Sarah Michelle Gellar’s Dramatic Hair Color Change Is a Cruel Intentions Throwback

While many women opt to go blonde as summer approaches (or perhaps a trendy blonde/brown cinnamon swirl shade), Sarah Michelle Gellar is taking a darker route. The actress revealed on Instagram that she has gone back to brunette, and captioned her photo, “#brownhairdontcare (actually kind of love it!!) thank you everyone @andylecomptesalon.” Although we love her as a blonde, we’re really digging this rich brunette look.

Sarah Michelle brown hair

So what prompted the dramatic change? Last week, Gellar announced that she will be returning to her famous role as Kathryn Merteuil in NBC’s Cruel Intentions TV spinoff, and if you recall from all the times you obsessively watched this ’90s movie, the evil Kathryn had dark locks.

Gellar also teased us with an Instagram pic of the Cruel Intentions pilot script with the caption, “How I am spending the 17 anniversary of the release of #cruelintentions #crueltv.” Has it really been 17 years? It seems like just yesterday we were drooling over Ryan Phillipe.

Do you like Sarah Michelle Gellar better as a brunette or a blonde? Let us know @BritandCo.

(Photos via @sarahmgellar + Brad Barket Stringer/Getty)

This story includes spoilers for Sweet Magnolias season 4.

After the whirlwind of Sweet Magnolias season 4, and all the literal and emotional storms it brought Maddie (JoAnna Garcia Swisher), Dana Sue (Brooke Elliott), and Helen's (Heather Headley) way, fans are clamoring for a Sweet Magnolias season 5. And one of our favorite stars already has an idea of where she'd like her character to go.

Here's what Heather Headley had to say about Helen's journey and Sweet Magnolias season 5.

Heather Headley wants her 'Sweet Magnolias' character Helen to continue to "show what women go through."

Netflix

As a self-proclaimed Landman fan (hey, me too!!) Heather Headley admits she wants Helen to experience more conflict in Sweet Magnolias season 5 and beyond.

"They're always like, 'We want her to be happy' — I wasn't happy for the first 3 episodes!" she tells Brit + Co over Zoom. "I was one of the people that when the storyline was, Oh, she might get pregnant, I was like, 'No, I think she has everything. I think we're here to show what women go through and what women don't go through.'"

Sweet Magnolias does a wonderful job of highlighting so many different women's experiences, and Heather says that "there are women that go through infertility and miscarriage, and they go through being single and divorce and all this kind of stuff."

"I remember saying to [the writers], 'There are women who watch our show who unfortunately had miscarriages, and it's closer to all of us than we think,'" she continues. "It's closer in the room than we think, right? Some of us have had it. And so I remember saying to them, 'I think Helen should not have something that she wants. She should not get something that she wants.'"

Now, while Heather wants to continue flexing her acting muscles by allowing Helen to hit a few more road bumps, she's still hoping for a happy ending. "I do think, like any other person on this earth, that she should have a few hindrances, a few hiccups along the way," she says. "My hope for her is that in the end, she'll find love and that she will be happy."

Is Sweet Magnolias going to have a season 5?

Netflix hasn't greenlit a Sweet Magnolias season 5 yet — but as soon as we know more you'll be the first to know. Because I have quite a few questions. Um, namely, is Maddie really going to leave Serenity for Manhattan?! Ugh, only time will tell (and I hope we know sooner rather than later).

Stay tuned for the latest Sweet Magnolias season 5 news.

2005 was nothing short of iconic. It was the year Paris Hilton gave Juicy Couture tracksuits a second wind (not that they needed one), the iPod Nano hit the scene and became a must-have for every music lover, low-rise jeans reigned supreme, and so much more. It’s a nostalgic gut punch to think it was all 20 years ago.

That said, we’ll always have movies that serve as a time traveling device in the times we yearn to relive the early 2000s. And lucky for you, I’ve rounded up the perfect list.

Here are 20 movies that are somehow turning 20 years old in 2025!

1. Pride & Prejudice

Focus Features

The infamous hand flex – you know it, I know it – is ringing in its 20th birthday, but let’s be real, it will never get old. Pride & Prejudice is 2005’s Bridgerton: a romantic film that takes place in the 19th century, because for some reason, there’s something about a romance specifically in the 1800s that gets people going.

