Rachel Ulatowski

James Stephen Donaldson, better known by his internet alias MrBeast, has made a career on YouTube performing large-scale stunts and challenges. Recently, he launched his biggest initiative yet with Amazon’s BeastGames.

With over 1,000 contestants and a $5 million cash prize, Beast Games is the largest game show with the biggest cash prize in history. Viewers looking for more large-scale game shows with high stakes and unique physical and mental challenges can use our guide to find 20 more great shows like Beast Games on platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and more!

Cheat

Cheat is a Netflix game show with a unique twist on the trivia format. In each episode, four contestants answer trivia questions and are encouraged to “cheat” if they don’t know the question by discreetly pressing a button. The contestant who is best at detecting when their fellow competitors cheat can win $50,000. Like Beast Games, Cheat is an unconventional and refreshing game show.

Legends of the Hidden Temple

Legends of the Hidden Temple is a Nickelodeon game show in which six teams of two children navigate challenges on a Mayan-inspired set. The teams complete three rounds of physical challenges and trivia questions to determine which team is worthy of entering the temple. This fun, family-friendly alternative to Beast Games offers unique challenges, obstacles, courses, and prizes.

Physical: 100

Viewers who enjoy the high number of competitors and elimination format in Beast Games will be interested in Physical: 100. The South Korean reality TV series starts each season with 100 contestants, who compete in various grueling and creative physical challenges to avoid elimination and win $240,000. Large in scale and intensity, Physical: 100 parallels Beast Games in more ways than one.

Siren: Survive the Island

Siren: Survive the Island’s contestants consist of 24 female police officers, firefighters, bodyguards, soldiers, athletes, and stuntwomen. The women are divided into six teams of four and placed on a remote island, competing in challenges until one team remains standing. Not only are the intensity, stakes, and drama on par with Beast Games, but the show also puts a spotlight on the bravest and toughest female professionals.

Squid Game: The Challenge

Squid Game: The Challenge is the closest a game show has come to matching Beast Games' scale. Inspired by the dystopian thriller series Squid Game, the show features 456 contestants competing for a whopping cash prize of $4.56 million. In addition to boasting large-scale, high-stakes, juicy drama, and betrayal, Squid Game: The Challenge is unique in that it challenges its contestants with tasks inspired by children’s games.

Survivor

Survivor is one of the most popular reality competition shows of all time. Each season, 16 or more contestants are placed on a remote island where they must survive and provide their own food, shelter, and fire. Along the way, they compete in physical and mental challenges and cast votes to decide who will be eliminated. The winner is dubbed “Sole Survivor” and gets $1 million. Like Beast Games, Survivor is often filled with surprising twists, betrayals, alliances, and drastic actions motivated by the enormous prize.

The Devil’s Plan

The Devil’s Plan is a South Korean game show focusing on strategy and mental skill. The series features 12 contestants participating in a 7-day competition where they compete in complex cognitive and strategic challenges. Performing poorly in the challenges can lead to elimination or some contestants spending time in the in-show “jail.” Very few game shows are as unique or have as intricate set designs as The Devil’s Plan and Beast Games.

The Mole

Viewers intrigued by the betrayals and drama of Beast Games will love The Mole. Each season follows seven or more contestants who work together through physical and mental challenges to add money to the prize pot. However, there’s a twist: the contestants have to figure out which of them is secretly a “mole” selected by producers to sabotage the money-raising efforts. Its unique format effectively elevates the stakes and drama.

The Zone: Survival Mission

One of the most intriguing aspects of Beast Games is how it seemingly transports contestants and viewers into another realm with the $14 million city MrBeast developed for it. The Zone: Survival Mission also has the transportation effect through a disaster-simulated virtual space. Five South Korean celebrities undergo eight disaster simulations, such as zombie apocalypses, and attempt to survive for four hours. It’s unique, takes advantage of virtual simulations, and allows viewers to see contestants in a variety of environments and situations.

Wipeout

Like Beast Games, Wipeout features a large number of contestants and extreme challenges. Every season, 24 contestants attempt to successfully complete four rounds of increasingly difficult and complex obstacle courses. If they’re not careful, they can “wipeout,” as each course includes the possibility of falls and collisions. Wipeout is wildly entertaining and funny with its outrageous courses and desire to capture the worst wipeouts.

Where to watch more shows like Beast Games streaming online

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The Pacific Rim franchise is set to return with a new prequel series produced by Lionsgate Television and Chronology Entertainment. Viewers interested in catching up with the Kaiju franchise before the new series premieres can use our guide to find out how to watch all the Pacific Rim movies and TV shows in order.

