time to look back on the decor trends that were most popular throughout the 2010s. 
• Insider spoke to Ashley Quinn, vice president of creative marketing at Interior Marketing Group, about the interior design trends that defined the decade.
• Quinn pointed to all-white kitchens, accent walls, and the rise of mid-century modern furniture as some of the most popular design trends of the decade.
• She also told Insider that curved sofas were her favorite trend of the 2010s.
• "They're incredibly versatile, sculptural, and add a touch of mid-century elegance to any room," Quinn said of rounded couches.
• Visit Insider's homepage for more stories.

One of the popular decor trends of the 2010s was blue, gray, and other cool colors in homes.

"The design world started to move away from warmer tones and move on to cooler colors as an overall palette," Ashley Quinn, vice president of creative marketing at Interior Marketing Group, told Insider.

"Say goodbye to the standard beige that was once referred to as 'builder beige,' and hello to the cool, calming tones of gray," she added.

White-on-white kitchens were a fixture of modern design in the 2010s.

"The strongest trend of all that has stood the test of time is the white kitchen," Quinn said of decor in the last decade.

"It's timeless, classic, and chic," she added.

And in those white kitchens, people gravitated towards brass or bronze finishes to add a subtle pop of color.

"There's been a move away from nickel finishes and onto brass and bronze to help balance those cool walls and fabrics," Quinn told Insider.

There was a wallpaper renaissance in the 2010s, as well as an interest in accent walls.

Quinn found the wallpaper and accent wall most surprising of all the decor trends that were popular in the last 10 years, and she's not alone in that opinion.

Interior designer and HGTV star Leanne Ford told Insider that she "can't get into an accent wall."

Painted floors also had a moment during the decade.

Floor paint was like an accent wall for the ground, and it was viewed as an easy way to spice up a space.

"I'm pretty sure that painted floors will not be returning," Quinn told Insider of the trend.

"My favorite decor trend of the last 10 years is the reintroduction of the curved sofa," Quinn told Insider.

"They're incredibly versatile, sculptural, and add a touch of mid-century elegance to any room," Quinn said.

"They can help anchor a living room that's a difficult shape or add some much-needed curves in a boxy bedroom."

The 2010s saw the rise of modern design in domestic spaces as well.

Quinn told Insider that the rise in modern design came from a surge of people knowing what was trending, thanks in part to HGTV shows.

"Celebrities and non-celebrities alike over the past ten years have become much more knowledgeable about interior design, design brands, and modern design," she said.

"Cleaner lines, less ornate wood, and comfort and quality over furniture that no one can actually sit in comfortably are all things that became a top priority over the last decade," according to Quinn.

And mid-century modern furniture became popular in the last few years of the decade.

"Mid-century furniture seems to have stayed around for the past few years, and I think it's because of the way they're being integrated into modern design," Quinn said of the aesthetic.

"They're layered with clean, contemporary pieces and updated with beautiful luxe fabrics — making everything feel cohesive."

For instance, this couch has a retro shape, but the velvet green has a modern edge.

• Read more:
• Interior designers reveal the 10 biggest mistakes people make when decorating a living room
• 14 things everyone had in their homes in the 2010s
• 5 design trends celebrities love that interior designers hate
• Then and now: How 10 iconic city skylines have changed since 2000

• Week 12 of the NFL season is here.
• For daily fantasy players, the difference between winning and losing the day comes down to finding the best value plays at every position.
• This week, we like Baker Mayfield, Bo Scarbrough, and more to outplay their prices in DraftKings and FanDuel.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Daily fantasy sports are all about finding value.

Last week was a solid one for our DraftKings value picks, with Randall Cobb, Dallas Goedert, and Ted Ginn Jr. all finding the end zone at a reasonable price.

This week, we're back at it again, diving deep into the DraftKings player pool to find players that might be undervalued and can help you fill out your lineup when you feel the need to overspend at other positions.

Take a look below for our best value picks for your Week 12 DraftKings lineups.

QB: Baker Mayfield, $5,900

After an offseason of building high expectations, the Browns offense hasn't been as hot as advertised through the 2019 campaign. This week, against a Dolphins team that's still reeling despite finally getting in the win column, I think Cleveland puts it all together.

I'm getting as many Browns in my lineup as I can afford.

RB: David Montgomery, $5,500

The Bears desperately need a win on Sunday against the lowly Giants if they are to have any hope of competing for a playoff spot in the crowded NFC. Mitch Trubisky isn't going to do it, so the burden of carrying the Chicago offense will fall on the shoulders of running back David Montgomery. If he can make the most of his opportunities, he'll be in for a big day.

RB: Bo Scarbrough, $4,200

Bo Scarbrough is slated to get some heavy usage in the Detroit offense after a slew of injuries decimated the Lions backfield.

While it's tough to trust a running back that just got his first real taste of NFL action a week ago, his expected usage and low price makes Scarbrough a must-play for daily fantasy players.

WR: Tyler Boyd, $5,000

Despite their winless record, the Bengals offense has had value for fantasy players this year if you know where to look. In seven of their 10 games, a receiver has gone for at least 88 yards — not a bad day for anyone more concerned with box score stats than the actual outcome of games.

Here's to hoping Tyler Boyd is the breakout man for the Bengals this weekend.

WR: Robby Anderson, $4,800

I expect the Jets to be losing this game pretty quickly, and if they are, they will be throwing a lot. Robby Anderson has been pretty quiet for the Jets the past few weeks, but he's a relatively affordable play this week if you have faith he can bounce back.

WR: Hunter Renfrow, $4,500

The Oakland Raiders offense has found its rhythm, and this week faces a New York Jets defense that is nothing to write home about. Hunter Renfrow is a proven possession receiver, but it feels like he could get some big usage this week as the Raiders look to assert themselves on the road with a few methodical drives.

TE: Dallas Goedert, $3,700

Dallas Goedert came through for both the Eagles and our daily fantasy picks last week, scoring Philadelphia's only touchdown of the game against the Patriots. The Seahawks are giving up more than 14 fantasy points per game to opposing tight ends per DraftKings scoring — eighth-worst in the league.

With two talented tight ends on the Eagles, the Philadelphia scheme could cause real trouble for the Seattle defense.

DEF: Denver Broncos, $2,400

The Broncos defense is better than their 4-7 record indicates, and while Bills quarterback Josh Allen has undoubtedly made huge improvements over last year, he's still far from overwhelming his opposition.

Now check out our best bets for Week 12 of the NFL season...

NFL WEEK 12: Our official predictions for who wins this weekend

• A media streaming device can transform your so-called dumb TV into a smart one that plays shows and movies from Netflix, Hulu, HBO Now, Prime Video, and other streaming services.
• The best of the bunch is the Roku Ultra with its easy-to-use interface, 4K video streaming, voice control, and simple remote.

The world is changing. Gone are the days when a cable subscription was necessary to watch all the latest and greatest TV shows. These days, the best TV shows are coming out on streaming platforms like Disney Plus, ESPN+, Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video. Of course, the best way to take advantage of services like Netflix is by streaming shows straight to your TV.

There are plenty of streaming devices out there to help you connect the latest and greatest video streaming services to your TV, and they're not all created equal. Before buying, you'll want to consider a few different things.

For starters, you'll want to think about whether you want a fully-fledged streaming box, which comes complete with its own operating system and allows you to download and install apps. The alternative is a device like the Google Chromecast, which basically streams content from your phone or computer (called casting); instead of installing Netflix on the TV-connected device, you'll install it on your phone or computer and then stream from your phone, which is plugged into your TV's HDMI port.

Next up you'll want to keep in mind the specs of your TV. Not all streaming sticks and boxes are able to handle 4K content, so if you have a 4K TV, you'll want to get one that can stream 4K videos; the reverse is also true, as a non-4K TV won't be able to display 4K content. Last but not least, it might be worth considering the ecosystem you're most plugged into. For example, Android users might be able to get more use from an Android TV device, while those using an iPhone and Mac might prefer the Apple TV.

We've done the research and testing to find the best streaming sticks and boxes to turn your dumb TV into a smart one that can access videos from Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, and more. 

Note: Nearly all of these products require access to the internet over Wi-Fi or Ethernet. Products that support casting require a smartphone or tablet.

Here are our top picks for the best streaming boxes and sticks:

• Best streaming box overall: Roku Ultra
• Best affordable streaming stick: Roku Streaming Stick
• Best streaming box for Apple users: Apple TV 4K
• Best streaming stick for Google users: Google Chromecast Ultra
• Best streaming stick for Alexa users: Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K
• Best streaming box for gamers: NVIDIA Shield

Updated on 11/22/2019 by Lisa Sabatini: Updated prices, links, and formatting. Replaced outdated model of Roku Ultra.

