I’ve made it my personal mission to find the best pair of open-earbuds on the market. I find myself reaching for my open-earbuds almost daily, and I think everybody should have a pair in their audio gear rotation. But how do you know what to look for or how much to spend?

First, let’s address the elephant in the room — open-earbuds won’t be for everyone. They’re for a very specific person, such as office workers, runners and gym-goers who need to hear the ambient sound around them at all times.

When I first started testing open buds, I was skeptical. I was so used to in-ear buds that I wasn’t sure why anyone would want to sacrifice ANC (and indeed audio quality) in their daily listening. However, once you realize that having situational awareness and superior comfort in the office and at the gym is a game changer, I’m telling you, there’s no going back.

This style of earbud is still in its infancy, with the first pair of truly open earbuds being released by Bose in 2021. So this means that the space is still constantly improving, with brands innovating their open-ear styles and finding ways to replicate the sound quality of in-ear buds. My personal favorite style is the clip, but you can also buy hook-style earbuds that are better suited for high-intensity activities like running.

Open-earbud sound

In short, since you don’t get a seal around the ear canal, which you get with regular earbuds, sound waves escape. Open-earbuds rely on directing sound towards your eardrum, but there’s a lot of sound leakage. This means you can lose some frequencies, and with the addition of ambient sound, it can be tricky to listen to your music in detail.

Low frequencies that contribute to bass performance are often lost as they need trapped air pressure to effectively drive the sound. This means you’ll lose the low-end impact, according to Shokz.

Recently, I’ve been using the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds. Bose is known for awesome bass performance in its products from speakers to headphones — but what about open-earbuds? Well, I can tell you they do a great job. Despite the obvious hurdles, these buds deliver a bass performance I’d be pleased with from regular earbuds.

However, for their $299 price, I was disappointed by the lack of detail I got from the Bose buds. I had high expectations because of the premium price tag and the sleek look, but ultimately, I felt let down. The sound was almost unnatural, and the bass priority was making my music sound muffled in the mid and high frequencies.

So while I enjoy listening with the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds, they’re far from perfect. And if I’m paying $300, I need them to be perfect.

My perfect open earbuds

But fear not. My quest to find the best open-earbuds continued. And after months of testing, I think I found them. The buds to beat all other buds. The Beyerdynamic Amiron ZERO.

Reaching for a lower-priced competitor after being let down by a premium flagship product felt like a bit of a Hail Mary. But after spending months wishing I could get some real balanced detail from a pair of open-earbuds, the Beyerdynamics have delivered.

They are everything I’ve been asking for from open-earbuds.

Firstly, these buds have the same clip design as the Bose, but are far more comfortable as they’re highly flexible and don’t move much during workouts. The Beyerdynamics also have a higher durability rating, with dust and splash protection, whereas the Bose are only protected from water splashes. The studio tuning of the Beyerdynamics lends itself well to crisp highs and a natural sound, whereas the Bose buds sound almost artificial and manufactured.

The Bose buds are tuned to please a large consumer base, but the detailed studio tuning of the Beyerdynamics allows you to immerse yourself in the music wherever you are.

Keeping it real

Although the sound tuning of the Beyerdynamics makes them my winner, there are some trade-offs. The Bose buds have a longer total battery life of 27 hours in comparison to the 20 hours of the Beyerdynamics, and if you care about special features like head-tracking spatial audio, the Bose will be your bag.

Also, when you look at the cases side by side, there’s not much difference, so either pair will do the job well for portability.

The takeaway here is that spending more doesn’t always get you the best sound. Sure, the Bose buds are some of the best you can buy, but for a natural, balanced sound that translates well across a wider variety of genres, I can’t recommend the Beyerdynamic Amiron ZEROs enough.

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“The Shallows” is a movie I’ve written about quite a few times already, as it seems to be the type of film that makes its rounds on streaming services like Prime Video and Hulu before dropping off completely for a while. Now that it’s landed on Netflix, I feel the need to shout about it, especially given that 2026 has delivered quite a few shark movies, but none of them have quite been a success in my eyes. “The Shallows” remains one of the best shark films of the past decade, so naturally, it comes highly recommended.

I first saw “The Shallows” in theaters with my friends, and I remember it being a film we immediately started talking about once the credits rolled. Of course, 10 years ago, there weren’t that many shark movies around, and the only thing you could really compare it to was the iconic “Jaws” (nothing could ever top that). But “The Shallows” ended up being a surprisingly strong entry in the genre. It was one of those times I was very glad to be sitting in a theater with my bucket of popcorn rather than anywhere near the ocean.

Since it’s now available on Netflix, I’d urge anyone with an appetite for a good survival thriller to stream it this weekend. Starring Blake Lively, the film pits her against a deadly great white shark, and here’s why it’s worth adding to your Netflix watchlist.

What is ‘The Shallows’ about?

“The Shallows” follows Nancy Adams (Blake Lively), a medical student who travels to a secluded beach in Mexico to surf alone. After spending some time in the water, Nancy decides to catch one final wave before heading back to shore, only to encounter a great white shark. The shark attacks her, leaving her with a serious injury and forcing her to swim to a small rock for safety.

Unfortunately, Nancy is stranded around 200 yards from shore, with the shark continuing to circle the area between her and the beach. As the tide begins to rise, the rock she is using for protection becomes increasingly unsafe, leaving her with limited options. With no one around to immediately come to her rescue, Nancy has to assess the area and make use of whatever resources are available to her.

‘The Shallows’ is a far more gripping watch than you might expect

In most shark movies nowadays, it feels as though the plot centers around a group of people who unfortunately find themselves stuck with hungry sharks. This year, Prime Video’s “The Devil’s Mouth” uses every trope in the handbook, “Deep Water” suffers from sharks that look uncannily animated, and Netflix’s own shark movie, “Thrash,” was completely lifeless. That’s why “The Shallows” stands out as one of the few films that makes the story feel more intimate, giving us a character with plenty of baggage while allowing her intelligence and skills to take center stage as she attempts to outwit a single shark.

If anything, the genre should take some notes from “The Shallows.” Its biggest strength is narrowing the story down to one protagonist, Nancy, giving us a glimpse into her family trauma and explaining why she’s decided to surf alone. This not only makes us sympathize with her but also gives us a reason to root for her when she ultimately comes face to face with the shark. Thanks to her medical training, there are also some smart scenes of Nancy using her necklace to stitch up a wound, and it’s pretty gnarly.

“The Shallows” is a more emotional shark movie, but that doesn’t mean it’s any less gripping. Even during the first act, when Nancy is out in the ocean, the camera frequently dips beneath the water’s surface, holding on the murky depths and leaving us wondering when the shark might appear. When that moment finally comes, it’s an intense scene, and from then on, the movie manages to sustain its tension throughout its 86-minute runtime. For a film that focuses on a single character, that’s pretty impressive.

Of course, “The Shallows” will never beat “Jaws” because, honestly, nothing will. It unfortunately has a pretty weak ending that might not leave you feeling completely satisfied. But if you enjoy a good shark movie that doesn’t follow every trope in the rulebook and instead focuses on one character fighting to survive, alongside a seagull she names Steven who becomes her unlikely companion along the way, then “The Shallows” should be on your Netflix watchlist. Let’s just say, it has more bite than most shark films.

Stream "The Shallows" on Netflix now

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With "The Manchurian Candidate" (2004), we're arguably approaching the end of an era in the Denzel Watchathon. While most of the movies from here on out are some level of quality — we've left movies like "Carbon Copy" and "Heart Condition" far behind at this point — this psychological thriller is the end of a pretty incredible run.

Sure, "Inside Man" is coming next week, and "American Gangster" two weeks after that. But we just went on a run that included "Remember the Titans," "Training Day" and "Man on Fire." 2000-2004 might be the best four-year stretch of Denzel's career, and "The Manchurian Candidate" is the final movie of that stretch before he takes 2005 off from the box office for the first time since 1997.

Thankfully, this is a pretty good movie to close a chapter on. It's not a masterpiece; there are flaws in the plot, and arguably this movie ends about a third of the way through it in the real world. Denzel's Major Bennett Marco almost certainly would have been institutionalized by the Army once he started going after Vice Presidential candidate Raymond Shaw (Liev Schreiber). The Army tries to institutionalize him later in the movie for just that reason, proving that point.

If you set aside issues like that, though, you're left with a handful of noteworthy performances. Jeffrey Wright, Scheiber and (of course) Denzel all impress. But the clear star of the movie is Meryl Streep as Raymond's mother, Senator Eleanor Prentiss Shaw.

If you want to watch this movie before you read on, I have some good news and some bad news. "Man on Fire" isn't currently streaming on any of the best streaming services or the best live TV streaming services. Instead, you'll need to buy or rent it from digital storefronts like Amazon.

Streep steals the show from Denzel

In the 1962 original "The Manchurian Candidate," Shaw and Marco are captured by communist soldiers in the Korean War. They're brainwashed; Shaw is given a Medal of Honor, and the incident is used by his mother, Eleanor, to boost the status of her husband, Senator Iselin, forcing him onto the presidential ticket as the Vice Presidential nominee.

This 2004 remake is similar in a lot of ways. But there are two major changes. First, instead of fighting in the Korean War and being taken to literal Manchuria, Shaw and Marco are fighting in Kuwait during the Persian Gulf War of 1991. They're captured by a multinational private equity corporation named Manchurian Global, rather than the Chinese. Second, Shaw is the one who becomes the Vice Presidential nominee, rather than his father, who is deceased in this version.

But the end goal is the same. Shaw's mother, Eleanor, is working with the bad guys to brainwash her son so that she can elevate a family member to the Presidency.

This makes her quite evil. And Streep knows it. And she revels in it. Don't get me wrong, Denzel is as good as Marco. He does the proper amount of unraveling in the movie's first act, and then propels the film forward once he becomes a man on a mission. Schreiber is also good as Shaw. He's not quite on Denzel's level, but the character, Shaw, isn't given as much to work with as Marco.

If anyone comes close to taking the crown from Streep, it's Wright. He's only in one scene, but it's an intense one, as he recounts to Marco the dreams he's been having of their captivity during the war. The same dreams, it's later revealed, that Marco and Shaw are both having as well.

Streep chews the scenery in this movie. She fully sinks into the role of a strongwoman Senator, which is partially a nod to Hillary Clinton, a U.S. Senator at the time "The Manchurian Candidate" was being filmed.

At times she's egomaniacal. She's convinced that she alone can save America. She's not doing this to get her son into the White House. She's doing this to prevent the people in the NSA's security reports from harming Americans abroad and at home.

At other times, she's clearly a mother trying to build a life for her son. Every powerhungry movie designed to move him up a political ladder that, frankly, Shaw doesn't seem to have much interest in climbing.

Ultimately, she's still evil, though. She still conspired with a private corporation to turn her son into a brainwashed assassin. Then, in a fit of rage and panic, she unleashes said son on two people, ending their lives without a second thought. It's a delightful performance to watch, even if it is a bit terrifying.

Verdict: It's irrelevant if 'The Manchurian Candidate' is better than the 1962 original — it's still a must-watch

The 1962 original version of "The Manchurian Candidate" is often considered the better one. That's not to say this remake was considered bad; it was positively reviewed at the time and Streep even earned a Golden Globe nomination. But her counterpart in the 1962 version, the great Angela Lansbury, earned an Oscar nomination for her portrayal of Eleanor. She also won the Golden Globe, for what that's worth.

But you don't need to decide for yourself which version is better. You don't even need to watch the original (though you should check it out). This movie, better or worse, stands on its own as a movie worth seeing. It's also an iconic Denzel movie where he gets out-acted, and that's a rare feat worth checking out in its own right.

Buy or rent "The Manchurian Candidate" (2004) from Amazon now

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For me, the debate over morning showers vs evening showers has one clear winner. Evening showers help me unwind and wash away the sleep-disrupting allergens collected during the day. Morning showers just add another step to my pre-work routine. However, there is one drawback to an evening shower: harsh bathroom lighting.

Exposure to bright bathroom light bulbs in the evening has been found to shift circadian rhythms about two hours later per day, making it harder to fall asleep. In other words, your sleep-wake cycle thinks it's still daytime, so you can't drop off.

And that's where the Auria Glow Lamp, now $49.99 at Amazon, comes in. This dark showering device swaps overstimulating LED bulbs for a soothing amber glow. It's gone viral but does it work? I tested it out to see if the Auria Glow lamp (and dark showering) can help me sleep.

Key takeaways

• Exposure to harsh bathroom lighting before bed has been shown to suppress the production of melatonin, a hormone that signals it's time to sleep.
• The dark showering trend, however, is said to support melatonin production by replicating the natural conditions at the end of the day.
• The Auria Lamp is designed to be used while showering, switching your overhead light for a warm amber glow that mimics a sunset.
• However, while the Auria Glow Lamp is more relaxing than bright LED bulbs, further research is needed on its effectiveness.

What is the dark showering trend and how does it improve sleep?

