A newly updated federal map shows measles reaching nearly every corner of the United States as families head into a new school year. The CDC reported 2,903 confirmed cases in 2026 as of Aug. 27, including 2,887 infections across 47 jurisdictions and 16 among international visitors.
That is 614 cases—or nearly 27 percent—more than the 2,289 confirmed during all of 2025. The agency cautions that its national map reflects cases reported through Aug. 21 and that “states have the most up-to-date information about cases and outbreaks in their jurisdictions.”
The affected jurisdictions stretch from Alaska to Florida and Maine to California. Thirty-seven new outbreaks have been reported this year, while 94 percent of confirmed cases are outbreak-associated. More than half of those linked infections belong to outbreaks that began in 2025, showing how transmission crossed into another calendar year.
The map demands careful reading. CDC counts New York City and New York State separately, and its 47-jurisdiction figure includes Washington, D.C. The agency also includes only confirmed cases formally reported to it—not every probable case under local investigation.
Measles spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. “If one person has it, up to 9 out of 10 people who come into close contact with that person will become infected if they are not protected,” the CDC warns.
Falling Vaccination Coverage Leaves More Children Exposed
The timing is especially concerning as students return to close-contact classrooms. National MMR coverage among kindergartners fell from 95.2 percent in 2019–20 to 92.4 percent in 2025–26, leaving approximately 280,000 kindergartners at risk.
Parents should check vaccination records now. The CDC recommends two MMR doses for children—at 12 to 15 months and again at ages 4 to 6—and says two doses are 97 percent effective against measles. “Most people who are vaccinated with MMR or MMRV will be protected for life,” the agency says.
If exposure is possible, call a healthcare provider before arriving in person. Symptoms typically appear seven to 14 days later and can include high fever, cough, runny nose, red, watery eyes and a rash. The CDC’s warning is blunt: “Measles isn’t just a little rash.”
On this day, 72 years ago, a classic mystery movie was released in theaters, and legendary actor James Stewart called it one of his favorites.
September 1 marked the anniversary of many different movies throughout the years. Howard Keel starred in the Western film Waco in 1966. In 1995, Christopher Walken played the lead role in the supernatural horror film The Prophecy. The comedy Idiocracy, starring Luke Wilson and Terry Crews, came out in 2006. And Denzel Washington’s Equalizer 3 was released in 2023.
And on September 1, 1954, Stewart’s classic thriller mystery film Rear Window was released in theaters.
Directed by Alfred Hitchcock, Rear Window follows L.B. Jefferies (Stewart), a photographer who is recovering from a broken leg in a wheelchair. To pass the time, he begins watching the neighbors, before he begins to believe that one of them committed murder. Grace Kelly stars as L.B. Jefferies’ fiancée, Lisa Fremont, as well.
With a budget of just $1 million, Rear Window became a major financial success, earning just under $37.8 million at the worldwide box office. While the movie did not win any Oscars, it did earn four nominations at the 27th Academy Awards, including Best Director.
James Stewart Called Rear Window His ‘Personal Favorite’ With Alfred Hitchcock
James Stewart watches Raymond Burr through a camera lens in Alfred Hitchcock’s “Rear Window.”
Stewart and Hitchcock teamed up for four different movies during their Hollywood careers. This includes the 1948 crime thriller Rope, the 1956 mystery thriller The Man Who Knew Too Much and, arguably the most popular of the four, the 1958 psychological thriller Vertigo.
And before his passing in 1997, Stewart had previously noted that among the films he made with Hitchcock, Rear Window was his “personal favorite.”
Google Maps users in the United States searching for Lake Ontario on Sept. 1 will find a startling change: The familiar Great Lake is now labeled “Lake America.” Cross into Canada—or open the map elsewhere—and the name changes again.
This is not a glitch. Google intentionally divided the labels after President Donald Trump ordered the U.S. government to rename Lake Ontario, turning one shared body of water into three different digital maps.
In an Aug. 29 explanation, Google said the U.S. Geographic Names Information System had formally adopted Lake America. The company then spelled out exactly what users would see: “People using Maps in the U.S. will see ‘Lake America,’ those in Canada will continue to see ‘Lake Ontario,’ and those outside of the U.S. and Canada will see both names.”
That means an American and Canadian standing near opposite shores can open the same app and see different labels. International users should encounter both—Lake Ontario and Lake America—rather than one definitive name.
The physical geography, border and navigation information have not changed. The difference is the label Google serves according to a user’s country.