SEE ALSO: The best HDTV indoor antennas you can buy

The best streaming box overall

The Roku Ultra streams in 4K and HDR, has voice search, and comes with a remote control that has programmable shortcut buttons.

Roku's Ultra is more streaming box than most people need. It supports 4K video at 60 frames per second and HDR content. If you have a 4K TV, this is the streaming device you want.

Roku doesn't require a Google or Apple account to use (you will need to register for Roku account, however), but it can still connect to all the streaming services you enjoy. You'll be able to install Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, HBO Now, and more using Roku's operating system. Just connect the box to your TV via the HDMI port, and connect all your favorite streaming services to get started.

As mentioned, the device also supports HDR, which basically means that it'll show richer colors and better contrast, which is always a good thing for TV lovers (note: your TV must be HDR-enabled to support this feature). The device even supports 4K video at 60 frames per second, which is something most media streaming devices don't currently support.

Of course, to take advantage of that 4K content, you'll need a decent connection. The device can connect to your internet through Ethernet or over Wi-Fi, so choose the method that's fastest and most convenient.

We tested the 2018 model and were deeply impressed by the quality. The 2019 Ultra featured here got upgrades to the processor and the remote control. TechRadar reported a 17% increase in channel-launching speed compared to last year's model and rated it 4/5.

The Ultra also comes with a remote control so you can adjust the volume, turn on your TV, and search for content with your voice. What's new are the two programmable shortcut buttons.

If you're watching at night, you can plug in a set of headphones to the remote to not disturb others — a pair of JBL earbuds are included. Roku also has a companion app that makes navigation and searches even more robust, which is what he prefers to use most of the time.

The Roku Ultra is perfect for most people with a 4K TV, and we like that it's the most universal of the products. Expert reviewers give the Ultra high marks.

Pros: 4K and HDR streaming, affordable, good remote, lots of apps, improved Wi-Fi connection, Ethernet, microSD port

Cons: Pricey

The best budget streaming stick

The Roku Streaming Stick offers a great interface and is super easy to use, and the Stick+ even has 4K for a little bit more money.

The Chromecast Ultra may be inexpensive, but there's a streaming device that's even cheaper — the Roku Streaming Stick. Not only that but for the money, you're getting a capable streaming stick with a built-in user interface and remote.

Perhaps the best thing about the Roku Streaming Stick is how easy it is to use. The entire device plugs into a TV's HDMI port, and you can power it using a USB wall adapter or the USB port in select TVs. The interface is well-designed and extremely easy to navigate. Since it uses a built-in operating system, you can install apps like Netflix without having to stream from your phone or computer (you will need to register for a Roku account, if you don't have one already). A remote control is included for navigation, but you can also use the Roku app.

Of course, there are downsides to the Roku Streaming Stick. For example, it does not offer 4K streaming or HDR. If, however, your TV doesn't offer those features anyway, it won't be such a big deal. The Streaming Stick+ costs a bit more, but it does support 4K and it goes on sale sometimes. Also, unlike the Roku Ultra that is our overall favorite, there's no internal memory in the Roku Streaming Stick, which means it won't recall any of the apps you used or where you left off.

Most reviewers, including Tom's Guide, argue this is among the best streaming devices out there. We agree, having tested it ourselves. Guides Editor Malarie Gokey uses it with a 1080p BenQ projector in her home. 

The Roku Express and Express+ are even more basic and affordable, but still good. Guide Editor Les Shu uses the Express+ when he travels because it also works with analog TVs that don't have HDMI ports.

Pros: Cheap, easy-to-use, built-in OS

Cons: No 4K or HDR

The best for Apple users

The Apple TV 4K is well-designed, easy to use, and integrates well with the rest of your Apple products.

If you're looking for a device to better integrate with your iTunes account, iPhone, and other Apple devices, then you'll want to look into getting an Apple TV. The new Apple TV 4K boasts a number of great features, but as the name suggests, this version streams in 4K, which is great for those of you who have 4K TVs.

As you would expect from an Apple device, it's well-designed and will look right at home amongst your other home entertainment devices, even the more premium ones. On the back of the device, you'll get a power input, HDMI port, and an Ethernet port. That way, you can have a more stable internet connection for streaming 4K video.

One of the best things about the Apple TV is Apple's tvOS operating system, which is super easy to use, especially with the included remote (called the Siri Remote). As mentioned, it can stream in 4K and has HDR support, too. You can watch your favorite content with great contrast and bright colors. And with Siri, you can use your voice to search for hundreds of content. Plus, you can access music, podcasts, games, and hundreds of apps, or cast or mirror content from an iOS or macOS device using AirPlay wireless technology.

The Siri Remote connects to the Apple TV via Bluetooth, so no line of sight is required. While the remote is elegant and the touch-capability makes navigation easier, it's so slim that it can be easy to lose or slip out of your hand. An alternative is to use the Apple TV Remote app on an iPhone, iPod Touch, or iPad, which handles the same functions but makes things like typing much simpler.

Engadget called it "almost perfect," while CNET called it the most high-end 4K streaming experience. However, it was universally acknowledged that the Apple TV is for hardcore Apple fans who can afford it, and most people will be more than happy with the Roku Premiere+ instead.

Guides Editor Les Shu disagrees somewhat. He uses both the Roku Ultra and Roku Express+ and Apple TV, and finds the Apple TV experience much smoother and more pleasant than the Roku Ultra — not to mention the easier set-up process. While he acknowledges the price premium and that the Roku Ultra has its advantages, from a pure entertainment experience, he believes the Apple TV is the stronger product, and that it isn't just for Apple fans with money. We don't think you can go wrong with either — the deciding factor comes down to budget and the ecosystem — but the money spent on an Apple TV is well worth it.

Pros: Well-designed, great interface, 4K and HDR support

Cons: A little pricey

The best for Google users

The Google Chromecast Ultra is quick to set up, easy-to-use and works great, but best of all, it's very reasonably priced.

The Google Chromecast Ultra operates differently than most of the devices on this list, largely because it's built solely to stream content from your phone, tablet, or computer to your TV. That means there's no user interface and no apps to install — it's more of a bridge than a standalone device, and your phone is the remote. Just find the content on your phone and hit the "Cast" button, and the content is either streamed directly to the Chromecast Ultra or, with apps like Netflix and Spotify, streams the content from the internet.

Chromecast was first introduced in 2013, and it has gone through a couple of updates since then. Now, the flagship Chromecast is the Chromecast Ultra, which sets itself apart from other Chromecasts with its ability to handle 4K streaming. You'll need a good internet connection, though.

One of the great things about the Chromecast Ultra is that it interacts with your other Google devices. For example, you can tell a Google Home speaker to search for videos on YouTube or play music on your TV through the Chromecast.

Then there's the affordable price, which many reviewers, including us, love. TechRadar gave the Chromecast Ultra 4 out of 5 stars, while Pocket-Lint gave it a Recommended award.

Pros: Inexpensive,easy-to-use, works with smart speakers

Cons: No interface might frustrate some

The best Amazon Fire TV

The new Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K streams video in 4K straight to your TV.

Amazon's Fire TV Stick 4K comes with 4K Ultra HD and HDR support. Like the Roku Streaming Stick, this slim dongle plugs into the HDMI port on the back of your TV and comes with a remote control for easy access to play, pause, stop, volume up/down, and more.

Fire TV works with Netflix, Prime Video, YouTube, Hulu, HBO, and many other video streaming apps. You can download all your favorite apps on it to play shows on SlingTV, PBS, and more. Since it's part of Amazon's ecosystem, Fire TV works with Alexa voice controls. You can tell Alexa to play "Game of Thrones" without lifting a finger. If you don't use Alexa or an Amazon user, you may be better off with the other options.

The streaming stick has a fast processor and 802.11ac Wi-Fi to ensure smooth streaming on your TV. So long as your Wi-Fi is good, you shouldn't have a problem.

Expert reviewers more or less agreed that Alexa voice search works well and it's very affordable for a 4K streaming stick. The potential downside is the current lack of 4K content on Amazon's platform (although growing), but if that's what you're really looking for, you'll have to pay more and grab a Roku Ultra, Google Chromecast Ultra, or Apple TV.

Pros: 4K streaming, Alexa voice control, affordable, easy to use

Cons: Pricier than budget sticks

The best for gamers and Android TV

The NVIDIA Shield doesn't just run Google's Android TV, it also supports 4K streaming and even has a controller for Android gaming.

If you're more plugged into the Android ecosystem, you might want something that comes preloaded with Google's Android TV. If so, there's no better device than the NVIDIA Shield, which was first launched a few years ago and has been updated a few times since then.

Like our top pick, this media streamer supports 4K content, including videos from Google Play Movies and TV, which is great news for Android users. On top of that, NVIDIA announced that it will soon be getting integration with Google Assistant for voice control. Unlike Chromecast, this is a standalone product that doesn't require a phone.