Pacific Rim premiered in 2013, with Guillermo del Toro as director. Del Toro also co-wrote the script with Travis Beacham based on Beacham's story. The film is set in 2025, five years after Kaiju began entering Earth through an interdimensional portal and terrorizing humanity, forcing humans to create their own mechanical kaiju, Jaegers, to fight them. Former Jaeger pilot Raleigh Becket (Charlie Hunnam) is grieving the loss of his brother when he’s recruited on a new mission by Marshal Stacker Pentecost (Idris Elba) to bar the kaiju from Earth for good.

The film was a box office hit and earned high praise for its stunning visuals and putting an artistic, modern-day spin on the monster film genre. It had the potential to start another Kaiju franchise like Toho’s Godzilla or the Monsterverse. Del Toro was working on a sequel before the first film even premiered. However, the sequel was put on hold due to studio conflicts. Ultimately, the movie was greenlit, but del Toro handed directing over to Steven DeKnight because he could not be in China for the sequel’s filming due to his work on The Shape of Water.

The sequel, Pacific Rim: Uprising, finally premiered in 2018. It follows Pentecost’s son, Jake Pentecost (John Boyega), a former Jaeger pilot who has turned to a life of crime. However, when a new kaiju threat arises, Jake’s adoptive sister, Mako Mori (Rinko Kikuchi), gives him a second chance to prove himself and save humanity. Pacific Rim: Uprising received mixed reviews, with critics praising the performances, visuals, and entertainment value but criticizing the story and lack of originality. Unfortunately, the film was a major box office flop.

Although DeKnight has floated ideas of doing a Pacific Rim and Monsterverse crossover film, there are currently no confirmed plans for Pacific Rim 3. However, the franchise has lived on through the small screen. The TV series Pacific Rim: The Black puts an animated, gritty spin on the franchise, following two siblings on a quest to find their parents after Kaiju attacked Australia. Now, a new prequel series is in development, with Arrival screenwriter Eric Heisserer serving as showrunner.

How to watch the Pacific Rim movies and shows in order

Aside from the upcoming prequel series, the films and shows so far follow the same chronological and release date order. Pacific Rim takes place in 2025, while Pacific Rim: Uprising takes place in 2035. While the exact year of Pacific Rim: The Black is uncertain, it takes place several years after the events of Pacific Rim: Uprising. Hence, the chronological/release order order is:

• Pacific Rim (2013)
• Pacific Rim: Uprising (2018)
• Pacific Rim: The Black (2021)

Where to watch the Pacific Rim movies and shows streaming online

Check out our list below to find out where to watch all the Pacific Rim movies and TV shows online in the U.S.!

The critically acclaimed anime series Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba recently wrapped up its run on the small screen. After five seasons, the show concluded, with its final arc, Infinity Castle, set to premiere as a film trilogy.

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba follows Tanjiro Kamado, a young boy who becomes a demon slayer and sets out to save his sister Nezuko after a demon possesses her. With its gorgeous animation, heartfelt storyline, historical premise, and lovable characters, the show has quickly become one of the most popular anime series.

Viewers looking for more shows like Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba while awaiting the film trilogy can use our guide to find 10 similar great anime series available to stream on platforms like Crunchyroll and more.

Attack on Titan

Attack on Titan is a critically acclaimed anime series set in a post-apocalyptic world where humanity lives in fear of man-eating creatures known as Titans. After a Titan kills Eren Yeager’s mother, he joins the Survey Corps in his quest to kill every Titan. However, his journey leads to him discovering startling truths about himself and humanity. Attack on Titan has a similar premise to Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba of a boy set on vengeance against inhuman creatures but offers a more mature and complex story filled with plot twists and intriguing social and political commentary.

Bleach

Bleach follows Ichigo Kurosaki, a young man who reluctantly accepts the role of Soul Reaper after another Reaper, Rukia Kuchiki, sacrifices herself to save him. Ichigo becomes immersed in the spirit world as he fights malevolent spirits and helps the departed transition to the afterlife. Demon Slayer’s author, Koyouharu Gotoge, has cited Bleach as one of the inspirations for his work. Both series capitalize on supernatural elements, offer a unique blend of comedy and drama, and boast colorful and gorgeous animation.

Death Note

Death Note tells the story of Light Yagami, a high school student who discovers a notebook from a shinigami that has the power to kill anyone whose name is written in it. The series explores themes of power, the nature of good and evil, and justice as Light navigates his newfound abilities. It is a good alternative to Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba for viewers looking for a supernatural series that leans more toward psychological thriller than action/adventure.

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood follows brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric, who lost their physical bodies after a failed alchemy experiment to bring back their late mother. Together, they vow to find the Philosopher’s Stone to restore their bodies. Like Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is an action-packed story with powerful themes of hope, family bonds, determination, and mortality.