Trump’s Aug. 27 executive order directed the Interior secretary to take “all appropriate actions” to rename the lake in federal records. The order described the waterway as an economic resource important to American energy, manufacturing, agriculture and shipping.
However, the federal designation does not compel Canada, international organizations, private companies or individual states to adopt it. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul rejected the change with a five-word response: “New York won’t be calling it that.”
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney noted that the Lake Ontario name is more than 400 years old and predates both countries’ founding milestones. “Canadians also know that naming reality means calling it Lake Ontario—then, now and always,” Carney said.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association updated its prediction for the El Niño, which continues to strengthen and now has a greater than 90% chance of becoming a very strong event during the Northern Hemisphere fall and winter 2026-27
In fact, the NOAA revealed that during the October-December 2026 season, there is now a 69% chance of a historic event that would exceed the strength of previous El Niño events dating back to 1950 – which is as far back as NOAA records go – and could potentially be a “once in a lifetime” event.
This El Niño “is something that’s very unusual, if not a once in a lifetime type of strength,” according to Nat Johnson, a meteorologist with the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
What Is Super El Niño?
In a Super El Niño, the surface waters of the Pacific Ocean around the equator are more than two degrees Celsius warmer than the average.
“The warmer waters cause the Pacific jet stream to move south of its neutral position. With this shift, areas in the northern U.S. and Canada are dryer and warmer than usual. But in the U.S. Gulf Coast and Southeast, these periods are wetter than usual and have increased flooding,” the NOAA said.
With a potentially historic El Niño in the works, some states will start to see snow as early as September.
Which States are Expecting Snowfall in September?
Accuweather revealed that the “first snowflakes of the season will be confined mainly to the mountains but could reach more populated areas later in November.”
However, the highest elevations of the Rocky Mountains in Montana, Idaho, Utah and Wyoming should expect their first snowfall as early as September. Meanwhile, snow in the Cascades in Oregon and Washington are expected to arrive a bit later this season due to a warmer start to fall.
A snowfall map from AccuWeather shows when each state can expect its first snowfall of the season.
Map shows the first snow coming to the United States in September.
AccuWeather
“Snow chances should increase in the Rockies during November, especially in Colorado, Utah and New Mexico, where a couple of early-season snow events are possible,” Accuweather said.
An historic snowfall map from the NOAA revealed what typically happens during a “moderate-to-strong” El Niño in winter with much higher than typical snowfall in states like California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, Virginia, Delaware and Southern parts of New Jersey.
A friend recently told me I need to start golfing. Before I priced clubs or thought about lessons, my sneakerhead brain went straight to footwear. That search led me to the Reebok x MANORS Club C Revenge Golf ‘Espresso’ (100284837) and ‘Legacy Green’ (100284838), both priced at $130. I’ve worn Reebok since the ’90s, through my G-Unit sneaker phase and, more recently, the Shaqnosis Low. Golf is new territory for me. Reebok isn’t.
Key Facts at a Glance
Detail
Information
Collection
Reebok x MANORS Golf
Sneakers
Club C Revenge Golf ‘Espresso’ (100284837); ‘Legacy Green’ (100284838)
Release Date
September 30, 2026
Release Time
10 a.m. ET
Sneaker Price
$130
Where to Buy
Reebok
Why the Reebok x MANORS Club C Revenge Golf Got My Attention
Reebok x Manors Club C Revenge Golf Shoes ‘Espresso’
Reebok h/t Shoe Sagas
MANORS is a golf lifestyle brand with a modern approach to what players wear on and around the course, making Reebok a natural sneaker partner. The Club C Revenge Golf keeps the low-profile shape that makes the Club C easy to wear, but adds a leather upper, EVA midsole and lugged rubber outsole with non-metallic spikes.
Reebok describes the idea as style from the course to the clubhouse. That’s exactly what I wanted from my first golf shoe: something functional without abandoning my sneaker identity.
What’s in the Reebok x MANORS Golf Collection?
Reebok didn’t stop at footwear. Its U.S. lineup currently features 13 listings across seven styles, giving me enough pieces to build the entire fit before I even buy the clubs.
Reebok x MANORS Product
Price
Club C Revenge Golf Shoes
$130
Men’s Tour Shirt
$160
Men’s Polo
$105
Men’s Quarter-Zip Pullover
$140
Men’s Mockneck Polo
$125
Men’s Pique Polo
$120
Men’s Retro Crown Cap
$60
Several pieces come in multiple colorways, including greens, browns and neutral tones that coordinate easily with either Club C.
The United Kingdom of Golf is starting to feel like its own little universe. Volume II features some crowd-favorite @manorsgolf pieces, two new @Reebok Club C Revenge colorways, and another ridiculously good campaign.