Dark showering is pretty self-explanatory; it's when you take shower in the dark.

While the dark showering trend originated on (where else?) TikToK late last year, it mirrors time-honored bathing customs from Japan, India, and ancient Rome. And there's a good reason why dark showering traditions have stood the test of time: they really can help you sleep.

"The 'dark showering' trend can improve sleep for a couple of reasons," explains Sam Sadighi, a certified sleep practitioner at Get Laid Beds. "Bathroom lighting is renowned for being bright, which isn't going to help our melatonin production."

Melatonin is a hormone that makes us feel tired and its production heavily relies on light (or lack thereof).

"Showering in dim lighting helps, as our brain expects our surroundings to be dark approaching bedtime and will help our melatonin production," she explains.

A 2023 study found that reducing blue light exposure shortened sleep latency (how long it takes to fall asleep) and helped prevent melatonin suppression.

Another argument in favor of dark showering is that a warm shower (counterintuitively) drops our body temperature before bed, echoing how our core body temperature naturally drops before sleep.

"That's one of the reasons why it's harder to sleep when the ambient temperature is hot," explains Sadighi. "Having a very warm shower before bed will help to lower your core body temperature, which will help sleep by drawing heat from your core."

What is the Auria Glow Lamp?

Sadighi points out there is one major flaw with showering in the dark. You can't see.

"The main issue with showering in low light is ensuring that while the lighting is dim, it isn't so dim that you can't see what you're doing," says the sleep consultant.

To counteract this, the waterproof Auria Glow Lamp aims to light up your bathroom. But instead of a harsh blue light, it emits a warm amber glow.

Amber lighting, the color of a toasty fireplace, has been shown to help people fall asleep faster and experience fewer awakenings — making it the perfect alternative to showering in darkness.

The lamp comes in two different projection styles, depending on whether you want to keep the dome on or take the dome off. Below is dome-on mode, which gives you a diffused candlelight-mimicking glow.

If you decide to take the dome cover off, you'll get a more ethereal, wave-like projection, with wisps of light cascading along your walls (sounds dramatic, but it's true).

Auria says the Glow Lamp "lowers cortisol, supports melatonin, mimics sunset light and calms nervous system".

"You already know the power of a dark shower," claims Auria's website. "Now add the warm, amber glow that helps your nervous system finally exhale."

While the science behind the dark showering and warm lighting checks out, will the Auria Glow Lamp really work miracles on my sleep?

Putting the Auria Glow Lamp to the test — see the results over 3 nights

Night 1

The first night, I decided to try the Glow Lamp without the dome, as this was the projection style that seemed the most exciting to me. This projection style creates an underwater feel, with the lamp spilling golden waves over the wall. Here's what it looks like in action:

The Auria Lamp made me feel as if I were showering in an enchanted lagoon — one with passionfruit-scented shower gel and volumizing shampoo.

It certainly created a relaxing mood before bed, but was it enough to boost my sleep score from the previous night?

According to my Oura Ring 5, it was. I scored an 82/100, 5 points more than the previous night. "Your Sleep Score was above your typical range last night. Hopefully you feel in your energy levels!" the smart ring told me.

Night 2

On the second night, I tried the lamp with the dome on, which created a soft, muted glow. This projection style is more luxury spa than mermaid cove, and I can see why some users prefer this lightning mode when conducting their nightly ablutions. Here's what the Auria Lamp looks like avec dome:

Again, the lamp delivered a tranquil shower setting, and I definitely felt ready for bed afterwards. However, I didn't get the perfect sleep. But it had nothing to do with the Auria Glow...

At 3 a.m., I woke up with menstrual pain, which kept me awake until 4 a.m. This significantly impacted my sleep score (a "fair" 68) but it can't be blamed on the Auria. So instead, I'm focusing on my sleep before my 3 a.m. rude awakening.

My sleep latency was shorter than the previous night, meaning I fell asleep two minutes quicker. Meanwhile, all the deep sleep I experienced happened before 3 a.m, racking up to 1 hour and 24 minutes. Not bad considering that, according to the Oura App, the optimal amount of deep sleep is between 1 hour and 1.5 hours.

Night 3

On the third night, I still had pretty bad cramps, meaning I showered and went to bed later. I decided to bring the lamp closer to the shower, to change the lighting effect. (It's completely showerproof so you can actually bring it in beneath the stream if you want.)

I used dome-off (mermaid) mode this time around and found that the warm relaxing shower did relive stress. I felt my muscles relaxing, which also provided some pain relief.

So, the good news is that my sleep score crept up into "good territory" again (73/10) and my sleep latency was shortened by another 2 minutes. My REM sleep could have been longer, but my deep sleep was still in the optimal range at 1 hour and 19 minutes.

Does the Auria Glow Lamp actually work?

Considering that cramps ravaged my sleep on nights 2 and 3, I still managed to fall asleep fast and get plenty of deep sleep after using the Auria lamp.

It definitely helped me unwind before bed and created a relaxing, sleep-inducing atmosphere. It was nice to take a break from the harsh LED lightning in my bathroom, and I will definitely keep showering in the glimmer of the Auria Glow.

Overall, I think sleep expert Sadighi summed up the lamp: "The Auria Glow Lamp does look good. However, honestly? I'm not sure it would be a magic elixir to help sleep, but it's absolutely not the worst sleep aid on the market"

3 top-rated products to boost melatonin for sleep

If you need an excuse to stay out of the hot August sun, Netflix is offering plenty of new TV shows that will have you drawing the curtains and staying indoors all weekend long.

However, with so much choice, you might spend more time trying to choose what to watch on Netflix than actually enjoying great streaming series. That’s why I’m here to cut through the clutter and deliver you a trio of popular picks worth watching this weekend. Including a British limited series based on a true story, and a guilty-pleasure teen drama that gets messy. And there’s also a new reality dating show… if that’s your thing.

These are the new Netflix shows to stream this weekend. Add to your watchlist if you want to settle down to some binge-watching now.

‘My Life with the Walter Boys’

Netflix subscribers are clearly enjoying their return to Silver Falls, as the third season of teen drama “My Life with the Walter Boys” remains locked at No. 1 on the platform’s top 10 most-watched list. The series has a dedicated fanbase, and with its melodramatic love triangle heating up, season 3 hasn’t skipped a beat. Whether you’re returning to the Falls or starting from scratch, “My Life with Walter Boys” is a real guilty pleasure.

In her review of the latest 10-episode season, Tom’s Guide’s own Alix Blackburn said, “‘My Life with the Walter Boys’ season 3 is messy, overstuffed, and occasionally overwhelming, but its addictive romance, lovable characters, and bingeable drama make it hard to resist." Sure, this Netflix series falls into predictable teen drama grooves, but who doesn’t love a knotty love triangle?

Watch "My Life with the Walter Boys" on Netflix now

‘Let’s Marry Harry’

Speaking of guilty pleasure watches, Netflix’s increasingly vast slate of vapid reality TV shows has been expanded with “Let’s Marry Harry.” The Harry in question is Harry Jowsey, an Australian television personality and social media influencer (aren’t they all) who has appeared in reality favorites, “Too Hot to Handle,” “The Amazing Race,” Love Island,” and “Dancing with the Stars.” Now he’s got his very own TV show on Netflix.

Taking cues from shows like “The Bachelor,” Harry claims to be done with the dating game and now wants to settle down. So, 20 women compete for the opportunity to marry Harry. Offering advice are some of Harry’s closest friends, including his ex-girlfriend (I guess exes can stay friends) and television presenter Amanda Kloots. As per the genre traditions, this show is glossy and overedited, but reality obsessives will likely enjoy it.

Watch "Let’s Marry Harry" on Netflix now

‘The Bombing of Pan Am 103’

When a TV show is based on a true story, it adds to the intensity. Knowing that the events on screen really happened makes every moment hit harder. That’s the case for “The Bombing of Pan Am 103,” a British limited series that arrived on Netflix at the end of July after debuting on the BBC in the U.K. in the spring. This six-part show chronicles the deadliest terrorist attack in British history and the investigation that followed.

On 21 December 1988, Pan Am flight 103 was on course from London Heathrow to New York’s JFK airport. While flying over the town of Lockerbie, Scotland, a bomb in the hold detonated, resulting in 270 casualties, including the death of 11 local residents on the ground. The show follows the investigation by the British and U.S. governments to find those responsible for this horrific attack and stars Connor Swindells, Merritt Wever, Patrick J. Adams and Eddie Marsan.

Watch "The Bombing of Pan Am 103" on Netflix now

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Hulu is a great streaming service if you're looking for new shows to binge this weekend. It features a deep library of series from a range of Disney-owned networks, including FX, ABC and 20th Television. It also has tons of original hit shows that you don't want to miss. As per usual, this week, I've put together a list of three newly added shows perfect for adding to your weekend watchlist.

First up is "Furious," which has become a surprise hit from Hulu. Don't be surprised if it gets some Emmy buzz this time next year. Then, for fans of animated comedies, "Futurama" season 14 is in full swing, and the iconic series is still able to get a laugh. Finally, "The Shards" is a brand-new series from Ryan Murphy that is based on the life of American Psycho" author Bret Easton Ellis.

Here are three new to Hulu shows you need to binge-watch this weekend, and why you need to watch them. For more recommendations, check out the full list of everything new to Hulu and Disney+ in August 2026.

'Furious'

Genre: Crime drama series

What's it about? "Furious" stars Emmy Rossum as FBI agent Alice Black. She's a former homicide detective now working for the Feds, and she's on the hunt for a serial killer (Lola Petticrew). But she doesn't realize that her serial killer is really a sex trafficking survivor on a quest for vigilante justice.

Why you should watch it: This show has been a surprise hit for Hulu. It's currently an impressive 98% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes, and audiences seem nearly as enthused. This might secretly be the show of the summer, and it's not too late to catch up.

Stream the first 5 episodes of "Furious" on Hulu now

'Futurama' season 14

Genre: Animated sci-fi sitcom series

What's it about? Set in the third millennium A.D., "Futurama" centers around a band of misfits. Theoretically, they run a delivery service, but they mostly get up to hijinks. This season, it seems like time travel is set to play a part, so hopefully we don't end up with multiversal madness.

Why you should watch it: "Futurama" is on the Mount Rushmore of American animated comedies. The most recent seasons may not be as good as the first several, but they're still guaranteed to earn a laugh.

Stream the first two episodes of "Futurama" season 14 on Hulu now

'The Shards' season 1

Genre: Teen thriller series

What's it about? "The Shards" is based on the fictionalized memoir of show co-creator Bret Easton Ellis. Set at the prestigious Buckley Prep, it stars Igby Rigney as a young Ellis. His world gets turned upside down when a new student, Robert (Homer Gere), arrives at the same time a serial killer known as the Trawler becomes active.

Why you should watch it: Ryan Murphy is a prolific showrunner, and his FX shows all tend to have a combination of polish, style and darkness. "The Shards" seems to be cut from that same cloth, especially with "American Psycho" author Ellis on hand to turn up the dark, twisted drama. Just be warned that most people seem to either love it or hate it.

Stream the first four episodes of "The Shards" season 1 on Hulu now

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Paramount+ is regularly adding new shows to binge-watch. This weekend is no exception. The streaming service releases new episodes of hit shows every week. Sometimes, even entire seasons at once. It added over 80 new movies and shows on August 1 alone. It even has some live sporting events, including all major events from the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

This weekend, let's kick things off with some "Star Trek." Specifically, "Star Trek: Strange New Worlds" season 4, which just dropped its third episode of the season on Thursday. Then, it's time to catch up on "Lioness" season 3. Whether you're a fan of Taylor Sheridan or not, this spy thriller is still worth a watch. Finally, this Saturday night there's live UFC fighting once again. This time, it's a UFC Welterweight Championship bout between current titleholder Islam Makhachev and challenger Ian Machado Garry. UFC 330: Makhachev vs. Machado Garry kicks off at 9 p.m. ET on Saturday, so make sure your popcorn is ready in advance.

Here are the three new to Paramount+ shows you need to binge-watch this weekend. If you need more recommendations, check out everything new on Paramount+ in August 2026 for more options.

'Star Trek: Strange New Worlds' season 4

Genre: Science fiction series

What's it about? "Star Trek: Strange New Worlds" stars Anson Mount as Christopher Pike. He's the captain of the USS Enterprise and he's joined in this series by some familiar names. There's Spock (Ethan Peck), Number One (Rebecca Romijn), Montgomery Scott (Martin Quinn) and several others who have appeared in previous "Star Trek" movies and shows.

Why you should watch it: Season 4 covers the fourth year of the Enterprise's five-year mission. It's been a largely well-received show through its first three seasons. Season 4 is no exception and is currently rated an impressive 92% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes.

Stream the first four episodes of "Star Trek: Strange New Worlds" season 4 on Paramount+ now

'Lioness' season 3

Genre: Spy thriller series

What's it about? "Lioness" stars Zoe Saldaña as Joe McNamara. She is a CIA operative who runs the Lioness program. This woman-led initiative inserts female operatives undercover in the war on terror. Once in, they take down enemy targets by getting close to the women around them and exploiting the target from there.

