Every week, I comb through the latest movies added to Netflix to pick out the best thrillers. The genre is hugely popular with subscribers, and I understand why. I also love a great thriller flick.

My picks this week include a new dark comedy with a star-studded cast, including Steve Rogers himself, Chris Evans. Or how about one of the most acclaimed crime thrillers of the 1990s, with its own hugely impressive cast list? Or, if you haven't seen Ben Affleck's new Netflix movie yet, then you might want to check out "Animals."

These are the new to Netflix thriller movies I recommend this week. And if you really can't get enough of the genre, check out my guide to the latest thriller movies added to Prime Video.

‘Sacrifice’ (2025)

Netflix has picked up U.S. distribution rights for “Sacrifice,” a dark comedy thriller that stars Chris Evans, Anya Taylor-Joy, Vincent Cassel, John Malkovich and Salma Hayek. That’s quite the cast list, and its kooky doomsday cult premise certainly catches the attention. Less encouraging is its very weak 35% score on Rotten Tomatoes after debuting at last year’s Toronto International Film Festival. But maybe the star power will be enough to sway you.

Directed by Romain Gavras, “Sacrifice” focuses on a radical group, led by Joan (Taylor-Joy), convinced they must cleanse the Earth to prevent an impending volcanic apocalypse. To save humanity, they abduct three people, among them a movie star making a comeback (Evans), with plans to sacrifice them as part of a ritual. As a chaotic night unfolds, the lines between sacrifice and savior blur, and the already farcical events spiral out of control.

Watch "Sacrifice" on Netflix starting October 16

‘Heat’ (1995)

Speaking of stacked casts, how about this for a headline trio: Robert De Niro, Al Pacino and Val Kilmer. “Heat” is not just one of the 1990s' most epic crime thrillers, but ranks among the genre greats, inspiring countless imitators. However, matching the bar Michael Mann set is certainly no easy feat. Here’s hoping the in-production sequel, which will star Leonardo DiCaprio and Christian Bale, can live up to the impressive legacy of the original “Heat."

Neil McCauley (De Niro) is a master career thief planning one last major score before retirement. At the same time, Lieutenant Hanna (Pacino) is on his tail, willing to go to extreme lengths to catch McCauley and his crew (which includes Kilmer). As this cat-and-mouse game unfolds and heads towards a fateful final confrontation, these two men on opposite sides of the law develop a surprisingly mutual respect.

Watch "Heat" on Netflix starting October 16

‘Animals’ (2026)

Netflix’s latest original thriller continues to sit pretty at the top of the most-watched list. Almost a week after its debut, it hasn’t moved from the No. 1 spot. I’m not surprised; with Ben Affleck in the lead role (and also directing), and a compelling core premise, this movie was always going to be popular. Even though I think it’s merely a serviceable thriller that never rises to become truly special, it’s still got enough momentum to keep you watching.

Mark Kimball (Ben Affleck) is an L.A. mayoral candidate who has secretly invested the family’s entire savings in his campaign. This decision comes back to bite him hard when his son is kidnapped, and the criminals demand an eye-watering ransom. Needing money fast, Mark and his wife (Kerry Washington) turn to a criminal fixer (Gillian Anderson), and reveal sides of their characters that were never supposed to come to light.

Watch "Animals" on Netflix now

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Netflix's “The Diplomat” has somehow gotten better with every season, which itself is a plot twist when you consider how more Netflix shows fare as they age. It could've just maintained the momentum after three seasons of political intrigue, marital warfare and Keri Russell looking increasingly disheveled. Instead, season 4 doubles down on what has always made the show so much fun: putting brilliant, deeply complicated people in rooms together and watching them try to outmaneuver one another while barely holding their personal lives together.

I've now watched all eight episodes of season 4, and I can say that "The Diplomat" remains one of Netflix's best dramas — if not the very best. The plotting is intricate without becoming incomprehensible, the stakes continue to escalate and the show has added two major weapons to its already formidable arsenal: Allison Janney and Bradley Whitford. Their arrival as President Grace Penn and First Gentleman Todd Penn was already a highlight of season 3, but season 4 brings them much further into the action, and the results are fantastic. Janney, Whitford, Russell and Rufus Sewell have the kind of chemistry where they could just read an encyclopedia together and it'd be high theater.

So what makes "The Diplomat" season 4 work so well? It's not just the increasingly high-stakes geopolitical maneuvering, but the complicated personal relationships that make every backroom deal feel like a potential marriage-ending argument. And this season has plenty of both.

‘The Diplomat’ keeps the political thrills coming

Season 4 picks up the complicated threads left dangling at the end of season 3, particularly the fallout from Grace and Hal's secret operation involving Russia's Poseidon weapon. From there, things get considerably more dangerous, with Kate caught between competing political agendas and her own increasingly complicated relationship with Hal.

What I've always appreciated about “The Diplomat” is that the plot is complex without feeling like you need to do homework. Even with all of the covert operations, shifting alliances, international brinkmanship and diplomatic schemes, there's a clear and comprehensible throughline connecting this season to everything that came before it.

This time around, a new threat puts President Grace Penn on an increasingly hawkish footing, increasing the pressure on everyone caught in her orbit. Meanwhile, First Gentleman Todd Penn becomes more involved in the geopolitical game, complicating an already precarious balance of power. His influence on Grace adds another unpredictable element to the mix, especially as he and Kate find themselves navigating an uneasy alliance.

The one slight weakness is that Russia continues to function more as a looming boogeyman than an actual presence. The threat is certainly there, and the geopolitical stakes are enormous, but the show is more interested in what its American and British characters think Russia might do than in showing us much of Russia itself. That's not necessarily a big problem, but it does make some of the consequences feel a bit abstract.

Fortunately, “The Diplomat” has never really depended on its geopolitical machinations alone. The political crises are the engine, but the relationships are the reason you keep watching

The relationships are what make ‘The Diplomat’ so addictive

The real heart of season 4 is Kate and Hal's marriage, which remains an absolute disaster in the most compelling possible way. Their relationship is so tangled, competitive and electric that it's almost impossible to look away. Kate is still not sure if their marriage is worth saving, while Hal has a remarkable ability to make every situation approximately 487 times more infuriating.

I do miss Kate's flirtation with Austin Denison, though. With David Gyasi's British foreign secretary spending much of this season offscreen, that particular spark is largely absent. And I'm not nearly as invested in Kate's fling with Callum Ellis (Aidan Turner). Still, the show has always been at its best when Kate and Hal are orbiting one another, whether they're fighting, flirting or trying to save the free world.

Whitford gets considerably more to do this season, and his scenes with Russell add very interesting layers to the mix. Janney continues to give an Emmy-worthy performance as Grace, and I love the interplay between her and Whitford, as well as Russell and Sewell (and all permutations of the quartet).

Then there's Stuart (Ato Essandoh) and Eidra (Ali Ahn), whose relationship continues to be one of my favorites on the show. Things escalate between them in season 4, and somehow their already unusual dynamic becomes even more delightfully weird and banter-iffic.

And then Jodie Whittaker arrives as a high-ranking British politician, and she is terrific. Her rapport with Russell is immediate, giving Kate another formidable personality to spar with.

Verdict: 'The Diplomat' remains one of the best shows on TV

Four seasons in, “The Diplomat” is somehow getting better, with intricate political plotting and messy relationships that keep you hooked. Keri Russell, Rufus Sewell, Allison Janney and Bradley Whitford are firing on all cylinders, making this another must-watch season despite a few minor missteps.

What really sets the show apart, though, is how effortlessly it balances international intrigue with the messy business of being married to someone who might just be your biggest rival. The plot will keep you hitting “Next Episode,” but it's the characters who make you glad you did.

"The Diplomat" season 4 is streaming now on Netflix

Spooky season is the perfect time for a trip back to Crystal Lake, and this time, we’re going back to where it all began. “Crystal Lake” is a prequel series to the iconic “Friday the 13th” franchise, revisiting the world that made Jason Voorhees one of horror’s most recognizable villains. With Brad Caleb Kane, best known for his work on “Welcome to Derry,” at the helm as showrunner, “Crystal Lake” has the potential to bring something fresh to a familiar slasher story while honoring the original movie that started it all.

Set before the events of the 1980 film, “Crystal Lake” takes us back to the early days of the infamous lakeside community. The series explores the events surrounding Jason’s drowning and the life of his mother, Pamela Voorhees, played by Linda Cardellini. Rather than simply revisiting the familiar story of a killer stalking campers, this prequel gives us a closer look at the people and circumstances that helped shape the franchise’s brutal history. It's a chance to dig into the origins of a horror legend and see how the nightmare began.

As a huge horror fan and someone who’s always had a soft spot for the “Friday the 13th” franchise, I was eager to see what this new series would bring to the table. I’ve watched “Crystal Lake” and am ready to share my honest thoughts on this new horror series, now streaming on Peacock.

‘Crystal Lake’ is a real treat for ‘Friday the 13th’ fans

I wasn’t entirely sure how I felt about diving into Pamela Voorhees’ backstory, especially with “Crystal Lake” making changes to established “Friday the 13th” canon. Shifting Jason’s drowning timeline and altering other details from the 1980 original had me a little concerned. There’s also the risk of overexplaining a franchise that started with a pretty simple premise, potentially losing some of the mystery and no-frills slasher fun that made it so popular in the first place.

Thankfully, I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the show’s approach. Rather than relying entirely on gruesome kills, “Crystal Lake” gives Pamela’s grief and trauma plenty of room to breathe. The series actually dives straight into the tragedy of Jason’s drowning, and the flashbacks showing the two together make his loss feel even more heartbreaking. They also help explain why Pamela becomes increasingly withdrawn, giving her a depth we don’t really get to see in the original movie.

The love for the franchise is also clear from the opening episodes. The recreation of the summer camp is fantastic, from the familiar dock and cabins to Pamela’s jeep and iconic sweater. These little details make “Crystal Lake” feel like a genuine return to the franchise’s roots, even as it explores parts of Pamela’s story we’ve never seen before.

At its heart, “Crystal Lake” is all about Pamela going completely off the rails, and honestly, I’m here for it. Linda Cardellini delivers one of my favorite performances of the year, throwing herself into the role with such wild abandon that it’s impossible not to have fun watching her. The show goes to some seriously strange places, but I loved how willing it was to embrace its more ridiculous instincts. Showrunner Brad Caleb Kane clearly understands what makes “Friday the 13th” work.

The series gets the franchise’s bloody, campy spirit right, with creative kills, practical gore and a convincing ’70s setting that makes it feel like a proper part of the series. There’s plenty of gruesome fun for longtime fans, but the show also gives Cardellini room to turn Pamela into a compelling character in her own right. Not every horror classic needs a prequel, but “Crystal Lake” makes a pretty convincing case for this one. It’s bloody, bonkers and surprisingly compelling, giving Pamela Voorhees the spotlight she deserves.

Verdict: ‘Crystal Lake’ is the slasher prequel I wanted

“Crystal Lake” is also a visual treat, with plenty of little details that show how much care has gone into bringing this world to life. I particularly liked how the first episode uses the classic title card from the original “Friday the 13th,” while the rest feature striking, artistic opening sequences that give each episode its own identity. It’s a lovely touch that makes the series feel even more connected to the franchise.

Overall, this series is exactly the kind of prequel I wanted from “Friday the 13th.” It understands that this franchise is at its best when it embraces the ridiculous side of slasher horror, delivering plenty of creative kills, gruesome practical effects and moments that had me grinning. Linda Cardellini is the real standout, though, giving Pamela so much personality that I was just as invested in her story as I was in the bloody chaos unfolding around her. Consider this my invitation to spend a little more time at camp.

"Crystal Lake" is streaming on Peacock

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Screen-less fitness trackers like Oura Ring, Whoop 5.0, and Garmin Cirqa may be the hot accessory in 2026, but I, for one, am thrilled to see Google finally add a new, petite screen-sporting wearable, the Fitbit Edge, to its portfolio.

The Fitbit Edge is a $179 follow-up to 2023’s Fitbit Charge 6, one of the best fitness trackers of all time, and a contemporary sibling to the screen-free Fitbit Air, another top-performing tracker. More advanced than the Air, the Fitbit Edge sits below the Google Pixel Watch 5, which is, you guessed it, one of the best smartwatches in 2026.

I lead TG’s wearable tech coverage, and I’ve been hoping for a Fitbit Charge 6 replacement for years. Now that it’s finally here, it’s time to decide whether or not it truly lives up to my expectations. With that in mind, here are the five biggest reasons to buy the new Fitbit Edge and the two biggest reasons to skip it, based on my initial impressions.

Buy: Onboard GPS

Two major design factors set the new $179 Fitbit Edge apart from the $99 Fitbit Air; the first is onboard GPS. Do you frequently log outdoor workouts, like walks, hikes, runs, and bike rides? If so, the Fitbit Edge will likely be a better choice for you than the Air. Why?

Because the Fitbit Air lacks onboard GPS, users have to carry a paired smartphone when recording outdoor activities if they want accurate location-based data for metrics like distance, pace, and climb. On the flip side, the Fitbit Edge has a built-in GPS antenna, allowing you to log that same data without the extra bulk of your smartphone.

The Edge even sports an onboard altimeter for on-device elevation tracking. As an avid mountain sports enthusiast, this is something I seriously appreciate.

Buy: 1.34-inch display

The second, perhaps more obvious difference between the Fitbit Edge and Fitbit Air is that the former has a display; the latter does not. The Edge’s 1.34-inch AMOLED touchscreen may not be enormous, but it represents a decent upgrade over the Fitbit Charge 6’s 1.04-inch display.

Unlike the Fitbit Air, users can start and stop workouts on the Edge without needing to open the companion Google Health app on their phone. You can also view your post-workout stats, recent sleep reports, current heart rate, mirrored smartphone notifications, and more.

Buy: Comprehensive holistic insights

Speaking of wellness, the Fitbit Edge is positively brimming with state-of-the-art holistic features, including heart rate variability monitoring, AFib detection, blood oxygen saturation measurements, continuous heart rate, breath rate, and skin temperature monitoring while you sleep, women’s health tracking, Loss of Pulse Detection, and even Breathing Emergency alerts.

Buy: Petite case design

I’m positively allergic to bulky wearables, which is why I’m such a big fan of the Fitbit Air. Not only is it one of the smallest, lightest fitness trackers on the market today and super comfy on the wrist, but it barely even looks like a piece of wearable tech.

The Fitbit Edge is a little less discreet, thanks to its 1.34-inch AMOLED screen. It’s also a bit larger and heavier than its stripped-back sibling. That said, the Fitbit Edge is roughly the same size as its easy-wearing, sleek-ish predecessor, the Fitbit Charge 6, and also a little lighter.

Buy: Compatibility with Android and iOS

Unlike the latest Pixel Watch series, the Fitbit Edge (like the Air) plays nicely with both Android and iOS smartphones. Better yet, the Edge supports mirrored smartphone notifications regardless of which OS you use. There are even a handful of basic pre-written quick replies you can use to quickly respond to texts.

Additionally, the Edge supports universal music control from any Bluetooth-connected device.

Skip: Some features are paywalled

While Google offers a lot of impressive wellness features for free, some of the more advanced, personalized insights and tools require a Google Health Premium subscription for $9.99 a month or $99 annually.

Paywalled features include adaptive fitness plans, sleep coaching tips, blood pressure and insulin resistance trend reports, and personalized metabolic recommendations.

Skip: Lacks NFC for contactless payments

All in all, the Fitbit Edge feels like a proper upgrade to the beloved Fitbit Charge 6 in all but one key way: it lacks NFC. So, while 2023’s Charge 6 supports Google Wallet for contactless payments, Fitbit Edge owners will have to carry a credit card or smartphone to pay for their post-hike pint or after-run pick-me-up.

What are your thoughts on the new Fitbit Edge? Let me know below. And stay tuned for my full review, coming soon.

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Ben Affleck’s new crime thriller “Animals” is now streaming and showing no signs of relinquishing the global No. 1 spot any time soon. As I said in my “Animals” review, it’s a serviceable crime thriller, but lacks the memorable moments and bite of the genre's best.

If you’ve already streamed “Animals” and are looking for your next thrilling watch, then I can help. Below I’ve collected five similar movies (similarities include the talent, plot or setting) that should be on your watchlist. More importantly, each of these movies does many of the same things as “Animals,” but in far superior ways.

So whether you enjoyed “Animals” or found it to be yet another Netflix original disappointment, these are the five movies you need to watch next, and I’ve also included where you can stream them right now to save you time having to scroll through libraries.

‘Gone Baby Gone’ (2007)

“Animals” marks Ben Affleck’s sixth movie as a director, but flash back to 2007, and he was making his directorial debut with “Gone Baby Gone.” A twisting crime thriller that is arguably still his strongest effort to date. Affleck opted not to star in this movie so he could focus on his work behind the camera. However, the movie’s a family affair with Ben’s brother, Casey Affleck, an Oscar winner, playing the lead role of a private detective on the streets of Boston.

When a 4-year-old child is abducted, private investigator Patrick Kenzie (Casey Affleck) and his partner, Angie (Michelle Monaghan), are on the case. The police believe the case has gone cold after the young girl has been missing for 72 hours. However, Patrick knows the city streets and its seedy underbelly better than anybody. He’s determined to reunite mother and daughter, but as he gets close to the truth, he uncovers something shocking.

Watch "Gone Baby Gone" on Paramount+ now

‘Prisoners’ (2013)

“Animals” is a movie about a desperate father navigating a kidnapping situation, exposing darker sides of his character in the process. It’s by no means the first thriller to tackle this subject matter. 2013’s “Prisoners” covers very similar ground. Directed by Denis Villeneuve, it’s one of the best crime thriller movies of the 21st century, with incredible performances, writing, pacing and Oscar-nominated cinematography from the one and only Roger Deakins.

When Keller Dover’s (Hugh Jackman) young daughter and her friend are kidnapped in broad daylight, he becomes increasingly frustrated at the authorities’ inability to locate the missing girls. Against the warnings of police detective Loki (Jake Gyllenhaal), he takes the matter into his own hands, willing to lose his humanity in an effort to find his daughter. Also starring Viola Davis, Paul Dano and Terrence Howard, “Prisoners” is an intense, brooding watch.

Watch "Prisoners" on Prime Video (buy/rent) now

‘The Disappearance of Alice Creed’ (2009)

In “Animals,” viewers are never shown the kidnapping occurring, nor do we follow the events from the victim's perspective. That’s not the case in “The Disappearance of Alice Creed,” a small-scale British crime thriller in which the kidnappee (is that a word?) takes center stage. It’s an exercise in doing a great deal with few resources; there are just three actors in this movie, and the thriller wrings every ounce of drama and suspense from its modest setup.

The eponymous Alice Creed (Gemma Arterton) is the only child of a wealthy family, which unfortunately makes her a target. Taken by two men, Vic (Eddie Marsan) and Danny (Martin Compston), the criminals plan to ransom Alice for a significant sum of money. However, their plan certainly doesn’t go off without a hitch. In this twist-fueled movie, it quickly becomes difficult to know where each character’s loyalties lie, as it’s revealed that not all is what it seems.

Watch "The Disappearance of Alice Creed" on Starz now

‘The Rip’ (2026)

“Animals” marked Ben Affleck’s second Netflix original movie of 2026; the first came in January, and even all these many months later, I still rank “The Rip” as the streamer’s best new movie of the year. Granted, it’s not flawless, and its lofty position perhaps speaks more to weak competition, but “The Rip” is still an enjoyable popcorn movie, even if the subtler first half is a lot more engaging than the final portion, which veers into generic action.

Set in Miami, it follows a squad of narcotics officers who find a stash of cartel money, totalling several million dollars, in a derelict house. The team’s captain (Matt Damon) breaks protocol by not calling in the find. This leads to increasing suspicions as each member of the squad starts to wonder if their colleagues are eyeing up the cash for themselves. The movie is Damon and Affleck’s first on-screen collaboration in three years, and is a rip-roaring ride.

Watch "The Rip" on Netflix now

‘Heat’ (1995)

The city of Los Angeles plays a major role in “Animals.” Ben Affleck’s Mark Kimbell is running for mayor, and the grand finale takes place on L.A.’s iconic waterway. “Heat” is another crime thriller in which the City of Angels plays a very prominent role. It’s also considered one of the most influential crime flicks ever made, and with a sequel in development (starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Christian Bale), now is a great time to stream it. So, it’s very fortunate timing that “Heat” was added to Netflix’s library earlier this week.

Directed by Michael Mann and with an almost three-hour runtime, “Heat” centers on master criminal Neil McCauley (Robert De Niro), who’s in the twilight of his career. He’s planning one last major heist before walking off into the sunset to spend his ill-gotten gains. But between his unpredictable crew, including Van Kilmer’s Chris Shiherlis, and a driven police detective (Al Pacino) closely on his tail, getting away scot-free might not be so simple.

Watch "Heat" on Prime Video now

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The MCU has reached an interesting crossroads. After years of interconnected stories building toward major cinematic events, the franchise has struggled to maintain that same momentum, with its shows playing an increasingly important role in filling the gaps between movies.

Now, Marvel is returning to one of its most intriguing characters for “VisionQuest,” the final chapter in the trilogy that began with “WandaVision” and continued with “Agatha All Along.” Picking up the threads left dangling by Wanda’s destroyed hex, the new series potentially sets up some fascinating developments for the wider MCU.

“VisionQuest” follows White Vision (Paul Bettany), who inherited the original Vision’s memories at the end of “WandaVision” but has spent years struggling to understand what they mean to him. Living quietly in Edinburgh, he attempts to make sense of humanity with help from the artificial intelligence programs inside his system, including Jarvis, Friday, and Edith.

However, his attempts to keep a low profile are interrupted when a bounty hunter comes looking for him. With the dangerous Ultron (James Spader) also lurking within his digital mind, Vision must confront his past.

Having watched the first two episodes on Disney+, I'm intrigued by the direction “VisionQuest” is taking, particularly its return to the questions of identity and memory that made “WandaVision” so compelling. Here are my honest thoughts on Marvel’s latest show.

‘VisionQuest’ gets off to a promising start

One of my favorite Marvel shows, and arguably the best in the MCU, is “WandaVision.” Not only did it offer something genuinely different from the usual superhero formula, but it also gave Wanda (Elizabeth Olsen) and Vision a deeply personal story about grief and the lengths we go to for the people we love.

The series left plenty of unanswered questions, so I was curious to see how “VisionQuest” would pick up those threads and give its title character a story of his own. Thankfully, the first two episodes show some promise. We find the current version of Vision working in the Edinburgh pub he visited with Wanda, with glimpses of his former life suggesting that, despite his efforts to move forward, those memories still linger.

More importantly, the premiere gives this new version of Vision a clear purpose, but his journey isn't just about what happens in the outside world. One of the show’s most interesting concepts is Vision’s mindspace, a digital world inside his own mind where the AI programs stored in his system take on human forms and interact with him.

Jarvis (James D'Arcy), Friday (Orla Brady) and Edith (Emily Hampshire) are all present, while Ultron (James Spader) is kept behind a firewall due to the threat he poses. It's a fascinating way to explore Vision’s inner workings, and Ultron’s presence adds a much darker, more foreboding edge to the story.

The show also introduces Thomas (Ruaridh Mollica), a teenager and grifter who experiences panic attacks and struggles with memories of a life he doesn’t believe is his own. Those memories belong to Tommy, the son of Wanda and Vision whose soul was transferred into Thomas’ body after the events of “Agatha All Along,” when his brother Billy (Joe Locke) used his magic to bring him back.

It’s a slightly convoluted setup if you haven’t seen the previous series, but “VisionQuest” does a decent job of establishing the connection between Thomas and White Vision. Both characters are struggling to understand who they are and where they belong.

