On This Day in History: July 26

1. Tres Hombres

   Released in 1973 by ZZ Top, London Records

   On July 26, 1973, the Texas blues-rock trio ZZ Top unleashed "Tres Hombres," their third studio album and the record that would catapult them from regional favorites to international rock stars. Released at a time when rock was diversifying into glam, prog, and hard rock, "Tres Hombres" was a potent, unfiltered shot of Lone Star State boogie and blues. This album defined the band's signature sound—a blend of raw guitar riffs, a locked-in rhythm section, and wry, southern-fried storytelling. Its release marked the moment ZZ Top found their groove, creating a timeless classic that would become the foundation of their legendary career.

2. 10

   Released in 1979 by Blake Edwards, Warner Bros.

   The year 1979 buzzed with the release of Blake Edwards' romantic comedy "10," a film that not only captured the zeitgeist of the late '70s but also became a significant box office hit, solidifying its place in cinematic history. Premiering on July 26, 1979, this movie introduced audiences to a dazzling blend of witty dialogue, a poignant exploration of midlife crisis, and an unforgettable star-making turn. It quickly became a cultural touchstone, largely due to its iconic imagery and the charming, yet relatable, predicaments of its protagonist, marking this specific date as the beginning of a pop culture phenomenon that would define beauty standards and spark countless conversations about desire and fulfillment for years to come.

3. Once Upon a Time in Hollywood

   Released in 2019 by Quentin Tarantino, Columbia Pictures, Bona Film Group, Heyday Films, Visiona Romantica

   On July 26, 2019, Quentin Tarantino's ninth film, "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood," received its wide theatrical release in the United States. The film arrived as one of the most anticipated cinematic events of the year, a sprawling, star-studded love letter to the final moments of Hollywood's golden age. Set in 1969 Los Angeles, the movie's release date was poignant, occurring just weeks before the 50th anniversary of the real-life Tate murders that serve as the story's grim backdrop. The film's premiere wasn't just a movie opening; it was a cultural event, inviting audiences to step into a meticulously recreated past and experience a bittersweet, and ultimately revisionist, fairytale from one of modern cinema's most distinctive voices.

4. Ne Zha 2

   Released in 2025 by Jiaozi (Yang Yu), Beijing Enlight Pictures

   The cinematic world eagerly anticipates the arrival of 'Ne Zha 2' in 2025, a sequel poised to build upon the monumental success of its predecessor. The original 'Ne Zha' (2019) shattered box office records, becoming the highest-grossing animated film in China and one of the highest-grossing non-English animated films globally, redefining the potential for domestic animated features. The release of 'Ne Zha 2' is not merely a film premiere; it is a cultural event, promising to further elevate Chinese animation on the world stage and reignite the passion of millions of fans who were captivated by the mischievous yet heroic child deity. While a specific release date (MM-DD) for 2025 is yet to be officially announced, a mid-summer release is widely speculated, mirroring the original's successful debut.