Month: September 2026

In 1946, a film that was helmed by a director that Steven Spielberg deeply respects was released. After The Best Years of Our Lives won a slew of major awards and accolades, including several Academy Awards, it was just ranked as the greatest World War II film ever produced.

Who Just Ranked ‘The Best Years of Our Lives’ the ‘Best World War II Movie of All Time’?

After it originally premiered on November 21, 1946, one of the most acclaimed films of its generation just received a new accolade nearly 80 years later. On August 13, 2026, Entertainment Weekly updated its ranking of the “23 best World War II movies of all time,” with The Best Years of Our Lives topping the list at No. 1.

Directed by William Wyler, the film was based on a 1945 story titled Glory for Me and starred Myrna Loy, Fredric March, Dana Andrews, Teresa Wright, Virginia Mayo, and others. The Best Years of Our Lives focused on a trio of veterans attempting to rejoin society while coping with the physical and psychological trauma they suffered during World War II.

Long before it topped Entertainment Weekly’s recent list, The Best Years of Our Lives had already been receiving awards and accolades. At the 19th Academy Awards, it won seven Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Screenplay, Best Actor, and Best Supporting Actor.

Additionally, the American Film Institute praised the film during its AFI 100 Years… series, which was designed to celebrate the best movies ever produced in the United States. In 2006, AFI’s 100 Years…100 Cheers featured it at No. 11 on the list of the most inspiring movies. One year later, in 2007, it landed at No. 37 on the 10th anniversary edition of AFI’s 100 Years…100 Movies, which was dedicated to the greatest American films.

Why Steven Spielberg Has ‘Always Admired’ the Director of ‘The Best Years of Our Lives’

In March 2009, Gwyneth Paltrow published a Goop article after asking Steven Spielberg to tell her what his five favorite films were. In response to that question, Spielberg clarified something. “These are not necessarily my all-time favorite films….but good choices to rent and enjoy!” Still, the fact that he included The Best Years of Our Lives among his five movies says a lot about how much he respects the film.

Years later, Spielberg brought up William Wyler, the director of The Best Years of Our Lives, during a 2018 interview. While promoting Ready Player One, Spielberg told The Los Angeles Times how much he respected Wyler and claimed he could never live up to him as a filmmaker.

“Among my favorite directors is William Wyler, who never came out of the same hole twice. I’ve always admired those directors who were able to so totally reinvent themselves stylistically. To be able to go from Mrs. Miniver to Ben-Hur, to go from The Big Country to Funny Girl — those were the directors I admired. I basically lit candles to the directors that I couldn’t pigeonhole. I’ll never be as good a director as William Wyler, but to be eclectic like he was — that was always something I wanted.”

Even though William Wyler isn’t a household name, the fact that arguably the most famous director of all time holds him in such high esteem speaks to why he perhaps should be. On top of that, Wyler was also nominated for 12 Best Director Academy Awards during his career, which is more than any other filmmaker in history.

Next: 1957 Classic Ranked the ‘Best War Movie of All Time’ — And It’s Easy to See Why

Robert De Niro and Al Pacino rank among the greatest actors of all time, and both have starred in several classic thrillers throughout their careers, including multiple films together.

However, they each likely passed on roles they later regretted, and one particular film stands out because they both turned it down before it became a classic in the genre.

That movie was Misery, released in 1990 and directed by the great Rob Reiner.

“After a serious car crash, novelist Paul Sheldon (James Caan) is rescued by former nurse Annie Wilkes (Kathy Bates), who claims to be his biggest fan,” the plot of the movie read. “Annie brings him to her remote cabin to recover, where her obsession takes a dark turn when she discovers Sheldon is killing off her favorite character from his novels. As Sheldon devises plans for escape, Annie grows increasingly controlling, even violent, as she forces the author to shape his writing to suit her twisted fantasies.”

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Reiner originally offered the role of Sheldon to both De Niro and Pacino, but neither actor accepted it because they felt Sheldon’s character was too passive, while Wilkes offered a much more compelling part.

They had a point, considering Bates went on to win the Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance.

Caan ultimately accepted the role of Sheldon and still managed to deliver a memorable performance, helping Misery become one of the most acclaimed suspense thrillers ever.

The film holds an impressive 86% score on Rotten Tomatoes and a 7.8 out of 10 rating on IMDb.

Beyond De Niro and Pacino, other notable actors who reportedly turned down the role included Robert Redford, Dustin Hoffman, Michael Douglas, Gene Hackman, William Hurt and Harrison Ford.