That said, I’ve already noticed one weakness in these first two episodes, and that’s how often “VisionQuest” feels the need to explain things we already know. On top of the lengthy recap of Vision’s story in the first five minutes of episode one, we’re also shown literal clips from “WandaVision” to remind us of events we’ve already seen play out.

Too many of these moments also come through conversations in which Vision sits down with someone and explains his problems, his memories and the baggage he’s carrying. It makes parts of the story feel unnecessarily repetitive, slowing down the momentum when the show should be building curiosity around this new chapter in his life.

Verdict: ‘VisionQuest’ has me curious about what comes next

Ultimately, I'm cautiously optimistic about where “VisionQuest” is heading. These first two episodes have given me enough reasons to stick around, even if I’m not entirely sold on everything the show is doing just yet. There’s a lot of potential here, particularly with a character who has spent so much of his MCU journey caught between what makes him human and what makes him a machine.

I’m also interested to see how the series handles its wider cast, especially now that several familiar faces are back in the picture and there’s an opportunity to explore some relationships from a different perspective.

What I’m hoping for most is a story that takes a few risks and gives these characters room to surprise us. The MCU has occasionally struggled to make its Disney+ shows feel essential, rather than simply filling in gaps between movies, but Vision’s story feels like it has the ingredients for something more personal and distinctive.

Hopefully, future episodes will have more confidence in their audience and find more interesting ways to explore Vision’s inner conflict without constantly stopping to explain it. Most of all, like many fans, I desperately want to see Wanda come back.

"VisionQuest" episodes 1-2 are streaming on Disney+

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Prime Video had plenty of buzzy shows that premiered this past summer, from swoony romances like "Sterling Point" and "Every Year After" to action-packed returning favorites like "Reacher." But one title you may have missed when it hit Amazon's streaming platform this past July is "Murder 101," a true crime docuseries unlike any other you've seen thus far on streaming.

Instead of focusing on professional law enforcement or dogged journalists tracking down details of a case, the sleuths at the center of this three-part series are actually high school students in a small Appalachian town. That not only gives the show a welcome touch of relatability (who among us doesn't like to play detective?) but also shows the real-world challenges of trying to bring a criminal to justice.

If you're a fan of the true crime genre (or simply want something great to watch), here's why you should add "Murder 101" on Prime Video to your next watchlist.

What is 'Murder 101' on Prime Video about?

Based on the true crime podcast of the same name, the three-episode docuseries centers on the students of Elizabethton High School in rural Tennessee — Will Bowers, Andrew Barnett, Natali Kodak and Shelby Edmonds, among others. Their sociology teacher Alex Campbell turns a classroom project into a real-world investigation into the "Redhead Murders," a case of unsolved 1980s homicides that has gone cold after four decades.

"Part teen drama, part masterclass, and part edge-of-your-seat crime investigation," the doc follows the extraordinary youngsters as they uncover new leads and connect long-overlooked clues, working with local law enforcement to revive the dead case into a present-day hunt for a killer.

Why you should stream 'Murder 101' on Prime Video

Every day, it feels like yet another true-crime title makes its way onto a streaming service, but even with that inundation of similarly focused mysteries and procedurals, "Murder 101" manages to be a standout not only because of the charming youthfulness of its subjects but also for the humanity it offers to both the doc's subjects and the case's victims.

Many documentaries play into the salaciousness of the true-crime genre with sensational narratives, dramatic reenactments, and efforts more fixated on shock value than respect for the real-life people involved. But the Stacy Lee-directed "Murder 101" instead highlights the empathy, collaboration and social responsibility displayed by the high schoolers as they dig into the cold case and work to bring closure to grieving families.

Altogether, it's an inspirational and moving watch — and one with a solid 89% approval rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes — that still scratches that puzzle-solving, justice-seeking itch for true-crime fans.

Stream "Murder 101" on Prime Video now

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At the end of the first season of FX's “The Lowdown,” I didn’t have any lingering questions or unresolved concerns, and if the delightful comedic mystery series starring Ethan Hawke had ended there, it would have been a satisfying outcome. That doesn’t mean I wasn’t eager to check out the new second season of “The Lowdown,” even if I was a bit skeptical of whether creator Sterlin Harjo could come up with another storyline as compelling as the investigation into the death of Dale Washberg (Tim Blake Nelson).

There was no need for me to worry, because “The Lowdown” returns this week on FX and Hulu with an outstanding second season, at least in the six episodes available for review (out of eight total). Harjo places Tulsa, Oklahoma, bookstore owner and self-described “truthstorian” Lee Raybon (Hawke) on the trail of another elaborate conspiracy, filled with the kind of colorful supporting characters that made the first season so entertaining.

There may not quite be the larger sociopolitical resonance in this season’s story that there was in the first season, but “The Lowdown” still offers plenty of pointed social commentary amid its offbeat criminal antics.

‘The Lowdown’ delivers another quirky, twisty mystery

After winning a local journalism award for the article he wrote about Dale Washberg, Lee is feeling pretty good about himself, which of course means that it’s time for him to get in trouble again. It doesn’t take long before he entangles himself in another dangerous situation after meeting public defender Ginger Lafferty (Betty Gilpin) at the awards ceremony, where he gives a drunken, rambling acceptance speech. Ginger asks Lee to act as a buffer against a pair of guys who are following her, and he takes that as an invitation to become her protector, which she eventually begrudgingly accepts.

Of course, Lee is such a screw-up that he’s not great at being anyone’s protector — including his own — but he’s nothing if not persistent, and soon he’s deeply involved in Ginger’s life, as she’s being pursued by nefarious figures who are seeking one of her former clients, Mekko Dean. Ginger doesn’t know where Mekko is, either, since he’s gone missing from the state prison where he’s supposed to be incarcerated. That doesn’t matter to the people who are after her, and she and Lee try to figure out what happened to Mekko while also growing closer together on a personal level.

Meanwhile, Lee’s deadbeat father, Lee “Frog” Raybon Sr. (Tommy Lee Jones), has returned to town, 17 years after the last time Lee saw him. After being found wandering in a daze on the highway, Frog is picked up by the police and deposited at Lee’s store, and Lee has to figure out what to do with the father he’s tried hard to forget about.

Although Lee has nothing but negative feelings about his dad, Frog charms other people in Lee’s life, including his teenage daughter Francis (Ryan Kiera Armstrong) and his occasional associates Marty Brunner (Keith David) and Ray Moseley (Michael Hitchcock).

The oddball characters keep ‘The Lowdown’ interesting

One of the few disappointments of the new season is Harjo’s apparent difficulty at finding something worthwhile for Marty to do, after his crucial role in the first season’s storyline. At that time, he was a private investigator working for wealthy gubernatorial candidate Donald Washberg (Kyle MacLachlan), serving as a sometime ally and sometime adversary for Lee as Lee pursued the truth about Donald’s brother’s death.

It’s understandable that Harjo would want to keep the charismatic David around, but installing Marty as the new managing editor of the publication Lee writes for doesn’t make much sense, and Marty is stuck in his own isolated subplot about black-market dealings in ancient artifacts, bringing Frog and antique store owner Ray along. Frog, too, is a bit isolated, and Jones’ casting promises a more impactful presence for the character than what unfolds. Maybe the final two episodes will connect Marty’s efforts with Lee’s, but for now it’s almost like they’re on two separate shows.

The characters are still always amusing to watch, and Gilpin picks up much of the slack as this season’s essential co-lead, giving a fantastic performance as the alternately fierce and insecure Ginger. Like Lee, she’s a bit of a mess, but she has a strong sense of justice, and the two characters have excellent chemistry as they recklessly risk their own safety to discover the truth, while also possibly falling in love.

Martha Plimpton and John Hawkes also make strong new additions as a pair of small-town despots (a sheriff and a judge, respectively) who stand in the way of Lee and Ginger’s investigation. As always, Harjo and his fellow writers are adept at creating unique characters who embody the contradictions of the American heartland, in its mix of diversity and intolerance.

Verdict: ‘The Lowdown’ remains distinctive and engaging in its second season

Hawke makes Lee into one of the great dirtbag detectives, in the tradition of characters like Jeff “The Dude” Lebowski from “The Big Lebowski” and Charlie Cale from “Poker Face.” He’s likable no matter how badly he bungles his investigations, because his heart is always in the right place. The same goes for the show, which exudes love for Harjo’s home state even while shining a light on its many shortcomings.

While the first season of “The Lowdown” was complete on its own, the second season proves to be a worthy successor, despite being slightly disjointed. “It’s what I do — I figure stuff out,” Lee tells Ginger, and “The Lowdown” offers him plenty of chances to figure stuff out while occasionally making that stuff much worse. That’s what made him so enjoyable to watch in the first season, and I’m happy to keep watching him figure stuff out for many seasons to come.

The second season of “The Lowdown” premieres Oct. 14 on Hulu and FX

If you need some mid-week thrills, then Prime Video has you covered. The streaming service has recently refreshed its movie library, and I’ve combed through the recent additions to pick out three thriller movies worthy of your watchlist.

My picks this week include a compulsive sports drama that brought the Rocky franchise into the modern day. It’s a legacy sequel done right. Or how about one of the best Bond movies ever made, and I’m not talking about one from Daniel Craig’s tenure as the British superspy either. Finally, for those wanting something properly new, there’s a Prime Video original heist caper.

These are the new to Prime Video thriller movies that need to be on your radar this week.

3 best new to Prime Video thriller movies this week

‘Creed’ (2015)

It’s easy to be a little cynical about legacy sequels. Hollywood loves bringing back classic series with modern installments that attempt to mix the new and the old. The results aren’t always great, but “Creed” is a quintessential example of the formula done almost perfectly. Released nearly a decade after 2006’s “Rocky Balboa,” it takes the sports drama series in a new direction, with a new underdog hero, while fiercely respecting what came before. Hot take incoming: In my Rocky ranking, it falls behind only the practically peerless 1976 original.

Oscar-winner Michael B. Jordan plays Adonis "Donnie" Johnson, the illegitimate youngest son of former heavyweight champion Apollo Creed. He’s desperate for his own shot at the big time, to prove that he’s worthy of the Creed name. In steps Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone), also a previous world champion and Apollo’s old rival, to train Donnie. The duo’s bond rapidly develops inside and outside the ring as Donnie fights for his chance at glory.

Watch "Creed" on Prime Video now

‘Goldeneye’ (1995)

Of all the actors to step into the role of James Bond, Pierce Brosnan was perhaps the most unfortunate. He was a great pick to play the suave British spy, but was let down by generally poor material, tortuous production cycles, and ropey 2000s CGI effects. However, his 007 debut, “GoldenEye,” is right up there with the very best Bond movies ever made. It’s a thrilling spy flick that boasts a memorable villain, great action moments, and brought elements to the series that persisted even beyond Brosnan’s time in the tuxedo, such as Judi Dench’s turn as Bond’s handler M.

The first Bond movie to be wholly original, without taking plot points from an Ian Fleming novel, it begins with 007 and 006, Alec Trevelyan (Sean Bean), infiltrating a chemical weapons facility. The mission goes south and ends in tragedy. “GoldenEye” then flashes forward nine years as the British spy learns that an experimental satellite weapon system has fallen into the wrong hands. The trail leads him to Russia, but this time Bond faces his most dangerous foe yet, somebody who knows his moves and how to best them.

Watch "GoldenEye" on Prime Video now

‘Masterplan’ (2026)

Prime Video’s library drops are a great opportunity to rewatch old favorites or catch up on the best movies of years gone by that you missed the first time around. However, if you’re craving something genuinely new this week, then how about “Masterplan,” Prime Video’s new original heist caper. If a daring scheme to steal the Mona Lisa isn’t enough to convince you to watch this comedy-thriller, Stanley Tucci in the leading role should tip you over the edge. The “Devil Wears Prada” star is always an incredibly charming on-screen presence.

Tucci plays a master thief preparing for retirement, but not before attempting to pull off the heist of a lifetime: Stealing the Mona Lisa from the Louvre Museum. It’s only the most prized and highly secure on-display painting in the world! To assist, he recruits Chiara (Simona Tabasco), a tech whiz, and Jay (Victor Belmondo), an explosives expert, before revealing they are actually his long-lost children. This heist is an unconventional family reunion, and it turns out that stealing the priceless painting might be easier than getting this estranged family to work together without a fight.

Watch "Masterplan" on Prime Video starting October 16

More from Tom's Guide

• New on Prime Video in October 2026
• Prime Video top 10 movies — here’s the 3 worth watching
• Prime Video’s ‘Carrie’ is one of the best shows this year

Looking for your next watch? Netflix’s top 10 is a good place to start, but with so many shows competing for your attention, figuring out what’s actually worth watching can be tricky. Each week, I take a look at Netflix’s most popular shows and pick out three that deserve a spot on your watchlist.

Whether you’re in the mood for a gripping thriller, a dark psychological drama or something completely different, there’s plenty to choose from if you know where to look. This week, there are three shows that I think are well worth your time. So, before you spend half the evening scrolling through Netflix without settling on anything, here are three top 10 shows I think you should add to your watchlist.

Note: This list is based on the Netflix U.S. top 10 shows as of Tuesday, October 13, 2026.

Best shows in the Netflix top 10

‘Below’

Netflix’s latest No. 1 show is “Below,” a creepy sea creature thriller that pairs monster horror with small-town drama. The series makes great use of the ocean’s vast, unpredictable expanse to build suspense, with strange natural phenomena and menacing icebergs adding to the mystery. I found it seriously bingeable, and the steady stream of reveals kept me hooked even when some of the weaker side stories pulled focus from the central mystery. It’s not perfect, but the creepy premise and atmospheric setting make it an easy pick for your next binge.

Set in the remote fishing village of Snook’s Arm, Newfoundland, “Below” follows Calvin Penney (Josh Hartnett), a fisherman struggling to keep his family together while his hometown faces an uncertain future. When a mysterious sea creature begins attacking the surrounding waters, strange incidents soon spread throughout the community. With his son Wade (Charlie Heaton) experiencing unsettling symptoms, Calvin joins forces with visiting marine researcher Dr. Fonda Howander (Mackenzie Davis) to investigate the increasingly dangerous situation. Calvin must uncover what lies beneath the ocean and confront secrets connected to his own past.

Stream "Below" on Netflix

‘East of Eden’

Still attracting plenty of attention on Netflix is “East of Eden,” Zoe Kazan’s new take on John Steinbeck’s classic 1952 novel. This historical drama puts Cathy Ames front and center, giving us a closer look at one of the story’s most complicated characters rather than treating her as a straightforward villain. It’s a fresh approach to a familiar tale, with plenty of family drama and emotional conflict along the way. There’s also a lovely family connection behind the adaptation: Zoe Kazan is the granddaughter of legendary filmmaker Elia Kazan, who directed the 1955 movie version starring James Dean.

Cathy Ames (Florence Pugh) is a fiercely independent woman whose arrival upends the lives of brothers Adam (Christopher Abbott) and Charles Trask (Mike Faist). As Adam attempts to build a new life and raise a family, Cathy has plans of her own, eventually adopting a new identity and pursuing financial independence. Years later, the next generation of the Trask family, including Adam’s sons Cal and Aron, becomes caught up in the consequences of their parents’ decisions. Spanning decades, this seven-part limited series follows the family’s changing fortunes, complicated relationships and growing conflicts as their lives unfold.

Stream "East of Eden" on Netflix

‘Haunted Hotel’

If you’re in the mood for an adult animated series with a spooky twist, “Haunted Hotel” is well worth checking out. This supernatural horror-comedy comes from the team behind “Rick and Morty,” with Dan Harmon among its executive producers, and pairs weird supernatural situations with plenty of sharp, sitcom-style humor. Think “Beetlejuice” meets “What We Do in the Shadows,” with a cast of quirky characters and plenty of spooky chaos along the way. It’s earned positive reviews, too, making it a fun choice if you want something horror-inspired that doesn’t take itself too seriously.

“Haunted Hotel” follows Katherine (Eliza Coupe), a single mother of two who inherits the Undervale Hotel following the death of her brother, Nathan (Will Forte). Hoping to get the struggling business back on its feet, she moves in with her children, Ben (Skyler Gisondo) and Esther (Natalie Palamides), only to discover that the building is packed with restless ghosts. Fortunately, Nathan remains at the hotel as a friendly spirit and offers to help his sister manage its unusual residents. The family also encounters an ancient demon trapped in a young boy's body, who becomes part of their increasingly bizarre household.

Stream "Haunted Hotel" seasons 1-2 on Netflix

Netflix top 10 shows right now

1. "Below" (2026)
2. "East of Eden" (2026)
3. "Mojo Brookzz: I Know You Lying" (2026)
4. "The Great British Baking Show" (2026)
5. "Haunted Hotel"
6. "Is It Cake? Halloween" (2025)
7. "Doctor X" (2026)
8. "A Different World" (2026)
9. "Wonka's the Golden Ticket" (2026)
10. "Percy Jackson and the Olympians" (2023)

More from Tom's Guide

• Everything new on Netflix in October 2026
• 5 best new to Netflix movies and shows to stream this week
• 5 best new to Prime Video movies in October 2026

Many people feel like they don't achieve enough of a burn during bodyweight workouts, but I can promise you that's down to poor programming. You can use the art of calisthenics (working with your bodyweight) to your advantage by choosing the right exercises and workout format for your goals. It's about intensity.

Recently, a 40-year-old friend DM'd me and asked if I could design a short bodyweight routine she could do when she works from home. And this is exactly what I sent her. Just remember, this routine was designed with someone in mind. If you experience pain or feel unwell, stop immediately and seek medical advice as soon as possible.

Watch: 20-minute bodyweight workout

If you're working with an injury or health condition, I recommend seeking advice before starting this routine.

• Triceps dips: Use a sofa or bench and place your hands flat roughly shoulder-width apart. Extend your legs away from you. Keeping your back straight, bend your elbows and lower your butt toward the ground. Pause, then press upwards.

• Deficit push-ups: Start in a push-up position with your core engaged and hands elevated on bars, blocks, or books. Bend your elbows and lower your chest toward the ground between the blocks, pause at the bottom, then drive upward. Avoid letting your hips sag and try to move your torso as a unit.

• Spiderman plank: Start in a plank position with your shoulders stacked over your wrists and your butt aligned with your shoulders. Brace your stomach. Bend your right knee and draw it forward with control to tap your right elbow. Return to plank, then repeat on your left side.

• Sprawls: Start in a plank position as above. Jump your feet to land just outside your hands, drop your butt, and lift your chest and hands, as if sitting in a low squat. Return your hands to the ground, then jump both feet back into a plank.

What are the benefits?

Many people assume bodyweight workouts can't get you any real gains. Actually, bodyweight exercises are functional and will help you build a base level of strength and muscle, especially at the beginning stages of working out.

But also remember, gymnasts and calisthenics masters are some of the strongest, most powerful, and athletic people on the planet; they predominantly work with their bodyweight, and while they might not have the same maximal strength as, say, powerlifters, they are strong compared to their weight and size, called relative strength.

If you haven't quite got to a bench press yet, start with push-ups. If you can't squat with a barbell, squat with your bodyweight. Focus on form, control and depth, and take your time with the movements; this will turn any bodyweight workout into a more challenging and rewarding experience.

Now, what's the workout?

The workout:

It's very simple: start with 20 reps of your four bodyweight exercises back-to-back, then take a brief reset. Drop by 2 reps to 18, then to 16, and so on, until you either hit the 20-minute timer or get to 2 reps per move.

How fast can you work?

Follow Tom's Guide fitness on Instagram for more workouts, routines, tips, and tricks.

As I mentioned, slow the tempo of each move down to increase overall intensity. Try adding small pauses in the non-moving part of the exercise, called holding an isometric contraction, which means you create tension without moving the muscles through their full range of motion.

If the dips feel like too much, bend your knees; if the deficit push-ups are too challenging, take away the blocks or use your knees. You can also perform Spiderman planks on your elbows if you have issues with your wrists. And most importantly, good luck...

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• I teach people how to be strong and mobile: this is the one exercise I regret ignoring for years
• I teach people over 50 to be mobile: 3 low-impact moves that build more stability than a 30-minute walk

Before he was a master of horror as the creator of acclaimed limited series like “The Haunting of Hill House” and “Midnight Mass” and the director of multiple Stephen King adaptations, Mike Flanagan was just another hard-working indie filmmaker getting a shot at a slightly bigger budget for his second film. After drawing attention for his scrappy 2011 debut feature “Absentia,” Flanagan leveled up with 2013’s “Oculus,” an ingenious horror movie with a standout performance from Karen Gillan.

“Oculus” is a lot more streamlined than Flanagan’s later horror epics, but it indicates the level of talent and creativity he’d bring to those higher-profile projects, along with his ability to add a fresh perspective to familiar horror elements. I remember being unenthused at the prospect of another movie about a haunted mirror when I went to see “Oculus” in theaters, not being aware of Flanagan’s previous film.

There may not be anything new about the story of Russell siblings Kaylie (Gillan) and Tim (Brenton Thwaites) trying to destroy the cursed mirror that was responsible for the deaths of their parents, but Flanagan makes it feel exciting and immersive. With his TV-series version of King’s “Carrie” set to premiere in October on Prime Video, viewers can now look back to Flanagan’s filmmaking origins by streaming “Oculus” on Netflix.

‘Oculus’ builds effective terror from its simple premise

One of the best sequences in “Oculus” features Kaylie manically laying out the centuries-long history of deaths associated with the mirror known as the Lasser Glass. But that presentation begins with her noting that the mirror’s origins are a mystery, and Flanagan and co-writer Jeff Howard aren’t interested in creating mythology for this cursed object, as so many horror movies feel obligated to do. Bad things happen to anyone who takes this mirror into their home, and that’s all the Russells and the audience need to know.

“Oculus” shifts back and forth between two time periods, and despite the onscreen text first indicating “Eleven years earlier,” the distinction between them becomes increasingly fluid as the movie goes on. That’s one of the film’s greatest strengths, as it disorients the audience in the same way that Kaylie and Tim are disoriented by the mirror’s influence. It’s natural for viewers to attempt to keep track of the two different narrative threads, but eventually it becomes impossible to tell what’s real, what’s a memory, and what’s a hallucination.

The majority of the movie takes place inside the Russell family home, where they’ve just moved in 2002 and where Kaylie has meticulously set up a supposed trap for the mirror in 2013. At first, the mirror is just another new piece of furniture that Kaylie and Tim’s father, Alan (Rory Cochrane), has purchased to celebrate their move. It doesn’t enter the house in any sinister way, but it soon takes hold of Alan, who starts behaving strangely and possibly talking to the apparition of a dark-haired woman (Flanagan’s future wife and frequent collaborator Kate Siegel).

The mirror also affects Kaylie and Tim’s mother Marie (Katee Sackhoff), and the children (played at younger ages by Annalise Basso and Garrett Ryan Ewald) end up living in fear inside their own house. The mirror drives Alan and Marie to murder, leaving the children as orphans and Tim locked up in a mental institution. When he’s released 11 years later, he’s now convinced that there was nothing supernatural involved in their parents’ death, while Kaylie has spent the intervening time becoming more and more obsessed with the mirror.

‘Oculus’ takes pleasure in its horrors

Although Kaylie is determined to destroy the mirror, she’s almost perversely excited by its malevolence, especially since Tim initially scoffs at her assertions of its supernatural properties. She’s set up multiple alarms, cameras and other fail-safes (including a giant kill switch) to keep the mirror from harming them, even going so far as to bring a sacrificial dog to feed its hunger for life and place it on the offensive. She seems more eager about being vindicated than about defeating evil, and of course that hubris provides her downfall.