The Shield is also the best device for gamers. Not only does it have a standard TV remote control, it comes with a gaming controller for playing games from the Google Play Store. The downside here is that the controller probably wouldn't be considered console-quality.

As an Android TV device, this streamer relies heavily on the likes of YouTube, but you'll also be able to install Netflix, Hulu, and all your other favorite media streaming services.

TechRadar gave it 4.5/5 stars, while Trusted Reviews and PCMag both gave it 4/5 stars. The main drawback? The fact that it's a little expensive, coming in at just under two hundred dollars.

Pros: 4K support, gaming controller, Android TV operating system

Cons: Expensive

• Netflix has announced more than 25 new TV shows currently slated to premiere in 2020.
• Insider is keeping a running list of the confirmed shows and what we know about them so far.
• They include new series from "Grey's Anatomy" creator Shonda Rhimes and "Glee" creator Ryan Murphy.
• Visit Insider's homepage for more stories.

Netflix released dozens of new TV shows in 2019, and has even more planned for the coming year. You can see how the Netflix originals of 2019 stack up here, but now let's turn to 2020.

From new series by creators Shonda Rhimes and Ryan Murphy to anime originals and thrillers based on novels, keep reading to see all the new series arriving on Netflix next year.

RuPaul is starring as a character named Ruby Red in an "outrageous" scripted comedy series called "AJ and the Queen."

Synopsis: N/A

Premiere date: January 10, 2020

"Ares" is a new pyschological thriller series set in Amsterdam.

Synopsis: "The eight-episode psychological horror series enters the world of Ares, a secret student society in the heart of Amsterdam where best friends Rosa and Jacob surrender to a world of wealth and power. But slowly they start to realize they've entered a demonic place, built on secrets from The Netherlands' past. A place where true power comes at a terrible price."

Premiere date: January 17, 2020

"Ragnarok" is a Norwegian original series with a supernatural story line.

Synopsis: " The story revolves around the inhabitants of Edda, who are perhaps not all who they claim to be. With them, we experience a drastically changing world: melting poles, warm winters, violent downpours. Some might say we're headed for yet another Ragnarok. Unless someone intervenes in time..."

Premiere date: January 31, 2020

Shonda Rhimes is creating a series based on Julia Quinn's "Bridgerton" novels, starring Julie Andrews and more.

Synopsis: "The legendary Julie Andrews will voice Lady Whistledown — the mysterious, sharp-tongued gossip writer whose mix of social commentary and scathing insults drive the characters wild on [Shonda Rhimes'] upcoming series based on the beloved Bridgerton novels."

Premiere date: TBA

Katherine Langford, the star of "13 Reasons Why," will play the lead role on "Cursed."

Synopsis: "An epic re-imagination of the Arthurian legend."

Premiere date: TBA

"Spectros" an eight-episode series written and directed by Douglas Petrie ("Buffy,""American Horror Story: Coven").

Synopsis: "[Spectros] is about five kids who discover someone is bringing back the dead and those spirits want vengeance for mistakes of the past."

Premiere date: TBA

"Dash and Lily" will be a new holiday-themed series based on the books by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan.

Synopsis:"A new show based on the YA book series about a whirlwind holiday romance starring Austin Abrams, Midori Francis, Dante Brown, and Troy Iwata."

Premiere date: TBA

"Ginny and Georgia" is another YA series, this one helmed by showrunner Debra J. Fisher and first-time creator Sarah Lampert.

Synopsis: "Angsty and awkward 15-year-old Ginny Miller often feels more mature than her 30-year-old mother, the irresistible and dynamic Georgia Miller. After years on the run, Georgia desperately wants to put down roots in picturesque New England and give her family something they've never had... a normal life. But it's not all carpool and Kombucha as Georgia's past threatens her and her family's new way of life... and Georgia will do anything to protect her family."

Premiere date: TBA

"Alice in Borderland" is a live-action new series based on the "the survival and thriller manga by Haro Aso."

Synopsis: "Ryohei Alice (Alice), a listless, jobless and video-game-obsessed young man sees a strange light and suddenly finds himself in a mysteriously emptied out version of Tokyo along with his two best friends. They quickly discover that in this world, they must compete in one dangerous game after another in order to survive."

Premiere Date: TBA

"Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous" is a new animated TV show set in the familiar dinosaur theme park.

Synopsis:"'Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous' follows a group of six teenagers chosen for a once-in-a-lifetime experience at a new adventure camp on the opposite side of Isla Nublar. But when dinosaurs wreak havoc across the island, the campers are stranded. Unable to reach the outside world, they'll need to go from strangers to friends to family if they're going to survive."

Premiere Date: TBA

"The Eddy" is a musical series from Damien Chazelle, the writer and director of "La La Land."

Synopsis: "A jazz club in the heart of multicultural Paris faces danger."

Premiere date: TBA

"Into the Night" is a new Belgian original sci-fi series from the producer of "Narcos" and "Scandal," Jason George.

Synopsis: "'Into the Night' begins with a sudden solar event, as the sun inexplicably starts killing everything in its path. The show centers around the 'lucky' passengers and crew of an overnight flight out of Brussels, as they attempt to fly west — into the safety of the dark night. The plane's manifest is multinational and multilingual, with passengers rich and poor, young and old, civilian and military. The seemingly ordinary travelers share but one thing: A desire to survive the sun — and each other — by any means necessary."

Premiere date: TBA

"Unorthodox" is a series based on a novel by Deborah Feldman.

Synopsis: "Based on the New York Times bestselling memoir of the same name by Deborah Feldman, 'Unorthodox' is a story about a girl who rejects her radicalized upbringing and leaves to start a new life. One part coming-of-age story, and one part thriller, set in the fun world of Berlin, we watch as a girl discovers all parts of life, of herself and as she follows the dark trails to uncover the dangerous mysteries of her family's past."

Premiere date: TBA

"Boca a Boca" is a Brazilian thriller series created by filmmaker Esmir Filho.

Synopsis: "In a cattle-ranching town in Brazil's countryside, adolescents panic when they are threatened by the outbreak of an epidemic, a contagious infection transmitted by kissing. In a contemporary and dark plot, the series portrays the desires of digitally connected youth within a physical reality filled with fear and mistrust."

Premiere Date: TBA

"Reality Z" is an adaptation of a British horror series called "Dead Set," created by Charlie Brooker.

Synopsis: "An ode to horror, humor and pop culture, the show narrates in five episodes a zombie apocalypse that imprisons participants and producers of a reality show called Olimpo, The House of the Gods, during its elimination night. The studio becomes a shelter for those who seek salvation in Rio de Janeiro where chaos and hopelessness begin to rule."

Premiere date: TBA

"Kid Cosmic" is an animated series created by Craig McCracken ("The Powerpuff Girls,""Fosters Home for Imaginary Friends").

Synopsis: "This is a show about a young boy who dreams of becoming a hero, and when he stumbles across some cosmic stones of power, his dreams appear to have come true! Unfortunately, the reality of being a hero vs. the fantasy of being a hero are completely different and this challenge becomes the biggest battle he has to face. The Kid may be the good guy, but he's really bad at it!"

Premiere date: TBA

Trash Truck is an animated series in production from Max Keane, Gennie Rim, and Glen Keane (who won the Oscar for best animated short last year).

Synopsis: "Hank is a free-range, dirt-covered 6-year-old boy with a big imagination and an even bigger best pal … a giant honking, snorting trash truck. From learning to fly to going to the dentist, there is no adventure too big or too small for these two best friends." 

Premiere date: TBA

"Followers" is a Japanese original series from director Mika Ninagawa.

Synopsis: "In a bustling city full of highs, lows and occasional danger, a group of Tokyo-ites cross paths through social media."

Premiere date: TBA

"The Walking Dead" actress Christian Serratos will star as music icon Selena Quintanilla on "Selena: The Series."

Synopsis: "'Selena: The Series' is a coming-of-age story that follows Selena Quintanilla as her dreams come true and all the heart-wrenching and life-changing choices she and her family have to make as they navigate success, family, and music."

Premiere date: TBA

"The Goop Lab With Gwenyth Paltrow" will be a docuseries taking people inside her lifetstyle brand company.

Synopsis: "Gwenyth Paltrow's lifestyle site, Goop, guides the deeply curious in an exploration of boundary-pushing wellness topics."

Premiere date: TBA

"Ghost in the Shell: SAC_2045" is a new animated series.

Synopsis:"In the year 2045, after global capitalism has defaulted, Japan's elite Section 9 begins conducting covert cyber operations.

Premiere date: TBA 

"Eden" is another new animated series that will premiere four episodes in 2020.

Synopsis:"Thousands of years into the future, there are no more humans. Only robots live in the mechanical metropolis, 'Eden 3.' Or so they thought ... One day, two farming robots find a young human girl in the city. The decision they make will change everything..."