Related: 1999 Film, Starring Al Pacino, Ranked Among Greatest Thrillers of All Time

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With the end of summer fast approaching, one thing is flying off the shelves faster than at nearly any other point this year: trail running shoes and hiking sneakers. From Hoka to Merrell, people are pumped to get outdoors and on the trails now that the thermometer isn’t stuck at near-lethal wet-bulb temperatures. But for those looking for the unique zero-drop style of Altra, this pair of waterproof hikers that is 30% off during REI’s Labor Day sale is probably the best bet.

The Altra Olympus 6 Hike Low GTX Shoes are now $147 following a $63 discount. This shoe is a GTX, or Gore-Tex, creation that resists water. But there’s a lot more going on that’ll make this a favorite for hikers and trail joggers alike, and that comes right down to its Altra-brand DNA.

Altra Olympus 6 Hike Low GTX Shoes, $147 (was $163) at REI

What Shoppers Should Know

• Sizes Available: Sizes 7 to 13 are still available
• Color Options: 3
• Heel-to-Toe Drop: 0 mm
• Waterproofing?: Yes, Gore-Tex
• Best Use Case: This is a great everyday trail-hiking shoe with excellent grip and a knee-preserving outsole.

Altra is known for its zero-drop style. With the exception of introductory shoes like the Altra FWD, which features a slight 4mm heel-to-toe drop for runners newly embracing the style, the brand’s shoes are largely flat-bottomed. Typically, this is to shift tension off the knees and onto the calves.

But for trail running, I’d say there’s a lot more going on.

With that flat outsole, expertly lugged by Vibram, there’s also a much more even weight distribution going on underfoot. That’s going to get those stylish Vibram lugs into the terrain somewhat better, giving your foot a more balanced grip with each step.

Related: These Brooks Hiking Sneakers Got Me Up a Trail With 3,200 Feet of Elevation, and Now They’re Under $100

What Shoppers Are Saying

One shopper said that these are their ideal waterproof sneakers to use as “double-duty for wet trails and dewy golf mornings.” They said the shoes offer great traction and stability, and their interiors have remained dry despite wet grass and moderate puddles.

Another left a review after wearing the shoes for an extended period of intense trekking. “Just came back from completing the Tour Du Mont Blanc! A 100-mile hiking trek through the mountains of France, Italy, and Switzerland. Super comfortable, no blisters, and the waterproofing helped a ton through many water crossings.”

The Altra Olympus 6 Hike Low GTX Shoes are $63 off at REI. This discount has proven to be very attractive to shoppers, who have bought through the entire collection of some key size and colorway combinations. Right now, however, you can still get the shoe in all sizes from 7 to 13 in at least one colorway. Naturally, that won’t last, so be sure to get yours sooner rather than later.

Shop More Deals

• Altra Lone Peak 9 Waterproof Low Hiking Shoes, $124 (was $165) at REI
• Altra Experience Wild 3 Trail-Running Shoes, $112 (was $150) at REI
• Keen Jasper Zionic Sneakers, $112 (was $150) at REI

On September 1, 1902, Georges Méliès unveiled A Trip to the Moon (Le Voyage dans la Lune), a French silent short that would help redefine what audiences could expect from the new medium of motion pictures.

Inspired partly by Jules Verne’s From the Earth to the Moon and Around the Moon, the film follows astronomers blasted toward the lunar surface inside a cannon-fired capsule. Its famous image of the capsule striking the Man in the Moon’s eye has since become one of cinema’s most recognizable images.

Méliès was not simply its director. He wrote, produced, and designed the production, while also appearing as Professor Barbenfouillis. The approximately 14-minute film combined theatrical sets with trick photography, dissolves, superimpositions and other effects that made fantasy appear possible on screen.

A Landmark That Outlived Its Era

The film’s importance extends far beyond its age. Méliès helped move cinema away from simply recording events toward constructing elaborate fictional worlds, making A Trip to the Moon an important milestone in narrative filmmaking and an early foundation of science-fiction cinema.

Its popularity was international, while its spectacular production and visual experimentation influenced generations of filmmakers.

Yet its journey was not uninterrupted. After Méliès retired, the film fell into obscurity before being rediscovered around 1930. An original hand-colored print was found in 1993, eventually leading to the celebrated 2011 restoration that helped preserve its extraordinary visual character for modern audiences.