Gillan gives a gloriously unhinged performance, sharply whipping her ponytail around as Kaylie glides through the house, making sure everything goes exactly as planned. Her smug confidence almost never wavers, even as her carefully laid plans start falling apart, and in a movie with no tangible villain, she provides the requisite deranged energy. Cochrane and Sackhoff are suitably creepy as the parents who start to lose their own grips on reality, and the cumulative effect leads the audience to question the every character’s sanity.

Flanagan himself edited “Oculus,” which is a master-class in cross-cutting as it barrels toward its finale, the past and present completely dissolving into each other. There are none of the lengthy, florid monologues that would define Flanagan’s later work, although there is plenty of the family dysfunction that he explores in his subsequent series.

It’s all condensed into an elegant, eerie story about one of the genre’s most overused plot devices, proving that Flanagan has always had the ability to make timeless horror feel new again.

Stream “Oculus” on Netflix now

Over the past 10 months, I've made a serious commitment to improving my skincare routine. From upgrading my products to targeting problem areas and using daily red-light therapy on my face with my Shark CryoGlow mask, the benefits of clear skin have been tenfold.

That said, by focusing on my face and neck, I've missed 90% of my skin — especially key areas that could use some TLC. I didn't know that using blue and red LED light therapy would help my skin concerns — ranging from hyperpigmentation and stretch marks to cellulite — not just on my face.

Enter CurrentBody's LED Light Therapy panel. Priced at AU$1,359.99, CurrentBody's full-body panel features modes designed for anti-ageing, clearing, and skin recovery. Utilising blue and red lights across its settings, the panel holds 544 LED bulbs and can be attached to its accompanying stand, worn directly using the provided straps, or flexibly positioned to wrap around target areas.

The 45cm W x 22cm L x 33cm H panel is larger than most LED face masks — and more expensive — but it promises noticeable results in eight weeks with 3 to 5 weekly sessions of up to 20 minutes.

Raring to go, I unboxed the panel with three main questions in mind for my two-month review period: Would it help clear my skin, could it effectively target specific body areas, and would it justify the price tag? I put it to the test to find out.

How it works

Unlike an LED mask, which primarily targets the face, the CurrentBody panel can treat almost any area of the body. Whether you want to focus on your hands, feet, back, or legs, the panel easily adjusts to suit your focus area.

I tested the panel for eight weeks, averaging three sessions per week. Although I initially started with five sessions a week, I dialled back to better accommodate my work-from-home schedule. My primary target areas throughout the trial were my back, shoulders, and upper thighs.

CurrentBody's panel features two primary presets — Anti-Ageing and Clearing — which can both be run on high or low modes. It harnesses four specific light wavelengths: blue (415nm), red (633nm), near-infrared (830nm), and deep near-infrared (1072nm). The Anti-Ageing mode relies primarily on red, near-infrared, and deep near-infrared light to penetrate deeper skin tissue, whereas the Clearing mode uses a blend of blue and red light targeting the upper dermal layers.

Throughout my testing, I opted for the Clearing setting on high mode for all my target areas. According to the manufacturer, this 20-minute session is recommended for both face and body at a minimum distance of 15cm. Eye protection is required when using this setting on the face, and a pair of goggles is included in the box.

For most sessions, I used the provided stand with the device. When targeting my legs, I propped it up on my desk and stood in front of the panel. As for my back, I took turns either wrapping it over my shoulders or using the stand on my desk. I didn't use the included straps, but they were easy to slide on and off the device if you prefer closer proximity.

The results: did it actually work?

As for my results? They speak for themselves: it worked. After consistent use, my skin tone evened out, texture bumps softened, and my cellulite began to fade (even if it did not disappear completely). These findings align with what I've learned from long-term LED therapy: while the first eight weeks lay the groundwork, continuous commitment is key to lasting results.

In terms of time commitment, using the panel was a little bit more taxing than using an LED mask. When wearing a mask, the sessions are typically shorter — around 5 to 7 minutes — and they're often wireless and hands-free, so you can get on with your day.

CurrentBody's panel sessions can last anywhere from 10-20 minutes, and depending on your preferred area, you could be stuck in a particularly uncomfortable position while the lights do their thing.

Sure, it's a sacrifice you might be willing to make, but with my 20-minute sessions, I did miss being able to get on with another task like I would if I were wearing a mask. However, in those instances, you could opt for a lower mode setting that supports skin contact, so you can be mobile or plan your session around staying still, i.e. watching Netflix or answering emails.

Final take

In a world muddled with short attention spans and instant gratification, LED therapy is for those with a considerable amount of patience. If you expect clear skin within the first week, light therapy isn't for you. However, if you're in it for the long haul, then you might have more promising results.

At AU$1,360, CurrentBody's panel is an investment in tackling stubborn skin concerns — not a magic wand. If you're ready to trade up to 20 minutes of multitasking or your mornings for real results, it delivers.

Ultimately, its value depends on your commitment. As an extension to an established LED routine or an alternative to expensive clinical visits, the CurrentBody panel makes a compelling case. Without consistency, however, the investment will largely go to waste.

As for my take, I thoroughly enjoyed using CurrentBody's LED panel and was pleasantly surprised by the results. Will I be adding it to my skincare routine? The jury might still be out on whether I'll use it every week, but one thing is certain: skincare shouldn't stop at the neck — and if you're ready to commit the time, your skin will thank you from head to toe.

More from Tom's Guide

• I spent 6 months with the Shark CryoGlow LED mask — here's my honest verdict
• This $800 LED face mask actually works. So why am I so mad at it?

It’s the start of a new week, which means it’s once again time to comb through the best of Prime Video's top 10 chart. There’s no need to endlessly scroll through the streaming platform’s ever-expanding library when I can quickly recommend a trio of winning flicks that are currently storming the service.

Prime Video’s top 10 isn’t always stuffed with instant classics, yet I found it pretty easy to pick out three choices this week. My picks include a breezy rom-com that’s generating a lot of buzz, the fourth entry in an action icon’s legendary franchise, and a thriller that packs in both set pieces and smarts.

The movies below are taken from Prime Video’s top 10 as of Monday, October 12, 2026. Though not every movie in this list is going to be up your alley, I’m confident you'll enjoy my picks.

Best movies in the Prime Video top 10

‘The Love Hypothesis’ (2026)

I’m normally allergic to rom-coms, but I had a surprising amount of fun with this one. A knowingly silly adaptation of Ali Hazelwood’s bestseller, “The Love Hypothesis" gets a decent amount of mileage out of its semi-ludicrous premise. Centering around the fake relationship between PhD candidate Olive Smith (Lili Reinhart) and the gruff, socially inept professor Adam Carlsen (Tom Bateman), this light-hearted romance reminded me of “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days”.

If you can get past the thoroughly stupid premise, there are laughs to be had in “The Love Hypothesis”. Once I accepted that two intellectuals would enter into a pretend relationship after an accidental kiss in a hallway, I let myself go along for the vaguely absurd ride. As the fake couple tries to convince Olive’s friends that she’s over her previous crush, the pair are repeatedly plunged into awkward social situations… mainly because the grumpy professor has problems acting like a human. Silly setup or not, Reinhart and Bateman’s chemistry sizzles.

Watch "The Love Hypothesis" on Prime Video now

‘John Wick: Chapter 4' (2023)

Despite the fact I’m still very much not over what they did to his puppy in the first film, I can’t resist Keanu’s iconic hitman. Acting as the final chapter in the “gun fu” saga (for now at least), “John Wick: Chapter 4” is an energetic actioner that revels in high-octane fight sequences without ever taking itself too seriously. Though he was almost 60 when he filmed this, it’s a pleasure to see Reeves can still whoop all the butt.

After the High Table’s Marquis (Bill Skarsgård) destroys the New York Continental, Wick once again finds himself on the run. The setting this time out is downright epic, with John’s bullet-ridden adventure taking him to Morocco, Tokyo and Berlin, before culminating in a suitably cinematic duel in Paris. Donnie Yen is a particularly welcome new addition to the cast, once again going full “Rogue One” by playing a blind martial arts expert. I’m not sure where the next entry goes after this instalment’s fairly definitive conclusion, but I’m eager to find out.

Watch "John Wick: Chapter 4" on Prime Video now

‘The Amateur’ (2025)

Based on the 1981 Robert Littell novel, “The Amateur” is a reasonably gripping thriller with some mighty fun setpieces. After Charlie Heller (Rami Malek) loses his wife to a terror attack in London, the nerdy CIA surveillance expert sets out on a revenge mission. Though his superiors are initially unwilling to help him, a quick bit of blackmail soon gets them onside.

Once Heller has been trained by Lawrence Fishburne’s extra cranky operative, this unlikely action hero is ready to take on his wife’s killers. Don’t expect roundhouse kicks or uzi-wielding shootouts, though. After all, this is a dude whose boss doesn’t think he “could beat a 90-year-old nun in an arm wrestling match.” Heller may not have the brawn, but he certainly has the brains — a rooftop swimming pool sequence shows off both his cunning and his cruelty. Stylishly shot and with a strong cast that includes John Bernthal, this is one thriller that’s ready to turn pro.

Watch "The Amateur" on Prime Video now

Prime Video top 10 movies right now

1. "Now You See Me: Now You Don't" (2025)
2. "The Love Hypothesis" (2026)
3. "Forget Me Never" (1999)
4. "First Winter" (1982)
5. "Dark Nature" (2023)
6. "John Wick: Chapter 4" (2023)
7. "The Secret of Moonacre" (2008)
8. "The Amateur" (2025)
9. "Jack Reacher: Never Go Back" (2016)
10. "Masters of the Universe" (2026)

More from Tom's Guide

• New on Prime Video in October 2026
• The Love Hypothesis review: the logic mostly checks out
• The best streaming services in 2026

I wish all my clients would ask me how to build strong hips that feel open and free because the answer isn't necessarily what you might think.

Years ago, the gold standard was stretching. But now, the tide is turning in favor of weighted mobility routines, dynamic stretching and more controlled weight training. If you can, loading your mobility warm-ups will help you build strength, control and stability that carries over to all exercise.

It's hard to convince people to stick to a consistent mobility routine, but I'm hoping these quick tips will convince you to make more space in your week for low-impact movement.

Recently, a 60-year-old client asked me for strong hips, and I gave her this advice. Just remember, this routine was designed with my client in mind. Seek medical advice personalized to you before starting a new regimen.

My 60-year-old client asked me how to get stronger hips, so I recommended two things straight away

1. Planes of motion

The planes of motion refer to sagittal, frontal and rotational movement, which means movements front-back, side-to-side, and rotation. To keep your hips truly strong and healthy, you must target as many of them as possible, which means moving in all directions.

I've included a short video below to show you some examples of movements you can try, but as a general rule of thumb, think about lifting and lowering your legs (the job of the hip flexors), internally and externally rotating your hip joints, abducting your hips, which means moving your leg away from your midline, plus adducting, which means bringing the limbs closer.

2. Loading the hips and force production

Loading your movements with resistance bands, kettlebells, dumbbells, loop bands, barbells and props like Pilates balls will increase the intensity and resistance your joints and muscles work through, but the exercises themselves should remain low-impact.

Think about longevity and the ability of your hips to withstand impact. That is your key to injury prevention. You don't need heavy weights, either; you just need to move slowly and with control, using rep ranges between 6-10 and sets between 2-4.

Sometimes, you can feel an exercise more with a lighter weight, full control and range of motion. It doesn't take away from the movement when the quality improves. I've included a short warm-up example below that you can use with just a loop band.

I recently spoke with a bone loading expert (our chat will be published in the next few days, at the time of writing), who told me that the best way to build strong bones, ligaments, muscles and tendons is to produce high force using low-impact movement.

That includes pushing hard against a stationary object or holding positions using heavy loads. Consider this the next time you turn to a HIIT routine!

Avoid "just" stretching

Your hips help you raise your knees. But they need to rotate, adduct, abduct, stabilize, protect, control and help produce force, too. So just sitting in a stretch for a few minutes, while beneficial for short-term flexibility, isn't going to cut it if you want to build truly strong, mobile hips.

Think about how long many of us sit during the day; our hips respond really well to movement, so when you take a break from your desk, use that opportunity wisely. I'm not saying don't stretch at all, just don't depend on it to fix all niggles and tightness. Staying stationary can cause weaknesses and underactive muscles, which in areas like the hips can lead to back pain.

Also, much of the existing research on the stretch reflex indicates we need to sit in stretches for much longer than we realize to allow muscles to feel safe enough to relax. While your reflex prevents any sudden force or overstretching by inhibiting it, stretching for over 30 seconds gently signals to your muscles and nervous system that your body is safe, allowing you to benefit from the stretch properly and relax into it.

So, if you do plan to stretch, give yourself enough time to settle into it. I recommend Yin yoga, which is a slow, static form of yoga that encompasses this.

Verdict

Overall, it really is as simple as choosing 3-6 low-impact exercises you enjoy, performing 6-10 reps and 2-4 sets of them, and loading them appropriately using equipment you like using. Use as much range of motion and slow, controlled movement as you can, and focus on producing force against resistance without high-impact joint work.

Over time, progress movements accordingly or switch them out. Move your hips in all directions, and try to focus on the ones you don't like or aren't good at, as this is a sign your hips need it!

Follow Tom's Guide fitness on Instagram for more workouts, routines, tips, and tricks.

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Before leaving my dorm room when I graduated from college in 2002, I opened the top drawer of my desk, where past students had inscribed their names for posterity, and added my own mark. I wrote “Felicity Porter ’02.”

That’s the effect that the college graduation of a fictional character, just a few weeks before my own, had on my life. Felicity and I had spent the past four years going through many of the same college milestones — although I never ended up at the center of a love triangle — and I had just seen her write her own name on the wall of her closet at the University of New York.

Watching “Felicity” now elicits a different sort of nostalgia, nearly 25 years after my college graduation and the end of the series, but it’s still a beautifully crafted coming-of-age story, with excellent performances and well-drawn characters. As played by Keri Russell, Felicity herself is one of the best TV characters of the past 30 years, a charming, awkward, open-hearted and driven young woman who is also a fiercely loyal friend. I may not have actually gone to college with Felicity, but after four seasons of her show, I felt like I had.

Thanks to a recent deal with Disney, all four seasons of “Felicity” are now streaming on Netflix. While some of Felicity’s college experiences may seem quaint to modern viewers, the show’s story of growing up and figuring out who you are and what you want in life is universal, ready to be discovered by a new generation.

‘Felicity’ is a warm, empathetic character study

“Felicity” begins with the kind of ridiculous high concept that has fueled numerous romantic comedies: At her high school graduation, Felicity finally works up the nerve to approach Ben Covington (Scott Speedman), the popular guy she’s spent four years crushing on from afar. She asks him to sign her yearbook, just hoping for something like “Have a great summer!,” and he writes a heartfelt note saying that he always wished he’d gotten to know her better.

Based on that single flicker of interest, Felicity changes her entire college plans, ditching Stanford and the career trajectory planned by her parents to follow Ben to New York City.

That set-up could be the source for lots of cringe comedy, but creators J.J. Abrams and Matt Reeves keep the show grounded and honest, and Felicity and Ben develop a sweet if often complicated relationship.

Throughout the show’s four seasons, Felicity bounces back and forth romantically between Ben and the geeky Noel Crane (Scott Foley), forming genuine bonds with both. Plenty of viewers were Team Ben or Team Noel, but I was always Team Felicity, hoping for her to make her own way in life regardless of which guy she was with, and that’s how the show was, too.

Ben and Noel aren’t just objects of Felicity’s affection, but well-rounded characters in their own rights, with their own ambitions and flaws. The same goes for Felicity’s friends, including musician Julie Emrick (Amy Jo Johnson), premed classmate Elena Tyler (Tangi Miller) and Wiccan roommate Meghan Rotundi (Amanda Foreman). Felicity’s love life may be the focus of the show, but as a person, she’s always there for her friends, and she feels as deeply for them as she does for any guy she’s dating.

‘Felicity’ is network TV at its best

Although Abrams and Reeves went on to bigger success in genre fare, “Felicity” finds its greatest strengths in the mundane, allowing viewers to get to know these characters over the course of lengthy seasons that don’t really exist in the streaming era. Felicity and her friends have time to make mistakes, meet new people, fall in love, break up and get back together again. There are moments when the show tips into melodrama, especially in a third-season storyline about a shooting at a Christmas party, but for the most part it sticks to simple, relatable emotions.

Some of the highlights include a first-season two-parter about a figure from Felicity’s past who does the same thing to her that she does to Ben, a second-season one-off episode shot in the black-and-white style of “The Twilight Zone,” and a strange final five-episode arc that sees Felicity going back in time to make a different choice between Ben and Noel. Even when exploring an alternate timeline, Felicity remains caring and conscientious, with an infectious smile and a generous spirit.

She’s the type of person you want to spend time with, and that’s just what the show offers. She was by my side throughout my college years, and she’s there now on Netflix, just as kind, funny and occasionally exasperating as ever.

Stream “Felicity” on Netflix now

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Adding load to mobility exercises is a brilliant way to supercharge them; more resistance, more work, more control...more gains.

This exercise opens your hips and stretches your glutes, making it one of the better hip mobility exercises I've used over time with various clients. I highly recommend one of the best kettlebells, but not anything too clunky, as that will limit range of motion.

Intrigued? Here's the move, plus the benefits. And all you need is a weight and a bench or something similar.

How to do the kettlebell figure-4 deadlift

I see this move butchered, and sadly, it will put strain on your shoulders and back, so we need to maximize glute activation, engage the core muscles and hinge at the hips. Shoulders must be pulled back, and your back should stay straight throughout, just like you would during a standard deadlift.

My best advice is to add load gradually, adjust your reps, or play around with a slower tempo to get the most out of this kettlebell exercise. The payoff is more protection for your back, better hip strength, range of motion and stability, and active glutes.

Here's how to do the kettlebell figure-4 deadlift properly.

• Stand with a box, bench, or similar to your left side.
• Position the outer side of your right foot on the top edge of the box and draw your right knee down, squaring off your hips to create a figure-4 shape.
• Hold a kettlebell by the handle using both hands.
• Hinge forward at your hips, send your butt back and lower the weight through the gap in your legs, as if performing a deadlift. Your back should be straight and shoulders drawn back, core active.
• Lower as far as you can until you feel a deep stretch in your glutes, hips and hamstrings, then drive upward to stand.
• 3-4 sets, 6-8 reps per side.

Common mistakes include:

• Hunching: I often see people hunching just to lower the weight further. Think about keeping a straight line from neck to lower back and imagine you're shutting a car door or cupboard door behind you with your butt.
• Rotating: It's easy to start rotating to one side if one side of your body feels tighter than the other. Keep your hips square and chest forward and proud.
• Forcing the knee: If you find it difficult to open your hip and draw your knee down, this is due to limited mobility and tightness. Over time, and with practice, this should improve. Don't force your knees; just meet your body where it is.

Over time, add load to make the exercise more challenging. You can still perform this move if your knee doesn't align with your foot, but be careful not to move through pain. If the exercise hurts, stop, and consult a relevant medical professional.

You want all that action in your hips, glutes, core and hamstrings. Think about tucking everything in and drawing your navel toward your spine. As you exhale, that's your time to lift the weight; as you inhale, that's the time to lower the weight between your legs. Use that breath. Think about lowering down slowly, then driving up powerfully.

Follow Tom's Guide fitness on Instagram for more workouts, routines, tips, and tricks.

If you, like me, struggle to engage your glutes during leg day workouts, or you find that one side fires up better than the other, working one side of your body at a time like this will help you learn about any imbalances or areas you may be neglecting.

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Paramount+ continues to spoil subscribers each month by stocking up its increasingly impressive library of flicks. As someone who loves getting his spine tingled by a good thriller, I’ve been sifting through the latest October additions to find genre picks worth your precious time.

This week, I’ve picked out one of the first movies that kick-started the McConaissance, a stylish thrill ride from the directors of “The Matrix”, and what I consider one of the best films to take home Best Picture at the Academy Awards.

This trio of recently added thriller movies on Paramount+ is well worth streaming this weekend. While I have you, my colleague Rory Mellon has compiled a companion article with the latest thrillers on Prime Video.

‘Killer Joe’ (2012)

A slept-on entry in the "McConaissance" era, “Killer Joe” is a deliciously dark thriller that sparks to life when an unhinged family tries to off their estranged matriarch for insurance money. With the Smiths desperate for cash after son Chris (Emile Hirsch) finds himself owing a small fortune to drug dealers, they turn to the worst possible guardian angel. Enter Joe Cooper (McConaughey): a corrupt cop who works as a hitman during his off hours.

A couple of years before he mesmerized the world with his turn in “True Detective” as Rust Cohle, Mr “Alright, Alright, Alright” showed he could play an equally charismatic, often chilling copper in one of the late William Friedkin’s final films. Twisted and brilliantly acted by the core cast, rewatching “Killer Joe” recently reminded me of just what a damn fine actress Juno Temple is. And I entirely blame you, “Ted Lasso” season 3, for forgetting that fact. If you want dark chills and twisted humor, you need to check out this dark comedy/thriller.

Watch "Killer Joe" on Paramount+ now

‘Parasite’ (2019)

The first non-English language movie to take home Best Picture at the Oscars, for my money, “Parasite” is the most deserving winner of that little golden statue over the past decade. An utterly brilliant dark comedy/thriller, director Bong Joon-ho’s opus is both an impeccable social satire on class inequality and a genuinely creepy thrill ride that provides both chills and giggles. In short, this modern South Korean classic is a bona fide masterpiece.

The premise of “Parasite” is a dark delight. The poverty-stricken Kim family are as scheming as they are starving. After son Ki Woo (Choi Woo-shik) weasels his way into an English tutoring gig for the wealthy Kim clan, it’s not long before the rest of his fam are also burrowing their way into the Kims’ lives. Cue the rest of Ki Woo’s bloodline landing cushy gigs as an art therapist, housekeeper and chauffeur. It’s Kim patriarch Ki-taek (Song Kang-ho) who steals the show, delivering many a laugh before a truly unsettling finale kicks in.

Watch "Parasite" on Paramount+ now

‘V for Vendetta’ (2005)

Based on the graphic novel by Alan Moore, “V for Vendetta” benefits from the Wachowskis’ sharp screenplay. Sure, it’s not on the level of “The Matrix”, and Moore refused a credit after accusing the film of watering down complex themes, but this dystopian thriller is still a mighty fun watch. With a near-future Britain under the rule of the oppressive Norsefire party, it’s up to a masked vigilante to stick it to the surveillance state and spark a London-wide uprising.

Touching on themes of anarchism and political upheaval, “V for Vendetta” has a lot to say… even if the script is a touch heavy-handed at times. Unlikely hero and rebellious journalist Evey Hammond (Natalie Portman) might be saddled with the worst English accent since Dick Van Dyke, yet that doesn’t really register when her co-star Hugo Weaving steals every scene he’s in. The former Agent Smith plays the titular V: a formidable crusader in a Guy Fawkes mask who’s part Zorro/part Terminator. With ultra-slick setpieces and handsome choreography, Paramount+ subscribers shouldn’t wait until November 5 to remember, remember this stylish thriller.

Watch "V for Vendetta" on Paramount+ now

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We've been waiting a few years for another truly great Star Wars video game post-Jedi Survivor, and then two show up at once. First there was the addictive tactical battles of Star Wars: Zero Company, and now Star Wars: Galactic Racer has also arrived into the GOTY conversation.

I felt this arcade racer was in danger of slipping under the radar, lost in the ludicrously packed sea of new releases landing in September and October as every publisher under the sun tries to get new games out before GTA 6 arrives. I was wrong. Galactic Racer is making quite the splash, and after getting behind the wheel (yoke?) of a speeder myself, I totally see why.