Premiere date: TBA

"Ratched" is a new series from Ryan Murphy ("American Horror Story,""American Crime Story") that tells the origin story of "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" villain Nurse Ratched.

Synopsis: "'Ratched' is an origins story, beginning in 1947, which will follow Ratched's journey and evolution from nurse to full-fledged monster. The series will track her murderous progression through the mental health care system."

Premiere date: TBA

"Outer Banks" is a YA series set in North Carolina, and cocreated by Jonas and Josh Pate and Shannon Burke.

Synopsis: "A tight-knit group of teens from the wrong side of the tracks called the 'Pogues' embark on a mission to find their ringleader's missing father. In the process, they stumble across a treasure map that unearths a long buried secret."

Premiere date: TBA

"Behind Her Eyes" is an upcoming thriller miniseries based on a book of the same name.

Synopsis:"[Simona] Brown plays Louise, a single mother who has an affair with her psychiatrist boss, David (Tom Bateman). When she later befriends his wife, Adele (Eve Hewson), she becomes caught in a web of secrets and lies."

Premiere date: TBA

"Never Have I Ever" is a new coming-of-age series inspired by cocreator Mindy Kaling's childhood.

Synopsis: "'Never Have I Ever' revolves around Devi (Maitreyi Ramakrishnan), an overachieving high school sophomore who has a short fuse that gets her into difficult situations."

Premiere date: TBA

"Blood and Water" is a coming-of-age mystery drama based in Cape Town, South Africa.

Synopsis: "'Blood and Water' follows the exploits of the intelligent yet spontaneous 16-year-old, Puleng Khumalo played by Ama Qamata ("My Perfect Family,""Rhythm City"), as she investigates the cold case of her abducted-at-birth older sister."

Premiere Date: TBA

• Read more:
• 33 Netflix shows you probably missed but should definitely watch
• Only 18 TV shows received a perfect score on Rotten Tomatoes in 2019 — here they are
• The 10 most-binged shows on Netflix in 2019, so far
• The 49 best Netflix original TV shows of 2019, ranked

• Ariana Grande will wrap up her nine-month Sweetener World Tour in December.
• The tour has been her biggest ever, earning Grande $80 million and surpassing her previous tours' worldwide totals before it was even halfway done.
• Insider spoke with LeRoy Bennett, Grande's creative director and tour production designer, as well as lighting director Jason Baeri about the process of creating the elaborate show.
• Visit Insider's homepage for more stories.

Ariana Grande will perform her last show for the Sweetener World Tour in December, wrapping up nine months and 102 shows that included headlining sets at Coachella and Lollapalooza.

The tour has been Grande's biggest ever, earning Grande $80 million and surpassing her previous tours' worldwide totals — before it was even halfway through, according to Billboard. The visuals, vocals, and overall experience have been praised by critics and recently earned her an AMAs nomination for tour of the year.

Insider spoke with LeRoy Bennett, Grande's creative director and tour production designer, as well as lighting director Jason Baeri about the process of creating the elaborate show. Keep reading to see 21 fun facts and behind-the-scenes secrets.

Grande was extremely involved — and extremely decisive — throughout the design process.

"She's very black and white. She's either absolutely over the moon, loves something, or she really hates it. So you always know where you stand with her," Bennett told us. "It's an interesting, evolving process with her."

He added: "Initial ideas — without getting into exactly what she was thinking — but I'd send something to her, and she'd say, 'I hate that. Don't ever show me that again' [laughs]. She obviously had something in her mind, but she just couldn't get it out yet."

The tour aesthetic was intended to be "ethereal,""abstract," and "spacious."

"I refer to her as a little space fairy sometimes, because she's a little like a fairy [laughs]. Not in a bad way," Bennett told us. "And so when I imagine the world that she lives in on stage it is very ethereal, and at turns abstract."

"Also, the world that she lives in — we try to keep things not overly complicated, where it's more of an installation art piece, versus a lot of over-the-top flashy things," he continued. "It's a lot more elegant, in a way. But it's young and fresh in the same breath."

Bennett also described the show as "light, airy, and spacious."

The entire tour design was built around the idea of a sphere.

Bennett told Insider that Grande came to him with the idea of a sphere, which she associates with "the universe" and femininity.

"That is the inspiration that triggered the whole design," Bennett said. "I thought, okay: sphere. And then just picked up the ball and ran with it."

The show's design is centered on two spherical objects: a hemisphere behind the stage, and a large orb that's lowered for certain songs in the middle of the pit.

It also features a wavy, circular runway that loops around the pit and connects back to the stage on the other side.

"Any time you go out into the audience, I find it boring if you have to go back the same way you came out," Bennett said. "And it was also curvy because I was trying to keep everything from being too harsh and hard and angular. Keep things soft and feminine."

The orb that floats over the audience — a defining feature of Grande's show — was added at the last minute because Grande vetoed the existing design.

Bennett said his "stand-out favorite" moment from the show is when Grande sings under the orb, which is lit up to look like the moon. (Many fans would likely agree, as it's become a definingfeature of her show on social media.)

That moon, however, nearly didn't exist at all.

"The sphere, the big orb over the audience was literally, I came up with that last second," Bennett told us. He said he had a totally different idea ready to go, but "she decided against it last minute."

"I had to come up with something that would fly over the audience," he said, "so I came up with the sphere."

It made sense in the end, since Grande had specifically requested moon imagery for the show.

The entire stage set is inflatable.

Apart from the stage itself and the runway, everything is inflatable — including the big wall behind the stage that the hemisphere sits in front of. It looks like a screen, but it's actually a flat surface with images projected onto it.

The moon is also achieved with a series of projections, which is a huge logistical challenge.

"Projecting onto a sphere is very difficult because it takes a lot of different projectors to do that, coming from different angles, and to do that on a daily basis is super challenging," Bennett told us.

Bennett said he prefers using projection, as opposed to screens and LED lights, because it's "a bit more cinematic" and "a little softer."

"I didn't want any LED, I wanted it all to be projection," he said. "We even used projectors to light the walkway so it could also light the dancers and things."

On a daily basis, it takes six to eight hours to set everything up.

"The thing that I most often see people surprised by is how much actual gear and people it takes to bring show like this into a space on a daily basis," Baeri told us.

"This particular production rolls in with 30 trucks and 70 people at 4 a.m., and by noon, we have a stage and a projection surface and all the lights in place," he continued. "And after the show, it's back in the trucks and out the door by 2 a.m., ready to hit the next city. The amount of actual 'stuff' that goes into a production is mind boggling."

According to Bennett, it takes six to eight hours to set everything up for Grande's show, and about four hours to break everything down.

At Coachella, Grande's team had 45 minutes to break down Khalid's design, assemble the new one, and install her custom lighting.

"Once they clear the stage of Khalid's things, then they have to drop all the festival lighting that we don't use, because we also installed our own lighting system,"Bennett told the Hollywood Reporter. "They have to get all of that out of the way, then start building all the physical structure that supports the hemisphere... Then inflate the hemisphere and lift it up and attach it to this structure."

Bennett also told us that Coachella's windy desert weather made things very difficult.

If you think Grande is a little difficult to see onstage, that's kind of the point.

Grande is bathed in colored lights throughout the show, which can make her difficult to distinguish from her dancers or to photograph effectively. 

Bennett said Grande requested lighting that allows her to blend into her environment, rather than clearly stand out.

"She has a tendency to want to blend in and become part of everything, the world that she's in," he told us. "She still stands out enough. She's got that presence there. But she likes to be part of something versus branded out, or singled out."

It's unusual for a pop star to be illuminated onstage with colored lights, as opposed to a white spotlight.

Bennett said most artists prefer to perform in a white, color-corrected spotlight. 

"She's not a normal pop star. She's an amazing singer, and she doesn't like to be presented in the normal pop star light," Bennett said. "She's not lit in a way where — for most pop stars, they'll be lit in a flattering light color, stand out from all their dancers, basically stand out more."

In fact, Grande herself had more traditional lighting during her Dangerous Woman Tour in 2017, which Bennett did not design.

Bennett said Grande was "miserable" during her previous tour because the lighting didn't come across well on Instagram.

"In my first conversation with her, she made it clear that she was not happy with the previous tour," he told us. "She was pretty miserable most of the time."

"A lot of it's all down to Instagram," he continued. "A lot of what she looks at is what people post on Instagram. And so a lot of how she's lit for this tour is based off of that."

Grande told him that she'd asked for different lighting throughout the Dangerous Woman Tour, but the team she was working with at the time said that her requests were "impossible."

"I said, 'Nothing's impossible, they just didn't understand,'" Bennett told us. "I saw exactly what it was, all the things she was not happy with, and just fixed it all."

