Watch this, not that: I have the perfect alternative to Netflix’s lackluster top 10 mystery comedy movie

News
By published

‘Honey Don’t’ should be replaced with this one cleverly enjoyable flick

Margaret Qualley stars as Honey O’Donahue in writer/director Ethan Coen’s "Honey, Don't!" (2025)
(Image credit: Karen Kuehn / Focus Features / Universal Pictures)

Just because a movie hits the top 10 on a streaming service doesn’t mean it’s actually worth your time. Netflix, the biggest service of them all, adds new content every month, and it’s easy to get swept up in the hype of what’s trending. This week, for example, saw a wave of new releases, including the 2025 comedy-mystery “Honey Don’t,” which somehow shot straight into the top 10.

Watch This, Not That!

Watch-This-Not-That-v1.0-badge

(Image credit: Future)

Welcome to Watch This, Not That, a column where we dig into the latest streaming top 10 picks, call out the one lackluster title you should skip, and highlight the better alternative you absolutely should watch instead.

But let me save you the disappointment. This is exactly the kind of movie you’ll want to avoid if you care about witty writing, clever plotting or just a good time one evening. That's where I come in. I scroll, watch and sift through the top 10 every day, so you don’t have to. My goal is to spot the lackluster picks, call them out, and offer a smarter, far more satisfying alternative that’s actually worth adding to your watchlist.

“Honey Don’t” is a neo‑noir dark comedy about Honey (Margaret Qualley), a small‑town private investigator in Bakersfield, California, who gets pulled into a bizarre mystery after the suspicious death of a woman. As she digs deeper, she uncovers a string of strange deaths tied to a cult‑like church. This movie had all the style in the world but lacked the substance to back it up, ultimately buckling under a chaotic plot and inconsistent humor. So, instead, there’s one 2005 movie you should definitely stream.

Alix Blackburn Streaming Writer
Alix Blackburn

Alix watches countless movies and shows so you don’t have to, digging through streaming libraries to find the hits, the misses, and the hidden gems. Her mission is to give you the best recommendations across every major streaming service, helping you spend your time on what’s actually worth watching.

‘Kiss Kiss Bang Bang’ will save you from disappointment

An instant movie recommendation that came to mind was “Kiss Kiss Bang Bang.” This 2005 neo‑noir comedy‑thriller still holds up over 20 years later and has the essential ingredients from “Honey Don’t” but uses them in a much more compelling and enjoyable way. Directed by Shane Black (known for “Iron Man 3” and “The Nice Guys”), and part crime caper, “Kiss Kiss Bang Bang” is just an absolute blast.

Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005) Official Trailer - Robert Downey Jr., Val Kilmer Movie HD - YouTube Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005) Official Trailer - Robert Downey Jr., Val Kilmer Movie HD - YouTube
Watch On

It focuses on small‑time crook Harry Lockhart, who narrowly escapes arrest and, through a bizarre twist, ends up in Los Angeles (Robert Downey Jr.) for a screen test. Mistaken for an actor, he’s paired with private investigator Perry van Shrike (Val Kilmer) to prepare for a role. While in L.A., Harry runs into his childhood crush, Harmony (Michelle Monaghan), and soon becomes entangled in a real murder investigation involving a missing woman.

“Kiss Kiss Bang Bang” is often considered a “Christmas movie in disguise,” but that shouldn’t stop you from streaming it. While the festive touches are simply there for pretty decoration, this fun crime-comedy’s quirky characters and consistently funny dialogue elevate it from B-grade silliness to must-watch cult status. Plus, Robert Downey Jr. knows exactly how to keep the energy high in a movie that’s fully aware of what it is, hence why it’s stronger than “Honey Don’t.”

Right now, “Kiss Kiss Bang Bang” isn’t included on any streaming service since you can only buy or rent it. That might be annoying for some, but honestly, it’s worth the small effort just to avoid wasting time on “Honey Don’t.” Plus, even renting it on its own is a small price to pay for a movie this clever, fast-paced, and genuinely entertaining.

Buy/rent "Kiss Kiss Bang Bang" on Amazon

Google News

Follow Tom's Guide on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our up-to-date news, analysis, and reviews in your feeds.

More from Tom's Guide

Alix Blackburn
Alix Blackburn
Senior Streaming Writer (UK)

Alix is a Senior Streaming Writer at Tom’s Guide, which basically means watching the best movies and TV shows and then writing about them. It’s a dream job for someone who’s been obsessed with storytelling since she first figured out how to work a remote. 


Before joining Tom’s Guide, Alix honed her skills as a staff writer with outlets like Screen Rant and Bough Digital, where she discovered her love for the entertainment industry. 


She heads to the cinema every week as a tradition, no matter what’s showing. For her, movies aren’t just entertainment — they’re a ritual, a comfort, and a constant source of inspiration. When she’s not at her desk or at the cinema, you’ll probably find her deep into a horror video game on her PC.

You must confirm your public display name before commenting

Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.