This racing game set in a galaxy far, far away offers a white-knuckle sense of speed that few racers can rival. Skimming through the deserts of Jakku, the frozen wasteland of Ando Prime, or the lush jungles of Lantaana is a joy. Of course, it helps that the game looks and sounds phenomenal while doing it — even if you don’t have time to stop and admire the views.

However, it’s not the tight controls, authentic audio and visuals, or even the chance to try my hand at pod racing that has won me over. Star Wars: Galactic Racers' best aspect is its surprisingly engaging single-player campaign, which is, in a nutshell, a Star Wars racing rougelite. And it's as awesome as it sounds.

Galactic Racers’ single-player is super special

Galactic Racer’s sci-fi story is a simple one: you play a lightly customizable character named Shade, who enters the dangerous Galactic League not seeking glory, but revenge. You have beef with the league’s top dog, Kestar Bool, and plan to humiliate him on the track by taking his champion crown.

In a conventional racing game, this story might play out over a series of races and events, each victory giving you some form of XP or currency, slowly accruing enough to upgrade your garage and take on more challenging races, and repeat until you unlock the big showdown with Kestar Bool.

While in Galactic Racer, you do indeed earn rewards after each race — the higher your placement, the bigger the spoils — but progress isn’t quite so linear. That’s because its single-player campaign is built around a roguelite structure. Flame out of an event (and I mean that literally; the crash animations are quite explosive), and you have to start over at the bottom.

All your vehicle upgrades and unlocks are stripped away, and you start again in a whole new league season. It’s a wonderfully compelling loop that makes each race and event feel like a desperate sprint not just to the finish line, but to keep your run alive. Failure doesn’t just mean a quick restart; it could mean your run is over, and you have to start again at the bottom of the ladder.

Successful roguelites do have to walk a delicate balance between giving every encounter (or race, in this case) stakes and not demoralising the player by forcing them to pound a brick wall for hours only to make minor progression. But Galactic Racer walks this line nearly perfectly.

The story is split into three individual acts, with a major showdown race capping each. Once you complete an act, it’s finished for good. You only restart back to the beginning of the act you’re currently playing. And even in failure, there is still reward, as you are given the chance to unlock permanent upgrades that tip the odds of success in your direction next time around.

Runs are also kept interesting with randomised upgrades dished out after each event. This adds an element of build-crafting; for example, in a recent run, I found myself constructing a speeder that was slow off the mark and couldn’t take tight corners, but it was a total speed demon in the straight. In my next run, the vehicle I create will likely be different based on upgrades.

This rougelite structure is a great way to make players experiment with different racing styles and vehicle configurations, and ensures that no races feel unimportant or only necessary for XP grinding; every time you’re out on the track, you’re just a wrong turn away from losing (almost) everything.

I typically find in a racing game, the real excitement comes when racing online or competing with friends in split-screen, but Star Wars: Galactic Racer has found a way to make playing alone feel just as intense and high-stakes as competing against other human players. That's worthy of the podium.

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As it does at the start of every month, Netflix has just added a plethora of new movies and shows. The new on Netflix October 2026 slate contains some real gems, including two of my favorite ever films in the form of “Heat” and "Gladiator”. Seeing as I own both of those cinematic greats on 4K Blu-ray though, they’re not really making my streaming sense tingle. The flick that is getting me positively pumped? That would be “22 Jump Street”.

Look, I’m not going to try and claim that this 2014 sequel is on a par with “The Godfather Part 2” or "Aliens”. But honestly, it genuinely is one of my favorite ever follow-ups. Once again directed by “The Lego Movie” duo Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, this brilliant buddy cop comedy reunites undercover officers Morton Schmidt (Jonah Hill) and Greg Jenko (Channing Tatum) after they successfully brought down a high school drug ring in “21 Jump Street”. This time out, their assignment is, you guessed it, to infiltrate a college.

Relentlessly ribbing itself for doing the same shtick all over again, “22 Jump Street” isn’t just self-aware; it’s also riotously funny. If you’re looking for some rib-tickling action on Netflix this week, I promise you won’t regret going undercover with these two bumbling cops turned unlikely best buds.

What is ‘22 Jump Street’ about?

After they just about aced their high school assignment, Schmidt and Jenko’s superior officers give the undercover duo the green light to infiltrate a college. Their mission? To find and stop the supplier of a dangerous new narcotic, called WHYPHY (Work Hard? Yes. Play Hard? Yes.).

Now playing brothers Brad and Doug McQuaid, our cops end up drifting apart as both fully embrace college life. Doug/Schmidt gets into impromptu poetry, while Brad/Jenko quickly becomes the best player on the football team. Can the squabbling pals put aside their differences, mend their friendship and bring down the dealers?

Well, yes… obviously. Still, that doesn’t make the journey towards a fantastic finale set on Miami Beach any less funny or engaging.

Why you should stream ‘22 Jump Street’ on Netflix

Like the original, “22 Jump Street” has no problem going meta. Whereas the first film had fun mining comedy gold out of sending up the fact it was a reboot of an ‘80s Johnny Depp show no one remembers, the follow-up loves reminding you that sequels normally suck every opportunity.

“No one gave a s**t about the Jump Street reboot when you came on,” Nick Offerman’s Chief Hardy drolly tells Schmidt and Jenko at the beginning of the movie. “Anyone with half a brain, myself included, thought it was destined to fail spectacularly. But you got lucky. And now this department has invested a lot of money to make sure Jump Street keeps going.” Cue a reel of gags that focus on just how much cash the producers threw at “22 Jump Street”.

Now that the undercover program has become a success following the high school caper, Schmidt and Jenko are no longer being given their orders in a Korean church. Instead, Jump Street now operates out of a high-tech office, with their boss Captain Dickson (Ice Cube) working out of a glass structure that just so happens to resemble a block of Ice. See what they did there?

There are so many standout scenes in “22 Jump Street”. The opening drug bust where Schmidt gets attacked by an octopus. “It’s inking into my mouth!” The duo undergoing decidedly different trips after accidentally eating WHYPHY-infused brownies. Jonah Hill and Jillian Bell getting into one of the most awkward fight scenes in movie history. There’s barely time to catch your breath over the breezy 112-minute runtime.

It’s no wonder “22 Jump Street” was such a success. Despite being made on a relatively small budget, it took home well over $300m at the box office. And it’s easy to see why. Hill and Tatum’s chemistry is as electric as ever, the setpieces all land, and Ice Cube steals every scene he’s in. The moment he discovers a secret about Schmidt, then proceeds to blow a gasket while getting served string beans at a buffet, is legit side-splitting. Do yourself a favor this weekend. Enroll in this college comedy and prepare to laugh your rear end off.

Stream "22 Jump Street" on Netflix now

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October is finally here, and the best streaming platforms are duking it out for the honor of scaring our pants off this evening. Max just added a whopping 21 horror movies into its library to celebrate the spooky season. Sorting through all those new options can be overwhelming, which is why I'm taking this chance to spotlight which new horror movies on HBO Max are worth you're time.

Whether you're in the mood for high-art psychological dread or peak 2000s slasher mayhem, at least one of these picks is sure to tickle your pickle. So if you don't want to waste half your movie night scrolling endlessly for something to watch, start with these three standout titles — two horror masterpieces and one delightfully cheesy crossover that's close to my heart.

For more recommendations on what to watch, check out everything new on HBO Max in October.

'The Shining' (1980)

Stanley Kubrick’s adaptation of Stephen King’s best-selling novel is arguably the gold standard of psychological horror. Jack Nicholson delivers a career-defining performance as Jack Torrance, an aspiring writer and recovering alcoholic who uproots his family to the isolated and conspicuously haunted Overlook Hotel. His wife (Shelley Duvall) and young son (Danny Lloyd) are less than thrilled by the move, especially after weird stuff starts happening and a winter storm traps the family in the hotel right as Jack really starts to lose his marbles.

Why it's a must-watch: Nicholson's descent into madness begs to be revisited, continuing to unsettle even if you've seen it a million times. Between the iconic Steadicam shots trailing Danny through infinite carpeted hallways and chilling score, "The Shining" messes with your head in the best of ways.

Watch "The Shining" on HBO Max now

'A Nightmare on Elm Street' (1984)

If we're talking about slasher movies that still hit, the original "A Nightmare on Elm Street" needs to be in the conversation. Wes Craven revolutionized the genre with his wise-cracking Freddy Krueger (Robert Englund), a child murderer who got his due only to come back as a weird lil dream demon bent on killing teenagers while they sleep.

Why it's a must-watch: Say what you will about the sequels, but the first one embodies such peak '80s vibes that I always get a kick out of rewatching it. There are worse ways to waste a weekend afternoon than geeking out over some seriously impressive special effects and seeing Johnny Depp once again rock that crop top look.

Watch "A Nightmare on Elm Street" on HBO Max now

'Freddy vs. Jason' (2003)

After 10 years in development hell, the '80s two biggest slashers finally faced off in this peak-2000s horror mash-up. When Freddy Krueger loses his power because the kids of Springwood have forgotten him, he resurrects "Friday the 13th's" Jason Voorhees to kick off a fresh slaughter. That is, until Jason tries to steal Freddy's spotlight (and prey), sparking an all-out war that one-two-steps between dream and reality.

Why it's a guilty pleasure: They don't make 'em like they used to. Nor should they, because this movie is awful. But do I have a blast every time I watch it? You bet your ass. With an early-2000s heavy metal soundtrack, blood-soaked mayhem by the gallon and cheesy one-liners galore, this crossover is the perfect popcorn flick to watch and make fun of with friends.

Watch "Freddy vs. Jason" on HBO Max now

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Back in May, one of the spookiest horror movies of the year hit theaters. No, I’m not talking about “Backrooms” or even “Obsession." Instead, the flick that really freaked me out was “Hokum.” Sadly, those two genre juggernauts hogged the spotlight, and this less flashy film flew under the radar. Fortunately, just in time for Halloween, it’s landed on Hulu.

While “Obsession” might be my favorite horror movie of the year so far, for my money, “Hokum” is the spookiest, and it’s a significantly more chilling watch than “Backrooms.” So, if you were one of the many who missed it in theaters back in the spring, opting to see one of those two viral horror hits instead, there’s no time like Spooky Season to circle back and give it a chance.

“Hokum” combines folk horror mythology, an eerie rural setting, and a surprisingly brash performance from the usually lovable Adam Scott. Plus, it comes from the twisted mind of Irish filmmaker Damian McCarthy, the director of the equally never-shredding “Oddity.” So, if you’re brave enough, here’s why you should place it at the top of your Halloween 2026 watchlist.

What is ‘Hokum’ about?

American novelist Ohm Bauman (Adam Scott) faces a wicked case of writer’s block as he attempts to finish his popular book series. After a late-night vision of his deceased mother, he decides to head to remote Ireland, to the hotel where his parents once honeymooned, where he will scatter their ashes.

Once on location, Ohm’s personal demons become uncomfortably literal when he learns of a superstitious legend that claims a vengeful witch haunts the hotel’s plush suite. Adding to the chilling atmosphere, one of the hotel workers goes missing, and Ohm is convinced to help investigate. Naturally, this leads to the supposedly haunted room and facing the horrors within,

‘Hokum’ is a Hulu must-watch for Halloween

“Hokum” is chilling, and that’s said as a huge compliment. I’m a horror fanatic (I’ve seen 23 new horror movies this year), and consider myself pretty immune to the genre’s tricks. But “Hokum” really got under my skin, in the best way.

It relies heavily on jump scares, which can be divisive even among horror movie fans, but its biggest strength is the excellent sense of atmosphere that builds across the 100-minute runtime. Much like Ohm, when you first hear of the haunted hotel suite, you’re curious to know more, but when the time comes to face what’s lurking in the shadows, don’t be surprised if you’re shouting at the screen, wishing that Ohm would turn back to safety.

Beyond its excellent scares, atmosphere and sense of escalation — the horror keeps increasing as the movie progresses — “Hokum’s” other big strength is its character work. Ohm is rude and brash to the hotel staff at first, making him more than a little unlikable, but as the layers of his character are peeled back and his tragic backstory surfaces, you will start to sympathize with him. It’s really solid writing, giving the movie a flawed protagonist at its core.

I’m far from alone in my appreciation for this overlooked horror, either. On review site Rotten Tomatoes, “Hokum” holds an impressive 90% rating. The site's “Critics Consensus” reads, “A classic haunted house story enriched with atmospheric folklore and perfectly-timed shocks, Hokum further solidifies writer-director Damian McCarthy as a modern master of horror.”

So, if you’ve exhausted the usual classics already this year (There’s only so many times you can rewatch “The Exorcist" or "The Shining," after all), and you’re craving a brand new horror movie for Halloween 2026, head over to Hulu and check out “Hokum.” Just prepared to sleep with the light on after.

Watch "Hokum" on Hulu now

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"Safe House" might be the worst type of movie that I've come across in my now 40-week-long Denzel Watchathon: a movie that wastes Denzel's talent.

It also, admittedly, falls into another onerous category: unthrilling thrillers.

To be clear, I've seen far worse movies than this action thriller co-starring Ryan Reynolds. To this movie's credit, I've even seen worse thrillers starring Denzel Washington. But this might be one of the most disappointing movies I've seen in my yearlong odyssey through Denzel's filmography, in no small part because this movie should be good.

"Safe House" is remarkably bland, despite its efforts to be thrilling. And even though you can stream it on Netflix right now, I'm not sure I'd recommend it over other Denzel movies you'd have to pay hard-earned cash to buy or rent.

If you want to watch this movie before you read on, I have good news! It's currently streaming on Netflix, one of the best streaming services we've tested.

I don't understand how this movie didn't work

"Safe House" wasn't a total box office flop, so there's a chance, if you're reading this, you watched it when it came out 14 years ago. But for those who haven't, the premise of this espionage action thriller is simple. Matt Weston (Reynolds) is a CIA officer on his first posting at a quiet safe house in Cape Town, South Africa. He wants nothing more than some excitement, ideally by getting to leave Cape Town for more glamorous locales.

He gets his wish, though it's quickly a nightmare instead of a dream. A team led by Daniel Kiefer (Robert Patrick) brings in infamous former CIA operative Tobin Frost (Washington), and suddenly the place is anything but quiet. They try to determine why Frost, who has been on the run for nine years, just walked into a U.S. consulate. Before they can figure it out, though, mercenaries chasing Tobin attack the safe house, and now Weston is on the run with Frost as his prisoner, still desperate to escape.

This should make for an excellent spy thriller. This should be loaded with excitement. And yet, watching it over the course of 115 minutes, I felt nothing. There are a few moments of dialogue from Denzel about how the CIA are shadow figures, but that's about all we get in terms of gravitas. Even the fight choreography, while passable, is nothing that gets the blood racing.

So why, when all signs point to this movie being an easy hit, is "Safe House" such a flop? Watching it, it felt like the script was simply not up to snuff, and in retrospect, that may have been what ultimately doomed this movie. This was screenwriter David Guggenheim's first feature-length film, and nothing he's done since in his filmography is particularly inspiring. Perhaps, with a more experienced screenwriter, this movie would have had more spark.

Or perhaps it's the direction of the film that's to blame. Director Daniel Espinosa had never handled a project of this scale before, and since then, he's gone on to do "Morbius," arguably one of the worst movies ever made. Is he a better director than me? Almost certainly. Is he good enough to have crafted an electric thriller starring two of Hollywood's biggest names? Perhaps not.

Verdict: 'Safe House' is safe to skip on Netflix

Whether it's the script or the direction that failed, it's undeniable that this movie fails to be an engaging thriller. Again, it's competently made. At no point will you watch this and start yelling at your TV in exasperation. Granted, that might be because it will struggle to get you to look up from your phone, but I promise you, if you do choose to see this movie, you won't be mad you saw it.

But that said, even though it's included on Netflix, I can't recommend you take nearly two hours out of your day to see it. There's simply better stuff out there to watch. Even if you had to spend money to buy or rent a movie, as I did last week when I watched "Unstoppable" — a far superior thriller dripping with tension — you'll find it a far better investment, despite the higher price.

Stream "Safe House" on Netflix now

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Halloween is barreling toward us, and Prime Video has stocked up with fresh titles perfect for a weekend on the couch lounging around and planning some potential costumes. From a scrappy zombie comedy to a prestige horror series, this week's new arrivals have a little something for every kind of fright fan.

First up is "I Would Rather Die," a Mexican teen horror-comedy about a high-school outcast named Archie who gets bitten by a zombie and has to hold onto his humanity long enough to hunt down a cure and stop an apocalypse, all with his goth best friend and his crush in tow.

Want something with a little more fantasy? The anime "The 7 Knights of the Marronnier Kingdom" follows seven gifted brothers sent off as royal envoys across a medieval fantasy world, and it's full of comedy and romance.

Saving the scariest for last, there's "Carrie," Mike Flanagan's eight-episode take on the Stephen King classic, with newcomer Summer H. Howell as a bullied teen whose telekinetic powers build toward one unforgettable prom night.

Wanna know more? Here are three top picks worth streaming on Prime Video this weekend. Grab the candy corn, y'all. Halloween is almost here.

'Prefiero la Muerte (I Would Rather Die)' (2026)

What it's about: This Mexican teen horror-comedy follows Archie (Diego Bernal), the self-described loser of his high school in the town of Mendoza, whose life takes a turn when he's bitten by a zombie at the local corner store. Instead of becoming a mindless monster, Archie manages to hang onto his mind just enough to go looking for a cure, teaming up with his goth best friend and his crush to get to the bottom of a plot that could plunge the whole town into a full-blown apocalypse.

Why you should watch it: Created, written and directed by Sebastián Sariñana, "I Would Rather Die" uses its zombie premise as a metaphor for adolescence. It balances gross-out gags and scares with coming-of-age and heart, plus all eight episodes dropped at once, so it's built for a binge-watch whenever you're ready to jump in.

Stream "Prefiero la Muerte (I Would Rather Die)" on Prime Video now

'The 7 Knights of the Marronnier Kingdom' (2026)

What's it about? At the center of a continent made up of eight kingdoms is the Marronnier Kingdom, home to the general Baribara and her seven sons, each gifted in his own way and serving as a knight commander. United by one slightly ridiculous dream to rescue a princess, the seven brothers are sent as goodwill ambassadors to the seven neighboring kingdoms, where adventure, romance and plenty of trouble await. Meanwhile, Marronnier's own princess slips out of the palace in disguise to join one of them on his journey.

Why you should watch it: Based on Nao Iwamoto's manga, this medieval fantasy anime mixes swashbuckling adventure with a healthy dose of comedy and romance. If you're after a charming fantasy to add to your fall anime rotation, the seven brothers make for easy, breezy company for fans of shows like "The Seven Deadly Sins." m

Stream "The 7 Knights of the Marronnier Kingdom" on Prime Video now

'Carrie' (2026)

What's it about? Mike Flanagan takes on one of Stephen King's most iconic stories here and turns "Carrie" into an eight-episode series. Newcomer Summer H. Howell stars as Carrie White, a sheltered high schooler raised by a fanatically religious mother (Samantha Sloyan), who slowly comes to realize she possesses terrifying telekinetic powers. As the bullying at school and cruelty at home get worse, the show inches toward the infamous, blood-drenched prom night that King fans know is coming.

Why you should watch it: Flanagan, the creator of Netflix's "The Haunting of Hill House" and "Midnight Mass," is talented at blending scares with emotional depth, and early reviews suggest this is one of the strongest screen versions of "Carrie" yet, with a sterling 88% on Rotten Tomatoes. It's essential viewing for the spookiest season of the year, and all episodes are available to stream now.

Stream "Carrie" on Prime Video now

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Between Hulu and Disney+, there's no shortage of new shows to binge this weekend. Hulu has an extensive library of shows from Disney-owned networks like FX and ABC, and Disney+ has become a major home for exclusive anime and more, especially Marvel's catalogue of content. Both are stacked with hit originals this month that you won't want to miss. This week I've rounded up three newly added shows (or shows with new episodes) worth adding to your watchlist.

First up is the 13th season of FX's horror anthology "American Horror Story," currently releasing episodes weekly on Hulu. The latest installment features a ton of familiar faces from seasons past. Next, the second season of the "Scrubs" revival is also airing on ABC and streaming on Hulu. And for anime fans, the time travel saga "Tokyo Revengers" has kicked off its final arc.

So, without further ado, here are three new titles worth binge-watching this weekend. For more recommendations, check out the full list of everything new to Hulu and Disney+ in October 2026.

'American Horror Story: 13'

Genre: Horror

What's it about? "American Horror Story" reaches a fitting milestone with its 13th season, building its latest chapter around everyone's unluckiest number. As with every installment, the anthology tells a brand-new story that involves characters from multiple prior seasons and heralds the return of the illustrious, fan-favorite cast member Jessica Lange. Over the years, Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk's series has taken us through a murder house, a witches' coven, a traveling freak show, a haunted hotel, and the literal apocalypse, and season 13 pulls from that blood-soaked well with multiple actors reprising a few of their most beloved roles.

Why you should watch it: Few shows have left a mark on TV horror like this one, which has earned more than 100 Emmy nominations since its 2011 debut and racked up hundreds of millions of streaming hours worldwide. If you're already a fan of Murphy's theatrical brand of scares, it's essential October viewing.

Watch "American Horror Story: 13" on Hulu now

'Scrubs' season 2

Genre: Medical comedy

What's it about? ABC's "Scrubs" revival is back at Sacred Heart Hospital for a second season, reuniting the core trio from the original sitcom. Zach Braff is back as daydreaming doctor J.D., alongside Donald Faison as his best friend Turk, and Sarah Chalke as Elliot, with John C. McGinley reprising his role as the acerbic Dr. Cox. This season injects a more serious tone into the usual comedy, as J.D. rallies his friends to help Dr. Cox through an autoimmune illness that isn't responding to treatment.

Why you should watch it: The original "Scrubs" is a beloved gem, and the revival's first season earned largely positive reviews from critics and fans alike, proving the old magic is still there. Plus, season 2's emotional stakes add human drama beneath all the jokes.

Watch "Scrubs" season 2 on Hulu now

'Tokyo Revengers'

Genre: Action anime

What's it about? The hit anime "Tokyo Revengers" returns for its final arc, based on Ken Wakui's best-selling manga. It follows Takemichi Hanagaki, a down-on-his-luck student who discovers he can leap 12 years into the past to his teenage years. He uses that power to rewrite a future full of tragedy by infiltrating a dangerous delinquent gang. In "War of the Three Titans," Takemichi time-leaps into a three-way gang war between the Tokyo Manji Gang, Rokuhara Tandai and Brahman, a battle for control of all of Kanto.

Why you should watch it: One of the most popular delinquent-gang anime of recent years, "Tokyo Revengers" blends time-travel with hard-hitting action and emotion. This final arc adapts the manga's explosive conclusion.

Watch 'Tokyo Revengers: War of the Three Titans Arc' on Hulu now

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It's that joyful period of the year when spooky season overlaps with cozy couch-potato season, which means there's no better time to settle in for a good movie, especially one that'll raise your hair and rack your nerves. Prime Video's got plenty of those — the Amazon streaming service welcomed a whopping 136 new movie titles on October 1 alone — so there's no shortage of fun and freaky flicks for you to enjoy this weekend.

For starters, there's an explosive meet-up between two of cinema's greatest monsters—Godzilla and King Kong—in "Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire," which arrived on the streamer on October 4. If you're into all things witchy, there's the fittingly titled horror-mystery "The Witch," featuring a young Anya Taylor-Joy in her feature film debut. And while not a traditional scary movie, the historical epic "There Will Be Blood" does feature a truly fearsome lead performance by the great Daniel Day-Lewis.