He said he began experimenting with different lighting during Grande's promo tour for "Sweetener" in 2018, when she performed at the Billboard Music Awards and on "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon." During the Sweetener Sessions, a small theater tour she did after her album was released, Bennett said she began feeling "super comfortable."

The Sweetener Tour lighting was specifically designed so that Grande's forehead wouldn't look too big or shiny.

Bennett said that Grande expressed concerns about her forehead in their very first meeting.

"She was explaining to me about how they were lighting her during the Dangerous Woman Tour, and because she has her hair pulled back in a ponytail, her forehead shows a lot," he told us. "And so if she leans back — for certain notes she has to hit, she'll lean her head back — and if she's got top back lighting, then it shines too much on her forehead."

"I had to be very careful how she was lit, because otherwise it has a tendency — it glows too much and then it doesn't look flattering," he continued. "I knew exactly where Ariana was coming from, and anytime that a woman's got her hair pulled back like that, you've got to be mindful."

The lighting also frees Grande from the pressure of looking "perfect" onstage, according to Baeri.

"Ariana wanted the show to be more theatrical and mystical in nature than a traditional pop show," which see most artists presented "in the same perfect TV/camera friendly way," Baeri told Insider via email.

"It makes them stand out and be the center of attention — and presents them in a flattering sense from every angle, as if they were perfect all the time," he continued. "Neither Roy nor Ariana wanted to present her that way; she's allowed to be a little different. And unique. Bolder and more magical than just a plain, flat pop star."

"It's a bold and artistic choice, but being free from that constraint of looking 'perfect' all the time or being bigger than the rest of the show allows us to maintain that sense of grand environment that they were striving for."

The choreography is also intended to let Grande blend in.

"When you see her with the dancers, she's with the dancers. She's not in front of the dancers most of the time," Bennett said. "That's not how she is. She likes to be heard and not seen, versus the other way around."

The show is almost meant to feel more like a play than a pop concert.

"We approached the tour much differently than we would a normal pop show," Baeri told us.

"Usually you are trying to appropriately match the energy of a song with action and accent to tell a story along with the music and lyrics," he said. "The language of this show was different in that we were striving to create static tableaus and grand gestures as an environment for her to play in front of, much like a unit set in a play."

"We're still telling the story with her, and providing exciting visuals to compliment the music, but we're presenting each song as an appropriate environment or a world that she can live inside of, instead of competing with it."

Bennett had precious little time to design the show, since Grande had originally decided to cancel her tour plans.

Grande originally conceived of the Sweetener World Tour to support her album "Sweetener," which was released in August 2018.

But one month later, her longtime love Mac Miller died unexpectedly of an accidental drug overdose. She broke off her engagement with Pete Davidson shortly after. 

"There was a lot going on in her life, and she said, 'I don't want to tour.' So it was like, 'Okay. No tour,'" Bennett said.

But Grande went on to feverishly write and record her Grammy-nominated, No. 1 album "Thank U, Next" in just a few weeks, which apparently inspired her to hit the road after all. ("i'm antsy. can't sit still. i wanna tour now. yesterday i jus wanted to sit home forever but today i wanna do shows and see u. it's all v up n down rn,"she wrote on Twitter.)

"A couple weeks later, she decided that she wanted to tour. So it was a big rush to design the show," Bennett said.

At every show, just before Grande takes the stage, she pays tribute to Mac Miller.

After Grande's opening act is finished performing, a Grande-approved playlist — featuring songs like "Biking" by Frank Ocean, "Motivation" by Normani, and "Don't Call Me Angel" from the "Charlie's Angels" soundtrack — are broadcast throughout the arena.

The last song on the playlist is always "Dang!" by Mac Miller and Anderson .Paak, which plays just before Grande takes the stage.

The setlist is partially designed to avoid songs about Miller and other ex-boyfriends, since Grande feels they're too emotional to perform.

When a fan asked whether it feels "weird" to perform songs about exes, Grande said it "depends."

"Not if they're fun ones and def not if that person is dancing in front of u, cheering u on, holding a camera lmao,"she wrote on Twitter, tagging her ex-boyfriend Ricky Alvarez. "But you know the answer to this... hence why i don't sing certain songs."

Grande previously said that "Ghostin,"a ballad about "feeling badly for the person you're with bc you love somebody else," would be too emotional to sing live. Fans have also noticed that "In My Head," another poignant breakup song from her newest album, is only included in the set list as a pre-recorded interlude.

All of Grande's onstage looks were custom-made by Versace.

Law Roach, the celebrity stylist and Image Architect, created a "mood board" that Versace used for inspiration when designing Grande's outfits.

Roach told People magazine that he always uses the same four elements — a mini skirt, a crop top, over-the-knee boots, and her high ponytail — to build Grande's outfits, including for her "feminine and superpowerful" tour looks.

"I always like to say if you put anyone behind a screen with a long pony, an A-line skirt, an over-the-knee boot, the first thing that comes to everybody's mind is now Ariana Grande," Roach told People. "I really do think that one of her ponytails will end up in the Smithsonian one day, that's how iconic I believe that ponytail is."

Her stylist drew inspiration from lingerie and bondagewear by designer Yeha Leung.

Roach's "mood board" included multiple designs by Yeha Leung, who creates made-to-order bondagewear under the brand name Creepyyeha.

Leung told Insider that she was originally approached by Grande's team to create custom looks for the Sweetener World Tour, but turned it down due to "a timing issue."

Bennett said Grande tends to change her mind about which outfits she'll wear "from one day to the next."

Bennett said that Grande's outfits, particularly when it comes to fabrics and colors, are "a very important factor" in lighting and design decisions.

"In rehearsals, when we start to see the costumes, sometimes we have to manipulate things and change things so that everything fits perfectly together. It's just a work in progress all the time," he said. "Because sometimes she will change her mind about what costume she's going to wear, from one day to the next. So you have to take that into consideration."

Grande's tour initiative #ThankUNextGen has broken records for first-time voter registration.

Grande teamed up with the organization HeadCount to register voters at her concerts, dubbing the initiative #ThankUNextGen. 

In July, many months before the end of Grande's tour, CNBC reported that HeadCount had already signed up 17,000 voters — more than any other year before a presidential election.

"Rock the Vote has processed almost 60% more registrations this year than it did by this time in 2015, which holds the record for registrations for a year leading up to a presidential election," President and Executive Director Carolyn DeWitt told CNBC. "I fully suspect we will shatter that record this year."

Although Bernstein declined to clarify how many voters had been registered at Grande's concerts, HeadCount did tell CNBC it's registered twice as many voters during the Sweetener World Tour as any other tour over the last three years. It's the most successful solo artist tour HeadCount has seen since 2008.

• Read more:
• Ariana Grande appears to endorse Bernie Sanders after sharing backstage photos with him, and referring to him as 'My Guy'
• 52 photos that show Ariana Grande's dramatic style evolution, from Nickelodeon teen to global phenomenon
• Ariana Grande's album 'Thank U, Next' is full of revealing lyrics, samples, and apparent Pete Davidson references — here's every detail you may have missed
• Ariana Grande's 20 most popular songs, ranked

• The 15 richest club owners in the NBA have a combined worth of more than $114.2 billion.
• The wealthiest is the Winnipeg Jets owner David Thomson, who is worth a huge $38.9 billion — a fortune which makes him the 21st richest person on the planet. 
• Here is the full list, ranked in ascending order by their individual net worths according to Forbes, as well as an explanation as to how they each made their fortunes. 
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

SEE ALSO: The 12 richest billionaire Premier League club owners, and how they made their fortune

15. Ronald Burkle — Pittsburgh Penguins ($1.5 billion)

Age: 67

Nationality: American

How he made his fortune: Burkle founded private equity firm Yucaipa Companies in 1986, which specializes in buying and selling supermarket chains.

The firm's most prominent deal was the sale of Fred Meyer to Kroger for $8 billion in 1998.

=13. Vincent Viola — Florida Panthers ($2 billion)

Age: 63

Nationality: American

How he made his fortune: Following several years in the U.S. Army, Viola began trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange in 1982, where he later made millions betting on oil prices before and after the Gulf War, according to The Wall Street Journal.

He founded Virtu Financial in 2008, one of the world's largest providers of financial and market making services. 

=13. Brian Roberts — Philadelphia Flyers ($2 billion)

Age: 60 

Nationality: American

How he made his fortune: Roberts inherited telecoms giant Comcast from his father, who died in 2015.

Comcast owns NBC Universal and Xfinity, and in 2018 acquired European provider Sky, in turn making it the world's second biggest broadcasting company.

12. Daryl Katz — Edmonton Oilers ($3.1 billion)

Age: 58

Nationality: Canadian

How he made his fortune: Despite having two degrees, one in art and one in law, Katz made his money in pharmaceuticals after buying the Canadian rights to American franchise Medicine Shoppe in 1991.

