In the decades since, this trilogy has given us unforgettable characters, incredible performances, an animated series, a groundbreaking theme park ride, a Broadway musical, and even a Hollywood “what if” — the alternate reality where Eric Stoltz, not Michael J. Fox, played Marty McFly.

At its heart, The Karate Kid has always been more than about karate. It’s about mentorship, resilience, discipline, and learning to find balance in life. With each installment, the story evolved — sometimes leaning into melodrama, sometimes reinventing itself for new audiences — but always staying rooted in the universal truth Mr. Miyagi taught: “Karate here [points to head]. Karate here [points to heart]. Karate never here [points to fist].”

Transformers wasn’t just a cartoon, and it wasn’t just a toy line. It was a cultural phenomenon. It was Saturday mornings spent glued to the TV, it was long afternoons with toys scattered across the floor as Autobots and Decepticons clashed in epic battles only a child’s imagination could script, and it was the kind of storytelling that mixed action, humor, heartbreak, and heroism in ways that stuck with us forever.

New Jack City gave us one of the most unforgettable villains in cinematic history with Wesley Snipes as Nino Brown, introduced us to a new side of Ice-T, gave Chris Rock his first breakout role, and showcased the directorial vision of Mario Van Peebles. This movie wasn’t just another crime drama — it was a cultural event.

What some people forget is that Mork didn’t even start on Mork & Mindy. He first showed up on an episode of Happy Days in 1978 called My Favorite Orkan. It was supposed to be just a silly one-off episode — an alien trying to take Richie Cunningham back to Ork and Fonzie fighting him off. But then Robin Williams walked in and turned that simple idea into something magical. The audience went crazy for him. ABC knew they had something special, so they gave him his own show.

When you think of timeless heroes who transcended the screen and became cultural icons, few figures stand as tall and as radiant as Lynda Carter’s Wonder Woman. Long before the explosion of superhero films and endless cinematic universes, Carter donned the golden tiara, bullet-deflecting bracelets, and red, white, and blue costume to show the world what it truly meant to be a warrior of truth, justice, and compassion.

In the summer of 1982, director Steven Spielberg delivered a heartfelt masterpiece that redefined what a family science fiction film could be. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial wasn’t about alien invasions or galactic wars — it was about love, empathy, and the connection between two beings from different worlds. It was about looking up at the stars and realizing that maybe, just maybe, someone out there might be looking back with kindness.

In 1988, comedy royalty collided with cinematic excellence in a film that not only redefined Black comedy but also left an indelible crown-shaped imprint on pop culture: Coming to America. Directed by John Landis, written by Eddie Murphy and David Sheffield, and produced by Paramount Pictures, this fish-out-of-water fairy tale about an African prince searching for love in Queens, New York, continues to resonate across generations.

One of the most unique and enduring figures from the 1980s and 90s was the denim-clad, rubber-faced everyman known as Ernest P. Worrell. Known for his catchphrase "KnowhutImean, Vern?" and his hilarious facial contortions, Ernest became a household name thanks to his zany antics, endless optimism, and the unparalleled talent of the man who brought him to life: Jim Varney.

Short for Alien Life Form, ALF crashed into American living rooms on September 22, 1986, when NBC debuted the story of Gordon Shumway, a wisecracking extraterrestrial from the planet Melmac, who crash-lands in the garage of the suburban Tanner family. What followed was four seasons (and one haunting TV movie) of jokes, heart, and pop culture domination that made ALF one of the most beloved and bizarre characters of the decade.

Premiering Saturday, September 7, 1985, this syndicated sitcom told the story of an average suburban family—except for one little twist: their daughter wasn’t a girl at all. She was a Voice Input Child Identicant (V.I.C.I.). A robot. Named Vicki. This week on Tony’s Timeless Thursdays™, we pull back the shag carpet, rewire the VHS memories, and revisit a show that was ahead of its time, behind in budget, and exactly what the 1980s needed.

This week on Tony’s Timeless Thursdays™, I lift my pen in honor of a movie that has only grown more magical with time. I revisit Superman: The Movie in all its glory, wonder, and verisimilitude—and I reflect on the hope that tomorrow, when I take my seat for James Gunn’s new Superman (releasing Friday, July 11, 2025), I will once again feel the rush of joy that only the Man of Steel can bring.

uffy the Vampire Slayer, which premiered in 1997 and concluded in 2003, was one of those rare, seismic works of art that didn't just entertain—it evolved, challenged, and empowered. This week on Tony’s Timeless Thursdays™, we honor its enduring impact, especially as its legendary star, Sarah Michelle Gellar, receives her long-overdue Hollywood Walk of Fame star—announced Wednesday, July 2, 2025. Gellar is among the 35 new honorees chosen this year, cementing her place in ente

There are some endings you never forget. Not because of how loud they are, or how action-packed, or how long you waited to see them—but because, once they arrive, they whisper something sacred to your soul. They tell you that the journey mattered. That you’ve been changed. That the laughter was worth it. And that even in absurdity, there is meaning. Regular Show was always a story about slacking off with your best friends, avoiding responsibility, and defeating strange sup

This isn’t just a story about war. It’s a story about freedom. It’s about the fight to be seen. It’s about Black men who weren’t just fighting the Confederacy—they were fighting for their very existence in a country that had long denied their humanity. And on this Juneteenth, as we celebrate the emancipation of enslaved people in America, Glory reminds us why that freedom was never given. It was fought for. Earned. Bled for.

In a time when Black representation on television was nearly non-existent, this episode placed Black actors at the heart of the story—quietly, unapologetically, and powerfully. But even beyond that historic casting choice, “The Big Tall Wish” offers a message that is as relevant in 2025 as it was in 1960: belief requires courage, and sometimes, we are our own worst enemies when it comes to accepting good things.

From its chilling opening credits to the unforgettable chemistry between its leads, The X-Files, this 1993 phenomenon became a cultural touchstone that still echoes in today’s pop culture. With its unforgettable motto—“Trust No One”—the show captivated audiences with its potent mix of science fiction, horror, conspiracy, and human drama, stretching across 11 seasons, two films, multiple spin-offs, crossovers, a revival, and now an upcoming new series.

Courage lived up to his name, not because he wasn’t afraid, but because he always faced his fear for the sake of Muriel. Whether it was saving her from an evil eggplant or outsmarting an interdimensional demon cat, Courage never stopped fighting. His fear didn’t make him weak—it made him relatable. And his bravery in the midst of it made him a hero.

There are films that entertain, and then there are films that elevate. The Wiz is one of those rare creations that transcends its genre to become a cultural milestone. And on this week's Tony's Timeless Thursdays, I'm spotlighting The Wiz in all its vibrant, soul-infused glory—not just the 1978 cult classic starring Diana Ross and Michael Jackson, but also the groundbreaking 2015 NBC live adaptation and the Broadway revival that returned in 2023 and continues to tour in 2025.

Imitation of Life has been interpreted twice in Hollywood: first in 1934 and again in 1959. Both films center on the lives of two women—one Black, one white—whose paths cross through motherhood, ambition, and love. Despite their different eras, both versions explore race, class, and personal identity with emotional richness.