Hell’s Paradise

Hell’s Paradise centers on Gabimaru the Hollow, a man with superhuman abilities who sets out to find the elixir of life in a dangerous and legendary realm. If he finds the elixir, he will be pardoned for his crimes and able to return to his beloved wife. It’s a top-notch shōnen anime series with a slightly darker tone that explores human resilience and determination when motivated by saving a loved one.

Jujutsu Kaisen

Jujutsu Kaisen boasts a similar setting to Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba in that they both feature secret organizations. Instead of joining the Demon Slayer corps, though, the show follows Yuji Itadori as he joins the Jujutsu Sorcerers in hopes of finding a way to get rid of his curse. The show also parallels Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba with its impeccable blend of action and comedic relief, stunning animation, and strong character arcs.

My Hero Academia

My Hero Academia follows Izuku Midoriya, a boy born without powers in a world of superpowered individuals. Despite his unique birth, he works tirelessly to gain powers and attend an academy for superheroes. My Hero Academia shares excellent action sequences, animation, and worldbuilding with Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba but offers a slower pace and more upbeat tone.

Orient

Orient follows teenage boy Musashi, whose society has been overrun by demons who trick people into thinking the samurai are the enemy. However, Musashi recognizes the truth and sets out to fight the demons. Like Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, which takes place during the Taishō era, Orient also boasts a historical setting, putting a unique supernatural and mystical spin on the Sengoku period.

Soul Eater

Soul Eater centers on Maka Albarn, a Death Weapon Meister Academy student who becomes obsessed with turning her human weapon, Soul Eater, into a death scythe. Like Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, it is a shōnen anime that centers on training and battle sequences. However, it sets itself apart with its unique gothic tone, complex character development, and exploration of death.

Tokyo Ghoul

Tokyo Ghoul tells the story of Ken Kaneki, a college student transformed into a half-ghoul after a ghoul attacks him. He struggles to navigate his new identity as the bridge between humans and ghouls as the species’ relations grow more tense and violent. It leans more into the dark fantasy genre than Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba and is a bit more mature in its political commentary, but both shows ultimately explore what it means to be human and what would happen if humans lived alongside monsters.

Where to watch shows like Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba streaming online

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Since its premiere in 2016, Moana has been one of Disney’s fastest-growing franchises. In addition to receiving a sequel in 2024, Moana will be one of Disney’s newest computer-animated films to score a live-action adaptation, set to premiere in 2026.

Viewers interested in the sequel and live-action adaptation can use our guide to find out how to watch the Moana movies in order and where they’re available to stream online on platforms like Disney+.

In 2016, Moana (Auliʻi Cravalho) became Disney’s first Polynesian heroine. Moana is set on the Polynesian island of Montunui, an island once brought to life by the nature goddess Te Fiti. However, the island begins deteriorating when the demigod Maui (Dwayne Johnson) steals a pounamu stone known as the Heart of Te Fiti. One thousand years later, the ocean destines Moana to return the heart of Te Fiti to Montunui, sending her on an adventure across the sea to find Maui.

Moana was a smash hit at the box office and received high critical acclaim for its story, voice acting, animation, and soundtrack. At the Oscars, it was nominated for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song for “How Far I’ll Go.” Not only was it a beautifully animated, heartwarming, and unique story, but it was also hailed as a progressive and diverse triumph, with its nod to Polynesian culture and feminist themes. 

In early 2024, Disney surprised audiences by announcing that Moana 2 was set to premiere that year. Initially, the studio had been developing a TV series, Moana: The Series, before the project was reworked into the sequel film. Moana 2 sees the return of Moana and Maui as they set out to find the lost island of Motufetu and restore mortals’ connection to the ocean, which was severed by the vengeful god Nalo (Tofiga Fepulea'i). So far, Moana 2 has exceeded box office predictions and earned praise for its stunning, vibrant animation and family-friendly entertainment.

Following the sequel, viewers won’t have to wait long for more Moana. A live-action adaptation of the original film, Moana, is currently in development and set to premiere in 2026. The film will see Johnson reprise his role as the live-action Maui, while Catherine Lagaʻaia has been cast as Moana.

How to watch the Moana movies in order

Watching the Moana moves in order is quite simple, as the animated films' release date and chronological order are the same. Additionally, there is a Moana short film, Gone Fishing, that viewers can enjoy between the feature-length films. The Moana movies in release date order are:

• Moana (2016)
• Gone Fishing (2017)
• Moana 2 (2024)
• Moana (2026)

Where to watch the Moana movies streaming online

Check out our list below to find out where to watch all the Moana movies online in the U.S.!

Gladiator II, the sequel to Ridley Scott’s influential Gladiator, has finally arrived on the big screen. Set 16 years after the time of Maximus Deridius (Russell Crowe), the film follows a new tragic hero, Lucius Verus (Paul Mescal), who is enslaved by the Roman Army. When he catches the eye of former slave Macrinus (Denzel Washington), he realizes the gladiatorial games may be the key to getting revenge.