2. ​Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith

Lucasfilm/20th Century Fox

Three years after the clone wars, Anakin embraces the dark side. Revenge of the Sith marked the last of the Star Wars prequel series as we knew it. At the time, fans of the mega-successful franchise thought it was the end of an era (it really was, to some extent). Fast forward to 2025, after Disney bought the franchise and released another trilogy, and we’re constantly inundated with Star Wars content. If only someone could time travel back and let fans know it’ll be okay.

3. Hitch

Columbia Pictures

I think everyone can agree that the early 2000s was the peak of rom-coms, and Hitch is a testament to that. It’s a tale as old as time: a dating coach simultaneously falling in love while helping a client. Where’s the conflict, you may ask? Well, of course, said dating coach’s techniques (in Hitch’s case, Will Smith) don't seem to work on his love interest.

4. ​The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants

Warner Bros. Pictures

The only thing tighter than a pair of jeans that don’t fit you like they used to is a close friendship between women. America Ferrera and Blake Lively were just two of 2005’s pop culture icons, both of whom lead this legendary movie and mark the start of their soon-to-be massively successful careers. Thank you, The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants.

5. ​The 40 Year-Old Virgin

Universal Pictures

Not only was Steve Carrell killing it in his groundbreaking role as Michael Scott in The Office (wow, I miss 2005), he was also pumping out movies film lovers now consider staples in their Letterboxd round-up, The 40 Year-Old Virgin being one. Because what’s more comical (and kind of wholesome?) about a dorky 40 year-old who hasn’t lost his virginity yet — mainly because he opts for action figures and movies over women?

6. Brokeback Mountain

Focus Features

Every year there’s a film that challenges societal norms, and in 2005, Brokeback Mountain did just that. Its influence still resonates, and (in 2025 lingo) the movie is that girl, and will forever be that girl. Set in 1963, Brokeback Mountain follows the 20-year love affair between a cowboy and ranch hand in a time where the world refuses to let them be together. Yup, grab the tissues for this one.

7. ​The Family Stone

20th Century Fox

While I’m no casting director (duh), I’d like to think if any film was looking for a charming, attractive brunette man with a killer smile in the early 2000s (am I giving myself away too much?), they’d immediately cast Luke Wilson. I mean, am I wrong? The Family Stone is a pinnacle 2005 movie full of Luke Wilson and the Queen of the era, Sarah Jessica Parker falling in love — wait for it — during Sarah Jessica Parker’s character Meredith's visit to her boyfriend’s family. Enter Luke Wilson to come in as the laidback brother who sweeps her off her feet!

8. ​Mr. & Mrs. Smith

20th Century Fox/Regency

Mr. & Mrs. Smith find themselves in quite the conundrum when they learn 5 years into their marriage that they’re both spies and their next imminent mission is to kill each other. Wowwee! Fun fact: Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt famously met on this set, giving us years of drama to come as one of the most notable celeb couples to date.

9. ​Sky High

Walt Disney Pictures

Think Hogwarts but for superheroes – Sky High is a high school quite literally in the sky where teens learn how to become superheroes. If you haven’t seen Sky High and are a child of this era, you have a duty to. That’s all.

10. ​Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

Warner Bros. Pictures

Harry’s name is mysteriously drawn for the dangerous TriWizard tournament, and if you think you’re having a bad day, Harry's gets worse when Lord Voldemort also makes his return. At the time, this was one of the most-anticipated films of the year, with fans standing in line outside theaters, books in hand, anxiously awaiting to see what ended up being the second top-grossing film of 2005.

11. ​The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

Walt Disney Pictures/Walden Media

Four siblings are sent away to a countryside house for safety in the midst of World War II. While there, the curious sibling of the bunch finds a wardrobe that transports them to another world called Narnia. This film devastated 7 year-old Danielle, and quite frankly, devastates 26 year-old Danielle all the same. Lucky for us insert cry emoji, Greta Gerwig is directing a new adaptation, further fueling my obsession with the franchise.