I don’t want to start golfing and suddenly dress like somebody else’s idea of a golfer.
Golf and sneaker culture have crossed paths for years. Nike has translated familiar sneakers for the course, while Michael Jordan’s love of golf helped make Jordan Brand golf shoes feel completely natural.
Reebok and MANORS enter that same space through familiar Reebok DNA and understated golf apparel.
Would I Wear Reebok x MANORS?
Absolutely. I’m not going to pretend I can evaluate golf performance like somebody who plays 18 holes every Sunday. I can judge sneakers, comfort and style, and the Club C Revenge Golf gives me a familiar starting point.
My friend still has to help me with my swing. Reebok may have already handled my first golf fit.
Back in the early 90s, Martin Lawrence found himself entertaining millions on a weekly basis with his TV sitcom. Over the course of five seasons, Martin managed to build a legacy that still stands the test of time and is, without a doubt, one of the greatest Black comedy shows ever. Now, over thirty years later, Martin is finally getting a long-overdue spinoff — The Varnell Hill Show. Debuting on September 1 on Paramount+, it follows a late-night talk show host “fighting to stay relevant in an ever-changing television industry,” despite his stubborn commitment to his own ways of entertaining and doing business.
The sequel series is not only unique given the amount of time that’s lapsed between when the foundational show ended in 1997 and now, but it’s also rather interesting because it’s based on Tommy Davidson’s Varnell Hill, a character that appeared just twice in Martin (Season 2 Episode 11 and Season 2 Episode 12). However, as fans are likely to tell you, Davidson’s Hill created a hilarious story arc. Take a look at one scene where Davidson nearly made Lawrence break character in front of a live studio audience.
All that being said, before the premiere of The Varnell Hill Show, I got the chance to speak with series stars Emmanuel Hudson and Benji Brown, who portray AJ Hill and Big Chris, respectively. Hudson has spent years cracking jokes on Nick Cannon Presents: Wild ‘n Out, and Brown is a veteran stand-up comedian who became a viral sensation with his Kiki persona. The two opened up about their new series and shed light on what it was like to work with Lawrence (who is an executive producer on The Varnell Hill Show) and show lead Davidson. Which, based on our discussion, sounds like a remarkable time.
Brown and Hudson’s Excitement about a Show “30 Years in the Making”
MIAMI, FL – SEPTEMBER 05: Comedian Benji Brown performs during the Best of the South Comedy Show at James L Knight Center on September 5, 2010 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Vallery Jean/FilmMagic)
Photo by Vallery Jean/FilmMagic
Men’s Journal: Now that the show’s premiere is finally here, do you have anxiety about a sequel of this caliber, or just excitement?
Brown: I more so would say, we got some great anticipation, excitement about it. You know, a year ago we filmed this. And so it’s full circle. Been a long time coming. Found a home on Paramount Plus. And, you know, we couldn’t be more excited than what we are right now. I mean, it’s just amazing, all the feedback from social media and all of the Martin and Varnell Hill fans throughout the years. It’s been 30 years in the making, and we’re excited to be a part of it.
Hudson: I feel the same way. At first, when I got on set, I had a little bit of anxiety, especially being able to work with two of my favorite childhood comedians growing up, which was Tommy Davidson and Martin Lawrence. So when I got the call to even audition for it, I was kind of shocked.
So I did the audition. Of course, I thought it was terrible because I had to do it on the cell phone. I had to call my barber to read with me over speakerphone while he at work. And when I sent it in, I’m like, man, I ain’t gonna get it. Four days later, I get the call saying that I got it.
I met Martin for the first time in my life on set. Turns out he was a fan and everything. So that was pretty dope to be able to experience that. Now that we’re at the finish line, I’m more excited, more than anything.
Martin Lawrence Being an Emmanuel Hudson Fan Shocks Emmanuel
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 20: Martin Lawrence attends the Premiere of Lionsgate’s “Michael” at Dolby Theatre on April 20, 2026 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Julian Hamilton/FilmMagic)
Photo by Julian Hamilton/FilmMagic
Men’s Journal: Well, Emmanuel, speaking to your background on Wild ‘n Out, did you take any of your experience from it into the Varnell Hill Show?
Hudson: Oh man, to be honest with you, I don’t really think about it, man. I just be myself. But that was actually one of the things that Martin said to me. He was like, ‘Yo, man, I’m, you know, I’m a big fan.’ And Benji is actually the one that pointed it out to me.