So instead of wasting your weekend trying to find something half-decent to watch, we've done the dirty work of rounding up three movies you should check out on Prime Video now.

'Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire' (2024)

Cinema's tallest titans team up for this fierce follow-up to "Godzilla vs. Kong" from writer-director Adam Wingard. The sequel finds the giant ape encountering more of his species in the Hollow Earth —specifically, the sadistic dictator Skar King, who is dead set on invading Earth's surface. To thwart this new foe, Kong is forced to form an uneasy alliance with his fearsome former enemy Godzilla to ensure the survival of both their kinds and the human race.

The "Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire" cast features several returning actors, including Rebecca Hall, Brian Tyree Henry, and Kaylee Hottle; Dan Stevens, Fala Chen, Alex Ferns, and Rachel House also appear.

Watch "Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire" on Prime Video now

'The Witch' (2016)

Though she's had many indelible roles in the last decade — "The Queen's Gambit," "Emma," "The Menu," and "Furiosa" among them — before all of those, Anya Taylor-Joy had her haunting breakthrough in 2015's "The Witch," the directorial debut of future "The Lighthouse" and "Nosferatu" filmmaker Robert Eggers.

Set in 1630s New England, the folk-horror film follows an isolated Puritan family who, after their youngest is stolen by a forest witch while in the care of their eldest daughter, descend into psychological madness and supernatural terror. As evil forces swirl throughout the household, the family (played by Ralph Ineson, Kate Dickie and Harvey Scrimshaw, alongside Taylor-Joy) begins to turn on each other

Watch "The Witch" on Prime Video now

'There Will Be Blood' (2008)

In an Academy Award-winning turn, Daniel Day-Lewis leads this Paul Thomas Anderson-directed American classic as Daniel Plainview, a ruthless silver miner-turned-oil tycoon who amasses a petroleum fortune in early 20th-century California.

That success soon finds Daniel locked in a bitter, decades-long feud with the charismatic but hypocritical evangelical preacher Eli Sunday (Paul Sunday), as his ambition and greed threaten to destroy his humanity.

Loosely based on Upton Sinclair's 1927 novel "Oil," the sprawling oil saga also stars Kevin J. O'Connor, Ciarán Hinds, Russell Harvard and Dillon Freasier.

Watch "There Will Be Blood" on Prime Video now

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It speaks to the overall quality of Netflix’s original movie slate in 2026 that I would rank new crime thriller “Animals” in my top five best of the year so far. On the surface, that seems like a big compliment. However, it’s more a result of subpar competition than owing to the strength of this new Ben Affleck movie about a mayoral candidate in a desperate situation.

Affleck stars in and directed “Animals,” and considering his pedigree in the thriller space, having helmed the likes of “Gone Baby Gone” and “Argo,” not to mention playing the lead in genre titan “Gone Girl" and Netflix's popular "The Rip," I hoped this new Netflix original could capture that magic. It doesn’t.

However, don’t take all this as the introduction to a review where I eviscerate the movie and advise you to give it a wide berth. “Animals” does offer some solid thriller fundamentals. In the streaming space, where the barrier to entry is lower than catching a new release on the big screen, “Animals” is a perfectly serviceable way to spend two hours. It just never amounts to more than that.

What is ‘Animals’ about?

Mark Kimball (Ben Affleck) is a Los Angeles mayoral candidate who is risking everything, from his rapidly crumbling marriage to his life savings, in the hopes of being elected. Under the advice of his campaign manager, Sam (Steven Yeun), he even puts the family home up as collateral to cover the cost of his election campaign — local TV airtime in L.A. certainly ain’t cheap!

This financial gamble almost instantly backfires when his young son is kidnapped, and the criminals responsible demand an extortionate multi-million dollar ransom. With no access to that sort of money, Mark and his wife, Abigail (Kerry Washington), are in a desperate bind.

In steps a criminal fixer (Gillian Anderson), well-versed in navigating all manner of dangerous situations. As the night progresses and their son’s life hangs in the balance, Mark and Abigail must consider their options carefully, in turn revealing sides of their personalities, motivations, and marriage that were supposed to remain hidden.

‘Animals’ spins a compelling story until its silly final stand-off

After a perfunctory opening, which introduces Affleck’s Mark and the movie’s other main players and sets up a bunch of narrative dominoes you just know will come tumbling down at some point, “Animals” gets down to business. The politician learns from a mysterious caller that his son has been taken. The criminals want a lot of money that Mark doesn’t have.

Cue intense scenes of worried parents lamenting how they’re going to get their son back, while Yeun’s Sam mills around in the background, trying to offer support, with one eye kept on the campaign optics of Mark’s decision. It’s all standard thriller stuff. But things do heat up once Anderson’s cold and calculating criminal fixer is called in to help the family find a resolution.

Tense conversations in the Kimball family’s plush living room make up the lion’s share of the movie's first half; the movie’s talented cast keeps things interesting, even selling some clunky dialogue. Washington and Anderson stand out. The former has a secret of her own, and the latter is a magnetic on-screen presence playing a character who commands the room and always ensures she has leverage to fall back on should things go south.

Supporting players Cecilia (Adriana Paz), who works as a child carer for the Kimballs, and her boyfriend, Ramon (Luis Gerardo Méndez), a handyman/gardner, are also caught up in the hostage situation, but aren’t fleshed out enough to feel like vital players. Their most meaningful contribution is giving Affleck a chance to showcase his fluency in Spanish.

Ramon exemplifies one of “Animals” core problems, touching on too many subjects without fully exploring them. He’s an undocumented immigrant, frustrated at the selfish, me-first attitude he’s experienced in the U.S. But this topic isn’t expanded on beyond some throwaway dialogue. The same is true when Mark comments on the struggles of the working class in poorer areas of L.A.; it’s mentioned, but not fully developed. There's no substance to these inclusions that could force a watcher to reflect on their own attitudes.

“Animals'” other problem is a whiplash-inducing ending that moves the events away from the Kimbell home and into city streets. Here every character, both hero and villain, seems to lose any intelligence previously displayed, and events are driven by the requirements of the plot rather than any consistent logic. A scene with some of the worst CGI effects I’ve witnessed in 2026 only adds to the vibe that the big final stand-off was a real rush job.

Verdict: ‘Animals’ doesn’t quite have enough bite

“Animals” is the type of Netflix movie you’ll watch on a Saturday night and find generally enjoyable enough to warrant staying at home on a weekend evening. But come Monday morning, you'll likely have completely forgotten you even streamed it. It certainly doesn’t live long in the memory.

Affleck’s direction is workmanlike; there’s no interesting filmmaking flourish, but everything is approached with a steady hand. The same is true of his leading performance. Washington and Anderson deliver the most interesting and compelling characters, while Yeun, Paz and Gerardo Méndez offer up serviceable support, even if their roles are a little undercooked.

If you discard the ending, which hard-swerves into silliness, “Animals” is a generally competent thriller; there’s just enough intensity and high-stakes confrontations, not to mention a predictable but effective mid-movie switch-up, to keep you invested. But I wish the movie had something extra that would have seen it rise from serviceable to really special.

Watch "Animals" on Netflix now

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October is chugging along with some great new series on Paramount+, whether you're after a family sitcom that fits nicely with spooky Halloween vibes or a gripping legal drama set in the high-tech world of Silicon Valley.

The streaming service added more than 100 new titles to its already extensive platform in October 2026, so you're truly spoiled for choice, but to make things a little easier, we've narrowed that selection down to an easy three new shows that you should check out this weekend: supernatural comedy "Eternally Yours," legal drama "Cupertino" and the animated adventure "Avatar: Seven Havens."

Without further ado, here are the three new to Paramount+ shows you need to binge-watch this weekend.

'Eternally Yours'

Genre: Family sitcom

What's it about? It's only natural that a marriage should lose some of its sizzle after many comfortable years together, but apparently that's also the case when things are supernatural. After 500 years together, married vampires Charles (Ed Weeks) and Liz (Allegra Edwards) are stuck in a bit of a romantic rut, until the arrival of their daughter's very human boyfriend Max (Jaren Lewison) gives the couple and their Seattle-based coven a much-needed jolt.

Why you should watch it: If you're a fan of "Ghosts," a similarly fantastical family comedy that's aired for five seasons thus far (with season six premiering on October 29) on CBS, you'll likely enjoy "Eternally Yours." Both single-camera series share the same creative team, Joe Port and Joe Wiseman, and also blend relatable family dynamics with the spooky absurdity of the supernatural world.

Watch "Eternally Yours" on Paramount+ now

'Cupertino'

Genre: Legal drama

What it's about: A David vs. Goliath legal drama set in the heart of Silicon Valley, this CBS newcomer created by Robert King and Michelle King centers on a California lawyer (Mike Colter) who, after being cheated out of his stock options by his tech start-up employer, joins forces with another recently fired attorney (Rachel Keller) to create a small firm that will represent those taken advantage of by the tech elite. Ella Stiller, Busy Phillips, Renée Elise Goldsberry also star.)

Why you should watch it: The Kings certainly know how to put together a pulpy law drama; they're behind such successful CBS series as "The Good Wife," "The Good Fight," and the currently airing "Elsbeth," so you already know you're in good hands if you're a fan of the courtroom genre.

Watch "Cupertino" on Paramount+ now

'Avatar: Seven Havens'

Genre: Animated/Action

What's it about? Set about 225 years after the end of "The Legend of Korra" and after a devastating global cataclysm has shattered civilization and forced humanity to retreat to sanctuary cities known as the Seven Havens, this "Avatar: The Last Airbender" sequel series centers on a 9-year-old Earthbender named Pavi (Saheli Khan), who discovers that she is the next Avatar after Korra. She and her long-lost twin Nisha (Aishu Devan) set out to uncover their mysterious origins and save civilization before it's too late.

Why you should watch it: If you're a fan of the now two-decades-old "Avatar" animated franchise, then you'll be pleased to find that "Seven Havens" digs even deeper into the fantasy universe and builds on Korra's legacy, all while taking the series into a bold post-apocalyptic direction.

Watch "Avatar: Seven Havens" on Paramount+ starting October 9

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The last decade has been a real boom period for video games based on classic horror movies. Games have been made based on Friday the 13th, Halloween, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, Predator and Saw. Plus, the ongoing Dead by Daylight, which has crossed over with just about every fan-favorite horror franchise around, from A Nightmare on Elm Street to Scream.

On the surface, Clive Barker’s Hellraiser: Revival might look like the latest in a long line of online games cashing in on a classic horror IP. But unlike those aforementioned games, it’s not an asymmetrical multiplayer experience casting one player as Hellraiser’s Pinhead and the rest as fleshy humans. No, it’s a single-player survival horror title.

A narrative-driven, single-player, survival horror experience set in the brutal world of Clive Barker’s original “Hellraiser” movie? Sign me up.

However, after playing through the entire 10-hour campaign on PS5 Pro, I'm disappointed. I love the intent behind Hellraiser: Revival, but the execution is all too often a whole lot more pain than pleasure.

We have such sights to show you

You play Aidan Lynch, a gruff (somewhat unlikable) biker who unwillingly summons Pinhead and his Cenobites — extradimensional beings who are described in the films as “demons to some, angels to others” — during a raunchy evening with his girlfriend, Sunny, when they activate a strange box known as the Genesis Configuration.

Pinhead and his grotesque pals whisk Sunny away to the depths of their hellish dimension, and it’s up to Aidan to rescue his lost love — even if flashbacks suggest that the couple's relationship was anything but blissful. It’s your routine “save the girl” story, but because this is Hellraiser, the whole narrative is coated in a thick soup of blood, guts, and seriously graphic sights.

It will come as no shock to anybody familiar with the “Hellraiser” movies, but Revival is extremely graphic. And I don’t just mean in terms of violence (though there’s a lot of that). There is so much extreme sexual content here that I felt obligated to forewarn my partner about it before starting, just in case she accidentally walked in on me playing.

On the one hand, I commend the developers at Saber Interactive for being willing to push the boundaries of good taste — one early objective has Aidan collecting sex toys at the request of a woman decked out in a full leather outfit. To have presented a watered-down Hellraiser experience would have been inauthentic. But pretty quickly, the frequency of sexual content starts to feel like a shock-value play.

This felt most keenly in the game’s most meaningful original contribution to the Hellraiser canon, the Scarlet Church. A Cenobite-obsessed cult that you spend the vast majority of the game hiding from and then butchering with sharp melee weapons and powerful firearms. The Church adds an extra wrinkle, but is often used as a vehicle to shove yet more graphic scenes in the player’s face. Which, at the very least, does make thinning their ranks rather cathartic.

A revival, but certainly not a gameplay revolution

Like many modern survival horror games, from the Alone in the Dark reboot to The Sinking City 2, Hellraiser: Revival’s is a close approximation of the recent Resident Evil games.

I’m okay with this; Resident Evil is among my favorite series in gaming, and I’m happy to play games that pinch its best ideas in between new RE releases. As Aidan, your goal is to slowly make your way through each area of the Scarlet Church’s vast compound, picking up items, fending off foes, and finding keys that open more doors, and repeat.

Enemies can be engaged head-on, not always wise due to limited ammo and breakable melee weapons, or you can take a stealthy approach. The Genesis Configuration is added to your arsenal, giving you supernatural powers like controlling flame, or best of all, telekinesis, letting you throw all sharp objects at enemies, impaling them on walls.

It’s a compelling enough loop, and Hellraiser: Revival largely works on a moment-to-moment basis because of this. But what’s particularly disappointing is that the sporadic occasions where the game strikes out and tries to be its own beast are among the best sections.

After major story beats, you’ll usually find yourself in the Cenobites labyrinth. These levels have you solving basic puzzles or trying to escape from the demon fans refer to as the Chatterer, which are comfortably the most intense parts of the game. There’s also a riff on the (in)famous PT demo, which is simple but effective.

In fact, I had to wonder why the whole game isn’t set in the labyrinth instead of the generic corridors of the church’s base, which become very repetitive.

The most hellish part isn’t Pinhead

Hellraiser: Revival spends a lot of time showing you hellish sights or forcing you to come face-to-face with repugnant characters, both the Cenobites and the sadistic leaders of the Scarlet Church. However, the fear they strike in you is nothing compared to the terror I faced thanks to constant glitches.

Unfortunately, on a technical level, Hellraiser: Revival is rough. At its best, the game looks and runs to an acceptable standard. It’s never a graphical showcase, but interiors are detailed, and characters closely resemble their movie counterparts. However, Hellraiser: Revival is only rarely at its best. Far too often, the cracks show, and then start to widen.

If I listed every bug and glitch I encountered, this article would triple in size, but the lowlights include textures frequently taking several seconds to appear, particularly after a loading screen, enemy bodies regularly morphing into furniture, which admittedly was quite funny, and noticeable framerate drops during large combat encounters.

Adding to the pain, the game gets increasingly unstable as you delve deeper. In the final three hours of my playthrough, something would break around every corner. A late-game save station refused to work, the in-game storage box ate my revolver pistol, completely robbing me of a powerful weapon for late-game levels, and the final boss became totally unresponsive not once, but twice, forcing a reload both times.

If all that wasn’t enough, Hellraiser: Revival waved me off with a final cutscene glitch. Character dialogue began looping. Each line repeated over the next. And so, the culmination of the game’s story descended into barely comprehensible audio gibberish. Talk about ending on a real low.

Should you play Hellraiser: Revival this Halloween?

With Halloween on the horizon, there’s no doubt an appetite for new horror games, and I’d hoped to declare Hellraiser: Revival the perfect gaming experience for Spooky Season.

Sadly, in its current state, I simply can’t. However, I do want to acknowledge its $39 / £34 price point, which I appreciate, making it a more cost-effective option in an era of $69 games.

Maybe by Halloween 2027, the technical shortcomings will have been smoothed out, and at that point, Hellraiser: Revival might justify a purchase, at least for dedicated fans of the horror franchise.

Still, in a year that has seen truly essential horror games like Resident Evil: Requiem and Silent Hill: Townfall, it’s hard to recommend in its current state. Hellraiser: Revival might beat its contemporaries for disturbing content, but that’s about the only area where it wins.

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Netflix subscribers looking for worthwhile thriller movies are in luck this week. The streaming service dropped dozens of movies to kick off October 2026, and the sizeable list of new library additions contains some excellent thrillers.

For starters, there’s Christopher Nolan’s 2006 mystery thriller that focuses on two magicians, once a double act, and now sworn enemies after an on-stage accident results in tragedy. Or how about an M. Night Shyamalan horror-thriller with a stunning turn from James McAvoy. And if neither of these grab your attention, and you’re craving something completely new, Netflix’s latest original movie is a Ben Affleck-directed crime thriller that looks intense.

These are the latest thriller movies added to Netflix for your watchlist. And if you can’t get enough of the genre, I’ve also got a roundup of the best thrillers on Prime Video this week.

3 new to Netflix thrillers to watch this week

‘The Prestige’ (2006)

Just a year after Christopher Nolan broke into the mainstream with “Batman Begins,” he delivered “The Prestige.” And 20 years later, it remains one of the acclaimed director's most enjoyable, not to mention twist-driven works. It hooks you from the moment the curtain rises and tells the tale of two stage magicians competing to become the world’s greatest illusionist. Starring Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale, it’s as magical as its cast of characters.

Nolan showcases his masterful handling of non-linear storytelling here, as the movie frequently skips forwards and backwards, but “The Prestige” is never jarring or difficult to follow. Instead, with each new revelation, the mystery thickens, and when answers do arrive in the grand finale, they’re supremely satisfying. If you haven't seen this one and don’t know the secrets behind its bag of tricks, then I encourage you to make streaming it a priority.

Watch "The Prestige" on Netflix now

‘Split’ (2016)

M. Night Shyamalan’s “Split” is worth watching for one reason alone: James McAvoy. The Scottish actor has a knack for playing unhinged characters, none more so than in “Split.” You might notice I didn’t name McAvoy’s character there; that’s because he plays a man with dissociative identity disorder with 23 individual identities in his head. It’s essentially 23 roles in one, and McAvoy fully commits to each. It’s an impressive acting feat.

The narrative around McAvoy’s performance is a little more pedestrian. The movie focuses on a trio of teenage girls kidnapped and trapped in an underground lair, one of whom is played by a young Anya Taylor-Joy. While I have my issues with “Split’s” narrative, and to this day I think the twist ending (it’s a Shyamalan movie, of course there’s a twist ending) doesn’t quite work, McAvoy’s memorable turn is reason enough to give “Split” a watch this week.

Watch "Split" on Netflix now

‘Animals’ (2026)

This week sees the arrival of “Animals,” one of Netflix’s tentpole original movies for the fall season. The jury is still out on its quality (reviews haven’t dropped as of writing), but I can confidently say that it’s a near certainty to leap to the top of the platform’s most-watched list over the weekend. So, if you want to stay in the streaming loop, then give it a watch. And there’s reason to be confident it could break Netflix’s original movie cold streak.

Directed by and starring Ben Affleck, who already featured in Netflix’s biggest original movie of 2026 to date, “The Rip,” this crime thriller focuses on an L.A. mayoral candidate faced with an unthinkable dilemma when his son is kidnapped. With the family’s savings spent on the campaign trail, Mark Kimball (Affleck) and his wife (Kerry Washington) must get their hands dirty and expose a side of themselves never supposed to see the light of day to come up with a ransom payment in just a matter of hours.

Watch "Animals" on Netflix starting October 9

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Netflix has become remarkably good at knowing exactly what its subscribers want to watch, and the streamer’s regular output of thrillers is a pretty good example of that. “Below” is the latest addition to that ever-growing lineup. Created by Jesse McKeown, the six-part limited series caught my attention immediately thanks to its unusual Newfoundland setting, its mysterious sea creature, and, perhaps most importantly, Josh Hartnett leading the cast. It’s a distinctly different flavor of Netflix thriller, trading the usual glossy locations for a remote coastal community where something very strange is lurking beneath the surface.

“Below” follows Calvin Penney (Hartnett), a stubborn but big-hearted fisherman living in a small Newfoundland town. Calvin is already dealing with the fallout from his father’s mysterious death years earlier when an unidentified sea creature begins terrorizing the community. With his family and livelihood under threat, Calvin teams up with visiting marine researcher Fonda (Mackenzie Davis) to figure out exactly what is happening beneath the water. His son Wade (Charlie Heaton) is also caught up in the increasingly strange events, while the investigation begins to uncover secrets buried deep within the island and its community.

I’ve already binged “Below,” and without spoiling what’s lurking below the surface, here are my honest thoughts on Netflix’s latest thriller series.

‘Below’ offers a compelling underwater mystery

“Below” is immediately bingeable because it doesn’t waste much time getting to the central mystery. The series opens with a flashback showing a young Calvin witnessing the loss of his home and father, with something clearly lurking beneath the water, before jumping forward to the present day, where that mystery has grown into a much bigger ordeal.

I liked that the show gives us this hook upfront rather than making us wait several episodes to understand what we’re watching. That doesn’t mean “Below” gives everything away, though. Instead, it drip-feeds clues and small pieces of information about the mysterious creature, giving you just enough to keep you invested without answering all of your questions at once.

There’s more to “Below” than its central creature mystery. The series explores Calvin’s fractured family while Fonda’s investigation begins uncovering secrets tied to the island’s history and local mythology. Not every storyline worked equally well, though. I found myself much less invested in some of the supporting characters, particularly Calvin’s children and the personal problems they’re dealing with, which occasionally pulled me away from the part of the story I actually wanted to follow. For me, the strongest thread is Calvin’s journey to uncover exactly what the creature is and what happened to his father.

One of the things I enjoyed most about “Below” is the sense of atmosphere. It’s refreshing to watch a sea monster story rooted in Newfoundland, particularly when the series makes such a point of embracing its setting and local voices. It gives the show a sense of place that you don’t always get from this kind of horror, and for the most part, it feels authentically connected to its environment.

That said, some of the visual effects aren’t quite as convincing. There are moments when characters are looking out over the water, and it looks strangely animated, which is particularly noticeable given that the series was shot on location. It occasionally takes me out of the experience, but thankfully these moments are relatively few and far between.

My bigger issue is that “Below” starts stronger than it finishes. As the series progresses, it introduces more plotlines and conflicts outside of the central creature mystery, and I found some of these increasingly distracting. The more the story moved away from Calvin trying to understand what’s lurking beneath the water, the less invested I became. I can understand why the show wants to flesh out its characters and give the mystery more context, but some of these additional threads simply didn’t hold my attention in the same way. Even so, the constant promise of another reveal is a huge part of what makes “Below” so easy to binge. Every episode gives you another small piece of the puzzle.

Verdict: ‘Below’ is a gripping thriller that works best when it keeps you guessing

“Below” worked for me because it gave me just enough to keep watching. I was always curious about where the story was heading and whether the next episode would finally give me the answer I was looking for. It isn’t a perfect thriller, and there were definitely parts I found myself caring about more than others, but I never reached the point where I wanted to stop watching. In fact, this is a series I could easily stream again in full now that I understand its central mystery.

If you’re looking for something you can sink your teeth into over a weekend, “Below” is an easy recommendation on Netflix. It has a creepy premise, a great setting and enough unanswered questions to keep the momentum going. I’m glad I stuck with it, even if I wish some of the story had been a little more focused. Plus, Josh Hartnett is a big part of what makes the series so watchable (but that's not much of a surprise).

"Below" is streaming on Netflix

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Slow, functional movement has become a staple of my workout routine; I love simple compound exercises I can repeat several times a week and progressively overload to keep my muscles guessing.

The move I've been practicing a lot recently, until abdominal surgery demoted me to very, very little movement for a while, is the kettlebell elevated sumo squat. Below, I explain the benefits, how to do it and what it looks like in action.