Why you should watch it: "Lioness" season 3 has Joe dealing with deadly operations and enemy combatants abroad, and betrayals close to home. Critics have been largely positive about it, but audiences seem to really love it. It's currently rated 91% fresh by audiences on Rotten Tomatoes.

Stream the first two episodes of "Lioness" season 3 on Paramount+ now. Episode 3 premieres on August 16

UFC 330: Makhachev vs Machado Garry 

Genre: Live sporting event

What's it about? UFC 330 will see UFC Welterweight Champion (and former UFC Lightweight Champion) Islam Makhachev defend his title against challenger Ian Machado Garry. Each of them has lost just one fight in their professional careers, so someone is adding another tally to the loss column for just the second time. My money is on Makhachev taking this one, given his only loss was back in 2015. That's four years before Machado Garry's career even started.

Why you should watch it: Obviously, you can't binge a live sports event. But live sports such as UFC included in your subscription are a major perk for having Paramount+. Especially when it's a fight with a title belt on the line..

Stream UFC 330: Makhachev vs. Machado Garry on Paramount+ starting at 9 p.m. ET on August 15

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It’s been a long time since I could wholeheartedly recommend a new Netflix movie. “Voicemails for Isabelle” had strong cast chemistry but was overstuffed with genre tropes, “The Last House” had a promising first half and then collapsed on itself in a spectacularly misjudged third act, and “Ladies First”? Well, the less said about that utter trainwreck, the better.

This is to say that I went into “Don’t Say Good Luck,” the latest Netflix project from the House of Sandler, with, at best, modest expectations. It would be easy to accuse this new comedy drama of being a nepotism project. It stars Sunny Sandler, daughter of Adam Sandler, and comes just a few months after the older Sandler daughter, Sadie, got her own Netflix movie earlier this year, the fun but inherently forgettable “Roommates.”

Netflix is firmly in the Sandler family business, but it’s the youngest of the clan that has delivered the goods for the big red streaming service. “Good Say Good Luck” is a genuinely touching teen drama, and while it explores very familiar topics, a standing-ovation-worthy performance from Sunny Sandler elevates this crowd-pleaser above the pack. It’s a new Netflix movie that stands out in a sea of streaming originals not worthy of your watchlist.

What is ‘Don’t Say Good Luck’ about?

Sophie (Sunny Sandler) is a spirited 16-year-old hoping to land a supporting role in her high school’s upcoming production of the popular Broadway musical “Waitress.” Much to her shock, after an emotionally charged audition, she lands her dream role, the lead, Jenna.

As she prepares for opening night, her home life becomes more dramatic than any of the events depicted on stage when her mother (Melaine Lynskey) discovers her cancer has returned. As her father (Max Greenfield) attempts to balance looking after his ill wife and Sophie’s two younger brothers, the family home becomes increasingly chaotic.

Throw in two grandparents (Bebe Neuwirth and Steve Buscemi), high school crushes (and naturally some heartache), squabbles with best friends, and Sophie finds herself torn between wanting to give her all to the production and wanting to spend as much time with her mom as possible.

‘Don’t Say Good Luck’ is the best Netflix movie in months

There are a lot of familiar themes in “Don’t Say Good Luck.” It’s far from the first comedy-drama to tackle a teen struggling to grapple with a parent’s serious illness while also balancing all the usual high school drama. So, I can’t really award this Netflix movie many points for originality. But it treads this well-worn ground with grace, humor, and lots of heart.

Sunny Sandler is the movie’s fulcrum, and much of what works runs through her tender performance. You’ll probably enjoy this movie and her performance more if you appreciate musical theater (specifically “Waitress” itself), but even if you have no love for stagecraft, her torn emotional state will likely bring you to tears. Particularly in a touching finale that ends the movie on a bittersweet note. Sunny Sandler appears to have a bright future.

But the youngest daughter of Adam Sandler doesn’t have to carry the movie’s emotional load solo. Melanie Lynskey delivers a devastating supporting performance as a mother fighting a serious illness while trying not to lose herself in the battle. Max Greenfield is also strong as the family’s father, and Steven Buscemi pops up with a few chuckle-worthy lines.

The movie sings when it explores the family dynamic, which is thankfully always kept loving. There is no tacky melodrama involving parental divorce or anything so needless. Sophie's family is together through it all. It's at its best when Sophie is torn between her responsibilities to her castmates on stage and her desire to support and spend quality time with her mother.

It’s less successful when it briefly devolves into adolescent angst, like boy trouble. This subplot could have been axed with no overall loss. Perhaps it's included to contrast Sophie's home life, where the grim realities of a serious illness hang heavy in the air, with the more carefree nature of high school dating. But her crush isn't developed enough, and this particular side story veers too heavily into clichés, including a weak self-empowering speech.

“Don’t Say Good Luck” is a sweet little movie. It pulls at your heartstrings in all the right ways, and Sunny Sandler and Lynskey deliver memorable performances, forming a mother-daughter bond that is easy to invest in. While it doesn’t put the original in Netflix Original, it’s unquestionably one of the streaming service’s strongest efforts this year. And frankly, it’s a colossal setup from anything Adam Sandler has headlined for Netflix.

Watch "Don't Say Good Luck" on Netflix now

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• Every new Netflix movie we’ve reviewed in 2026 (so far), ranked
• 3 best new to Netflix movies you should stream this weekend

It's hot out there, and the couch is looking better than ever these days. Prime Video added a whopping 57 new movies so far in August, enough to make our good ol' friend decision paralysis rear its ugly head again. That's why I've already sifted through all the new releases to shine a spotlight on the best of the bunch. No one wants to waste all that time searching just to settle on a dud.

Slim pickings this week. "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes" is one of the better sequels in the series, and it's got enough spectacle to keep your interest. Especially after it picks up in the second half. If you don't mind Christmas coming a little early this year, "Journey to Bethlehem" will scratch that musical itch.

Me? I'll be watching "Fargo," my second favorite Coen brothers movie. In case you were wondering, the first is "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" — still the best Odyssey adaptation imo. "Fargo" is always good for a laugh in my household, and I'm pretty sure all Midwesterners are required by law to watch it at least once.

For even more streaming recommendations, check out everything new on Prime Video in August. So without further ado, let's dive into the best new movies on Prime Video to add to your watchlist.

'Journey to Bethlehem' (2023)

The vibe: A less horny "Jesus Christ Superstar"

It's a strange time of year to be recommending a Christmas musical, but we live in Unprecedented Times, I 'spose. I'm not exactly the target audience for "Journey to Bethlehem," but the grown-up theater kid in me yearns for musicals, and I must feed it something every few months lest I get stuck watching Gerard Butler play the Phantom of the Opera again.

"Journey to Bethlehem" seems like just the earworm-y cotton candy to stuff in its maw. It borrows from the biblical story of Jesus' birth, weaving in the struggles of Mary (Fiona Palomo) and her betrothed, Joseph (Milo Manheim) and other creative liberties, most notably the inclusion of pop songs and yuletide greatest hits.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 74%
Watch "Journey to Bethlehem" on Prime Video now

'Fargo' (1996)

The vibe: Cozy ridiculousness to cool you off

If better movies had come out on Prime Video this week, I wouldn't have to put a 20-year-old Cohen brothers flick on this list. Yet here we are. "Fargo" is what happens when the world's most pathetic criminals collide. Unfortunately for them, it's in the crosshairs of Marge Gunderson (Frances McDormand), a Midwest nice police chief who's entirely too pregnant for this foolishness when she gets caught up in one of the strangest cases in North Dakota history.

This being a Coen brothers film, you'll find plenty of quirky characters — not to mention the delightfully pitch-perfect Midwest accents of McDormand and William H. Macy’s Jerry Lundegaard, a schmuck in every sense of the word. His scheme to have his wife kidnapped to extort his father-in-law for money kicks off the whole string of unfortunate events. Steve Buscemi is slimy as ever as one of the two-bit criminals Jerry hires, and he meets a pretty grisly end (if ykyk).

Rotten Tomatoes score: 95%
Watch "Fargo" on Prime Video now

'Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes' (2024)

The vibe: Another underbaked unnecessary sequel, but at least this one's kinda fun to watch

"Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes" is the latest installment in the "Planet of the Apes" franchise. Set in a post-apocalyptic world where intelligent apes have risen to dominance, the movie is set several years after the events of "War for the Planet of the Apes." Apes have long established themselves as the dominant species, with what humans are left either enslaved or barely scraping by as scavengers in the wilderness.

The ruthless Proximus Caesar (Kevin Durand) seeks to strengthen his reign, but one serious thorn in his side arrives after a young ape named Noa (Owen Teague) meets a human scavenger named Mae (Freya Allan). Their unlikely friendship threatens to throw a wrench in everything, and Proximus will stop at nothing to see his plans realized.

Rotten Tomatoes: 80%
Watch "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes" on Prime Video now

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We’re basically in the middle of August, and while many people see this as the last month of summer and the final few weeks to enjoy the sunshine, I very much see it as a countdown to the colder months ahead. If, like me, you’re already looking forward to fall and would rather spend your weekend curled up with a good movie than sizzling in the sun, you’re in luck. Netflix added a bunch of new movies this week.

However, with so much to choose from on Netflix, settling on a movie can be half the battle. So, I’ve done the digging for you and rounded up three films that are perfect for a weekend watch.

That includes a new coming-of-age musical dramedy starring Adam Sandler’s youngest daughter, Sunny, one of Sydney Sweeney’s most overlooked movies, and a survival thriller that shows just how savage a great white shark can really be. So, here are the three Netflix movies you should watch this weekend.

‘Don’t Say Good Luck’ (2026)

“Don’t Say Good Luck” is a coming-of-age musical dramedy that could easily grab the No. 1 spot on Netflix over the next few days. Produced by Adam Sandler’s Happy Madison Productions and starring his daughter, Sunny Sandler, the movie marks a noticeable shift for the studio, moving away from its traditional comedies and into more emotionally driven territory. Plus, it already boasts an impressive 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes, so I don’t think you’ll need much convincing to give it a watch.

Sophie Birenbaum (Sunny Sandler) is a high school theatre student who lands the lead role in her school’s production of Waitress. Just as she prepares for her biggest performance yet, Sophie discovers that her mother’s (Melanie Lynskey) cancer has returned, throwing her home life into turmoil. As she juggles several rehearsals away from home, friendships, romance and the pressures of being a teenager, Sophie tries to keep everything together while supporting her family.

Watch "Don't Say Good Luck" on Netflix

‘Immaculate’ (2024)

Getting closer to fall means now’s the perfect time to stream a good horror movie. Luckily, Netflix has you covered with one of Sydney Sweeney’s more overlooked films, “Immaculate.” Released around the same time as the eerily similar “The First Omen” back in 2024, Sweeney’s psychological horror stands out thanks to her intense performance alone, and I’m convinced she needs to do more in this genre. Expect to be a little spooked after watching it, because it’ll certainly get you in the mood for Halloween.

Cecilia (Sydney Sweeney) is a young American woman who travels to the Italian countryside to join a remote convent after surviving a near-death experience as a child. Welcomed by the resident nuns and priests, Cecilia settles into her new surroundings and prepares to take her final vows. However, shortly after becoming a nun, strange events begin to unfold around her, leaving Cecilia increasingly unsettled. As the convent celebrates what it considers a miracle, she begins experiencing strange nightmares and strange physical symptoms.

Watch "Immaculate" on Netflix

‘The Shallows’ (2016)

2026 seems to be the year of shark movies, but not necessarily the year of good ones. This type of survival thriller is getting pretty oversaturated at this point, with many relying on the same storylines and tropes, which is why I appreciate “The Shallows” for doing things a little differently. I’d rank it among the best shark movies out there. Starring Blake Lively in the lead role, this thriller is an intense watch from start to finish, and makes the smart choice of following one character as she faces one of the ocean’s deadliest predators.

Nancy (Blake Lively) is a medical student who travels to a secluded beach in Mexico to surf alone. While out in the water, she is attacked by a great white shark and manages to escape to a small rock just 200 yards from shore. However, the shark continues circling the area, leaving Nancy injured and unable to safely return to the beach. With the tide rising and her injuries worsening, she must figure out a way to get back to land while avoiding the shark, and so she begins planning her escape.

Watch "The Shallows" on Netflix from Aug. 15

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I've been using Pixel phones for the past five years now, starting with the Pixel 6 Pro. Over the years I have learned to live with the various disappointments that come with Pixel hardware, for the simple fact that Pixel software is the only mainstream mobile OS that I actually like using. But it's getting to the stage where Google's decisions are becoming indefensible.

Google just had its annual "Made by Google" event, and with it came the official launch of the Pixel 11 series of phones — plus a new Pixel 5 watch and a Pixel Tag Bluetooth tracker. I haven't spent a lot of time with the new Pixels yet, but my overall impression based on what Google has revealed is that it's an incredibly lazy upgrade.