12. Batman Begins

Warner Bros. Pictures

We have Batman Begins to thank for setting the stage for allsuperhero movies going forward – I’m looking at you MCU. Its gritty realism, reinvention of the character itself, and serious tone influenced the superhero genre for years to come.

13. ​Fantastic Four

20th Century Fox

Four astronauts are struck by cosmic rays while on a mission in space. When they return to earth they have fantastical powers, but it wouldn’t be a superhero movie without a villain, thus introducing us to Victor von Doom. Hate it or love it, Fantastic Four brought Marvel's iconic superhero team to the big screen for the first time in a live-action film, reigniting an interest and love for Marvel films. After all, my man, Pedro Pascal, wouldn’t have any references for his new role if it weren’t for this film.

14. ​Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Warner Bros. Pictures

A child tormented by his overbearing, chocolate-hating dentist dad grows up to be a chocolate maker. While taking five (un)lucky children on a mystical, life-altering tour of his chocolate factory, Willy Wonka gets flashbacks back to his childhood. Whether you find this film traumatizing or full of whimsy, or uncomfortably both, it is a fact that it’s turning 20 this year. Timothée Chalamet got ahead of himself and celebrated early for us all, taking on the role of the neurotic chocolate maker in 2023’s Wonka. Oh, how time flies.

15. ​Herbie Fully Loaded

Walt Disney Pictures

We’ve got another overprotective father trope, but this one makes a tad more sense than Mister Wonka’s. A girl who wants to become a NASCAR driver finds herself stuck at a crossroads (pun intended) with her former racer dad, who’d rather see her take a safer job. If you want a peak 2005 live-action Disney movie with none other than Lindsay Lohan, look no further. Jokes aside, this movie will be forever ingrained in my memory, for better or worse.

16. Madagascar

Dreamworks Animation

Just when we thought Universal Studios had thought of it all, they gave us Madagascar, an animated animal film that follows a group of pampered New York City zoo animals who find themselves thrust into the jungles of Madagascar. This flick has stuck with everyone since its release — which really means it's lent us a plethora of memes and TikTok trends. Don’t be fooled, it really is a great watch that also revived Reel to Real’s 1994 hit “I Like to Move It.”

17. ​Million Dollar Baby

Warner Bros. Pictures

This may be the closest we’ll see Clint Eastwood playing a character that actually cares, but don’t be fooled, he still plays a tough-as-nails boxing trainer that stumbles upon Maggie, a young-girl looking to learn boxing from him. The two form a tight-knit relationship…and that’s all I’ll say without spoiling anything. Hilary Swank delivers a career best in this powerful boxing movie. This film is timeless, in that it will always make you cry.

18. ​The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl 3-D

Miramax Films/Dimension Films

A young boy’s fantasy world, and those that live in it, become reality when his once “imaginary” friends need help saving their planet. Twilight producers saw this film with a baby-faced Taylor Lautner and really thought “yep, this is our Jacob.”

19. Cheaper by the Dozen 2

20th Century Fox

The Baker family head on a lakeside vacation in this second installment of Cheaper by the Dozen. While it doesn’t live up to its predecessor, Cheaper by the Dozen 2 hits the nostalgia button hard. There is no denying its influence on girls born in the late ’90s (me).

20. ​Ice Princess

Walt Disney Pictures

Looking back, this is a classic trope, but I was sat for it – a girl who's pressured to go to Harvard, but would rather pursue her passion for figure skating. Again, if there was ever a very niche movie that had a chokehold on my childhood, it was Ice Princess. I was checking ice-skating books out of my school library left and right. There was no one stopping me – that’s why I have only myself to blame for my failed skating career. What can I say? Michelle Trachtenberg made it look easy.

Yeah...we feel OLD. Tell us on Facebook which of these movies turning 20 is your favorite.

If you're someone who can't remember to water your plants for the life of you, don't worry. You're far from alone, and you do not have to give up on your dream of decorating your living space with gorgeous greenery. Luckily, there are plenty of drought-tolerant plants out there that thrive with minimal care and can withstand a bit of neglect, whether you're busy with work, a frequent traveler, or just tend to be a bit forgetful. From aloe plants to ZZ plants, here are 10 different drought-tolerant varieties that make being a plant parent much easier.