If I can give you one word of advice before we get started, it's to take this one really slowly and focus on the depth of your squat using a heavy kettlebell. Grab one of the best kettlebells, and let's get started.

Watch: Kettlebell foot elevated sumo squat

You'll feel the sumo squat, which basically refers to a wide-legged squat, in your adductors (inner thighs) and gluteus medius (outer glutes), core, hips and legs, including your quads and hamstrings.

If you want to increase the intensity on your legs and glutes, load heavy so that the last few reps feel very challenging to finish. Focus on pressing through your feet and legs to drive upward to stand.

If you experience pain at any time, stop and rest. If you're working with an injury or health condition, I recommend seeking advice before starting new exercises.

How:

• Stand with your feet wider than shoulder-width apart and your heels elevated on weight plates. Hold one heavy kettlebell in both hands using an overhand grip
• Sit your hips back and lower into a squat until the kettlebell rests on the ground
• Pause and drive upward to stand
• Complete 6-8 heavy reps for 3-4 sets.

The goal is to engage your core and lower for a three or four second count, then drive up for one powerful push. Keep your chest proud and back straight throughout and focus on sitting your hips back. Push your knees out in line with your toes, preventing them from collapsing or rotating in.

It's common for your shoulders to drop forward, so keep them pulled back and set down.

What are the benefits?

The sumo squat hits the glutes more, especially the outer glutes. Elevating your heels will help you achieve better squat depth and can help provide a deficit, which means the kettlebell has further to travel, increasing time under tension.

Heel elevation also improves quad activation, so you'll feel this move in your thighs. Plus, any heavy lifting requires a strong, active, stable core, so focus on bracing your stomach and keeping your torso upright.

Follow Tom's Guide fitness on Instagram for more workouts, routines, tips, and tricks.

Squats are a perfect example of a compound exercise, meaning you work multiple muscle groups at once, and big, powerful muscles like your quads and glutes. The more lean muscle mass you have, the higher your resting metabolism and ability to burn energy.

Aim for an intensity that feels close to failure, with the last few reps challenging to finish. A simple adjustment like elevating your heels and widening your foot position can really help bump up the activation, meaning you'll feel it far more without having to change your reps and sets.

Engage your core by bracing your stomach and drawing your navel in, breathing expansively and exhaling as you resist the weight; this will protect your lower back and help you move with control.

Before my surgery set me back, I really enjoyed adding this move to my leg day workouts. It provides a lot of bang for your buck and doesn't require much equipment at all. You could even use a dumbbell if you prefer.

I've also maximized time under tension during the eccentric contractions, which I highly recommend doing. If you're not sure what this means, slow the lowering phase of the movement. Give it a try and let us know how you find it.

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The Netflix library is full of shows that never fulfilled their potential. Or should I say, that never got the chance to fulfill their potential. The streaming service has a reputation for ruthless cancellations, and it’s far from uncommon for even well-promoted original series to be axed after just a single season.

Even Netflix shows that do get picked up for multiple seasons often face cancellation before resolving all their plot threads. A television show wrapping up on its own terms is a luxury in the streaming era. Cliffhanger endings with no conclusion in sight, or being robbed of the chance to spend more time with a lovable cast of characters, is frustrating, and Netflix has most definitely inflicted a few cruel cancellations on subscribers over the years.

So, here are five great Netflix shows that ended too soon. Consider this roundup my pleading request for the streamer to consider a renewal.

‘Mindhunter’

I’m starting my list with the almost de facto pick. Whenever the topic of Netflix shows that need to return is broached, “Mindhunter” is usually at the top of the list. In our recent poll of cancelled Netflix shows that deserve a renewal, “Mindhunter” topped the field with 28% of the more than 2,500 votes. This David Fincher-produced series might have ended more than seven years ago, but the desire for more “Mindhunter” still burns very bright.

Starring Jonathan Groff, Holt McCallany and Ann Torv, the crime thriller series chronicles the founding of the FBI’s Behavioral Science Unit in the late 1970s, as the team profiles some of the most notorious serial killers of the time. It was reportedly an expensive show to produce, and with Fincher’s long-standing exclusive deal with Netflix expiring next year, it would seem that “Mindhunter” will continue to top lists like this well into the future.

Watch "Mindhunter" on Netflix now

‘Archive 81’

Released in January 2022, “Archive 81” was actually adapted from a podcast series. Some listeners of this audio horror drama weren’t thrilled with the TV show spin. However, it scored well with critics (including in a glowing write-up from us here at Tom’s Guide). Initially, "Archive 81" appeared to have the makings of a hit Netflix original, climbing into the platform’s top 10 most-watched list, and amassing nearly 130 million viewing hours in its first two weeks.

Sadly, it wasn’t enough. Despite the encouraging critical reception and the shocking cliffhanger ending of the first season’s final episode, “Archive 81” became another Netflix original that was axed after just one season. Set across two time periods, it follows an archivist (Mamoudou Athie) restoring a series of damaged videotapes, a project that spirals into a haunting mystery centered on a sinister cult. We might never get proper answers to the lingering questions, but “Archive 81” is still worth watching, particularly with Halloween season upon us.

Watch "Archive 81" on Netflix now

‘Glow’

“Glow” is another mainstay of “Netflix shows canceled too soon” lists, and I’m not bucking that trend with my own picks. What makes the curtailing of this comedy-drama set in the world of women’s professional wrestling extra cruel is that it wasn’t supposed to be this way. “Glow” debuted its third season in 2019 and was quickly renewed for a fourth. However, a certain global pandemic the following year caused production delays, and Netflix reversed its decision.

The show starred Alison Brie, Britney Young, Betty Gilpin and Sydelle Noel, and was a real treat, mixing hilarious comedy with human drama, all wrapped up with a charming underdog spirit. While “Glow” did leave story threads hanging, because it wasn’t a twisting thriller, these unresolved questions don’t sting as much as some entries on this list, but viewers were robbed of getting to spend more time with the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling (GLOW) gang, and that really sucks.

Watch "Glow" on Netflix now

‘1899’

Talking of Netflix cancellations that really sting, let’s head to the year 1899. This mystery sci-fi show could have been a modern-day “Lost” if it hadn’t been axed after its maiden eight-episode run. Okay, I’m probably overselling it there; recapturing the “appointment television” nature of 2000s shows like “Lost” is basically impossible in the 2020s, but still, “1899” was a show with real potential, never given the chance to live up to its promise.

I’ll drop a quick spoiler warning here, in case you plan to binge the single season we did get, but the final episode of “1899” completely flipped the script. We learnt that the show’s 19th-century ocean liner setting was actually a computer simulation, and the core cast was in fact on board a massive spaceship plugged into machines. I had no idea where the show would go from here, and sadly, I guess we’ll never find out unless Netflix has a sudden change of heart.

Watch "1899" on Netflix now

‘I Am Not Okay with This’

With Prime Video debuting its new “Carrie” series this week, I’ve got “I Am Not Okay with This” on the mind. That’s because this coming-of-age dark comedy was quite clearly heavily inspired by Stephen King’s legendary story of an isolated teen who discovers she possesses psychic powers. The show follows Sydney Novak (Sophia Lillis), whose already turbulent teenage life is upended when she discovers she has psychokinetic powers of her own. The similarities were no secret.

The seven-episode season ended with things really going south, and a mysterious man approaching a traumatized Sydney with unknown intentions. Unfortunately, “I Am Not Okay with This” being canceled appeared to be the result of very unfortunate release timing. It hit Netflix in February 2020, just weeks before global quarantines were put in place. It was renewed for a second season but, like “Glow,” was later canceled with Netflix citing “pandemic-related issues.”

Watch "I Am Not Okay with This" on Netflix now

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"I'm going to make a game about grief that is so sad," is probably what the lovely folks at indie game studio, Third Shift, thought to themselves when they channeled their inner Sue Sylvester while making Forever Ago. If you're after a third-person, story-driven, slow-paced game that you can finish in one sitting, this is one for you — but you might want to grab a box of tissues before locking in.

Forever Ago follows Alfred's road trip adventure after the death of his wife, who he has been married to for several decades. Told in a beautiful graphic novel art style, you play as Alfred, revisiting all the places he had been with his wife. You take photos, meet various NPCs with different points of view on life, and even make an uncanny friend along the way.

In some places, Forever Ago is funny and it makes you smile, but the overarching themes of grief, loss, love and redemption are omnipresent. Though it's a very short game, it's a must-play for anyone who enjoys emotional and reflective narrative adventures. As soon as the credits rolled, I knew this was one of my favorite indies of all time. Let me show you why.

Minor spoilers to follow.

The power of memory

Forever Ago is a gut-punch from the get-go. At the beginning, you play as a young Alfred who has only just begun dating Audrey. Audrey finds a camera at a yard sale and starts taking photographs, but as you learn throughout the story, Alfred was the one who took to photography more than she did. You don't see Audrey much in the game — but her impact is lasting, as she passes away from a long illness, and an ageing Alfred is left to grieve on his own.

The premise of the game is simple: Audrey wants Alfred to visit all the places she'd been with him when they were together. As you travel to different locations through the game, the narrative builds. Each location has sets of orange petals you can collect, and completing each set reveals a memory, triggered by Alfred taking a photo.

Armed with Audrey's journal and a camera attached to his satchel, Alfred sets off on a road trip, hoping to reach Wilhelmina Peak in the north. Audrey's journal specifies your objectives and you can refer to as and when needed. As you visit different places, you capture photos and are limited to just 12 per level if you want to print them out to stick in your journal at the end of each chapter.

As someone who loves photography and even tests the best cameras for a living, the photography aspect in Forever Ago hit me like a truck. Alfred and Audrey immortalized many of their adventures through this medium — like I do in my life — and Alfred continued to do so after his beloved wife's passing, too, only because she didn't want his love of adventure to die.

The importance of slowing down

As someone who loves action adventure games and RPGs, like Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, I wasn't expecting much from Forever Ago, and I certainly wasn't expecting it to leave its mark on me in the way it has. But then again, I've also cried over indies like Neva and Endling: Extinction is Forever.

Unlike the fast-paced titles I love playing, Forever Ago is a slow game. Alfred can't sprint or run — the most he can do is walk briskly on certain surfaces. He can't jump or crouch as and when he wishes either. Though he has a final destination to reach, there's no sense of urgency that makes you want to rush.

This isn't a very long game — it took me about five hours to complete — and I took my time admiring the art style, exploring every part of every level, allowing every dialogue that was spoken to wash over me, and matching Alfred's pace, really. Forever Ago is an important lesson to us, the gamers, that it's okay to slow down and take your time, and that a short game can be just as impactful (if not more) as a long one.

Grief, loss but also redemption

Throughout the majority of the game, Alfred is grumpy and doesn't want anything to do with anyone, and he has every reason to be. Grief isn't an easy emotion to deal with, and you don't just "get over" the passing of a loved one overnight. Alfred's loneliness comes across with great clarity through his interactions with NPCs.

Asking a grocery store attendant to leave him alone, struggling to accept help from a young woman who offers to fix his camper van, and even making comments like, "I have no one left to call" — it's clear that Alfred is all by himself.

But he doesn't have to be, and it's something he eventually realizes as the game progresses. A dog is a man's best friend, and Forever Ago drives this message home by introducing a fluffy four-legged companion who refuses to leave Alfred's side. You get to name her, play fetch with her, pet her. Alfred's cold demeanor eventually melts.

He also makes friends with a man hiking with his ageing dog during one of the levels. It's a brief encounter, but it tugs at your heartstrings through exceptionally well-written dialogues, and of course, photographs, which Alfred makes sure to take plenty of.

Even when Alfred is at his lowest, crying out for Audrey to come back, and on the verge of calling quits on his road trip, it's certain encounters with NPCs in the game that keep him going. The brains behind Forever Ago have done a fantastic job of showing that human connection is important, and perhaps more important than ever when you're bruised and beaten like Alfred is.

Forever Ago might not be everyone's cup of tea, but I truly believe it's a game everyone has to play at least once. The art style, storytelling, writing and calming music are just so charming that they draw you in instantly and make you feel like you're part of Alfred's world.

I didn't think a story of grief and love told through photos and memories would have me feeling existential for a whole evening, but that's the kind of power Forever Ago holds.

Forever Ago will be available to buy on Steam, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch 2, starting 8 October.

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Few horror stories have had quite the life cycle of “Carrie.” Stephen King’s debut novel was first published in 1974, introducing readers to Carrie White, a bullied teenager with telekinetic powers and a deeply troubled home life. Just two years later, Brian De Palma turned it into the iconic 1976 movie starring Sissy Spacek, and "Carrie" has continued to be reimagined ever since. There’s been a sequel, a 2002 television movie and a 2013 remake, alongside stage adaptations, and now the Stephen King story has been turned into an eight-episode Prime Video series.

This new version comes from Mike Flanagan, which is particularly exciting for me because I’m a huge fan of his work. I’ve always loved King’s stories, but “Carrie” has a special place for me. It’s such a simple premise on the surface, but there’s so much going on underneath the horror, from bullying and isolation to family, religion and the cruelty people can inflict on each other. Flanagan also didn’t want to simply remake the same story we’ve already seen. He’s described this as the first time he’s had the opportunity to take one of King’s works apart and build something new from its pieces.

That makes this version particularly interesting to me. We already know Carrie’s story, but a series gives Flanagan far more room to explore the characters and expand the world beyond what we’ve seen in previous adaptations, while also changing the time period. I actually got the chance to watch the episodes early, so I’ve seen how Flanagan approaches this new version of one of King’s most iconic stories, and here are my thoughts.

‘Carrie’ is a deeply unsettling exploration of teenage cruelty

Stephen King’s “Carrie” was always a story about bullying, cruelty and what can happen when someone is pushed too far. At its heart, it looks at the lasting impact that high school can have on young people, especially those who already feel isolated or vulnerable.

The new series keeps that idea at the center of the story, but brings it into a much more modern world. Phones and social media have given teenagers new ways to humiliate each other, with cruel moments able to be filmed, shared and replayed long after they happen. That makes Carrie’s story feel just as relevant today, and I’m glad the series doesn’t shy away from that.

But what Flanagan has done here is expand Carrie’s family history, including the grief she experiences after losing her father, which is a notable change from the book, where her father is simply absent from her life. The series also spends more time showing how isolated Carrie and her mother have been, leaving Carrie largely unfamiliar with the modern world and the dangers that come with it. That makes her first experience of high school even more heartbreaking. She goes in excited to finally experience something outside the sheltered life she’s known, only to quickly discover how cruel her classmates can be.

Summer H. Howell is one of the show’s biggest strengths, largely because she doesn’t try to imitate Sissy Spacek’s iconic performance. Instead, Howell’s Carrie feels more curious, kind and genuinely excited about discovering the world outside the sheltered life she’s known. That fits with Flanagan’s decision to reinvent the character rather than simply recreate the 1976 movie. It’s also why the series feels more like a character drama than a straightforward horror story.

The same can be said for Alison Thornton’s performance as Chris Hargensen, who gets much more backstory here that helps explain her behavior and toxic attitude. Overall, this feels like a much more expansive reinterpretation of “Carrie” rather than another retelling of the same story.

Although I loved this version of these characters, as well as the more modern setting and deeper storytelling, I do think eight episodes is a bit of a stretch for such a contained story. The additional room allows Flanagan to explore Carrie and the people around her in much more detail, but some of the wider mythology feels like it takes attention away from what makes Carrie’s story so compelling in the first place. Introducing other characters with powers, the multi-user mythology and an ending that leaves the door open for another season somewhat diminishes the impact of Carrie’s story as something that can stand entirely on its own. That said, this is still one of the strongest shows I’ve seen this year.

Verdict: ‘Carrie’ is a bold new take on Stephen King’s classic

One of the things that really stood out to me about the show is how effectively Flanagan uses the camera to put us inside Carrie’s head. During moments of stress and panic, the cinematography makes her isolation feel even more intense and gives us a better sense of just how overwhelming the world around her can be.

The cast is also excellent across the board, with Siena Agudong standing out as Sue Snell. You can see the conflict within her character, especially because she’s capable of being friends with a bully while still having a genuinely kind heart. Amber Midthunder is also great as Rita, one of Carrie’s biggest supporters, who has her own motivations and life outside of school.

Ultimately, this is a really strong series that feels closer to an award-worthy character drama with horror elements than a straightforward horror show. That should still make it an easy recommendation for Stephen King fans, especially anyone looking for a fresh take on a story they already know. I do have some concerns about the ending and the decision to potentially expand this world beyond Carrie’s story, but even those issues don’t take away from how much I enjoyed watching it. For me, this is a confident, surprisingly emotional reinvention of a classic.

"Carrie" is streaming on Prime Video

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Like most gamers, I have a list of personal gaming blind spots. Long-running franchises I’ve always wanted to dip into, but have never gotten around to actually playing.

Without question, at the very top of my "list of gaming shame" is Kingdom Hearts. For years, I’ve been curious about this action-RPG mash-up of Disney and Final Fantasy — which has now morphed into its own beast since its 2002 debut on PlayStation 2 — but at some point, I started to feel like the Disney-shaped ship had passed me by.

But when Square Enix announced the Kingdom Hearts Collection, it felt like a package designed for somebody like me, and I got hold of the collection on Nintendo Switch 2 a little early. I can now officially say that I have played a Kingdom Hearts game. Okay, so I’ve only played a handful of hours of the very first one, but it's a start!

Kingdom Hearts has spawned an extraordinarily passionate following, so I have little doubt that dedicated fans will flock to this new collection for an excuse to replay the series. But if you’re in a similar boat to me and have never played Kingdom Hearts before, let’s dive into why this collection is the perfect opportunity to give the series a shot.

So, I guess this is Kingdom Hearts…

The opening to Kingdom Hearts is rough. Obviously, it looks and plays like a PS2 game. Even if the Final Mix version, which is what’s been ported to Nintendo Switch 2, bumps the resolution and framerate, it’s not a ground-up remake; Kingdom Hearts looks and feels its age.

But this didn’t bother me; I started playing games during the PS1 era, and still regularly replay some of my childhood favorites in 2026. No, Kingdom Hearts’ less-than-stellar introduction comes down to some questionable level design. You start the game by being introduced to young protagonist Sora, as he dreams of escaping his small island.

And from there, you are forced to complete a series of dull fetch quests to retrieve a host of items for your friends. It’s not exactly a thrilling introduction to the sprawling Kingdom Hearts universe. I wasn’t totally sure what to expect when playing Kingdom Hearts 1 in 2026, but collecting a stockpile of coconuts and looking for old rope wasn’t it.

Mercifully, after a little trouble locating a seagull's egg (another item on my checklist), things began to pick up. Soon darkness spread over the tropical island; Sora was entrusted with the series’ iconic Keyblade, and the spiked-haired character was quickly transported to a new setting.

It’s here, in the new location of Traverse Town (which serves as a sort of hub), that it feels like Kingdom Hearts truly begins. Sora meets a couple of iconic Disney characters, and a few familiar faces from Final Fantasy VII as well. At this point, the ponderous opening section faded from my memory, and I found its narrative hooks starting to latch onto me.

A couple more hours later, and these hooks are only embedding deeper the more I play. Even if the gameplay, which feels particularly clunky compared to modern action-RPGs, adds a degree of friction, the intriguing story and lovable characters, both familiar and original to the game, have me invested. Even if the game feels mechanically dated.

And from what fans tell me, the best is certainly yet to come. I hear the later games are a real step up in terms of gameplay. Particularly 2005's Kingdom Hearts 2, which many consider the best Kingdom Hearts title.

Kingdom Hearts Collection was made for players like me

I’m still a Kingdom Hearts newbie. There’s a long road ahead before I can consider myself well-versed in this franchise. But that’s what makes the Kingdom Hearts Collection so appealing. It includes basically everything released to date, from the three mainline games to the numerous spin-off titles, which I’m informed are all canonically key.

The collection covers 10 Kingdom Hearts titles. 7 are fully playable games, each remastered to varying degrees, while 3 have been reworked into HD movies. Considering Kingdom Hearts games aren’t exactly short either, with an average playtime of about 30 hours per title, for $74, that’s an awful lot of game crammed into a collection.

In fact, there’s so much to experience that, to start, it's more than a little overwhelming. I imagine this must be what it feels like to be somebody trying to catch up on the MCU before “Avengers: Doomsday.”

Kingdom Hearts also feels at home on the Nintendo Switch 2. As there’s so much content to experience here, being able to chip away at a title while playing in the console’s handheld mode is a huge selling point compared to picking up the collection on PS5, Xbox, or PC.

While I can speak to performance on later titles (I’ve heard the newest title, Kingdom Hearts 3, is a little spotty on Switch), the first game runs great on Nintendo’s system. But then again, it is a remastered PS2 title.

Kingdom Hearts 4 is currently set for a late 2027 release, which is helpful because it might take me the best part of a year to make my way through the collection. So, if you’re a newcomer to the series like me, this collection was basically designed for us. It offers the perfect opportunity to dive into Kingdom Hearts and get all caught up.

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If you want to get your blood pumping, the best Netflix action movies will get your heart racing.

However, scrolling through the top-rated streaming service can be a chore, so I thought I’d speed up the process by pointing you in the direction of a trio of thrilling adventures on the platform that I absolutely love.

These action classics range from a rollicking joyride through downtown L.A. with Keanu Reeves, to an iconic car caper that pits Vin Diesel against The Rock while the former tries to fleece a Brazilian police vault of $100m. Looking for fast thrills, brutal showdowns and a scene where Odysseus and Logan Roy have an extremely heated exchange in a beloved spy hit? Then these three Netflix action movies are definitely going to amp up your adrenaline.

'Speed' (1994)

Or, to pilfer a quote from Homer Simpson, “The Bus That Couldn’t Slow Down”. SWAT officer Jack Traven (Keanu Reeves) endures the commute from Hell as he finds himself trying to stop a runaway L.A. city bus that’s been armed with a bomb. The twist? If said coach’s speed drops below 50mph, everyone onboard goes kaboom.

Along with Jack for the ride is poor Annie Porter (Sandra Bullock), the unwitting passenger forced to keep the bus zooming across intersections at breakneck pace. Well, breakneck pace for a bus. The film’s premise naturally keeps the action rattling along with gusto.

It’s to “Speed’s” credit that even when the third act moves past the bus, the tension doesn’t let up thanks to a nerves-shredding subway sequence. Winning supporting turns from Jeff Daniels as Jack’s partner and Dennis Hopper as a demented bomber also elevate this ‘90s classic.

Watch "Speed" on Netflix now

'The Bourne Supremacy' (2004)

The first film is iconic, but “The Bourne Supremacy’ is the most emotionally layered entry in Matt Damon’s iconic spy series in my book. In this sequel to the 2002 breakout hit, the former amnesiac Treadstone agent starts to piece back his memory as he tries to make a normal life for himself with returning love interest Marie (Franka Potente).

Of course, this being a high-octane spy adventure and not a dewey-eyed rom-com, Jason’s peaceful existence doesn’t last long. Cue a globe-hopping thrill ride that sees the resourceful and remorseful former assassin trying to stay one step ahead of the CIA after he’s framed by his former employers.

What really marks “The Bourne Supremacy” as an action classic is the introduction of director Paul Greengrass to the franchise. The British filmmaker injects a wonderful chaotic energy into scenes — be it a hard-hitting car chase through Moscow or a fight scene in Berlin where Bourne lays a bookish smackdown with a magazine. A final act one-on-one sitdown also gives the film a surprisingly mournful, tender quality.