It's not as lazy as the Pixel 10a, which was easily one of the worst "upgrades" I've seen a phone company try and hawk throughout my career. But it isn't far off, and it's enough to make you wonder why Google is still bothering to make phones.

The Pixel 11 problem

If you look at the Pixel 11 series and compare it to what's come before, you'll notice that there isn't a whole lot of difference between them all. I'm not just talking about the design, which has only had minor tweaks to the camera bar and, in the case of the Pro models, a new scratch-resistant coating on the display.

The hardware is more or less the same on paper, and the upgrades that we do get feel like the absolute bare minimum of what Google could actually offer. There's the usual incremental stuff, like the Tensor G6, and the brighter Super Actua Displays, alongside small quality of life upgrades like 256GB of base storage and faster 25W wireless charging speeds.

Those last two were also found on the Pixel 10 Pro XL last year, which means that the largest Pixel 11 model really got the short end of the stick when it comes to new stuff.

Pixel 11: Where are the big camera upgrades?

I have very mixed feelings about the camera, because at first glance it seems as though things are identical to the Pixel 10 Pro. That's not entirely true, but considering the Pixel 10 Pro's cameras were the same as the Pixel 9 Pro's, and produced photos that were indistinguishable, the lack of new hardware is still rather disappointing.

The Pros' main lens is the same, though the official specs show that the ultrawide and telephoto lenses both have larger sensors. This means both lenses will capture extra light, which improves low-light performance and captures much cleaner images in a variety of conditions.

The Pixel 11 also promises to have a larger sensor on the main lens, though the rest of the cameras don't seem to have changed.

To make matters worse, the cheapest Pro models, which have 256GB of storage, have actually had a RAM downgrade. Considering RAM is essential for on-device AI, the loss of 4GB is just another proverbial kick in the head.

I don't imagine that the Pixel 11 will be a bad phone, but there's nothing really exciting about these devices. In fact, the upgrades we do have here feel as though Google is phoning it in because they have to release something.

Obviously, things might change once we can test the Pixel 11 and find out whether it's had a magical boost to performance or battery life. But until then it feels as though everything has been put together with cool disinterest, if not active laziness.

It feels like Google is getting lazy

There's far more to a new phone than having a bunch of flashy hardware, and you can't have incredible game-changing upgrades every single year. But it still feels as though the Pixel 11 series lacks the thing that would actually make the phone appealing to people. Because the Pixel 11 Pro's HiLight feature sure as heck doesn't make me want to drop over a grand on a new device.

The Pixel 11 isn't nearly as lazy as the Pixel 10a, which was left with the same Tensor G4 chipset as the Pixel 9a. Back in February, I claimed that there was no good reason to buy a Pixel 10a, at least not while the Pixel 9a was still on sale, and I stand by that assessment.

I'm not sure I'd go so far as to say that the Pixel 11 is a pointless upgrade. It's certainly uninspiring and lacking in any exciting qualities. Even the new AI features, which Google has spent a great deal of time and money pushing with each successive Pixel launch, are rather disappointing this year. Not in terms of what they can do, but because there are so few of them this year.

Rambler sounds great, especially since Apple's own AI-powered dictation model is coming as part of iOS 27, and real-time speech-to-speech translation will never not be useful. Gemini Omni is not something I personally care about, but if it improves the quality of Gemini's generative capabilities and makes them easier to use then I can certainly see the importance of it. Similarly, 120x Super Pro-Res Zoom is a nice upgrade to the existing 100x zooming capabilities

But that's all there is, and like the hardware side of things it feels like Google just does not care about what the Pixel 11 series has to offer on the software side. The same is true for Android 17, come to think of it, and off the top of my head I can't recall anything particularly noteworthy in the update. I certainly didn't notice any change when my phone auto-updated during the middle of the night.

Figuring out a way to make people care about your next wave of devices, and the software running on it, is the end goal. But first Google needs to get off its behind and actually put the effort in.

Bottom line

The question I keep asking myself is this: Why should anyone go out and buy one of these phones? And honestly, I'm really struggling to come up with a solid answer. People that are still rocking older Pixels, such as a Pixel 6 or Pixel 7, would probably gain a lot here — especially if battery life is anything like the Pixel 10 series.

Pixel 8 would be borderline, but Pixel 9 and above? These phones haven't actually changed that much over the past two generations to warrant upgrading. Your best argument would be for non-users, since the standard Pixel 9 only offers two cameras, but even then you have to ask whether the money you're spending is worth it.

Last year I admitted that swapping a Pixel 9 Pro for a Pixel 10 Pro was a mistake, and the new phone didn't offer enough to make the switch worthwhile. The Pixel 11 Pro takes that to a whole new level, and I know for a fact that my Pixel 10 Pro is more than good enough to last me until the launch of the Pixel 12 Pro next year — and likely beyond that.

If Pixel phones are supposed to be the idealized version of what an Android phone can be, then Google seems to be doing a pretty shoddy job of it. And it could fix that problem by actually making a phone that elicits a response beyond "huh, ok then."

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I’m not going to sit here and pretend I’m not exactly the target audience for “The End of Oak Street.” This new dinosaur movie is essentially a love letter to Spielberg’s classic movies, and as a huge lover of anything sci-fi, this is exactly the kind of film that appealed to me. The obvious comparison is to “Jurassic Park” with a more suburban spin, but since those iconic dinosaur movies mean a great deal to me, I’m absolutely okay with “The End of Oak Street” wearing its influences so proudly.

Directed by David Robert Mitchell, best known for the horror “It Follows,” this new sci-fi adventure follows the Platt family after a mysterious cosmic event transports their suburban neighborhood to an unfamiliar prehistoric world, forcing them to band together as they come face-to-face with some very hungry dinosaurs. It’s certainly a compelling premise, and one you have to give Mitchell credit for making feel original. Plus, J.J. Abrams’ involvement as a producer is another incentive to watch, particularly given the film’s heavy sci-fi influences.

“The End of Oak Street” was one of my most anticipated films of the summer, and after attending an early screening, I have no defense for how much I enjoyed it. But even though this dinosaur movie has plenty to roar about given its fun premise and talented cast, there are a few bones to pick with it, and they might determine whether you see this on the big screen.

I’m tired of pretending silly dinosaur movies aren’t fun

Starting off with the positive: “The End of Oak Street” is an absolute blast. There is so much fun to be had here, from the vast array of dinosaurs roaming the streets to watching the family survive some incredibly chaotic situations. If you went into this and didn’t have a single ounce of fun, I’d be shocked. The film begins by introducing us to the central Platt family, Denise (Anne Hathaway) and Greg (Ewan McGregor), and their children, Audrey (Maisy Stella) and Brian (Christian Convery), as they take part in some summer festivities in the neighborhood.

But beneath this warm exterior is a fractured relationship between Denise and Greg, which very much becomes the driving force behind the human drama. The opening segment takes its time setting the scene (albeit a little clunky at times), showing us what ordinary life looks like on Oak Street before things start to get decidedly strange. The temperatures begin rising, unfamiliar plants start appearing, and increasingly bizarre events, including flashes of bright light, suggest that something is very wrong.

When the family wakes up the next morning and starts to panic, they realize there’s literally no way out because their neighborhood is now sitting in the middle of a prehistoric jungle.

“The End of Oak Street” picks up the pace as soon as the dinosaurs arrive on screen, and from there, it’s pretty much non-stop bursts of carnage. It’s a lot of fun, largely because the film is aware of its comedic elements and dark humor. The dinosaurs look great (huge credit to the special effects team), the cast are clearly having a great time running around and screaming, and the Spielbergian feel somehow gives the whole thing a comforting vibe. It’s an entertaining dinosaur movie that really pushes against its 12A rating. But if you’re someone who needs logic, you might be left feeling incredibly frustrated.

The concept of being transported back in time, and the time-travel lore in general, gets quite convoluted. Not because it’s hard to understand, but because none of it really makes much sense. Of course, this is a sci-fi flick about dinosaurs, so it can embrace some absurdity. But I at least need some consistency in how time travel works, especially in a film literally about traveling back in time. Beyond the broken logic, the characters constantly make questionable decisions, and sadly, the family drama isn’t strong enough to make you truly care about them. To enjoy this film, you have to leave logic at the door and embrace the madness.

Verdict: A silly blockbuster that scratches exactly the right itch

“The End of Oak Street” is not a great movie, but it’s not a bad one either. It ends up being a fun summer blockbuster that makes me believe we should all be allowed to enjoy silly dinosaur movies sometimes. It’s not every day you see Anne Hathaway shooting at dinosaurs with a shotgun and Ewan McGregor swinging at a T-Rex with a sledgehammer. It’s all kind of ridiculous, but if you can excuse the fractured logic, you’ll likely have a great time.

Plus, the heavy Spielberg influences won’t work for everyone, especially if you’re looking for something completely original. From “Jurassic Park” and “E.T.” to “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” and “Poltergeist,” “The End of Oak Street” wears its inspirations firmly on its sleeve, while its ’80s setting makes it a very nostalgia-driven experience. But as someone who finds a lot of comfort in those classics, I didn’t mind how obvious those influences were. Sometimes, a girl just wants dinosaurs and chaos. Is that so bad?

"The End of Oak Street" is now in theaters

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Hulu is an excellent choice for building your next weekend movie marathon. The streaming service regularly adds both originals and classics to its library. Plus, because it's owned by Disney, it's the home for new releases from several Disney-owned studios. It even has deals with some other studios to get new releases before any other service, whether they're produced by Disney or not.

This weekend, I'm only picking movies that came out in the past 12 months. Some of these have never even been on a streaming service before, like "Busboys," the latest comedy from David Spade. "The Wizard of the Kremlin" is also getting its streaming debut this weekend, and stars Paul Dano as an influential government official in the early days of the Vladimir Putin administration. Finally, I've saved the best for last (at least, according to the critics). "Violent Ends" is a seriously gritty thriller, and you won't want to miss it now that it's on Hulu.

So, here are the three new to Hulu movies you need to stream this weekend. For more recommendations, check out the full list of everything new to Hulu and Disney+ in August 2026.

'Busboys' (2026)

Genre: Comedy

What's it about? Markie and "Steef" are not the smartest. In fact, they're idiots. So they decide to become busboys at a restaurant, thinking one day they'll become waiters, which will solve all their problems. Which, anyone who has ever worked in food service will tell you, is something only an idiot would think.

Why you should watch it: I'm not sure "Busboys" is any good. The trailer didn't exactly sell me. But it has some actors I like, including Chris Elliott, Bobby Lee and Jay Pharoah. Audiences seem to like it well enough, as well. It's currently rated 65% by them on Rotten Tomatoes.

Watch "Busboys" on Hulu starting August 14

'The Wizard of the Kremlin' (2026)

Genre: Political satire

What's it about? "The Wizard of the Kremlin" centers around Vadim Baranov (Paul Dano), a fictional character based on the very real Vladislav Surkov. He starts as a young artist in 1990s Russia but then transforms into an influential government official and spin doctor in the early days of Vladimir Putin's (Jude Law) government.

Why you need to watch it: Critics and audiences are equally tepid in their responses to this movie. But with a cast that includes Dano, Law, Alicia Vikander, Tom Sturridge and Jeffrey Wright, I'm willing to give it a shot. There's so much talent on the call sheet that I'm hopeful to at least not have a bad time, even if I'm not blown away.

Watch "The Wizard of the Kremlin" on Hulu starting August 14

'Violent Ends' (2025)

Genre: Gothic crime thriller

What's it about? "Violent Ends" stars Billy Magnussen as Lucas. Unlike the rest of his criminal family, Lucas tries to be an honest man. But an armed robbery gone wrong draws him into the family business, and that business is good ol' fashioned small-town violence.

Why you need to watch it: As someone from a small town that could easily be mistaken for the Northwestern Arkansas filming location of "Violent Ends," I'm a sucker for these types of crime thrillers. It's the same reason I love the show "Justified" so much. I know these types of people, so it's very easy to connect with. But it seems others have connected with the movie too. It's currently 68% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes.

Watch "Violent Ends" on Hulu starting August 14

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Paramount+ is a great streaming service if you're building a weekend movie marathon. It adds dozens of movies to the platform each month. It just added over 80 new movies and shows on August 1. Many of these are beloved classics or more modern hits. A few times a month, you also get brand-new movies from Paramount Skydance Studios.

This week, I'm taking things back to the 2000s. Kicking things off is "A.I: Artificial Intelligence," one of Steven Spielberg's several beloved science fiction films. Once you've finished that, let's keep things sci-fi adjacent with the found footage monster movie, "Cloverfield." That flick might leave you on edge, though. So once the credits roll, end your movie marathon with "The Hangover" and a laugh.

Here are the three new to Paramount+ movies that you need to be streaming this weekend. If you need more recommendations, check out our full guide to everything new on Paramount+ in August 2026.