Brown: Eman just kept catching his [Martin Lawrence] eye. You could just see it, and he’s excited. And so that was cool to be on set of Varnell Hill and to see it, you know, play out in front of you, where I’m behind the scenes watching Martin go crazy over this guy.
I’ve been a fan of his [Emmanuel Hudson] myself, watching on social media. And then, you meet people that you admire, and it’s everything that you expected and more, like, wow, down to earth, all the talent in the room. And I ain’t gonna lie, [smirking] I told myself if I had that kind of talent, oh, man, I’d be walking around arrogant around here. But he’s just so humble and down to earth. And that speaks to how the entire cast is. It was amazing.
Hudson: [Laughing] I ain’t gonna lie. Y’all getting the exclusive just like I am.
Martin Lawrence’s Advice to Benji Brown
MIAMI, FL – JANUARY 14: Comedian Benji Brown perfoms onstage at the Miami Festival of Laughs at James L Knight Center on January 14, 2017 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Johnny Louis/FilmMagic)
Photo by Johnny Louis/FilmMagic
Men’s Journal: Benji, you’re walking into this project where Martin and Tommy are legendary stand-up comedians who made it big on stage and on TV. Did they give you any advice on how to transition your stand-up comedy talents from the stage to the small screen?
Brown: Yeah, it’s night and day. Stand-up is like being on the island by yourself, like Cast Away with Tom Hanks. You and the volleyball, or that stool is the island, that stage is the island. It’s not a team effort on stage.
And then when you get on a set or scripted project, you got castmates and cast members that, you know, it’s ‘teamwork, make the dream work,’ to speak. And you’re right. Martin and Tommy and different ones, they’re veterans. They got so much experience. I lean on Martin for the simple fact that we’ve been touring together for like 10 years.
The cool thing is, when it came to Varnell Hill, he’ll [Martin Lawrence] just tell you, ‘Man, just have fun, you know. Just have fun.’
His main thing is to have fun and let your hands go. He’s a boxing fan, so he always gives me those boxing [metaphors]. ‘Let your hands go.’
Emmanuel Hudson Is a Lyricist and Benji Brown Talks Return of Kiki
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – SEPTEMBER 29: Emmanuel Hudson speaks during 2023 A3C Conference day 1 on September 29, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Prince Williams/WireImage)
Men’s Journal: Given the level of comedic talent on set, I have to ask. Who caused the cast to break character the most and erupt into laughter?
Hudson: I’m gonna go with Tommy, man. You gotta go with Tommy, like first and foremost… On set, you just don’t see it coming. He just does what he wants. Like, I’m watching him on set, they’re trying to tell him what to say and how to do. He’s like, ‘No, I got it. I’m gonna do it like this. Just watch, just watch. You guys, just watch.’ You don’t know what he’s gonna do.’
Men’s Journal: Emmanuel, aside from the new show, I’ve noticed you’re quite the gifted rapper, and the spelling bee you do with your brothers on social media is quite funny. Should fans expect new music and more content with your family?
Hudson: Of course, man. Yes. Shout out to my Hudson brothers, man. We’re finally coming together as brothers, as a family, and seeing what we can explore. And it just so happens that we don’t know how to spell.
But yes, you can definitely expect more content from me and the brothers. Definitely more music. As a matter of fact, I dropped a single the other day called ‘Heed the Woes.’ That video is out now. And then, I just finished the video to one of my songs called ‘Emmanuel.’ [Hudson releases music under the name Kosher.]
Men’s Journal: And Benji, looking at stand-up, should fans expect to see more shows? Also, because I personally got introduced to you via your viral character Kiki, should we anticipate Kiki making a bolder appearance in the future?
Brown: You know, Kiki came early 2000s, mid-2000s. It was just really something to do. It was just a hobby, you know, bored. And I was like, let me see if I can do this voice and that voice. And I began to put a face to the character and vice versa. And it kind of grew wings or grew legs and ran.
So there’ll be more content coming with the Kiki as far as sketch comedy and even potentially being written to some scripted shows, like a Varnell. I got my first comedy special in the works. And that’ll be executive produced by Martin Lawrence. And so I’m excited about that. And more touring to be announced.
Once again, The Varnell Hill Show streams on Paramount Plus. You’ll need a subscription to the service to watch all of the episodes.
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’?
Hoagy Carmichael as Uncle Butch Engle, Harold Russell as Homer Parrish, and Dana Andrews as Fred Derry in The Best Years of Our Lives.
Photo by John Springer Collection/CORBIS/Corbis via Getty Images
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.
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.”
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.
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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
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.
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.
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.
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.