In 2012 he sold the company, and numerous others he'd purchased, turning his attentions to real estate and entertainment.

=10. David Bonderman — Seattle NHL Team ($3.7 billion)

Age: 76

Nationality: American

How he made his fortune: "Bondo" is the founding partner of private equity firm TPG Capital, which today has $108 billion assets under its management, says Forbes.

The 76-year-old was part of a team that proposed the creation of a hockey franchise in Seattle to the NHL in 2018. It was approved, and the as yet unnamed team will begin competing in 2021.

=10. Marian Ilitch — Detroit Red Wings ($3.7 billion)

Age: 86 

Nationality: American

How she made her fortune: Ilitch and her late husband, Mike, founded Little Caesars Pizza together in 1959.

It started as a singular restaurant in Garden City, Michigan, and is now the third largest pizza chain in the world, behind only Pizza Hut and Domino's, according to Largest.

9. Jeremy Jacobs — Boston Bruins ($4.3 billion)

Age: 79

Nationality: American

How he made his fortune: Jacobs' father, Louis Jacobs, founded global hospitality company Delaware North in 1915. When Louis died in 1968, Jeremy assumed the role of CEO, aged just 28.

He remained in that position until 2015, when he named his three sons, Jeremy Jr., Louis Michael, and Charles as co-CEOs. Confusing.

8. Joshua Harris — New Jersey Devils ($4.5 billion)

Age: 54

Nationality: American.

How he made his fortune: Harris started his career in the world of investment banking in the 1980s, before starting private equity powerhouse Apollo in 1990. 

As well as maintaining control of Apollo, Harris now owns shares in Premier League football team Crystal Palace, the Philadelphia 76ers, and the New Jersey Devils.

7. Henry Samueli — Anaheim Ducks ($4.8 billion)

Age: 65

Nationality: American

How he made his fortune: While working as a professor at UCLA in 1991, Samueli co-founded communications company Broadcom alongside one of his PhD students, Henry Nicholas. 

He and his wife purchased the Ducks in 2005 for $70 million. 

6. Terrence Pegula — Buffalo Sabres ($4.9 billion)

Age: 68

Nationality: American

How he made his fortune: Having established the natural gas drilling company, East Resources, for just $7,500 in 1983, Pegula later sold it to Shell for $4.7 billion in 2010.

Using the money from the sale, he bought the Buffalo Sabres in 2011, before purchasing NFL franchise the Buffalo Bills three years later.

5. Edward P. Roski — Los Angeles Kings ($5.8 billion)

Age: 80

Nationality: American 

How he made his fortune: Ex-Marine Roski joined his father's business Majestic Realty in 1966, before taking over as president after his death.

Majestic owns 84 million square feet of real estate across America, that includes office, industrial, and retail space. 

4. Ann Walton Kroenke — Colorado Avalanche ($7.8 billion)

Age: 70

Nationality: American

How she made her fortune: Kroenke is an heir to the Walmart fortune, having inherited stock from her father and co-founder Bud Walton after he died in 1995.

She is married to billionaire realtor Stan Kroenke, with whom she co-owns a number of sports teams, including the Los Angeles Rams, Arsenal FC, and the Colorado Rapids. 

3. Philip Anschutz — Los Angeles Kings ($11.4 billion)

Age: 79

Nationality: American

How he made his fortune: A master of all trades, Anschutz has made his fortune in a wide variety of fields, including oil, telecoms, and real estate. 

In his later years, he's become a sports mogul, helping to found the MLS, as well as owning stakes in both the Kings and the Los Angeles Lakers. 

2. Hasso Plattner — San Jose Sharks ($15.8 billion)

Age: 75

Nationality: German

How he made his fortune: Hassner left IBM in 1972 to co-found enterprise software company SAP SE, which went on to become one of the biggest of its kind in the world, now recording an annual turnover of over $24 billion.

The German has used his money for good cause however, opening his own nonprofit institute to provide free education in IT systems engineering.

1. David Thomson — Winnipeg Jets ($38.9 billion)

Age: 62

Nationality: Canadian/British

How she made her fortune: Thomson became the chairman of information giant Thomson Reuters in 2006 following the death of his father.

The 62-year-old is also a noted art collector, boasting a gallery amass with pieces from Rembrandt, Egon Schiele, and William Turner amongst others. 

• Maria Fagerström is a Swedish pilot and Instagram influencer living in Spain.
• She shares insider secrets about her life as a pilot with her nearly 500,000 Instagram followers.
• She shared some of her best travel and packing tips with Business Insider.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Swedish influencer and pilot Maria Fagerström uses Instagram to share her life as a pilot, her travels, and the home she shares with her boyfriend with her nearly 500,000 followers.

In some posts, she answers questions that followers have about her unusual and glamorous life, from what flight school is like to things people don't know about being a pilot.

As a short haul pilot, Fagerström usually gets back to Spain to sleep in her own bed, but during her time off, she travels frequently. Here are some of her best tips for traveling. 

SEE ALSO: Stop charging your phone like this at the airport, it's not safe

1. "I always bring an empty water bottle with me to refill once you go air side whenever I travel as a passenger," Fagerström told Business Insider.

2. Bring extra socks in your carry-on to wear if you want to take off your shoes, especially for going to the bathroom.

3. Tag your checked luggage, and add an extra label saying "fragile," which "may increase the chances of airport staff handling your stuff with more care" according to Fagerström.

4. Always bring a fully charged power bank for when your batteries run low.

5. Fagerström also said she always brings her "precious noise-cancelling headset."

6. Board early, so that overhead bins don't fill up, or you might have to check bags at the gate. In the rush, your bag could get tagged incorrectly and be lost when you arrive. "Happened to me more than once so I always try to board first," Fagerström said.

7. Never exchange currency at the airport if you can help it — ATMs are usually faster and cheaper.

8. Finally, a tip from Fagerström's father, a long-haul pilot, on fighting jetlag: "Listen to your body and get some sleep whenever you can, even if it's only a 15-minute power nap in the middle of the day." She also advises staying away from sugar.

You can follow along with Fagerström's travels on Instagram right here.

• Apple's new MacBook Pro has a larger 16-inch screen and an improved keyboard, making it a compelling choice for Apple fans looking for a powerful work computer.
• The keyboard in particular represents a much-needed upgrade; Apple has ditched the butterfly mechanism keyboard in favor of a design inspired by its popular Magic keyboard.
• But, as has been the case with Apple's laptops in the past, the MacBook Pro is expensive compared to its Windows rivals. It also doesn't offer the option for a touch screen as many Windows devices of the same price typically do.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Apple fans in need of a new laptop for getting serious work done have two reasons to rejoice. That's because Apple's new MacBook Pro, which starts at $2,400 and just launched on November 13, brings two important changes that make it a significantly better work machine: a much improved keyboard and a roomier display. 

After much criticism, Apple ditched the troublesome butterfly switch mechanism that's been present on its laptops since 2015 with the launch of its new MacBook Pro — the largest laptop Apple has built since it launched the now-discontinued 17-inch MacBook Pro in 2011.

The decision to implement a scissor-switch design in the new MacBook Pro's keyboard instead of the butterfly switch comes after customers and critics alike reported issues with the keyboard. Some said that keys would respond twice when only tapped once, others said that keys simply wouldn't respond at all. Apple has since launched a service program that allows customers with affected keyboards to get their laptop repaired for free. But the 16-inch MacBook Pro represents the company's first major shift away from the butterfly keyboard since it launched around four years ago. 

The new MacBook Pro's larger display also makes it a more practical device for those who prioritize productivity but don't have the space for a desktop computer. By reducing the size of the bezels that frame the laptop's screen, Apple has enlarged the display without actually making the computer all that much bigger than its 15-inch predecessor. 

Otherwise, the MacBook Pro brings all the advantages — and disadvantages — you'd normally expect from a MacBook Pro. That's to say it offers fast performance, a high-resolution screen, a sleek design that never seems to overheat, and boisterous audio. Now that the butterfly keyboard has been replaced with a new one inspired by the company's popular Magic keyboard, I can add a high-quality typing experience to that list as well.

But it also retains two of the complaints I've had about Apple laptops in years past: it's expensive and doesn't offer as much flexibility as competing Windows machines. While most high-end Windows laptops of the same price have  the option to configure it with a touch screen, Apple has never offered this choice. Instead, it has stuck with the Touch Bar, a touch-sensitive strip that sits above the keyboard and offers some shortcuts and buttons for adjusting settings. 

Some Windows machines also offer more variety when it comes to ports as well. Laptops from Dell and Asus, for example, have connections for HDMI, older USB slots, and SD card slots, whereas the new MacBook Pro only has four Thunderbolt USB C ports and a headphone jack. That may not matter to the average user, but the professional-grade audience that Apple is catering to with the MacBook Pro might appreciate those other input and output options.