'A.I. Artificial Intelligence' (2001)

Genre: Science fiction

What's it about? This movie is set in a futuristic society and centers around David (Haley Joel Osment). He's an artificial child programmed with the ability to love. Intended as a surrogate son for Monica (Frances O'Connor) and Henry (Sam Robards), things get complicated once their real son (Jake Thomas) is unexpectedly cured of a possibly terminal disease.

Why you need to watch it: "Disclosure Day" has come and gone. So if you're looking for another Steven Spielberg sci-fi movie, check out "A.I.: Artificial Intelligence." It holds a unique place in Spielberg's canon; it was originally intended to be a Stanley Kubrick film until the iconic director handed it off to Spielberg in 1995.

Watch "A.I.: Artificial Intelligence" on Paramount+ now

'Cloverfield' (2008)

Genre: Found footage monster horror

What's it about? "Cloverfield" takes place on May 22, 2008. On that fateful day, a monster, later dubbed "LSA" (Large-Scale Aggressor) by the U.S. Department of Defense, attacked New York City. Using video found on a personal camcorder, this found-footage film recreates the night of the attack and centers itself around six friends as they attempt to flee the city.

Why you should watch it: "Cloverfield" is in the conversation for the best found-footage movie ever. It's a relic of its time, but the tension this movie creates and then executes on is brilliantly crafted. I'd probably still give the crown to "The Blair Witch Project," but this 2008 film has a serious case to make.

Watch "Cloverfield" on Paramount+ now

'The Hangover' (2009)

Genre: Comedy

What's it about? "The Hangover" stars Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms and Zach Galifianakis as Phil, Stu and Alan. They've taken their friend, Doug (Justin Bartha), to Las Vegas for his bachelor party. There's just one problem: they wake up the next day with no Doug and no memory of the previous night, and the wedding is set for later that day.

Why you should watch it: I think I saw this movie five times in theaters the year it came out, which was the summer before I went to college. I don't know that I've seen it since. It's time to rectify that this weekend.

Watch "The Hangover" on Paramount+ now

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It’s shaping up to be a great week for Netflix subscribers in the mood to watch some thriller movies. I’ve combed through the most recent additions to the streaming service, and also the new arrivals over the coming days, and picked out a trio of thrillers for your watchlist.

This week, my picks range from a new Netflix original movie that has been sitting pretty in the No. 1 spot for nearly a full week. But if the admittedly subpar reception puts you off, then there’s a couple of older, but still excellent, picks, including a dark mystery thriller from director David Fincher, the filmmaker behind “Fight Club, “Gone Girl” and “Seven.”

These are the new to Netflix thriller movies to consider watching this week, add th. Add your watchlist if you like movies full of adrenaline-raising moments, and maybe a twist or two.

3 new to Netflix thrillers to watch this week

‘The Last House’ (2026)

Netflix’s new sci-fi thriller “The Last House” has held the No. 1 spot since its debut last week. I was pretty mixed on the movie overall. In my review, I praised the opening hour, but felt the Netflix original falls apart in its second half.

While viewers are watching in large numbers, the response hasn’t been too positive. The movie has a poor 28% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, so be sure to keep your expectations in check if you decide to give it a shot this week.

Starring Oscar-nominee Wagner Moura and Greta Lee, “The Last House” focuses on a family of four who are suddenly trapped in their house by a mysterious rainfall that seals all the doors and windows. They can’t get out, and nothing can get in. As the days stretch to weeks, and then months, they are forced to take extreme action to survive, while also trying to uncover who (or what) is keeping them trapped inside their home.

Watch "The Last House" on Netflix now

‘The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo’ (2011)

2011’s “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” is a bit of a unicorn. It’s a rare Hollywood remake of a foreign-language movie that actually surpasses the original, and in this writer’s eyes, is the definitive adaptation of Stieg Larsson’s best-selling novel.

Maybe that was to be expected, after all, when you bring filmmaker extraordinaire David Fincher on board, the result is predictably high-quality. This neo-noir mystery thriller is absolutely gripping and spins a compelling tale of murder and dark family secrets in the snowy Swedish countryside.

Mikael Blomkvist (Daniel Craig) is a disgraced journalist who gets an unexpected shot at restoring his reputation when he’s hired by a wealthy industrialist, Henrik Vanger (Christopher Plummer), to investigate the disappearance of his grandniece, who went missing without a trace 40 years earlier.

Vanger is convinced his niece was killed by a member of his own family and wants answers. Blomkvist hires a troubled hacker, Lisbeth Salander (Rooney Mara), to assist, and as the duo investigates the disappearance, they uncover truths far darker than ever expected.

Watch "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo on Netflix starting August 15

‘The Shallows’ (2016)

It’s been a big year for shark movies, with flicks such as “Thrash,” “Deep Water,” and “The Devil’s Mouth” all swimming to streaming platforms in 2026. Frankly, none of these have been what I’d label quality watches, so if you’re on the hunt for a shark movie that is actually worth your time, step into “The Shallows.”

This survival thriller might be a decade old, but it still packs plenty of nerve-shredding moments and brings some emotional weight to the table with a lead character struggling with past trauma. This adds an extra wrinkle to an already intense thriller.

Nancy Adams (Blake Lively) is a med student, reeling from the recent death of her mother. Taking a trip to a secluded beach in Mexico, a sunny day of surfing becomes a battle for survival when Nancy becomes trapped just a couple hundred yards from the shore. Stranded on an isolated rock with a great white shark circling, she can see dry land, but actually reaching safety will require a whole lot of bravery and quick thinking.

Watch "The Shallows" on Netflix starting August 15

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Two months ago, I got my hands on the Oura Ring 5, which you can buy from $399 at Amazon. It's a sleek smart ring that delivers gold standard sleep tracking analysis. But could the Oura Ring actually help me sleep better, or merely hold a mirror up to it?

I was wearing the Oura Ring when a sleep doctor helped take my rest from six to seven hours of sleep in a week. And I can now see why it's considered to be one of the best sleep trackers on the market.

From keeping me moving throughout the day to pinpointing my optimal bedtime, the Oura Ring has helped me reach my seven-hour sleep goal, and even helped me pay back a chunk of my sleep debt. Here's a closer look at the top three things the Oura Ring did to help me increase my total time asleep, plus the three hidden Oura features that can help you boost your rest.

Key takeaways

• The Oura Ring 5 provides helpful feedback to optimize your sleep.
• Its activity reminders encourage healthy habits that improve sleep quality, while bedtime reminders help you to optimize sleep timing.
• Sleep and health metrics also help to pinpoint the reason for any sleep issues, with its 'latency' and 'time asleep' metrics showing when you need to go to bed and wake up to hit your sleep duration target.
• Other Oura Ring features for seep optimization include unguided and guided sleep meditations and sleep stories.

My sleep before using the Oura Ring 5

I've always struggled to get at least seven hours of sleep. As for the apocryphal 8-hour recommendation? Forget it.

My barriers to getting enough sleep can vary from night to night, but the common offenders include revenge bedtime procrastination and the Sunday Scaries.

Getting six hours of sleep is common for me (though racking up 5 hours isn't a rarity either), and my average sleep duration in May, the month before I got my Oura Ring, was 6 hours and 9 minutes. And that is a problem.

In 2025, researchers at the Oregon and Health and Science University reported that sleeping for less than seven hours a night decreases life expectancy more than poor diet and lack of exercise.

Meanwhile, a study by Vitality and The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) found that following the 7:1 sleep rule (meaning getting at least seven hours of sleep, falling asleep within the same one-hour window, for at least five nights a week) could add four years to lifespan.

"The recommendation for adults is seven to nine hours, with seven being the minimum," says Sam Sadighi, a certified sleep practitioner at Get Laid Beds "By getting the appropriate amount of sleep, we are giving our brains and bodies the opportunity to rest, recover, and repair."

3 key Oura Ring features that helped me go from 6 to 7 hours of sleep

1. It keeps me moving

The Oura Ring 5 does more than track sleep, of course. It's also a health and fitness tracker, which means it becomes a pedometer, reports on how long I've been active for, how much calories I've burnt, and even sends me gentle reminders to stretch my legs and move around if I've been inactive for too long.

That's all well and good, but you're probably wondering how that ties in with my sleep?

Research has shown that regular physical activity helps improve seep quality, meaning that it regulates sleep cycles and helps you fall asleep faster. It also helps me to move around throughout the day, rather than encouraging a vigorous workout before bed (which has been shown to actually decrease sleep quality).

Plus, the Oura starts tracking my movement as soon as I roll out of bed, which means it motivates me to take morning outdoor walk. And that morning dose of vitamin D, according to studies, actually helps to regulate my circadian rhythm to sleep better at night.

2. It helps me set the right bedtime

There's been many times were I believed that going to bed at 11 p.m. and setting my alarm for 6.05 a.m. guaranteed me at least 7 hours of sleep. Surely adding an extra 5 minutes to my wake-up time would account for the time it takes to fall asleep?

However, I was way off base. Not only does the Oura Ring's sleep tracking tell me that it can take me up to 18 minutes to fall asleep (which is by no means a bad thing; the Oura app tells me that the ideal sleep latency should be around 15-20 minutes), but I also have to factor in nighttime awakenings.

For example, on a night where I managed to rack up 7 hours and 3 minutes of sleep, I went to bed at 11.18 p.m., and set my alarm for 6:45 a.m — and leaving room for 7 hours and 27 minutes in bed (instead of just 7 hours and 0 minutes) paid off.

My 6-minute sleep onset latency that night, added to any nightline awakenings I had, took my total time awake to 27 minutes. Having the Oura Ring, which tells me how long it takes me to fall asleep and how long I wake up for at night, helped me set a bedtime that took into account for any obstacles that could take me away from my seven-hour goal.

In addition, it also sends me bedtime notifications (I don't set these reminders, the app sets a notification time that's in line with my body clock and encourages sleep consistency), which nudge me to start my nighttime routine so I'm ready for bed at the right time.

3. It helps me pinpoint any sleep issues

The Oura Ring doesn't just show me the number of hours I slept and a sleep score, it also breaks down my night, shows me the areas I need to work on, and offers me guidance on how I can improve my sleep.

For example, on nights where nighttime awakenings affected my sleep score, it suggested that stress and tension could be to blame for my restlessness and advised me to reduce stress and tension with proper hydration and dynamic stretching, among other stress-relieving activities.

The Oura Ring's counterlife as a health and fitness tracker also means it can tell you how your health patterns are affecting your sleep. Recently, I got a low amount of REM sleep, and the Oura Ring app (which also functions as a period tracker) informed me that this could be due to the fact that I was in the second half of my menstrual cycle, which increases the need for restorative sleep but also naturally reduces REM sleep.

3 other Oura Ring 5 sleep features to check out

1. Unguided session

Considered to be one of the hidden Oura Ring 5 features (I confess it is very difficult to find in the app), the Unguided Session offers you the chance to try some meditation and mindfulness sessions to improve sleep. To access this feature go to the home (Today) page, scroll down to Timeline, and scroll across the Add a tag section until you find Unguided session.

When you begin a session, the Oura Ring 5's sensors activate on a continuous cycle, and then when the session ends, it provides insights from that session so you can see the health benefits (such as higher HRV) of meditation.

The session can last as long as you like, anywhere from one minute to an hour. You can also choose from a menu of soothing "soundscapes" to help you unwind. This feature is excellent for nighttime routines, as mindfulness meditation has been reported to improve sleep quality and reduce daytime fatigue.

2. Body Clock and Chronotype

The Body Clock and Chronotype features your optimal sleep window, based on your sleep chronotype (when you're at your most active and alert) and pits it against your current sleep patterns. From this information, you can gain understanding of how your biological clock likes to function and how to improve your sleep schedule and habits.

This feature is hidden, as it isn't available from the get-go. Instead, unlocking this feature requires you to consistently wear your Our Ring to bed to gain 30 long sleep periods (in the same time zone) during a 90 day period. As I've recently travelled (and haven't owned the Oura Ring for 90 days), so this feature isn't available to me yet. But stay tuned...

3. Sleep stories and mediations

Bedtime stories for adults are now a popular sleep hack, with popular meditation apps such as Calm and Headspace offering a library of cozy, relaxing tales for you to fall asleep to. Luckily, Oura has its own selection of sleep stories, with calming titles such as "A Walk to the Cottage" and "Rockabye Railway".

There's also a library of guided sleep meditation, if you need more help than the above Unguided session offers. These guided mediations gently coach you through body scans and breathwork for sleep.

More top-rated sleep trackers to improve your rest

I'm a supplement skeptic but it might be time to eat my words — and drink my mushrooms. As evidence grows that mushroom supplements might improve sleep issues, I decided to give adaptogens a go. And my sleep tracker was impressed.

For 30 days I added functional mushrooms to my sleep routine. Sipping on lion's mane in the morning (to improve clarity) and reishi in the evening (to reduce stress) I was hoping to supercharge my sleep-wake cycle. I recorded the results with a sleep diary, which I cross referenced against my Withings Sleep Analyzer sleep tracker.