A Genuine Greatest-of-All-Time Contender

Its historical reputation is backed by major critical recognition. In The Village Voice’s poll of the 100 greatest films of the 20th century, A Trip to the Moon ranked No. 84, placing a 1902 silent short alongside landmark works by filmmakers such as Hitchcock, Eisenstein, Kubrick and Welles.

Its standing reaches beyond that ranking. In the 2012 Sight & Sound critics’ poll of the greatest films ever made, Méliès’s film appeared at No. 171, further establishing its place in the international canon.

More than a century after its release, A Trip to the Moon remains extraordinary not simply because it was early, but because it was imaginative. Its moon voyage, fantastical creatures and unforgettable imagery demonstrated that cinema could invent worlds rather than merely capture reality. That achievement is precisely why Méliès’s little lunar adventure continues to rank among the most consequential films ever made.

Thirty-seven years ago today, a heavy metal band released an album that changed the course of its career. Legendary rock group Motley Crue released its fifth studio album, Dr. Feelgood, on Sept. 1, 1989.

The record came after a turbulent period that forced the band to confront its substance abuse problems. In December 1987, bassist Nikki Sixx suffered a heroin overdose that left him clinically dead for two minutes before he was revived.

The incident became a turning point for the band and its management. In early 1988, Sixx, lead singer Vince Neil, guitarist Mick Mars and drummer Tommy Lee entered rehabilitation and group therapy.

The band then recorded their next album sober. Dr. Feelgood was the first Motley Crue album made without the members using drugs or alcohol.

Legendary Rock Band Motley Crue Scored Its Only No. 1 Album With Dr. Feelgood

The group hired producer Bob Rock to oversee the project. The recording took place at Little Mountain Sound Studios in Vancouver, British Columbia. Rock structured the sessions so the four musicians recorded their parts separately, allowing them to focus on their respective performances.

Rock also used layered guitar tracks and other studio techniques to give the album a more polished sound. This helped create a different vibe from the band’s earlier releases.

The new approach paid off commercially. Dr. Feelgood became Motley Crue’s first and only album to reach No. 1 on the Billboard 200. It held the top spot for two consecutive weeks and remained on the chart for 109 weeks.

The album produced five singles that received heavy radio play, including “Dr. Feelgood,” “Kickstart My Heart” and “Without You.” The title track peaked at No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became the band’s highest-ranked single on the chart.

“Kickstart My Heart” also became one of Motley Crue’s signature songs. Sixx wrote its lyrics about his heroin overdose. Both “Dr. Feelgood” and “Kickstart My Heart” earned Grammy nominations for Best Hard Rock Performance but did not win.

Dr. Feelgood later won Favorite Heavy Metal/Hard Rock Album at the 1991 American Music Awards. 

The record featured vocal contributions from several prominent rock musicians. Among them were Bryan Adams, Steven Tyler of Aerosmith and Robin Zander of Cheap Trick.

Dr. Feelgood became Motley Crue’s most commercially successful album. The Recording Industry Association of America certified it six-times platinum in the United States.

Related: 33 Years Ago Today: One of the ‘Greatest Songwriters of All Time’ Scored His Last No. 1 Album

Men’s Journal aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission. Prices are accurate and items in stock at time of publishing.

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Most outdoor patio furniture is surprisingly generic. That is to say that there’s largely no Patagonia or Craftsman in the outdoor furniture world, and if you’re concerned about long-lasting quality, you might be worried about what to expect from a brand with little to no reputational value on the line. If this sounds like you, or you just want a premium outdoor furniture set, check out this Better Homes & Gardens set. The Brookbury lives up to the brand’s reputation and is on sale for Labor Day at Walmart.

The Better Homes & Gardens Brookbury 4-Piece Outdoor Patio Set is currently $697, a $100 discount from its recent $797 price and a full $200 down from what Better Homes & Gardens displayed it costing in March. Though the cost is significantly higher than typical 4-piece outdoor furniture sets at Walmart, its 7-seat design built with 3M Scotchgard cushioning makes it more akin to a premium-tier 8-piece set.

Better Homes & Gardens Brookbury 4-Piece Outdoor Patio Set, $697 (was $797) at Walmart

What Shoppers Should Know

• Seats: 7 people on couch plus 2 on the ottoman
• Color Options: 3
• Includes: 7-seat L-shaped sectional sofa, table, storage ottoman, 2 x storage covers
• Best Use Case: This is a great set for large families and those who host get-togethers.

This is a very large set, including one of those L-shaped couches that people love so much for family gatherings and parties. A large wood-topped table and a sitting ottoman with a spacious storage area underneath complete the set marvelously. Though the set is water- and fade-resistant, a pair of included furniture covers will keep it looking pristine over the winter.