Watch "The Bourne Supremacy" on Netflix now

'Fast Five' (2011)

The best entry in the Fast saga (though “Furious 7” may want a word). The main reason “Fast Five” screeches to the franchise’s top podium place? That would be the presence of Dwayne Johnson dropping into the saga like a heavily tattooed nuke. Playing U.S. DSS Agent Luke Hobbs, The Rock proves an exhilaratingly muscular match for Dom Toretto (Vin Diesel).

There’s a whole lot of fun to be had with “Fast Five”. Switching the action to Rio de Janeiro proves a wise choice, as Dom and his gang of loyal carjackers plan a daring $100m heist in sweltering conditions.

This is probably the last time you could argue the series had any intentions of trying to keep its action semi-grounded. Sure, the action is silly, but we’re not dealing with folks driving cars in space. I’m looking at you, “F9: The Fast Saga”. A bruising, brilliant action movie.

Watch "Fast Five" on Netflix now

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Every week, I comb through the latest movies added to Prime Video’s already sizeable library to find the best recently added thrillers. And this week’s selection is seriously strong.

We start with the first adventure of a certain British superspy, which makes quite a timely watch as it just celebrated its 64th birthday earlier in the week. Then let’s take a trip into the future (or at least, what was considered the future in the 1980s), for a legendary sci-fi movie, which includes my favorite Harrison Ford character (and it’s not Han Solo). Rounding out my picks is an overlooked war movie from director Guy Ritchie that stars Jake Gyllenhaal as a U.S. soldier.

Thriller fans are really spoilt for choice on Prime Video. So, without further preamble, here are the 3 new to Prime Video thriller movies you need to watch this week.

3 best new to Prime Video thriller movies this week

'Dr. No’ (1962)

Yesterday (Oct. 5) was International James Bond Day, celebrated each year to commemorate the theatrical release of “Dr. No” on October 5, 1962. And in a move that is surely no coincidence, Prime Video has added (almost) every single James Bond film this month (including the non-Eon-produced “Never Say Never Again). “Dr. No” marked Bond’s first big-screen outing, and all these years later it remains a marvellously thrilling spy flick.

Based on Ian Fleming’s 1958 novel of the same name, the sixth in his series of Bond books, “Dr. No” sees Scottish actor Sean Connery donning the tuxedo for the first time as he plays Bond, James Bond, Britain’s most suave spy. Dispatched to Jamaica to investigate the sudden disappearance of a fellow secret agent, Bond finds himself on the trail of the eponymous villain, who has a dastardly plan to disrupt an American space launch.

Watch "Dr. No" on Prime Video now

‘Blade Runner’ (1982)

Forget Han Solo, if you ask me “what is Harrison Ford’s best sci-fi role,” I’m picking Rick Deckard every single time. After delivering “Alien” in 1979, director Ridley Scott helmed another titan of the genre, “Blade Runner,” a mere three years later. Adapted from Philip K. Dick’s novel, it transports viewers to a smoky vision of the future, where Earth is controlled by powerful corporations — which, I suppose, is actually worryingly close to our current reality.

Crucially, Prime Video has added “Blade Runner: The Final Cut,” a 2007 remaster released to celebrate the movie’s 25th anniversary. This version cleans up some of the effects, includes additional scenes, and even corrects a plot hole in the theatrical release. It’s the definitive version of a true sci-fi masterpiece. If you’re unfamiliar with the narrative basics, in “Blade Runner,” Ford’s Rick Deckard is a former cop, tasked with eliminating a group of synthetics, known as replicants, after they escape from a corporation-controlled colony.

Watch "Blade Runner" on Prime Video now

‘Guy Ritchie's The Covenant’ (2023)

Don't just take my word that "Guy Ritchie's The Covenant" is a worthwhile watch this week. On the review site Rotten Tomatoes, this war thriller holds a near-perfect 98% score. Viewers call it “incredible,” “full of action,” and “very intense," and I certainly don't disagree. It's a gritty military movie that explores an unlikely bond.

Set during the later stages of the war in Afghanistan, US Army Sergeant John Kinley (Gyllenhaal) forms an unexpected friendship with a local Afghan interpreter, Ahmed (Dar Salim). The two start at odds, but when Ahmed saves Kinley’s life, they develop a brotherhood. Shortly afterwards, Ahmed and his family are in danger of being captured and killed, and Kinley is determined to repay his debt.

Watch "The Covenant" on Prime Video now

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Netflix’s top 10 is packed with shows right now, but not everything making the list deserves a spot on your watchlist. If you’re staring at the rankings wondering what’s actually worth your time this week, I’ve picked out three shows that I think are particularly binge-worthy.

There’s a sweeping family drama spanning generations, a murder mystery set in a seemingly quiet Canadian town, and the fantasy adventure “Percy Jackson” that follows a teenager who discovers that the strange things happening around him may be connected to something far bigger. Whether you’re in the mood for an emotional drama, a twisty crime mystery or a fun fantasy adventure, these are the three Netflix top 10 shows I’d put at the top of your list this week.

Note: This list is based on the Netflix U.S. top 10 shows as of Tuesday, October 6, 2026.

Best shows in the Netflix top 10

‘East of Eden’

Netflix’s latest No. 1 show is “East of Eden,” a seven-part period drama created and written by Zoe Kazan. The series is based on John Steinbeck’s classic 1952 novel, and there’s a fascinating family connection behind this adaptation. Kazan’s grandfather, legendary director Elia Kazan, directed the famous 1955 movie starring James Dean. That film only covered the final part of Steinbeck’s story, while the new series has much more room to explore the novel in full and give its characters more time to develop. And, of course, Florence Pugh is a huge standout.

Set in California in the early 1900s, “East of Eden” follows Cathy Ames (Florence Pugh), a fiercely independent woman whose life becomes intertwined with the Trask family. After crossing paths with brothers Adam (Christopher Abbott) and Charles Trask (Mike Faist), Cathy becomes caught up in their complicated relationship and eventually builds a life with Adam. As the years pass, the story follows the Trask family across two generations, from Adam and Charles to Adam’s sons, Cal and Aron. Along the way, Cathy’s decisions have lasting consequences for the family.

Stream "East of Eden" on Netflix

‘Murder in a Small Town’

If you enjoy a good mystery and prefer shows that slowly reveal more with each episode, “Murder in a Small Town” is worth adding to your watchlist this week. This cozy crime drama is based on L.R. Wright’s Edgar Award-winning Karl Alberg mystery novels and has a much more relaxed feel than some of the darker crime shows out there. It’s not particularly graphic or violent, so you can easily settle in with a warm drink and enjoy the mystery without having to sit through anything too gruesome. Even better, Netflix has both seasons available, giving you 18 episodes to binge right now.

Karl Alberg (Rossif Sutherland) is a former big-city detective who moves to the coastal town of Gibsons, British Columbia, to become its new police chief. His plans for a quieter life quickly change when a series of murders begins taking place around the community. Karl must investigate each case alongside his small team, while getting to know Cassandra Lee (Kristin Kreuk), a local librarian he meets soon after arriving. As more bodies turn up, Karl draws on his detective experience to identify suspects and uncover the circumstances behind each killing.

Stream "Murder in a Small Town" seasons 1-2 on Netflix

‘Percy Jackson’

Disney and Netflix recently struck a major licensing deal that has brought a selection of popular Disney+ titles to Netflix for a limited time, including “Percy Jackson and the Olympians.” The timing couldn’t be better, with season 3 set to arrive in November. Based on Rick Riordan’s hugely popular book series, the fantasy adventure follows a teenager who discovers that the Greek gods and monsters from mythology are very real. It’s also a much more faithful adaptation of the books than the earlier movies, making the series a great choice for fans who were disappointed by those films.

“Percy Jackson and the Olympians” centers around 12-year-old Percy Jackson (Walker Scobell), a boy who discovers that he is a demigod after being accused of stealing Zeus’ powerful master bolt. With his friends Annabeth Chase (Leah Sava Jeffries) and Grover Underwood (Aryan Simhadri) by his side, Percy leaves Camp Half-Blood and sets out across the United States to find the missing weapon before the gods go to war. Along the way, the trio encounters monsters, gods and dangerous obstacles as they race against time to complete their quest.

Stream "Percy Jackson and the Olympians" seasons 1-2 on Netflix

Netflix top 10 shows right now

1. "East of Eden" (2026)
2. "A Different World" (2026)
3. "The Great British Baking Show" (2026)
4. "Wonka's the Golden Ticket" (2026)
5. "Murder in a Small Town" (2024)
6. "Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story" (2026)
7. "The Way Home" (2023)
8. "Lego One Piece" (2026)
9. "Percy Jackson and the Olympians" (2023)
10. "Doc" (2025)

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Cleaning my floors is one of those jobs I just never want to do. For some reason, the idea of filling up a bucket with soapy water and pushing a soggy mop around my kitchen and bathrooms is so low on my priority list that it often gets ignored completely. And don't even get me started on cleaning the mop head afterwards.

I've tried a spin mop, mops with replaceable and washable heads, and even a vacuum mop hybrid, yet the idea of washing my floors still feels like too much of a chore.

But, my social media has clearly been listening to me ranting about what mop I should be buying as my feed was suddenly very mop-heavy.

And then, amongst it all, I saw someone cleaning up their floors in record time with what appeared to be no fuss at all – and it was thanks to the Flash Speed Mop. Well, consider me thoroughly influenced to try it.

How does it work?

The Flash Speed Mop is ridiculously simple. It's an all-in-one flat floor mop equipped to hold scented wet wipes, or dry wipes, which are then pushed around your floors with a little bit of scrubbing.

The wet wipes are pre-moistened and contain dirt-dissolving cleansers ready to wipe up any spills and stains. It also has 360-degree swivel, meaning its super flexible when you're trying to get in hard-to-reach places and up against corners.

Then, when you're done, you simply remove the wipe, throw it in the bin, and replace whenever you're ready to clean again.

Here's what happened when I tried it

The kit I ordered came with both the easy-to-assemble mop and a packet of lemon-scented wipes to get started. And I can happily say it was really simple to put together and also super affordable.

The only thing that was a little bit 'tricky' was putting the wipes onto the mop head as they're very wet in order to spread across as much floor as possible. Unfortunately, that meant my hands also get pretty wet when pushing the wipes into the mop head in the four gripper holes (one on each corner).

Fortunately, it takes around 10 seconds to do, so it's not much of a complaint and I found it secures the wipes on very well. It's also worth the soggy sacrifice because that solution then made the mop easy to glide around the floors and also had a surprising amount of coverage (as well as picking up a surprising amount of dirt).

It was also a lot nicer than getting down on my hands and knees and pushing the wipes around myself, which is something I find myself doing in hard-to-reach places.

But, what I enjoyed the most about this handy mop was being able to pull the wipe off at the end and throw it in the bin. None of the hassle of a mop and bucket, none of the extra cleaning needed to get your mop head washed, and at the end, it was easily stored away.

We're about to get more hard floors put down in our house, which made my search for a new mop even more necessary. But, even if you've only got a room or two with hard floors like the kitchen or bathroom, it's not an expensive investment to only use sometimes.

Plus, the wipes are resealable meaning they're ready to use whenever you want. There's a couple of things that are worth weighing up though. The Flash Speed Mop is certainly less environmentally-friendly with one-use wipes and it also can't be used on certain floor types. These include unfinished, oiled, or waxed wooden boards, plus non-sealed tiles or carpeted floors.

For me though, it's made cleaning my floors easier than ever before and I can finally stop buying mops that I end up actively avoiding while I watch my floor get dirtier and dirtier!

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It’s that time again when Netflix adds a bunch of movies and shows at the beginning of the month. Even though the streaming service added 70 movies as soon as October arrived, there were a few hidden films that weren’t included in the original lineup, and one of them is “Crawl.” This survival thriller movie, which came out in 2019, doesn’t just deal with a dangerous hurricane, but what the floods bring with them: some pretty terrifying alligators. Safe to say, it’s one of the most intense thrillers I’ve watched in recent years.

2026 has seen plenty of survival thrillers, including two shark movies that pit people against the ocean’s predators, Netflix’s “Thrash” and Prime Video’s “The Devil’s Mouth.” There’s also “Hungry,” where tourists on a swamp tour encounter a territorial hippopotamus. Clearly, there’s an appetite for films where people have to fight for survival against deadly animals, but despite this year being packed with them, I think they’re pretty poor films. Which is what makes “Crawl” such a standout in this crowded field.

So, if you’re looking for a tense survival movie that’s also a disaster thriller, with plenty of alligator attacks and a sequel on the way, here’s why you should stream “Crawl” on Netflix this week.

What is ‘Crawl’ about?

“Crawl” follows Haley Keller (Kaya Scodelario), a university swimmer who ignores evacuation orders during a Category 5 hurricane to search for her missing father, Dave (Barry Pepper). She eventually finds him badly injured in the crawl space beneath their old family home, but their situation quickly becomes more dangerous when large alligators enter the property.

As floodwaters rise around the house, Haley and Dave are forced to navigate the cramped crawl space while looking for a way out. Their attempts to escape lead them through the flooded streets and back into the increasingly damaged house, where they also try to protect their dog, Sugar. The pair must reach higher ground before the flooding completely overwhelms the house and the alligators close in.

‘Crawl’ is lean, mean and brutally entertaining

One of the best things about “Crawl” is how simple and straightforward it is. There’s no complicated plot or unnecessary subplots getting in the way. You’re here to watch Haley try to survive a flooded house full of alligators, and the movie gets straight to the point.

Kaya Scodelario is also excellent in the lead role, playing Haley as someone who can actually fight back rather than simply waiting to be rescued. She uses her swimming skills, strength and determination to survive while trying to save her injured dad. Every escape brings an even bigger problem, which ensures there’s always enough tension.

I found the scenes underneath the house particularly effective at keeping the movie intense. Haley has to deal with the alligators lurking in the darkness, but she also has to figure out how to get herself and her dad out safely as the water continues to rise. It creates this constant feeling that there’s a clock ticking in the background, even when the alligators aren’t immediately on screen. Plus, the film very much plays into claustrophobia and uses the cramped spaces underneath the house to its advantage.

The movie also gives Haley and her dad some much-needed backstory, which adds a little more emotion to what is otherwise a pretty adrenaline-fueled watch. Their relationship gives Haley another reason to keep fighting, so her goal isn’t simply to escape the alligators.

I’ll admit the CGI isn’t always the best, but it’s convincing enough that it rarely pulled me out of the movie. Alexandre Aja also clearly did his research into how alligators behave and hunt, which makes them feel much more threatening than your typical oversized movie monsters.

That’s ultimately why “Crawl” works so well for me and is one I find myself going back to over any other creature feature I’ve seen in 2026 so far. It doesn’t waste time on unnecessary exposition or side stories that slow things down. One problem leads naturally into the next, with each obstacle feeling like another level that Haley has to somehow get through. The movie is tight, relentless and never loses sight of what it wants to be. And honestly, sometimes that’s all I want from a survival thriller.

Stream "Crawl" on Netflix

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You can improve mobility and build a stronger lower body using just a resistance or loop band and your bodyweight. I wish all my clients would try the routine I designed below, but it's hard to convince people to stick to a consistent mobility routine; most people want to prioritize running, lifting weights, or attending classes (which is no bad thing, either, but I'd love clients to make space for both).

Recently, a 55-year-old client asked if I could design her a short mobility routine she could do at home by just rolling out her exercise mat and using a thick loop band. Below, I share the routine, plus the benefits you can expect.

Just remember, this routine was designed with my client in mind. If you experience pain or feel unwell, stop immediately and seek medical advice as soon as possible.

Watch: Banded 4-move mobility routine

If you're working with an injury or health condition, I recommend seeking advice before starting this routine.

• Banded clamshell x knee drive: 2-3 sets of 6- 10 reps per side
• Kneeling abductions: 2-3 sets of 6-8 reps per side
• Banded internal rotations: 2-3 sets of 6-8 reps per side
• Overhead hip flexor stretches: 2-3 sets of 6-10 reps per side.

What are the benefits?

Many people assume squats, lunges and deadlifts are enough to train hips to be strong. Yes, they're useful, especially the hip hinge movement pattern we see in deadlifts, but it's arguably not enough to really protect your hips as you age.

Your hips help you raise your knees. But they need to rotate, adduct, abduct, stabilize, protect, control and help produce force, too. That's why focusing on strength, range of motion and mobility is useful, especially if you consider yourself an active person.

Rather than just training simple extension or flexion, give these moves a try.

Start with your banded clamshell and knee drive, which focuses on abduction and gluteus medius activation, plus the hip flexors as you drive the knee up. This is about control and as much range of motion as possible.

Next, move to your kneeling abductions. This is an end-range motion, which means you start with your leg already raised and push to lift even further. I wouldn't add a band here, but play around with the height of your step or box. Keep your foot flexed and the weight even between your hands, rather than leaning away from the box.

Up next, banded internal rotations. You'll need to anchor your band to something stable and sit side-on to your anchor point, then feed the band just above your knee. I like to use a block or book between my thighs to activate my adductors (inner thigh muscles) while stabilizing the knee of the working leg. This also tests anti-rotation as you try to resist the pull of the band.

Finally, finish with the hip flexor stretches. Using a bench or sofa allows you to raise your leg and drop into a nice, deep stretch. I would stay on the ball of your back foot and keep your back leg straight as you press the front knee forward over the ankle. An optional extra: raise your arms overhead as you stretch, maybe even holding a weight plate in your hands; this will help you open up the front of your body.

Follow Tom's Guide fitness on Instagram for more workouts, routines, tips, and tricks.

I'd classify these as intermediate exercises, and you can play around with the band you use or consider adding weights if you prefer. Start slow and reduce the reps and sets as needed or slow the tempo of each move down to increase overall intensity. Try adding small pulses or pauses as you progress.

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It’s that time of week when we help you figure out what flicks are worth watching on Amazon’s streaming platform. As someone guilty of endless, non-committal scrolling, I certainly appreciate Prime Video’s top 10 chart guiding me towards the movies a whole lot of viewers are being drawn to over any given week.

However, Prime Video’s top 10 can be pretty hit-or-miss, and just because a film has skyrocketed to the top of the charts doesn’t necessarily mean it’s worth checking out. To save you some time, I’ve sifted through this week’s most popular movies on Prime to find the ones that are actually worth your precious time. That includes a big-budget heist film, a Tom Cruise thriller people don’t talk about enough, and one of my favorite ever Tarantino movies.

The movies below are taken from Prime Video’s top 10 as of Monday, October 5, 2026. As not all the movies on there are all that great, I’ve picked out three choices I’m confident you won’t regret watching.

Best movies in the Prime Video top 10

‘Now You See Me: Now You Don't’ (2025)

If you can get past the needless own goal the third entry in this magic-filled heist franchise commits, there’s quite a lot to enjoy about this breezy caper. Seriously though, how is this not called “Now You Three Me”?! Getting past that naming faux pas, this threequel picks up 10 years after the events of the last entry.

Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Dave Franco and Isla Fisher reprise their roles as thieving illusionists, with their latest globe-hopping adventure touching upon the issue of deepfakes across some elaborate setpieces. It’s obviously all thoroughly silly stuff, but the core cast remain charming, and the film rattles along at pace over a lean 112 minute runtime. Rosamund Pike admittedly isn’t given much to sink her teeth into as the villainous Verokinka Vanderberg but the film’s action is directed with real flair by Ruben Fleischer. Turn off your brain and just enjoy the not quite magical, but fun enough ride.

Watch "Now You See Me: Now You Don't" on Prime Video now

‘Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood' (2019)

Forget his Oscar-winning turn in “The Revenant”: this is arguably the greatest performance of Leonardo DiCaprio’s legendary career. Playing over the hill Western star Rick Dalton during the dying days of Hollywood's Golden Era, he gets through his whiskey-soaked days mainly thanks to Brad Pitt’s carbonite cool stunt man. It’s no wonder Pitt is reprising the titular role next month in spin-off “The Further Mis-Adventures of Cliff Booth”.

Quentin Tarantino's ninth movie sports all his usual hallmarks. Banger after banger! A rapier-sharp script! Copious flamethrower violence! Much like “Inglorious Basterds”, “Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood” rewrites history in an absurdly gory, but ultra satisfying finale that sees Rick and Cliff unwittingly prevent a tragedy in large parts thanks to Booth’s awesome dog. Bruce Lee fans probably appreciate a certain fight scene, and Margot Robbie is underutilised, but this is a heartfelt love letter to Hollywood’s last real romantic age.

Watch "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood" on Prime Video now

‘Jack Reacher’ (2012)

Long before Alan Ritchson ate all the protein to play Lee Child’s badass drifter in the hit Prime Video show, Tom Cruise made the role his own in this overly slept-on thriller. With Ritchson’s fourth series now available to stream in its entirety, it’s little wonder folks are hunting down Cruise’s portrayal of the former U.S. Army investigator. “Jack Reacher” is a clever and lean actioner that’s slickly directed by longtime Cruise collaborator Christoper McQuarrie.

Though the “Digger” star’s version may be a whole lot shorter than the book incarnation, the iconic star turns in an intensely focused performance. Any worries about his height are quickly forgotten thanks to the film’s superb fight choreography. After a startling opening sniper spree which sees five seemingly random people murdered in downtown Pittsburgh, Reacher sets out to find the truth about the assassinations. Cue epic car chases, several plot twists and a brilliant supporting turn from the late, great Robert Duvall.

Watch "Jack Reacher" on Prime Video now

Prime Video top 10 movies right now

1. "Now You See Me: Now You Don't" (2025)
2. "The Love Hypothesis" (2026)
3. "Jack Reacher: Never Go Back" (2016)
4. "Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood" (2019)
5. "Jack Reacher" (2012)
6. "The Amateur" (2025)
7. "Livestream from Hell" (2026)
8. "Good Fortune" (2025)
9. "Masters of the Universe" (2026)
10. "Looking Through Water" (2025)

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If your idea of a great romantic-comedy series is something in the “Fleabag” or “Feel Good” vein — you know, those character-driven shows that are relatably messy and packed with smart things to say about love, sex, and all the rest — we’ve got another TV charmer for you to add to your watch list: “The Bisexual,” a six-episode British dramedy created, written, and directed by (and starring!) Desiree Akhavan.

You might have missed the critically acclaimed limited series when it premiered in 2018 on Channel 4 in the U.K., but since it’s currently streaming on Hulu, now's a great time to catch up on the show's sharp takes on sexual dynamics, queer identity, and community belonging.

Need more convincing? Here's why you should add "The Bisexual" to your next Hulu watchlist.

What is 'The Bisexual' about?

Series creator Desiree Akhavan stars as Leila, a thirtysomething Iranian-American woman who has lived proudly as an out lesbian in London for over a decade. However, she splits from her long-term girlfriend and business partner, Sadie (Maxine Peake), when she realizes that she's been living a lie and actually identifies as bisexual.

She is then forced to move in with a stranger, a neurotic novelist named Gabe (Brian Gleeson), who acts as a makeshift wingman as the newly single Leila hilariously explores her sexual identity and begins dating men as well as women.

All the while, her late-stage coming out causes ripples of tension throughout her previously monosexual queer community of friends and loved ones. (Saskia Chana, Michèlle Guillot and John Dagleish also star.)

Why I recommend you stream 'The Bisexual'

There are plenty of LGBTQ+ movies and series on streaming that explore queer rites of passage like coming out, self-discovery, found family, and the like, but only a few that focus on the unique experience of being bisexual, and even fewer with the thoughtfulness that "The Bisexual" shows Leila's story.

As our protagonist navigates her identity shift, she faces surprising microaggressions and a social fallout from her lesbian friends, bringing up tensions of bi-erasure within the LGBTQ+ community and questions of what modern-day queerness looks like.