Soon I was skipping the 3 a.m. wake ups and starting the day feeling ready to go. But were the adaptogens to thank? Or were changes to my routine the real secret behind better sleep. I asked Laura Perez, Registered Dietician and Clinical Nutrition Lead at Simple Online Pharmacy, what to make of the results.

Key takeaways

• Adaptogens and nootropics are herbal supplements, taken to reduce stress, boost focus and improve sleep.
• Early clinical studies show positive benefits from some adaptogens and there's plenty of anecdotal evidence.
• I used reishi and lion's mane, two types of adaptogenic fungi, for 30 days and felt some benefits — but these might be attributed to positive routine changes.

What are adaptogens and nootropics — and how can they help you sleep?

Adaptogens and nootropics are natural supplements derived from herbs, plants or mushrooms. Broadly, adaptogens are recommended to fight stress, while nootropics are used to improve cognitive function.

Adaptogens are said to respond and adapt to imbalances in the body to restore you to homeostasis. Popular adaptogens include ashwaghanda and reishi, while lion's mane and cordyceps are common nootropics. (Nootropics are sometimes classed as a form of adaptogen.)

Widely used in parts of East and South Asia, there's a wealth of anecdotal support for adaptogens. And scientific trials have shown some benefits to adaptogens although Perez notes that; “Human studies remain small and the results are mixed.”

“The honest answer is that you may be noticing a genuine benefit,” says Perez, “but the evidence is not yet strong enough to say confidently that reishi improves sleep or lion’s mane boosts brain power.”

Adaptogens and nootropics are available in various forms, from capsules to powders to tinctures. However, they're aren't regulated by the FDA and Perez warns you should always check what you’re getting.

“Products can vary considerably in their dose, concentration and the part of the mushroom used, so choose a reputable supplement company that has undergone independent quality testing.”

Reishi mushrooms for sleep

The first of my supplements is reishi (also known as Ganoderma lucidum or lingzhi).

Reishi has a long medicinal history and is intended to reduce stress and enhance sleep. A 2024 review did find sleep-aiding benefits to using reishi, as did a study from the same year.

However, Perez notes that much of the research has been conducted in animals or laboratories and more real-world evidence is needed.

Lion's mane for focus and clarity

Lion's mane, or Hericium erinaceus, is a nootropic intended to make you more alert and focused. Essentially, a brain booster.

Perez notes that while lion's mane is often associated with alertness, it's not going to wake you up like caffeine. However, she agrees there's promising evidence that lion's mane can improve your mental energy.

“Some small studies have reported possible benefits for memory, processing speed, mood or stress, particularly in older adults or people experiencing cognitive decline,” she says.

She does note, however, that other trials have found “no significant overall improvement in cognition.”

What happened when I used adaptogens to help me sleep better and wake up with more energy for a month?

I tested the Love Mush AM:PM Bundle for a 30-day period from March 1st to March 30th. I consumed 1ml of reishi extract in the evening and 1ml of lion’s mane in the morning.

First things first: do they taste like mushrooms? No. There’s no flavor at all, actually. At the start of my testing period I added the extract to water with trepidation. By the end of the month, I was mixing reishi hot chocolates and lion’s mane matchas.

My sleep scores stayed even

For the month of testing, my Withings Sleep Analyzer awarded me an overall score of 80... the exact same score I got the month before.

Don't get me wrong, I'm still happy with an 80. That indicates consistent, decent quality sleep. And there's a big caveat — I was horribly ill on March 5th, resulting in one of my lowest sleep scores ever (47). There’s nothing the mushrooms could have done in this situation and it dragged my average down.

However, even without my terrible 47, my sleep score wouldn't have jumped noticeably, So while there's a small improvement, nothing that couldn't be chalked up to natural fluctuations.

Reishi didn’t beat 3 a.m. wake ups — but my sleep interruptions went down

Stress is a major cause of disrupted sleep as it causes cortisol levels to spike, increasing alertness and leaving you prone to late night wake ups. It’s a problem I’ve dealt with on and off for years and during periods of high stress, my sleep takes a downturn.

“Reishi is often marketed as an ‘adaptogen’ that helps the body manage stress," says Perez and while she notes that further research is needed, current evidence is promising.

My own data (both my sleep score and subjective notes) support reishi's calming properties. At the start of March, I experienced several disrupted nights in a row. By the end of the month, I was sleeping through. (I didn't record any significant changes in outside stressors.)

When I stopped using the supplements in April, my sleep tracker recorded an uptick in interruptions. But nothing outside the realm of ordinary late night wake ups.

I felt calm and relaxed before bed

After sipping slowly on whatever drink I’d mixed my reishi supplement into, I generally felt ready to drop off. Was this thanks to the mushroom? Was reishi targeting the stress in my body to relieve anxiety before bed?

Perhaps, but there might be another benefit at play.

“Taking a supplement as part of a calming bedtime routine may signal to your brain that the day is ending,” explains Perez. This helps create your sleep-wake cycle to stay regulated, so you can drop off quicker.

My reishi ritual became a reliable part of my routine during my 30 day testing period. Pouring my drink, measuring my dropper full, mixing it in… it was like a low-effort version of a Japanese tea ceremony.

"Expecting it to help could also affect how relaxed you feel. A placebo response is not imaginary, but it does not prove the mushroom itself caused the improvement,” explains Perez.

I was more refreshed in the morning

If reishi gets you snoozing, lion’s mane is meant to wake you up. This nootropic is said to improve focus and cognitive function, like a kickstart for your brain.

Anecdotally, I was impressed. During the 30 day period I recorded how alert I felt each morning after consuming my lion’s mane drink. Instead of ‘groggy’, ‘half-awake’ or ‘uurrgghhh’, I typically felt ready to go.

And no, I didn’t start using lion’s mane alongside a burgeoning interest in espresso. Mostly, I mixed it into my regular cup of English breakfast tea.

Again, however, there might be another explanation at play. My testing period coincided with lighter mornings, meaning by the time I finished my drink I was enjoying the awakening effect of sunlight.

Plus, because I was making sure I got my lion's mane, I was hydrating every morning. This has been linked to improved cognition.

“Lion’s mane is not a stimulant like caffeine, so it should not produce an immediate surge in energy or alertness," explains Perez. "Claims that it will instantly sharpen the brain or transform productivity go beyond what current research supports.”

What happened after I stopped using adaptogens?

I had a 30-day supply of reishi and lion’s mane. Once my trial came to an end, I stopped using any adaptogens to see what happened to my sleep score.

Overall, there was little change. I slept slightly worse in April than I did in March (and that’s without the red mark of a sub-60 score) but it was still within my average range (a 78 overall). Also, as noted, I saw a slight uptick in sleep interruptions — but not enough to cause concern.

In terms of alertness, the brighter mornings have helped me wake up feeling fresher. But I recorded more drowsy mornings after I ditched the lion's mane.

Verdict: Can mushroom adaptogens help you sleep better?

Reishi didn’t stop my 3 a.m. wake ups and lion’s mane didn’t supercharge my brain. However, I’ll add myself to the long list of adaptogen's anecdotal beneficiaries.

During the 30 day testing period I felt well rested and alert. On the nights I used reishi before bed I went to sleep feeling calm, while my brain woke up faster on my lion’s mane mornings.

But this positive impact might be attributed to other healthy habits I picked up along the way; a ritual wind-down in the evening, hydrating in the morning, and getting sunlight first thing.

“My overall view is cautiously open-minded,” says Perez. “If you enjoy taking them, notice a benefit and know they are safe for you, there may be no reason to stop.”

“However, [adaptogens] shouldn’t replace the fundamentals with stronger evidence behind them, including sufficient sleep, regular meals, physical activity, daylight exposure and sensible caffeine intake.”

While Perez says adaptogens can be beneficial, she recommends being careful with use.

“Natural does not automatically mean risk-free," says Perez. "Reishi may increase bleeding risk and interact with blood-thinning or immunosuppressant medicines. Anyone taking regular medication, living with a health condition, pregnant or breastfeeding should always speak to a pharmacist or healthcare professional first."

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There’s a strange phenomenon in Hollywood known as “twin films.” Essentially, two movies with similar core premises are released close together. There are examples throughout film history, with one of the most recent occurring in the spring of 2024, when “Immaculate” and “The First Omen” were released in theaters just two weeks apart.

The two horror movies share a shocking amount of similarities. Both are set within an Italian Catholic convent, are stuffed with religious themes and imagery, and, most prominently, have narratives that are so alike, it’s a little spooky. Because it had ties to a popular horror franchise, “The First Omen” won the box office battle, but for me, “Immaculate” is the better film.

This overshadowed horror movie has just arrived on Netflix, and if you skipped it on the big screen to watch the latest “Omen” movie instead, now is your chance to correct that mistake. Yes, the competition might not be the fiercest around, but I rank it easily as among Sydney Sweeney’s best movies (second only to last year’s delightful twisting “The Housemaid”). Want more details before adding "Immaculate" to your Netflix watchlist? Here's everything you need to know about this Sydney Sweeney horror.

What is ‘Immaculate’ about?

While you can probably puzzle out “Immaculate’s” twist from the trailer (and the movie’s winking title), I’ll tread lightly here to avoid direct spoilers.

Sydney Sweeney plays Sister Cecilia, an American girl who turned to religion after surviving a near-death experience as a child. Moving to a remote convent in the stunning Italian countryside, she is devout in her faith and is preparing to take her vows to become a full-fledged nun.

Initially warmly welcomed to the convent and settling into her new life, things take a dark turn when Cecilia begins to experience intense nightmares and suspects the religious institution is harboring dark secrets. This suspicion proves to be correct when unspeakable horrors emerge...

‘Immaculate’ is worthy of your Netflix watchlist this week

“Immaculate’s” biggest strength is its constantly spiralling tension. It takes a little while to get going, with a scene-setting first act, and then once the mid-movie twist rears its head, from there, it’s just a straight descent into horrifically entertaining chaos. It keeps pushing forward, building to a particularly shocking ending that (unsurprisingly) has proved divisive.

The movie’s tight 89-minute runtime helps the momentum. Once “Immaculate” gets going, it doesn’t waste time. Instead, it’s a whistle-stop tour of nerve-jangling horror highlights, from effective jump scares to very ominous utterances from supporting characters. The bloody violence mixed with the religious theming will put some viewers off. However, if you can handle this, then “Immaculate” is a very entertaining dark horror movie.

Credit to Sydney Sweeney because this movie rests on her shoulders. The movie doesn’t spend much time fleshing out the wider cast; it’s focused on Cecilia. Her arc is compelling. At first convinced she survived her near-death experience because God has a purpose for her, she becomes dismayed at what the covenant leaders have in store. In the movie’s third act, Sweeney channels Cecilia’s internal rage that has been bubbling across the entire runtime, creating a final cathartic moment that you won’t soon forget.

“Immaculate” is a horror movie that is more spooky than outright terrifying, and its plot does become a little nonsensical (and highly illogical) towards the end. Nevertheless, it’s got some strong central themes that echo topical events at the time of its release, which add an extra layer to unravel. It’s a movie that I’d recommend to any dedicated fan of the horror genre.

Watch “Immaculate” on Netflix now

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Netflix is known for its churn, which is basically the constant cycle of titles being removed from the streaming service’s library and replaced with new additions throughout the month. It’s pretty easy to miss what’s leaving given there’s no dedicated section for departing titles, but as someone who regularly keeps up with the churn, I’m always tracking what’s on its way out. That’s why I was shocked to see the movie “Fall” leaving Netflix this month.

“Fall” is an intense survival thriller that very much plays on people’s fear of heights. It’s not a particularly huge fear of mine, but after seeing this film for the first time, I definitely experienced some vertigo. What surprised me about it leaving Netflix, though, is that its sequel, “Fall 2: Deadpoint,” is arriving in theaters at the beginning of September. So, if you’re looking to check it out for the first time or need a refresher ahead of the sequel, now is quite literally the perfect time to stream “Fall” on Netflix.

You have until August 17 to watch “Fall,” meaning you have less than a week to add this survival thriller to your watchlist. But if you need more convincing before diving into this nerve-shredding movie, here’s everything you need to know.

What is ‘Fall’ about?

“Fall” follows Becky Connor (Grace Caroline Currey), a skilled climber who has stopped climbing since her husband, Dan (Mason Gooding), died in a tragic accident. Nearly a year after his death, Becky’s friend Hunter (Virginia Gardner) encourages her to take on one final climb: the abandoned B-67 TV tower, a 2,000-foot structure standing in the middle of the desert.

Hunter hopes the dangerous challenge will help Becky move forward, while Becky plans to scatter Dan’s ashes from the top of the tower. After a difficult ascent up the tower’s old, deteriorating ladders, the pair finally reach the summit. However, their relief quickly turns to panic when the ladder breaks during their descent, leaving them stranded on a tiny platform thousands of feet above the ground.