And while the MacBook Pro's large screen is plenty bright, sharp, and crisp, OLED screens are becoming increasingly common on today's premium laptops. That too could give shoppers who aren't partial to Apple's ecosystem reason to look elsewhere, especially if binging Netflix is one of the main reasons you want that bigger screen.

Here's a closer look at what it's been like to try Apple's new 16-inch MacBook Pro. 

SEE ALSO: A time-management expert says there's one important downside to the four-day workweek, even if it does make you more productive

The keyboard has gotten a massive, much-needed upgrade.

The new MacBook Pro's keyboard feels like a dream to type on compared to the butterfly keyboard found on previous generations of Apple's laptops. The key travel is noticeably better, which makes pecking away at the keyboard during the work day feel all the more satisfying. It's exactly what typing on a pricey laptop like the MacBook Pro should feel like. 

Luckily, the butterfly keyboard on my work-issued MacBook Pro never fell victim to the mishaps experienced by other users. It's still perfectly functional, but that doesn't mean I necessarily enjoy typing on it.

The butterfly keyboard feels flat and lacks depth in comparison to Apple's new Magic keyboard, making it much less comfortable to type on. Even for those using a laptop with a butterfly keyboard that's performing exactly as it should, the new Magic-inspired keyboard will still feel like an upgrade.

The touchpad on Apple's MacBook Pro is also very spacious and responsive, just like the one found on previous models, which makes it a joy to use. 

Keyboard and touchpad quality may not be your highest priority when shopping for a new laptop. But considering they both have a lot of influence over how enjoyable it is to use your laptop, it's an important characteristic to consider. 

The display is sharp and crisp, and the larger size makes it much easier to get work done. But I found the Dell XPS 15's OLED screen to be more compelling for watching video than the MacBook Pro's.

The MacBook Pro is designed for getting serious work done, and its larger display makes it even easier to do just that. But beyond simply fitting more content on the screen, the MacBook Pro's bigger display gives Apple's laptop a much more modern look that echoes the design changes it's made to the iPhone and iPad in recent years.

It's a small but necessary improvement for Apple if it wants the MacBook Pro's design to remain competitive with rivals like Dell's XPS lineup, which have boasted nearly borderless screens for years. The bezels on the new MacBook Pro still aren't quite as slim as those on Dell's XPS 15, but it's certainly an upgrade.

When it comes to quality, the 16-inch MacBook Pro's display won't disappoint. The MacBook Pro now features display with a slightly higher resolution of 3072 by 1920 pixels (226 pixels per inch) compared to its 15-inch predecessor, which has a 2880 by 1800 resolution screen (220 pixels per inch). I've been using the new MacBook Pro mostly for working and watching video on Netflix and YouTube, and I found that colors always look vibrant and crisp.

I also generally prefer reading and working on the MacBook Pro since it has Apple's True Tone technology, which adjusts color to match the ambient light of your surroundings. As a result, the MacBook Pro's display generally looks warmer and less blue than Windows alternatives.

That being said, as OLED screens become increasingly common on laptops, it could be more challenging for the MacBook Pro's display to shine against competitors. When I watched Netflix's "Stranger Things" on both the LED backlit MacBook Pro's display and the 4K OLED display on a similarly configured Dell XPS 15, the difference was surely noticeable. Colors looked bolder and more lively on Dell's screen, and the contrast was much more apparent.  

The MacBook Pro's performance is great, which isn't much of a surprise.

The new MacBook Pro seemed more than capable of handling heavy workloads. The configuration I'm testing is one of the higher-end models priced at $3,899, which comes with a 2.4GHz eight-core Intel Core i9 processor with 32GB of RAM memory and AMD Radeon Pro 5500M graphics. 

When I ran Maxon's Cinebench R20 test on it, a benchmark that evaluates the rendering performance of a computer's central processing unit, the Pro scored a bit higher than a similarly configured Dell XPS 15.

That performance translated to everyday use too. Whether I was getting work done with more than 20 tabs open in a browser while running apps in the background, or playing a game like "Tomb Raider" at its highest supported resolution, the Pro never seemed sluggish. The whirring fans, however, did get a bit loud when running "Tomb Raider," but wasn't noticeable otherwise while I was working. 

If you frequently work outside of a traditional office setting or while traveling, you can expect to get several hours worth of work done on the MacBook Pro before you start scrambling for an outlet. The MacBook Pro lasted for around five-and-a-half hours when I used it for a regular day of work. That normally includes web browsing and using chat applications like Slack.

But battery life will always vary depending on the apps and programs you're running and the system settings. When I tweaked a few settings, such as keeping the display brightness set at 75%, turning off the keyboard backlight, shutting off True Tone, and disabling dark mode, I found that I was able to get closer to six-and-a-half hours out of the MacBook Pro. 

What did shock me, however, was how great the MacBook Pro's speakers were.

The new 16-inch MacBook Pro's speakers put the audio on other laptops I've been using to shame. The MacBook Pro, which has a new six-speaker sound system compared to the 15-inch Pro's four speakers, offers boisterous, clean audio with rich depth. It made the Dell XPS 15 sound hollow and shallow in comparison. 

I don't usually listen to music, videos, or podcasts on my laptop without headphones. But the MacBook Pro makes me want to. And with the new MacBook Pro's large size, I could easily see it becoming a fixture at my desk at home that I use for playing music or asking Siri requests, serving a similar purpose as an Echo Dot. 

Overall, the new MacBook Pro is the best Apple laptop you can buy for getting work done. But it's still notably expensive compared to Windows alternatives.

With its revamped keyboard, larger, crisp screen, and fast performance, the new MacBook Pro is probably the best work laptop Apple has made so far. After using it in place of my 13-inch MacBook Pro from 2017, I'm finding it difficult to go back — especially considering the new Pro's keyboard has been so drastically improved.

If you're a devoted Apple user that isn't open to switching to Windows and wants a large, powerful laptop with a reliable keyboard, the new MacBook Pro is probably worth splurging on. Given its roomy display and high-quality audio, I can imagine it being a particularly compelling choice for those editing video, music, or photos. 

But if you're not partial to Apple, there are Windows-based options that will get you more for your money, particularly when it comes to the display. A configuration of Dell's XPS 15 that's priced the same as Apple's entry-level 16-inch MacBook Pro comes with a more powerful processor (eight-core Intel Core i9 versus the Pro's six-core Intel Core i7), more storage space (1TB compared to the MacBook Pro's 512GB SSD), and a 4K OLED screen. 

But the new 16-inch MacBook Pro does make Apple's high-end laptop a better value for the price. Apple's older 15-inch model was available for the same $2,400 base price, but included a smaller screen, a less-capable speaker system, and the less-comfortable butterfly keyboard. 

• The "Forbidden City" is a military base in eastern Germany that has barely been touched in 25 years.
• The complex was used as the Nazi command center during World War II and occupied 40,000 Soviet soldiers during the Cold War.
• Haunting photos of the abandoned military base show what the Forbidden City looks like today.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

There's a military base in eastern Germany that's been abandoned for 25 years. 

Known as the 'Forbidden City," the Wünsdorf complex in Zossen — about 20 miles outside Berlin — dates back to the early 20th century. It was used to house prisoners of war during World War I, and in 1935, it became the headquarters of Germany's armed forces, serving as the Nazis' military command center during World War II.

Soviet forces took over the base during the Cold War. It was home to 40,000 Soviet soldiers, according to one estimate, and it was the largest Soviet military camp outside the USSR. East Germans who lived outside the complex couldn't get in without special permission, giving way to its nickname, the "Forbidden City."

But Soviet occupation of the base would end following the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 and the collapse of the Soviet Union. By 1994, the last troops had left the Forbidden City. 

Now, 25 years later, the base has hardly been touched, save for occasional tours of the decaying landmark.

As a photographer with a focus on abandoned buildings and a passion for history, I traveled to Wünsdorf to see the Forbidden City for myself.

Here's what the military base looks like today.

SEE ALSO: Eerie photos of an abandoned airport that hasn't been touched in 25 years

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A huge statue of Vladimir Lenin, the former leader of the Soviet Union, is still standing in front of the main entrance to the abandoned military base.

Inside, paint was cracking and peeling off the walls and ceilings — a stark contrast to the ornate decorations on some of the walls.

In this former office, tons of artifacts were left behind — including old world maps and furniture.

Rooms like this were used by some of the 40,000 Soviet soldiers that lived in the Forbidden City.

This grand staircase leads to the upper floor of the main building of the base.

Many of the walls, stripped of their wallpaper or cracking from peeling paint, are shells of their former selves.

The neglect of 25 years was evident in connecting rooms like this one. The base hasn't been used since the last Soviet soldiers left in 1994.