Gladiator II is a worthy successor, with stunning visuals, powerful performances, and bloody vengeance, even if it doesn’t eclipse the original film. Viewers interested in more movies with the scale, historical elements, and depth of Gladiator II can use our guide to find similar movies available to stream online on platforms like Starz, Paramount+, and more.

Best historical epics like Gladiator II

Ben-Hur (1959)

Ben-Hur (1959) is a historical epic that follows Judah Ben-Hur (Charlton Heston), a Jew whose life is torn apart by his Roman childhood friend, Messala (Stephen Boyd). As Judah goes from slavery to becoming a champion charioteer, he continues seeking vengeance. At the time of its release, Ben-Hur was the most expensive film ever made, and it shows through its awe-inspiring scale, iconic chariot scenes, and dazzling sets. Like Gladiator II, it transports viewers to the past and offers a unique blend of vengeance, romance, and heroism.

Gladiator

You can’t get closer to Gladiator II than Gladiator. The original movie follows Maximus, a Roman general meant to be heir to the emperor. When the emperor’s son, Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix), kills Maximus’ family and enslaves him, Maximus begins advancing through the gladiatorial games in his quest for vengeance. Gladiator gained high critical acclaim and revived the historical epic genre in Hollywood. It’s a must-see for Ridley Scott and historical epic fans.

Spartacus

Stanley Kubrick’s Spartacus premiered in 1960 and tells the story of Spartacus (Kirk Douglas), an enslaved man sold to a businessman for the gladiatorial games. However, he soon uses his training against his captors, leading a slave rebellion. Similar to Gladiator II, Spartacus is a stunning spectacle with powerful performances and beautiful cinematography that delves into Ancient Rome in a blend of entertainment and emotion.

The Fall of the Roman Empire

The Fall of the Roman Empire was, essentially, the Gladiator of the 1960s. The film follows Livius (Stephen Boyd), a soldier meant to inherit the throne from Marcus Aurelius (Alec Guinness) until the corrupt Commodus (Christopher Plummer) takes over. As corruption continues seeping into the empire, Livius challenges Commodus’ reign. The Fall of the Roman Empire shares many plot and thematic similarities to Gladiator and Gladiator II and includes one of the most expansive film sets ever constructed.

Troy

Troy is a historical epic loosely based on Homer’s Iliad. The film explores the Trojan War, which breaks out when Trojan prince Paris (Orlando Bloom) has an affair with Sparta King Menelaus’ (Brendan Gleeson) wife. Menelaus, seeking vengeance, soon recruits King Agamemnon (Brian Cox) and the warrior Achilles (Brad Pitt) to take Troy. While Troy has received criticism for being unfaithful to its source material, it is still a bold, entertaining spectacle with top-notch action sequences and complex heroes.

Best Revenge movies like Gladiator II

The Count of Monte-Cristo (2024)

Based on Alexander Dumas’ novel of the same name, The Count of Monte-Cristo tells the story of Edmond Dantès (Pierre Niney), who spends years in prison after three jealous men conspire to put him away. Upon escaping, Dantès gains status and riches while plotting his revenge. Both Gladiator II and The Count of Monte-Cristo are thrilling revenge sagas with unique historical settings, brisk paces, and stunning set designs and cinematography.

The Last Duel

The Last Duel shares both a revenge plot and director with Gladiator II. Scott’s historical drama follows squires Jean de Carrouges (Matt Damon) and Jacques le Gris (Adam Driver), who become involved in a bitter feud after Jacques assaults Jean’s wife, Marguerite (Jodie Comer). Like Gladiator II, The Last Duel is a big-budget feud tale but also thoughtfully examines serious themes of misogyny and justice.

The Nightingale

The Nightingale is a historical thriller that centers on Clare Carroll (Aisling Franciosi), an Irish convict who enlists the help of Aboriginal tracker Billy (Baykali Ganambarr) to hunt down and exact vengeance on the British soldier who destroyed her family. The Nightingale isn’t always easy to watch, but, like Gladiator II, it utilizes a brutal storyline to examine themes of discrimination and justice.

The Northman

The Northman follows Prince Amleth (Alexander Skarsgård), whose life is upended as a boy when his uncle kills his father and abducts his mother. As a man, Amleth sets out to fulfill his vow to save his mother, kill his uncle, and avenge his father. Through Amleth, The Northman gives viewers a hero as brutal and inspiring as Lucius in a bold tale of romance and revenge.

Where to watch more movies like Gladiator II streaming online

Check out our list below to discover more great movies like Gladiator II and where to watch them online in the U.S.!