What makes this set worth it, in addition to its large size, is the 3-year limited warranty-backed 3M Scotchgard Protector. On the exterior, it provides the previously mentioned water and fade resistance (plus some stain-resisting power for our wine- and food-loving friends) while the interior is filled with a strong and supportive foam. On the Venn diagram that sorts outdoor furniture into “looks” versus “function,” this Better Homes & Gardens set fits firmly in the football-shaped wedge in between.

It’s also worth noting that this set has three different color options, each with a different wicker stain and an aesthetically matching cushion cover. The terracotta version will absolutely pop if you have any potted plants outside, but if you’re going for that easy-breezy coastal style, the white wicker and blue cushion style is going to exceed all expectations.

Related: Walmart Is Selling a $19 Patio Rug That’s Waterproof and Never Fades

What Shoppers Are Saying

One shopper said, “The quality is amazing, it’s sturdy, and looks great!”

And because winter will be here before you know it, another shopper said, “The cover is a great bonus, and it is easy to put on and take off when needed.”

The Better Homes & Gardens Brookbury 4-Piece Outdoor Patio Set is currently $697, which is actually $200 less than those buying this very same set in the spring would have paid for it.

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• Better Homes & Gardens Ventura 2-Piece Outdoor Wicker Chat Chair Set, $247 (was $397) at Walmart

By the mid-1950s, Gary Cooper was already one of Hollywood’s most recognizable Western stars. But Vera Cruz gave him a very different kind of role.

The 1954 film, directed by Robert Aldrich and co-starring Burt Lancaster, is a darker, more cynical Western filled with mercenaries, double-crosses, and shifting alliances. It was also a movie that helped influence the Westerns that followed, including the work of filmmakers such as Sergio Leone.

StudioBinder now includes Vera Cruz on its list of the greatest Western movies of all time, highlighting the film’s importance to the genre.

But there’s an interesting twist to Cooper’s casting: According to Western historian Jeff Arnold, writer Borden Chase reportedly wrote the story with John Wayne in mind, presumably for the role that Cooper eventually played.

John Wayne Was Reportedly Considered for Gary Cooper’s Role

Vera Cruz follows former Confederate soldier Benjamin Trane, played by Cooper, who travels to Mexico after the Civil War and becomes involved with gunslinger Joe Erin, played by Lancaster.

The two men are hired to escort a countess to the port city of Veracruz, but their plans change dramatically after they discover that the stagecoach they’re protecting contains millions of dollars in gold.

The story was written by Borden Chase, whose previous Western credits included Red River, Winchester ’73, and Bend of the River. According to Jeff Arnold’s research, Chase wrote Vera Cruz with John Wayne in mind, apparently envisioning him for the part that ultimately went to Cooper.

Cooper’s casting turned out to be particularly interesting because the character was considerably different from the traditional Western hero. Benjamin Trane isn’t exactly a straightforward gunslinger. He’s surrounded by characters motivated by money, power, and self-interest, giving the movie a much more cynical tone than many earlier Westerns.

Clark Gable Had a Warning for Gary Cooper

Cooper also received an unusual piece of advice before making the movie.

According to IMDb’s production trivia, Clark Gable warned Cooper against working with Lancaster after seeing the younger actor in From Here to Eternity.

“That young guy will blow you off the screen,” Gable reportedly told him.

The warning is particularly funny in retrospect because Lancaster and Cooper wound up sharing the screen brilliantly. Lancaster’s Joe Erin is deliberately more flamboyant and openly ruthless, while Cooper plays Trane with the restrained style that had become his trademark.

‘Vera Cruz’ Still Has a 93% on Rotten Tomatoes

The movie’s reputation has held up remarkably well.

Vera Cruz currently has a 93% Tomatometer score on Rotten Tomatoes from 14 critics, while its Popcornmeter score sits at 69% from more than 1,000 audience ratings.

The film was also a significant commercial success when it was released. Jeff Arnold reports that it was made for an estimated $1.25 million and ultimately grossed around $9 million.

More than 70 years later, Vera Cruz remains an important piece of Western history. It brought together two major stars, challenged some of the genre’s traditional ideas about heroes and villains, and helped lay the groundwork for the darker, more cynical Westerns that followed.

And considering Chase reportedly envisioned John Wayne in Cooper’s role, it’s one of those Hollywood what-ifs that makes an already fascinating classic even more interesting.