With no easy way back down, limited supplies and no one nearby to help, Becky and Hunter must find a way to attract attention and escape the tower before their situation becomes fatal.

‘Fall’ will make your stomach drop

Upon reading the premise, you probably now understand why “Fall” is such a physically intense movie. Even though you know what you’re watching isn’t real, the film makes brilliant use of its isolated, high-altitude setting to create a genuine sense of discomfort. From the opening minutes, where we see protagonist Becky enjoying a climb up a mountain, the film wastes no time putting you in an incredibly uncomfortable situation. And that’s only a taste of the madness to come, when she and her best friend decide to climb a decommissioned 2,000-foot tower in the middle of a desert, because that seems like such a great idea.

Obviously, people with a thrill for this kind of thing might find it to be an entertaining watch, but for those who cannot stand heights, it might be pure nightmare fuel. In fact, rather than relying entirely on green screens, the production built a 60-foot tower section on top of a 2,000-foot cliff in the Mojave Desert to replicate real wind, heat, and terrifying heights for the actors. That alone makes this film feel all the more terrifying, and the dedication to bringing such a physically demanding production to life is seriously impressive.

Even though “Fall” does a great job of making you sweat and grip the edge of your seat, it also becomes more than just a survival thriller, evolving into a character drama. While Becky and Hunter desperately try to find a way back down to the ground, they’re also forced to confront a lot of suppressed trauma. As they deal with severe heat, dehydration and hunger, they’re simultaneously caught up in some intense psychological conflict. Without going into spoilers, their conversations at the top of the tower prove to be some of the best scenes in the movie.

There’s also an insane twist that I obviously won’t talk about, but it makes the final act of this movie that much more intense, and I’m curious to see if they’ll use the same formula for “Fall 2.” Grace Caroline Currey and Virginia Gardner also do a great job of carrying what is essentially a two-hander. With much of the movie relying on their performances, the pair have to sell both the physical exhaustion and increasingly complicated emotions of their characters.

Perhaps the most fun thing about “Fall” though is that it makes you question whether you’d ever be mad enough to attempt something like this yourself.

Stream ‘Fall’ now before the sequel ‘Deadpoint’

If you’re not too afraid of heights and need something thrilling to watch this week, I’d highly recommend streaming “Fall” on Netflix before it leaves on August 17, especially with the sequel arriving in theaters just a few weeks later.

It’s an incredibly effective survival thriller, and every time Becky and Hunter come up with another desperate plan, there’s an inevitable moment of “absolutely not” as you watch from the safety of your couch. It’s nightmare fuel for some, to say the least.

“Fall 2: Deadpoint” is dropping in theaters on September 2. While I don’t have high expectations, given I’m a little confused about why it needed a sequel, the trailer looked interesting enough.

It introduces a new pair of protagonists and puts them in a similarly terrifying high-altitude survival situation. Jax (Harriet Slater), who is grieving the death of her sister, and Luce (Arsema Thomas), her sister’s fearless friend, travel to Thailand to attempt the infamous plank walk on Mount Kwan. When a rockslide leaves them stranded on a narrow plank 3,000 feet above the ground, they have to find a way to survive and escape.

Now is your chance to stream “Fall” on Netflix before the sequel comes out. And if you need more similar movies to get your heart rate up this week, it’s worth checking out these five thriller movies about being trapped after watching the No. 1 movie on Netflix, “The Last House.”

Stream "Fall" on Netflix now

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"Reacher" season 4 just kicked off with a three-episode premiere on Prime Video. If you were worried the show has lost a step, don't be. It's the same "Reacher" as before, and that's a good thing.

Like a lot of great shows, and more than a few crime/spy thriller shows, "Reacher" suffers from a Catch-22. You get drawn into the show by a specific character, or group of characters, or the way it's paced, etc. It's like your favorite food: you don't want to deviate from the recipe. But if you don't put a new spin on the recipe, or branch out a bit, you might find that your once favorite food has suddenly turned stale.

"Reacher" certainly runs that risk, in no small part because the books the show is based on also follow a specific recipe. Given the popularity of both those books and the Prime Video adaptation, showrunner Nick Santora would be forgiven if he decided to simply stick to the script.

Unsurprisingly, that's what season 4 does. At least through three episodes. Yes, tonally, this show is a bit darker. Those who are sensitive to scenes portraying suicide might want to sit it out. But it ultimately holds to the recipe that made this show the ultimate "dadcore" thriller series. Get a big, strong, silent type. Make him clever and a bit funny when he talks. Let him get the girl without much trouble. Let him beat up bad guys along the way.

Luckily for Santora, Paramount (who co-produces) and Prime Video, the formula is still fresh. At least, it is for now. And that's almost entirely down to the performance of Alan Ritchson, who plays the titular former military police major with a thirst for justice.

Alan Ritchson is perfectly cast and it pays off big in season 4

Watching these three episodes, I couldn't get over how perfect Ritchson is for this role. It immediately made me think of the perfect pairing of Gary Oldman and Jackson Lamb in "Slow Horses," and I think it's time to declare Ritchson as Reacher an equally brilliant piece of casting.

For what it's worth, this season does have a plot. And it is a genuinely interesting one at that. The show starts with Reacher witnessing a woman, Anna (Karen Kwong-Chip), kill herself on a Philadelphia subway car. From then on, he's hounded by police, federal agents and the CIA, amongst others, as they all think he was given something by the woman before she died.

Aiding Reacher in the quest to discover what's really going on are the Philadelphia cop who arrived at the scene (Tamara Green), the woman's brother, Jacob (Christopher Rodriguez Marquette) and Russell (Kevin Weisman), a journalist who's been building an exposé on CIA black sites in the U.S. There's also Lila (Agnez Mo), a journalist from Indonesia trying to uncover some shady American activities of her own ... when she's not in a sudden fling with Reacher.

While that plot has kept me engaged and often on the edge of my seat, there's no denying that "Reacher" is all about ... well, Reacher. I can pretend I'm excited to see Kevin Corrigan show up as a jaded Philly cop. I can convince myself I'm curious about the show's B-plot about Anna's missing son (Denis Wong). But ultimately, I'm just waiting for Jack Reacher to do Jack Reacher things.

And that's okay, because Alan Ritchson is great at being Jack Reacher. Strong and silent? The man is built like a house. Clever and funny? At least once a scene. Gets the girl? By the end of the third episode, and with ease. And of course, he's constantly beating people up in well-executed action set pieces.

While that seems like an easy recipe to follow, Ritchson might be the only one who can put it all together. The more I watch, the more I'm convinced that only he is the right combination of smart, clever, self-confident but not cocky, and built like an NFL linebacker but doesn't look like a strongman competitor. Even action stars like Jason Statham and Keanu Reeves would be hard-pressed to tick all the boxes Ritchson does, even if I'd certainly argue they're the better stuntmen and martial artists on-screen.

Verdict: I already can't wait for episode 4

If you're someone who already watches "Reacher," you probably didn't need much convincing to stream season 4. Certainly, after reading all that praise, you've probably already queued it up on your television.

If you're not a "Reacher" fan yet, though, I definitely recommend checking it out. Unless you're truly allergic to action, this show has something for everyone. It also does a good job of featuring female protagonists alongside our titular hero ... even if some of them typically end up in bed with him at some point.

But, really, Ritchson's performance alone should be enough to keep you drawn in. I'm certainly already hooked and ready for episode 4 to come next week. Don't be afraid to start your "Reacher" fandom with this season, either. There's minor connective tissue between seasons, but they easily stand on their own as engaging television.

Stream the three-episode premiere of "Reacher" season 4 on Prime Video now

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We live in an era of sequels. But until Dolby announced a follow-up version of Dolby Vision, I didn’t expect to experience a sequel to an HDR format, of all things.

Several months after the announcement of the new format, Dolby Vision 2 is finally making its way to TVs all over the world. Dolby Vision 2 is arriving on select Hisense models first and will soon expand to additional sets.

If you’re a picture purist, an A/V aficionado, or an all-around home theater enthusiast, you’re probably champing at the bit to peep this premium HDR format. Before we dive into whether or not Dolby Vision 2 is worth seeking out, let’s start with the list of Dolby Vision 2-supporting TVs.

Which TVs have Dolby Vision 2?

As mentioned, the newest version of Dolby Vision is being welcomed into the world by way of Hisense. Right now, Dolby Vision 2 is rolling out in a firmware update to the following TVs:

• Hisense UX
• Hisense UR9
• Hisense UR8
• Hisense U7/U7 Pro

The first Hisense TVs to receive the update are models built around the Google TV or VIDAA OS smart platform. According to Dolby Laboratories, the initial rollout will expand in the coming weeks.

We’ve already tested and reviewed the Hisense UR9 (the brand’s top RGB LED flagship for 2026), and we’re in the process of evaluating the UR8 and the Hisense U7 (dubbed the U7SG here in the states).

Of these models, the Hisense U7SG represents the most-affordable way to secure Dolby Vision 2 support right now. It’s a mid-range Mini-LED TV that gets exceptionally bright and colorful during HDR content, but how well it showcases Dolby Vision 2 content remains to be seen.

Dolby claims that regular, garden-variety Dolby Vision content will look better on TVs equipped with Dolby Vision 2. But, of course, this raises a key question about the nascent feature.

Is Dolby Vision 2 worth having?

Like its predecessor, Dolby Vision 2 leverages dynamic metadata embedded in content to present the picture in a carefully controlled manner. In simple terms, Dolby Vision 2 (and the OG Dolby Vision) work to ensure that whatever you're watching gets as close as possible to matching the creator's intent.

How close it gets comes down to the overall performance of your display. Some TVs get brighter and more colorful than others, and as you can imagine, those TVs make better use of Dolby Vision (and HDR in general). Likewise, many affordable TVs offer Dolby Vision support, but due to their performance limitations, Dolby Vision-enhanced content looks worse than standard HDR content does on a better-performing set.

With all of that being said, let’s consider the newest format. Both Dolby Vision 2 and Dolby Vision 2 Max (the top-tier version) offer up new features for filmmakers to tinker with. These include Authentic Motion (which allows creators to control motion smoothing on a shot-by-shot basis) and Light Sense 2 (which dynamically adjusts the picture’s brightness based on ambient lighting conditions).

But the newest format’s bread and butter is the flexibility it gives to creators whose content will be screened on the TVs of tomorrow. It’s reportedly been developed for displays that reach up to 10,000 nits of brightness — far higher than anything I’ve personally measured on a consumer-facing, HDR-capable TV.

As TVs evolve, Dolby Vision 2 will be here to take advantage of their performance.

Just as we have to wait for the TVs of tomorrow to see what Dolby Vision 2 is fully capable of, we also need to wait for the content to start flowing. According to Dolby Laboratories, several streaming platforms have already committed to platforming Dolby Vision 2-enabled content, including Peacock and Canal+. But right now, there’s not much to see.

So, what are you missing out on if your TV doesn’t support Dolby Vision 2? Not much. Today, Dolby Vision 2-viewers might notice a slight improvement to the presentation of movies and shows mastered for the original Dolby Vision format, but we’ll have to wait for proper Dolby Vision 2-enhanced content to truly familiarize ourselves with the newest members of the Dolby Vision family.

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• TCL and Sony are joining forces to sell more TVs — but is that bad news for shoppers?

Whenever Prime Video confirms its slate for a new month, the first thing I look for is the latest thriller movies. The genre is persistently popular on the platform, and I’m personally a huge fan of thrillers. Fortunately, Prime Video’s August 2026 slate isn’t letting us down in this regard.

I’ve combed through the latest additions to the streaming service, and found a trio of thrillers worthy of your watchlist. There’s a ‘90s flavor to my picks this week, with two of the best genre efforts of the decade, including a crime epic often cited as Quentin Tarantino’s greatest ever film. But if you’re craving something new, Prime Video offers a thriller from 2026, too.

These are the 3 new-to-Prime Video thrillers you need to watch this week if you need streaming picks that will have you gripping your sofa and shocked by unexpected twists.

3 best new to Prime Video thriller movies this week

‘Pulp Fiction’ (1994)

“Pulp Fiction” is a movie that needs no introduction. Quentin Tarantino’s second feature made him a Hollywood rockstar, and any self-respecting list of the best movies of the 1990s is going to include it somewhere near the top (if not ranked No. 1). Widely considered Tarantino’s magnum opus, the near bulletproof reputation of this 1994 crime epic remains intact to this very day. Just calling it iconic feels like underselling this classic.

If you somehow don’t know the general gist of this masterpiece, Pulp Fiction” collects multiple interconnected chapters that eventually crossover to form a full picture. Each vignette is intriguing enough to anchor an entire movie, but is just part of the glorious puzzle that is “Pulp Fiction”. The film tells the tales of a hitman duo, Vincent Vega (John Travolta) and Jules Winnfield (Samuel L. Jackson), crime boss Marsellus Wallace (Ving Rhames), his actress wife, Mia (Uma Thurman), and drowning-in-debt boxer Butch Coolidge (Bruce Willis).