Scroll to find out the most drought-tolerant plants you can get for your home!

1. Aloe

Plants.com

Aloe Vera Plant

Aloe vera is well-known for its soothing properties when it comes to sunburn. But this spiky succulent with thick, serrated leaves is also a low-maintenance indoor plant. It doesn't require frequent watering. In fact, it's actually best to let the soil dry out completely between drinks to prevent over-watering. And although it grows slowly, aloe can eventually reach up to three feet in height and width.

2. Snake Plant

West Elm

Live Sansevieria Plant w/ Grow Pot

Snake plants are beloved for their striking, sword-shaped dark green leaves, which are often highlighted with patterns in silver, white, cream, or yellow hues. These tough plants are ideal for forgetful waterers, too, as they can go weeks without needing a drink!

So, this variety can easily reach an impressive four feet tall and even thrives in a range of lighting conditions, from low to bright light.

3. Zebra Plant

Home Depot

Aphelandra Zebra Plant with Yellow Blooms

With its white-striped leaves, the zebra plant can add a stylish touch to any windowsill. But, perhaps its best quality is that this low-maintenance succulent thrives with very little attention, making it ideal for busy plant owners.

This variety typically remains under a foot tall, so it remains compact and easy to fit in smaller living spaces, like apartments. Additionally, the zebra plant prefers bright light and well-draining soil, so you should always allow the soil to dry out in between waterings.

4. Bunny Ear Cactus

Anthropologie

Bunny Ear Cactus

As this variety's cute name suggests, the bunny ear cactus features flat pads that resemble the ears of a rabbit. Not only is this charming cactus drought-tolerant, but it also doesn't have the sharp spines typically associated with cacti. Still, you should be cautious of the tiny barbs on its pads, which can irritate your skin if touched.

The bunny ear cactus needs plenty of bright light to thrive, but when given enough sun exposure, you'll be rewarded with beautiful yellow blooms in the spring.

5. Corn Plant

Amazon

American Plant Exchange Dracaena Mass Cane ‘Corn Plant’

Despite its name, the corn plant isn't really related to the corn you eat. Rather, its long green leaves do resemble corn stalks! Aside from bringing a bunch of greenery into your home, this plant is low-maintenance and surprisingly forgiving if you sometimes forget to water. It will bounce back if it dries out a little, making it a no-fuss variety.

6. Ponytail Palm

West Elm

Bloomscape Live Ponytail Palm w/ Planter

The ponytail palm is a very tough plant, thanks to its thick stems that store moisture. So, it can easily survive if you forget to water it now and then! This drought-tolerant beauty only needs to be watered every couple of weeks in the warmer months and every three to four weeks during the winter. It also does well in both low and bright light and can reach an impressive 10 feet tall.

7. Ox Tongue

Etsy

Gasteria Spotted Ox Tongue Rare Succulent Live Plant

Featuring rugged leaves, the ox tongue can add visual intrigue to any indoor plant collection. This succulent doesn't require frequent watering, either, and in the winter, it can go for weeks without needing a drink. Instead, it flourishes in bright light, and with the right amount of sun, it will produce pink-red flowers during the spring.

8. Pothos

West Elm

Live Mini Pothos Plant w/ Hanging Planter

Pothos is a favorite in both homes and offices thanks to its hardiness and glossy leaves. This variety has earned its reputation as one of the most low-maintenance plants, flourishing even without daily watering. On top of that, it handles everything from low light to bright light and can tolerate drying out in between waterings.

9. Dracaena

Amazon

Costa Farms Dracaena Golden Heart Live Indoor Plant

Commonly known as "dragon trees," dracaena are favored for their sword-shaped leaves and resilience in the face of neglect. They're highly adaptable, thriving in low light and requiring minimal watering. They can even handle missed feedings from time to time, too. So, dracaena can make bold decor statements with little care needed from their owners.

10. ZZ Plant

The Sill

ZZ Plant

Last but not least is the ZZ plant, which has thick and leathery leaves that almost resemble plastic. Thankfully, this drought-tolerant variety is just as low-maintenance as the fake plants you can buy at the store. ZZ plants only require occasional watering, and while they do best in bright light, they're also perfectly fine in low-light areas.

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