This decorative room on the main building's first floor leads to the Lenin statue overlooking an abandoned soccer field.

At the end of this dim hallway stands an illuminated image of Joseph Stalin carrying a child.

These decorations from the Soviet era are, miraculously, mostly intact.

Here's the view from the top of the staircase looking down. Though the railings are badly rusting, you can see the care and craftsmanship that went into creating them.

There were a number of athletic facilities on the campus, including a swimming pool. To get there, I headed through this former locker room.

The swimming pool, completely empty of water, has remained frozen in time. You can see the lane dividers still hanging mid-air.

Soldiers would shower off here after taking a dip in the pool.

This theater used to host various performances. Although it's very dark in the room, you can see the beautiful decorations on the ceiling and relatively good shape of the theater, compared to other decaying corners of the Forbidden City.

• NASA began testing an alien-hunting underwater rover in Antarctica this week.
• The robot, called the Buoyant Rover for Under-Ice Exploration (BRUIE), rolls along the bottom of ice sheets in polar oceans, scanning for signs of life.
• BRUIE is built for the hidden subsurface seas of distant ice worlds like Europa (a moon of Jupiter) and Enceladus (a moon of Saturn).
• These ocean worlds are the most likely places for alien life in our solar system.
• NASA is designing other spacecraft to search for life in these hidden oceans.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

NASA scientists are dropping an upside-down underwater rover into the icy oceans of Antarctica.

The robot, called the Buoyant Rover for Under-Ice Exploration (BRUIE), is a prototype of the rover that could search for life in frozen alien oceans.

It's part of NASA's plans to explore the secret oceans of two distant icy moons, Europa and Enceladus. NASA plans to launch the next spacecraft to Europa in 2025.

These moons and this underwater rover are our best shot at finding alien life in the solar system.

Here's everything you need to know about the underwater rover, the worlds it could explore, and how NASA plans to search for life there.

SEE ALSO: A handful of new telescopes are about to transform the hunt for alien life and our understanding of the universe itself

DON'T MISS: At least 3 companies plan to launch space hotels into orbit, offering inflatable rooms, 16 sunsets per day, and even space Quidditch

NASA began testing an alien-hunting underwater rover in Antarctica this week.

It's called the Buoyant Rover for Under-Ice Exploration (BRUIE). That's because, instead of relying on its weight to keep it on the ground, BRUIE relies on buoyancy to keep it afloat.

The rover rolls across the bottom of the sheet of ice covering the polar ocean.

"Instead of a rover that drives on the ground, we'll have a rover that drives on the ceiling," Dan Berisford, a mechanical engineer on the BRUIE team, said in a 2015 NASA video.

BRUIE has already been tested in Alaska and the Arctic.

BRUIE is a prototype, but its unique approach could allow future rovers to explore alien oceans beneath the ice of distant worlds.

"We've found that life often lives at interfaces, both the sea bottom and the ice-water interface at the top," lead engineer Andy Klesh said in a press release.

BRUIE's buoyancy keeps it anchored to the ice, resistant to most ocean currents that could sweep it away.

The rover can also power down safely and turn back on when it's time to take measurements. Klesh said that this energy-saving method would allow BRUIE to spend months exploring underwater.

"BRUIE will carry several science instruments to measure parameters related to life, such as dissolved oxygen, water salinity, pressure and temperature," Berisford said.

With two rotating high-definition cameras, the rover can look down to the ocean floor and up at the ice above.

The team plans to keep testing and developing BRUIE until it can survive months below the ice.

NASA scientists hope this technology will one day search for alien life on two faraway moons that hide vast oceans below thick sheets of ice.

"The ice shells covering these distant oceans serve as a window into the oceans below, and the chemistry of the ice could help feed life within those oceans," Kevin Hand, the lead scientist working on BRUIE, said in the release. "Here on Earth, the ice covering our polar oceans serves a similar role, and our team is particularly interested in what is happening where the water meets the ice."

The first ocean world, Europa, is an icy moon of Jupiter.

Scientists have long suspected that Europa conceals an ocean below its ice surface — possibly with twice the volume of Earth's oceans.

Scientists measured water vapor above Europa's surface for the first time on Monday — further evidence of the liquid water that lies below. 

In June, scientists spotted sodium chloride (also known as table salt) in Europa's ice, indicating that the ocean below could be similar to those on Earth.

Chemical reactions between this salt and rocks on the ocean floor could create nitrogen compounds, which are crucial in the formation of life.

The second world, Enceladus, is an icy moon of Saturn.

Like Europa, Enceladus hides a subsurface ocean of liquid water that could be habitable to alien life.

Much smaller than Europa, Enceladus is about as wide as the state of Arizona.

In 2005 the Cassini spacecraft, which explored Saturn and its moons, "tasted" the jets of ice and gas that shoot out of Enceladus's south pole. The jets seem to come from deep within the ocean below.

Both moons seem to contain the basic chemical ingredients for life.

Based on Cassini's data, NASA recently confirmed that water on Enceladus contains organic compounds — the building blocks of amino acids that make up DNA and formed the foundations of life on Earth.

As for Europa, scientists think it first formed with the necessary chemical elements: carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, phosphorus and sulfur. Asteroid impacts may have delivered even more life-giving elements.

But there's one major problem: The sunlight that fuels life on Earth is 25 times fainter on Europa.

Enceladus, even further from the sun, is about -330 degrees Fahrenheit on its surface.

Even the most durable species on Earth, which have adapted to the most extreme conditions, would probably not survive on these moons.

That's because life requires heat and energy. On Earth, we get those things from our proximity to the sun.

But both moons' oceans are likely much warmer than their surfaces, thanks to their oval-shaped orbits.

Because it's tidally locked, like our own moon, the same side of Europa is always facing Jupiter. 

As Europa follows its oval-shaped orbit, its distance from Jupiter changes, so the difference between the gravitational pull on Europa's two sides regularly grows and shrinks. These changes are called tides.

Enceladus has the same relationship to Saturn.

These tides stretch and relax Europa and Enceladus, cracking their surface ice and building friction that heats the moons from the inside.

That's what keeps the subsurface oceans from freezing solid.

These tides could crack the moons' mantle and give rise to deep-sea hydrothermal vents.

On Earth, such vents produce intense heat that rips apart molecules and sparks chemical reactions. They form where seawater seeps into the planet's rocky crust, meets volcanically active rock, and blasts back toward the surface.

Scientists first discovered these vents in 1977.

Life on Earth crops up around these vents. These ecosystems don't need sunlight to survive.

On land, food chains rely on plants to convert sunlight to sugar. But in the deep-sea food chain, microbes convert hydrogen to sugar. Rather than photosynthesis (which is fueled by light), this process of "chemosynthesis" uses chemical reactions.

That's why NASA is developing robots to explore hidden alien oceans — like this submarine, called Orpheus.

A drone like Orpheus could dive to the ocean floor in search of hydrothermal vents and deep-sea life.

"It's the great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great grandmother of the vehicle that may go to Europa," biologist Tim Shank, who leads the team that's sending this submarine to Earth's deep seas, previously told Business Insider.

First, scientists must learn how to recognize and observe forms of life that might thrive at deep-sea pressures.

"We only really know how to detect life similar to that on Earth," Berisford said. "So it's possible that very different microbes might be difficult to recognize."

That's why Orpheus is reaching for the unexplored depths of Earth's oceans. It could help to study life in these mysterious Earth environments that are most similar to Europa or Enceladus.

But NASA is still just testing those technologies. Before they take off, the agency plans to send a spacecraft to scout the surface of Europa.

The Europa Clipper spacecraft is slated to fly close to the icy moon 45 times. NASA plans to launch it in 2025.

The spacecraft is expected to fly through Europa's water vapor plumes to analyze what might be in the ocean.

Its radar tools will also measure the thickness of the ice and scan for subsurface water, as the spacecraft flies as close as 16 miles above Europa's surface.

That investigation could help scientists land a future spacecraft on Europa's surface and punch through the ice.

The future lander could search deep ice for signs of life in the ocean below, digging 4 inches below Europa's surface to extract samples for analysis in a mini, on-the-go laboratory.

Scientists estimate the ice around both moons is up to 16 miles thick, though in some parts of Europa it could be as thin as half a mile.

After Europa, Enceladus is about an extra 400 million miles away, but NASA scientists have proposed a mission to search for life there.

The mission, called Enceladus Life Finder (ELF), would fly past Enceladus 10 times to sample the material shooting out of its jets. Those jets are essentially a sample of what's in the moon's hidden ocean.

ELF would try to determine the temperature, pH, oxygen levels, and how energy is moving in the subsurface ocean.

NASA has twice chosen to fund other projects instead.

Hilary Brueck contributed reporting to this post.