"Carried by Desiree Akhavan's dry wit, 'The Bisexual' explores identity politics with humor and heart," praises the critical consensus on Rotten Tomatoes, where the dramedy has a strong 91% approval rating.

Stream "The Bisexual" on Hulu now

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There’s no feeling quite like getting into your car, turning it on, and seeing your phone immediately show up on the infotainment screen through wireless CarPlay or Android Auto. You don’t have to plug anything in or mess with any cords. It just works.

After experiencing wireless Android Auto for myself, I ended up buying the newer, more expensive version of my truck rather than saving money on an older model.

My wife got her SUV right before wireless CarPlay became mainstream, leaving her stuck plugging and unplugging her iPhone every time she got behind the wheel.

While annoying for her, at least her iPhone connected. On my Android phone, the connection was hit-or-miss, and whenever I drove her car, I dreaded trying multiple cables in the hope that one might actually work. To make life easier for both of us, I bought her a wireless CarPlay and Android Auto adapter. It did the trick initially, but before long, my wife’s music started skipping constantly.

I was originally going to replace it with another similar adapter, but then I came across a 2-in-1 gadget that made a lot more sense. The first accessory I ever bought for my truck was one of the best dash cams, and I had been meaning to put one in my wife’s car as well. With the OttoSafe Cam from Ottocast though, I was able to add both front and rear cameras to her car while fixing her wireless CarPlay woes for good.

A dash cam with a wireless twist

Just like with the Rove R2-4K Dual dash cam I installed in my truck, the OttoSafe Cam that Ottocast sent over came with everything needed for a seamless installation. In the box, you get the main dash cam, a rear camera for the back of your vehicle, a wireless CarPlay/Android Auto adapter, and all the cables required to connect them.

Most importantly in my book, it also comes with a pry tool. With it, you can easily tuck the shorter cable for the dash cam and the longer one for the rear camera neatly behind your car’s trim.

Running wires during my first dash cam installation took quite a while, but this time around — since I knew what I was doing — the whole process only took about an hour.

The OttoSafe Cam’s main body is cylindrical and mounts to your front windshield with adhesive. To view its live feeds and browse recordings on your infotainment screen, there’s a small, rectangular wireless CarPlay/Android Auto adapter.

While the adapter in my wife’s car previously plugged directly into her car’s USB port and stuck out, I like that this one is designed to sit flat toward the front of the center console.

On the left side of the OttoSafe Cam, there’s a physical button you can press in the event of an incident to manually save whatever the dash cam is recording. On the right side, you'll find a USB-C port for power, a 3.5mm jack-style port to connect the rear camera, and a microSD slot.

While you can bring your own card, Ottocast also sells this dash cam bundled with a 64GB card included.

Getting the OttoSafe Cam installed was surprisingly easy. I plugged the wireless CarPlay/Android Auto adapter into the main USB port in my wife’s car, then powered the dash cam via the 12V power outlet in the center console using the included adapter.

After positioning the front camera, I tucked its cable under the headliner above the windshield for a clean install. From there, I did the exact same thing with the cable for the rear camera, and I was good to go.

One screen for all

If you’ve used CarPlay or Android Auto before, you know that what you can do on your car’s infotainment screen is intentionally limited — and for good reason. Drivers are distracted enough as it is, but I’ve always felt this display could be used for far more than just navigation, music, or viewing your vehicle’s factory backup camera.

With the OttoSafe Cam installed, you get wireless CarPlay or Android Auto alongside live feeds from the front and rear cameras and direct access to your saved footage.

While I haven’t connected my Android phone to it yet, on my wife’s iPhone, two small buttons appear as overlays in the top corners while CarPlay is running. The button on the left returns you to the OttoSafe Cam’s main menu, while the button on the right jumps straight into the dash cam’s live feeds.

By default, you get an unobstructed view of the camera feed with a timestamp along the bottom and a small camera icon to quickly snap a photo. Tapping the center of the screen brings up another row of controls where you can switch between camera feeds, review past recordings, and tweak settings.

Compared to my Rove dash cam, I like this approach a lot more. Instead of squinting at a tiny screen on the camera body itself, you have a large dashboard display to view your feeds.

I like using the dash cam's rear camera in my truck to check on cargo in the bed, but it’s just as useful for overall situational awareness. Your standard rearview mirror offers a fairly narrow angle, but looking at the feed from the rear dash cam gives you a much wider field of view. There have even been times when my side mirrors fogged up, and I relied on the dash cam feed to see what was behind me.

In my wife’s SUV, I mounted the OttoSafe Cam directly in the top center of her windshield for two practical reasons: I didn’t want the adhesive sticking to the frit matrix (the black dot pattern near the top of the windshield) where it might lose grip, and I wanted to make sure her EZPass didn't block the lens.

Mounting it here also allowed me to route the wires neatly up behind her rearview mirror, making them easy to tuck behind the headliner.

As for the wireless CarPlay/Android Auto adapter, I have it sitting flat right next to the wireless charging pad at the front of her center console.

It keeps the setup looking tidy, and I was even able to tuck the extra cable length into the corner where the dash cam wire runs down to the 12V power outlet.

My wife has been using this wireless CarPlay setup for a week now with zero complaints — and more importantly, zero skipped music.

While she hasn’t needed to pull footage from her dash cam yet, I can rest easy knowing that if someone cuts her off in Houston traffic and causes an accident, she’ll have all the video evidence required for an insurance claim.

A double upgrade with a single install

At $150 full price, the OttoSafe Cam is exactly the upgrade my wife’s car needed. While she was initially hesitant about me installing a dash cam in her vehicle, as soon as I told her it would fix her wireless CarPlay issues at the same time, she came around quite quickly.

With this setup, you’re also paying significantly less than you would if you bought everything separately. Standalone wireless CarPlay or Android Auto adapters typically cost around $50 to $100 on their own, while a quality dual-camera dash cam system ranges between $120 and $180.

If you don’t have a dash cam in your vehicle — or those of your family members — it’s a practical and worthwhile investment. Whether you’re dealing with a reckless driver or an incident where you need clear proof for insurance, one quick check of your dash cam footage can make a massive difference. They can even serve as a great deterrent.

For instance, shortly after I installed the OttoSafe Cam, another driver abruptly cut in front of my wife while she was exiting the highway. When the driver looked back in their rearview mirror and spotted her newly installed dash cam, they instantly slowed down and started driving a whole lot more carefully.

There are plenty of choices when picking out a dash cam, but if your vehicle currently relies on wired CarPlay or Android Auto, Ottocast’s OttoSafe Cam gives you two upgrades for the price of one.

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Another year, another installment in EA Sports' long-running FC series (a.k.a the franchise formerly known as FIFA). For football fans (or soccer supporters if you really must), diving into the latest version of the world’s best-selling sports simulator is an annual tradition.

EA Sports FC 27’s pre-launch marketing promised a series shake-up thanks to its new open-world mode, The Grounds (think NBA 2K’s The City but for football), alongside the usual tweaks, fresh features and upgrades to FC’s staple offerings like Career Mode and Ultimate Team.

I’ve been playing FC/FIFA annually for pretty much my entire life — as a long-suffering Newcastle United fan, it’s often been the only way to see my team actually win on the pitch — and after spending some time with EA Sports FC 27 on PS5 Pro, here’s my verdict on this year’s game.

The good

The Grounds is the closest to FIFA Street we’ll get

Much to my disappointment, we may never get another full FIFA Street title. But at least we now have The Grounds. This open-world hub offers the chance to partake in small-sided games (1v1, 2v2 and 3v3) and mini-games, such as a soccer-themed spin on basketball. While not a mode anybody is likely to play for the whole season, it’s a great way to blow off some steam after a crushing UT defeat. However, the open-world aspects feel rather superfluous thanks to bland environments. I would even prefer its novel kickabout modes were accessed via a series of menus. Still, it’s a worthwhile inclusion, and the closest approximation of the retired FIFA Street subseries we’re likely to get anytime soon.

Career mode transfers feel more authentic

The big upgrade to Career mode in FC 27 comes to the transfer market, and while it’s still not a perfect recreation of the real-life window, it’s definitely a step in the right direction. You now have a wealth of options to structure deals, including paying/receiving a percentage of the fee in installments, inserting a buy-back clause, or adding favorable bonus payments. It all serves to make transfers feel just a little more authentic. Granted, in my experience so far, other clubs seem reluctant to accept deals that aren’t just a single lump sum paid upfront.

Crossing and corners have been reworked

Last year, EA Sports FC 26 introduced two gameplay presets: Competitive, designed for online play, and Authentic, for offline modes. This excellent upgrade has been retained, with FC 27 making smaller gameplay refinements. These are largely felt in the new corner mechanic — you set the corner taker’s aim/power and then control a player trying to meet the ball in the box — and crossing has also been altered, with less generous auto-targeting. You've got to earn those headers. These additions give you more control, which is appreciated.

The bad

Ultimate Team (still) wants your money

In basically any FC write-up, it’s almost customary for the author to grumble a bit about Ultimate Team, the series most-played and most cash-hungry mode. FC 27’s new feature is The Gallery, letting you proudly display your virtual player cards and unlock new rewards. But the bones of UT are largely unchanged. It’s a mode ruled by pay-to-win systems that reward those willing to fork over additional cash on pricey microtransactions, and that seemingly won’t ever change.

Goalkeepers have forgotten how to save

Blaming the goalkeeper when you concede is an age-old FIFA/FC tradition. After all, in a standard match, it’s the sole position you don’t control. But even with the caveat that many "goalkeeper blunders" are more the fault of poor defensive play, in FC 27, goalkeepers seem particularly susceptible to producing howlers. Keepers will often parry the ball rather than catch it, or tip it around the posts, leading to a simple tap-in for the on-rushing opposition. Of course, a keeper palming the ball back into danger isn’t exactly rare in real-life soccer, but the frequency of this occurrence in FC 27 has had me cursing out my keeper more than usual.

The ugly

Menus remain an eyesore

For years now, I’ve booted up each new FC with my fingers crossed that the UI and menus will be overhauled. Every year, I’m left disappointed. It’s no exaggeration to say the menu system is atrocious. Menus are sluggish, prone to glitching, a nightmare of negative space, and often demand multiple clicks to perform actions that should be done in one. In a sports game where tabbing through menus and submenus is something you do a lot, it’s ludicrous how the situation hasn’t been earmarked for major improvement. I can only hope that when EA Sports FC 28 rolls around, this is one compliment that is finally resolved.

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When my phone’s screen isn’t large enough for the task at hand, I often reach for a tablet instead. However, unless you charge yours religiously every night, picking one up usually means finding a dead battery and a digital paperweight.

Over the years, I’ve tested many of the best tablets — from a compact, gaming-focused slate to a massive 14-inch one that felt more like a clipboard than something you could easily slide into a bag. Yet of all the devices I’ve used, only one ever solved the constant battery-drain dilemma.

With its magnetic charging dock, I really felt like Google's Pixel Tablet set a new standard that other companies would follow. Boy, was I wrong. Not only did Google recently discontinue the Pixel Tablet, but I've yet to see another manufacturer attempt a similar always-charged dock setup.

If you can’t keep a device permanently docked, the next best solution is a low-power, simplified approach that simply refuses to die. After testing out TCL's full-featured NXTPAPER tablets, I recently got my hands on the new TCL Note A1. Unlike those general-purpose slates, this one is built entirely around reading, writing, and taking notes with its included T-Pen Pro stylus.

After using the Note A1 for the past three weeks, it’s become the only tablet I reach for at my desk — and the one I slip into my backpack whenever I leave the house. If you’ve had your eyes on a productivity-focused slate from reMarkable, Boox, or even Amazon’s Kindle Scribe, here’s why the TCL Note A1 deserves a spot on your shortlist.

A display-first approach

The Note A1 that TCL sent over for me to check out arrived in a single box split in two. While the larger half held the tablet itself along with a stylus, some extra pen tips, and a charging cable, the smaller half held a magnetic flip cover.

Right from the start, I knew I was dealing with a very different type of tablet thanks to the quote printed on the inside of its box: “Knowledge grows by piling up facts, wisdom shines through simplicity.” I couldn’t sum up the design philosophy behind the Note A1 better myself.

At 10.24 x 7.74 x 0.22 inches, this 11.5-inch tablet gives you plenty of screen space to work with in an incredibly slim package. Meanwhile, at 500 grams or just over a pound, the Note A1 is designed to be easy to carry and take with you anywhere — because you never know when inspiration will strike.

Instead of going with thin bezels all the way around, the one on the left side of the device is a bit larger at roughly three-quarters of an inch wide, just like on the original Kindle Scribe. The larger size makes the device easier to hold in your left hand while you write, but that extra space is also used to house a home button with a built-in fingerprint scanner.

This is a bit different from the rest of TCL’s NXTPAPER tablets that lack a fingerprint scanner, but I found it to be a welcome addition — just like the one integrated into the power button on my NXTPAPER 70 Pro phone.

When you look around the sides of the Note A1, you won’t find much. There’s a power button on the top left, and then on the bottom right, there’s a USB-C port for charging. Given it wasn’t designed as a media consumption device like a lot of other tablets, there isn’t a physical volume rocker.

If you’re wondering why the USB-C port isn’t centered, I suspect this probably has to do with TCL’s optional keyboard case. When attached, you can plug a charging cable in cleanly on the bottom right without having it hanging awkwardly from the middle of the device. It’s a small but well-thought-out touch.

Around back, the Note A1 has small, circular magnets wrapped in soft-touch plastic on three of its corners along with a 13 MP rear camera and a trio of pogo pins for connecting the keyboard case. The tablet’s case is made from aerospace-grade aluminum, and in addition to letting you quickly snap on a cover, these round magnets prevent the back of the device from getting scratched.

TCL definitely went with a less-is-more approach with some parts of the Note A1, but the company didn’t skimp on its specs either. Powered by an older but very efficient MediaTek Helio G100 processor, the tablet ships with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage.

Despite being less than a quarter inch thick, the Note A1 still packs an 8,000 mAh battery with 33W fast charging. The display is the star of the show, though, and instead of an E-Ink screen, it’s equipped with an 11.5-inch NXTPAPER Pure display with a 3:2 aspect ratio and my personal favorite, matte anti-glare glass.

After adding my fingerprint and going through the rest of the setup process, it was time to see what the Note A1 was capable of.

Not your typical tablet

Instead of completely reinventing the wheel, TCL took many of the best aspects of its NXTPAPER tablets and incorporated them into the Note A1.

While you can’t switch between modes and instantly go from full color to black and white like with other NXTPAPER devices, you still get that matte, paper-like quality from the tablet, which makes reading ebooks and documents a very satisfying experience that’s also easy on the eyes.

The Note A1 isn’t entirely black and white, either. There are hints of color throughout its UI, and you can look at photos or watch YouTube videos like you would on any other tablet. Speaking of the display, it's flicker-free and buttery smooth thanks to its 120Hz refresh rate. You won’t see any of the typical lag you do on an E-Ink screen here.

Besides its lack of volume buttons, the one thing that made me instantly realize the Note A1 isn’t just your typical tablet occurred the instant I turned it on for the first time. Instead of going to your standard Android home screen, the device’s main page is actually for notes. You can view all of your existing notes and documents or create new ones with a tap on the plus icon.

The Note A1 is powered by Android, and once you dive into the settings menu, this is immediately apparent. However, the Android version wasn’t listed there, and tapping on the build number didn’t unlock developer options like it does on other Android devices.

It did take me a bit to get used to, but now that I’ve become accustomed to the Note A1’s Android skin, I actually wouldn’t mind seeing it on one of TCL’s next Android phones. At a time when people are installing custom launchers to fight doom-scrolling, the company did an excellent job of equipping this tablet with a distraction-free UI.

Just like with its other recent tablets and phones, you also get access to all of TCL’s AI tools for transcription, translation, and more, but you can turn them off if you want. One AI feature I particularly liked is Inspiration Circle. When you long-press the button on the T-Pen Pro stylus, you can then circle a note or file to add it to a dedicated Inspiration Space.

In practice, this works a lot like the Essential Key and Essential Space on newer Nothing phones. It’s worth noting that if you do decide to use TCL’s AI features, many of them are handled locally on the Note A1, while more demanding ones are carried out over the cloud through a partnership with Microsoft Azure.

Although the Note A1 comes with Microsoft’s apps like Edge and Outlook pre-installed, you can download Google apps or pretty much any other app you like from the Play Store, unlike on reMarkable’s E-Ink tablets.

Just note that your mileage will vary from app to app. For instance, while I could download, log in, and use Reddit, I kept getting an error message that I was using an incorrect version of X when I tried to launch it. You can also sideload Android apps, but I wouldn’t recommend that unless you know what you’re doing and what you’ve downloaded for security reasons.

I tried reading a few graphic novels uploaded as PDF files right from the Note A1’s home screen, and while it worked, I just couldn’t get it to save my place. Then, after downloading and installing CDisplayEx, I was able to read Resident Alien and other digital comics with ease. In fact, they looked great on the Note A1’s 11.5-inch, 3:2 screen.

I’m sure there’s even more I can do with TCL’s latest tablet. However, after three weeks of taking notes, reading ebooks and graphic novels, checking my Gmail and Slack messages, and reading the news, I’m very impressed with the Note A1 and its simpler, more streamlined Android skin.

A tablet worth keeping handy

As I normally do when testing out a new tablet, I kept it right at the ready on my desk. Surprisingly, though, while I’d be constantly recharging other tablets, the Note A1’s battery life continued to wow me during the time I spent using it as my daily driver.

Over the course of three weeks, it never ran out of battery and flat-out died. In fact, after leaving it untouched for a few days, the lowest I saw its battery get was 30%.

Even now, as I’m writing this late on Friday, after charging it on Tuesday before heading out to take pics, it’s still at 70% battery life. In addition to its extra-large 8,000 mAh battery, I think a big part of its lengthy battery life comes down to how the Note A1 enters Standby Mode when not in use for extended periods.

Now, would I recommend this tablet for watching YouTube videos and playing games? Absolutely not, as one of the best cheap tablets would be better for the former, while a more powerful device like the RedMagic Astra 2 would be a better fit for the latter. You can certainly watch videos on the Note A1, but your fingers need to be quick on the draw to pull down its Quick Settings menu since you don’t have physical volume controls after all.

Instead, I think this tablet is a great fit for those who want something simpler that’s easy on the eyes while also being incredibly thin and light — without the premium price you’d pay for an iPad Air. The Note A1 is exactly what its name implies: a handy device that comes with a stylus in the box for taking notes, brainstorming, and jotting down ideas.

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Tom Cruise remains one of the highest-paid actors in Hollywood, and for good reason. Armed with jaw-dropping stunts, a gleaming smile and an intense gaze unmatched by many, he has built a household name recognizable across every corner of the globe.

With lead roles in over 40 films and an eye-popping box office total grossing well past $10 billion, his staying power is undeniable. Beyond acting, Cruise has cemented his legacy as a producer, guiding the hit "Mission: Impossible" movies through its eighth spectacle, "Final Reckoning."

Yet while he may be known primarily as an invincible action star, Cruise has consistently played characters with incredible depth and range. Throughout his career, he has seamlessly shifted from the charming yet competitive romantic lead to a cold, calculating killer or a greedy, misguided younger brother. He completely transforms in his latest role in "Digger." Narrowing down his greatest achievements is no easy task, but here are a few of the very best Tom Cruise movies.

'A Few Good Men'

This military legal thriller is best known by many for its famous line spoken by Jack Nicholson: "You can't handle the truth!" However, it wouldn't be the same without Cruise playing the cocky Military lawyer Lieutenant Daniel Kaffee.

When defense lawyer Kaffee takes on the case of two Marines accused of killing one of their colleagues, many expect him to simply settle the case out of court. Cruise's natural overconfidence as portrayed in his character, Kaffee, becomes a quality that people plan to manipulate to keep the truth a secret. When he realizes this raw reality, Cruise's stone-cold determination to take the case to court shocks many.

Nicholson, who plays Colonel Nathan R. Jessup, was nominated for the Oscar. However, Cruise wows the audience when he plays opposite Nicholson in the famous court scene that prompted the line we all know so well.

Stream on HBO Max

'Rain Man'

In this Oscar award-winning film, Cruise plays Charlie Babbitt, the selfish brother of Dustin Hoffman's Raymond. When Charlie finds out that his autistic savant brother has inherited a great deal of money, he's determined to get hold of what he believes is rightfully his. So, Charlie absconds with Ray away from his residential home, sending the two on a memorable road trip neither will forget.

Hoffman took home an Academy Award for his role. So did the director, the screenwriter and the picture as a whole. While Tom Cruise may not have received an Oscar nomination for his role in the film, he is the perfect actor to play alongside Hoffman. You have the reward of watching him shed his character's shallow, flashy demeanor and embrace a subtle maturity as he learns why his brother was sent away. A must-watch film that is one of Cruise's best.

Stream on Prime Video

'The Firm'

No one but Cruise could have played the part of Mitch McDeere in "The Firm," an adaptation of the book by John Grisham. It could be why the 2012 television series of the book was canceled after only a single season. In the film, Cruise's McDeere is hired by a "small" firm from Memphis right out of law school. Although everything seems on the up-and-up, it isn't long before he realizes that he is surrounded by crooks.

It's the transformation of McDeere's smugness over landing such a top-notch job into an intensity over uncovering the truth and protecting his career — and life — that makes this such a powerful Tom Cruise movie. However, what may surprise many is that Holly Hunter took home the Oscar for her role as Tammy Hemphill, the secretary of the private detective that McDeere hires. Despite Cruise's lack of Oscar recognition, this is one of his best movies.

Watch on Paramount Plus

'Jerry Maguire'

This time, Cruise got a coveted Oscar nomination for the role of Jerry Maguire, a sports agent at the top of his game. However, Jerry gets a crisis of conscience when one of his clients gets seriously hurt. Confronted by the client's son, he realizes he has no heart for those he is supposed to represent.

When Jerry writes a mission statement, encouraging his agency to change their ways, he loses it all. But it also connects him with a potential love interest, Dorothy Boyd (Renee Zellweger). He also manages to keep a single client, Rod Tidwell, played by Cuba Gooding Jr.

The movie is a perfect blend of excellent acting, a strong script, and superb directing that makes this one of the most memorable romantic comedies. It also happens to include the famous Tom Cruise line that gives us all the feels: "You complete me."

Stream on Hulu

'Collateral'

Going against his typical role, Tom Cruise plays a ruthless killer in "Collateral." Vincent is visiting Los Angeles to finish off a few people who are supposed to testify in court against a drug lord, as well as a couple of other lawyers involved in the case. When he gets into the cab of Max, played by Jamie Foxx, not everything goes according to plan.

Cruise takes out all the charm in his personality to depict a heartless killer — although what remains is a certain reasonableness to his personality as he almost convinces Foxx's Max to stick with him for the long haul. However, Foxx's Max becomes braver by the moment.

In yet another film where another actor was Oscar-nominated over Cruise — this time it was Foxx — it still remains one of Cruise's most complex characters, making it one of his best movies.

Stream on Prime Video

'Top Gun: Maverick'

Timing is everything, as the old adage says. That is possibly why "Top Gun: Maverick" was such a success. Cruise starred in and produced the film, a sequel to his career-making film, "Top Gun." While it was ready to go in 2020, he delayed its release for when people could actually see it in theaters. And for good reason: With incredible stunts and minimal use of CGI, it's an experience as much as it is entertainment.

Playing a character many became familiar with in the '80s, Cruise adds a level of maturity to his role as Captain Pete "Maverick" Mitchell. Maverick returns to the school that molded him to train younger pilots, one of whom is the son of his now-deceased best friend. The emotional depth Cruise brings to the film makes it almost better than the original, a feat that's nearly impossible for sequels.

Stream on Netflix