Watch "Pulp Fiction" on Prime Video now

‘The Gates’ (2026)

In February, “Dawson’s Creek” star James Van Der Beek tragically passed away, making “The Gates” his final movie appearance. Released posthumously, it’s a tense little thriller that also stars Mason Gooding (known for his work in the new “Scream” trilogy), Algee Smith and Keith Powers. The reviews were middling, but Van Der Beek’s performance was much praised, and the central premise of this thriller is intriguing enough to warrant a watch.

“The Gate” sees a trio of college friends (Gooding, Smith and Powers) enjoying a carefree road trip when they make what proves to be a potentially fatal mistake by taking a shortcut through a remote gated community. Here they witness a murder, and become trapped within the community's walls. Over the course of a very long night, they are hunted by the residents who plan to blame them for the crime. Leading the hunting party is Jacob (Van Der Beek), a sinister man of faith.

Watch "The Gates" on Prime Video now

‘The Usual Suspects’ (1995)

In a recent Tom’s Guide poll to find the best twist in movie history, “The Usual Suspects” ranked second with an impressive 20% of the vote (“The Sixth Sense” won the gold). It’s a testament to the enduring popularity of this twisting crime thriller’s shocking final reveal. Naturally, I’m not going to spoil anything here, but if you’ve managed to avoid having the twist ruined, go watch “The Usual Suspects” on Prime Video right now.

This thriller hangs on a single question: Who is Keyser Söze? After a job gone wrong at the San Pedro Harbor, a timid small-time crook, Roger “Verbal” Kint (Kevin Spacey), is taken into police custody for interrogation. Through a series of flashbacks, he explains how the ill-fated heist came to be and, more importantly, how he made contact with the enigmatic crimelord, Keyser Söze. The police hope to identify Söze using Verbal’s testimony, but the elusive criminal mastermind has a plan up his sleeve to escape the police’s enclosing net.

Watch "The Usual Suspects" on Prime Video now

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• How to get Prime Video for free

It’s a new week, which means Netflix’s top 10 refreshes based on what everyone was gravitating towards over the weekend, and that usually means newer releases. This is what makes the trending list so useful, because if you missed something new dropping on the service, it’s most likely to show up in the popular section. So, if you’re looking for something to watch this week, the trending list is a great place to start.

But just because there’s a top 10 doesn’t always make it easy to decide what to watch, especially since these rankings can often include a few duds. That’s why I’ve picked out three shows currently in Netflix’s top 10 that are actually worth watching. This week, that includes the new season of a hit romantic drama, an intriguing comedy-drama that originally aired on Fox, and a British series based on a shocking true story. If you want to see what else is trending, you’ll find the full Netflix top 10 below.

Note: This list is based on the Netflix U.S. top 10 shows as of Tuesday, August 11, 2026.

Best shows in the Netflix top 10

‘My Life with the Walter Boys’

We’re in the era of seriously messy love triangles. That’s not to say they’ve never been prominent in TV before, because you could argue “The Vampire Diaries” really kicked things off, but the past couple of years have been packed with messy romantic drama. “My Life with the Walter Boys” is certainly one of them, with the ending of season 2 only fueling its central love triangle. Now that season 3 is streaming, things have somehow gotten even messier (and more frustrating). But hey, if you’re looking for a series where you can pick a side, “My Life with the Walter Boys” is perfect.

Season 3 picks up after Jackie (Nikki Rodriguez) and Cole (Noah LaLonde) confess their feelings for each other, only for Alex (Ashby Gentry) to overhear them before George is rushed to hospital. As the Walter family deals with the aftermath, Jackie focuses on developing a community space in Silver Falls while trying to work out where she belongs. Alex joins a new rodeo team, while Cole discovers a new opportunity behind the wheel after a race car driver spots his potential. Jackie’s childhood friend also arrives from New York, bringing a connection to the life she left behind.

Stream "My Life with the Walter Boys" season 3 on Netflix

‘Best Medicine’

Sometimes, the best medicine for sadness is a comedy, and what better show to watch than… “Best Medicine.” This medical comedy-drama originally premiered on Fox and serves as the official American adaptation of the long-running British hit “Doc Martin.” It takes the beloved ITV format created by Dominic Minghella and updates its iconic Cornish fishing village setting to a quirky coastal town on America’s East Coast. With its eccentric characters and plenty of laughs, it’s the perfect show for anyone looking for something uplifting to watch this week.

Dr. Martin Best (Josh Charles) is a brilliant surgeon who leaves his career in Boston and moves to the coastal town of Port Wenn, Maine, where he spent summers as a child. Taking over as the town’s general practitioner, Martin quickly finds himself treating an unusual collection of local patients. His blunt manner and dislike of unnecessary conversation frequently put him at odds with the people around him. Meanwhile, Martin’s assistant Elaine Denton (Cree Cicchino) helps him navigate his new practice as he deals with a growing fear of blood.

Stream "Best Medicine" on Netflix

‘The Bombing of Pan Am 103’

Those who prefer to watch a series based on a true story will want to check out “The Bombing of Pan Am 103,” a British drama focusing on the aftermath of Britain’s deadliest terrorist attack at the time in 1988. The series follows the joint Scottish-American criminal investigation as detectives and FBI agents work to identify those responsible, while the case develops into an international legal battle. Written by Jonathan Lee and Scottish screenwriter Gillian Roger Park, the series follows the investigation and its impact on those connected to the case across multiple decades.

On December 21, 1988, Pan Am Flight 103 exploded over Lockerbie, Scotland, killing all 259 people aboard and 11 people on the ground. In the aftermath, Scottish detective Ed McCusker (Connor Swindells) and his colleagues begin a huge investigation to determine how the bombing happened and identify those responsible. They soon join forces with FBI agents Dick Marquise (Patrick J. Adams), Tom Thurman (Eddie Marsan) and Kathryn Turman (Merritt Wever), taking the investigation across Scotland, America and Malta as they follow new evidence and potential suspects.

Stream "The Bombing of Pan Am 103" on Netflix

Netflix top 10 shows right now

1. "My Life with the Walter Boys" (2023)
2. "The Idaho Murders: College Nightmare" (2026)
3. "Best Medicine" (2026)
4. "The Bombing of Pan Am 103" (2025)
5. "Let's Marry Harry" (2026)
6. "Ransom Canyon" (2025)
7. "I Will Find You" (2026)
8. "The Hawk" (2026)
9. "Alone Australia" (2023)
10. "Our Sticky Love" (2026)

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I've always been a fan of obscure films. Some movies happen upon me like a dream, and the 1989 British dark fantasy flick "Paperhouse" was one of those rare finds. I stumbled across it late one night back when flipping around channels was still a thing — one of the true casualties of the streaming age, where these hidden cinematic gems are so much harder to come by organic discovery.

The moment I tuned in, I was completely entranced by the eerie concept of a young girl’s drawings coming to life. It tap-dances right on the boundary between childhood imagination and psychological horror, pulling you into a world that feels as fragile as it is deeply disturbing.

From its slow creep factor to the hauntingly isolated quality of the young girl's dreams, "Paperhouse" is a forgotten classic. If you're looking to unearth a hidden gem, this is one film you’ll definitely want to add to your watchlist. And fortunately for you, it's streaming completely free on Tubi.

What is 'Paperhouse' about?

"Paperhouse" begins when young Anna (Charlotte Burke) collapses at school and is diagnosed with glandular fever. Confined to bed with a high fever, her real world bleeds into a surreal dreamscape where whatever she draws on paper instantly manifests inside her sleep.

It starts when she sketches a crude, lopsided house in a barren field, only to find herself standing right in front of it during her next dream, complete with its misshapen fence and crooked windows. Seeking a companion in this eerie solitude, she draws a boy named Marc inside one of the upper windows.

When she visits Marc in her dreams, however, she discovers he is bedridden and unable to walk, trapped inside the dwelling. Anna's frantic attempts to alter her drawings and help him backfire, twisting her lonely fantasy world into a far weirder and more frightening nightmare.

Why I recommend you stream 'Paperhouse'

"Paperhouse" plays out like a genuine fever dream. The storyline of Anna's sketches coming to life — and all the psychological chaos that ensues — pulls you right in. Director Bernard Rose constructs a bizarre setting that evokes a looming, atmospheric dreamworld echoing Anna's inner torment at home, fueled by an absent father and a volatile relationship with her mother. Her growing guilt over being unable to save the boy in her dream becomes a poignant metaphor for her complete lack of control over her own real-world circumstances.

The unsettling creep factor should come as no surprise, given it was helmed by the same director who gave us "Candyman". Rose understands how to make a dream feel as deeply uncanny as a real nightmare. Much like our own actual dreams, the world Anna creates looks almost real on the surface, but something is fundamentally amiss just beneath the exterior. Don't expect the visceral slasher gore of "Candyman" here; "Paperhouse" tones down the visceral shock in favor of atmospheric dread, standing strong as a fantastic dark fantasy horror movie in its own right.

If you are making the rounds looking for a scary movie to watch and want to trade classic jump scares for psychological mood, don't miss this one. It has flown under the radar for decades, never receiving the mainstream hype of other '80s horror staples. Track it down on your favorite free streaming platform and dive in.

Stream "Paperhouse" free on Tubi

Prime Video’s movie library can be pretty overwhelming, which makes the platform’s top 10 most-watched list a useful tool for getting a quick rundown of the films proving the most popular on the platform right now. But just because a movie ranks high doesn’t guarantee it’s worth your time; quite the opposite. I’ve seen many subpar flicks get into the top 10.

That’s why I’ve combed through the current Prime Video top 10 (as of Monday, August 10) and picked out a trio of movies that I believe deserve your attention. This week my picks range from a slick spy thriller to a dazzling sci-fi blockbuster to a chilling horror about a family pet turned feral. These are the best movies in today’s Prime Video top 10 ranking.

Best movies in the Prime Video top 10

‘The Amateur’ (2025)

I’m happy to see “The Amateur” sticking around the Prime Video top 10. This spy thriller starring Oscar winner Rami Malek is based on the 1981 novel by Robert Littell and was one of last year’s slightly underappreciated gems in theaters. It’s great to see it getting a second wind via Amazon’s streaming service. If you like the “Bourne” movies, you need to watch it.

Malek plays a CIA analyst whose world is shattered when his wife is killed in a terrorist attack. Using his skills, he identifies those responsible for his wife's murder and blackmails his superiors into giving him a license to hunt them down and get revenge. A novice in the field, Charlie (Malek) is shown the ropes by a gruff mentor, Hendo (Laurence Fishburne). However, even with some training, he’s still a fish out of water. Quickly realizing he can’t outshoot his enemies, he outthinks them using his superior intellect.

Watch "The Amateur" on Prime Video now

‘Project Hail Mary’ (2026)

“Project Hail Mary” is one of the year’s most entertaining blockbusters, and even if it was clearly made to be enjoyed on the big screen, it’s still a worthwhile watch at home. Adapted from Andy Weir’s novel of the same name, it stars Ryan Gosling, and while the “La La Land” star is excellent as the protagonist, Ryland Grace, he’s totally upstaged by an extraterrestrial nicknamed Rocky, who is brought to life using some incredible puppetry.

Smartly using a non-linear structure that leaps between the present day and flashbacks, “Project Hail Mary” is the story of Ryland Grace (Gosling), an astronaut on a mission that is vital to humanity’s survival. There’s just the slight problem that he awakens on an interstellar craft without any memories of his mission or even his own name. Piecing together his past, Grace must find a way to prevent the sun from dying, with a little help.

Watch "Project Hail Mary" on Prime Video now

‘Primate’ (2026)

“Primate” is a chilling horror-thriller about a family pet that goes from furry family member to a feral beast. It’s not the first movie of its ilk to use this core concept; Stephen King’s “Cujo” was unleashed on the screen back in 1983, but, running a tight 90 minutes, this chiller is effectively paced and concludes before the story's limitations are exposed. It’s a bloody creature feature that is a worthwhile watch for horror fans now it’s on Prime Video.

Lucy Pinborough (Johnny Sequoyah) returns to her family home in Hawai’i after several years away. Reunited with her father (Oscar-winning Troy Kotsur) and younger sister Erin (Gia Hunter), the homecoming quickly turns to a nightmare when the family’s pet chimpanzee, Ben, becomes violent after being infected with rabies. Now it’s a battle for survival against an aggressive animal that Lucy and Erin once considered part of the family.

Watch "Primate" on Prime Video now

Prime Video top 10 movies right now

1. "Masters of the Universe" (2026)
2. "The Amateur" (2025)
3. "Project Hail Mary" (2026)
4. "The Devil's Mouth" (2026)
5. "Moonfall" (2022)
6. "Primate" (2026)
7. "Uncharted" (2022)
8. "Agent Zero" (2026)
9. "Do Not Enter" (2026)
10. "The Sheep Detectives" (2026)

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It’s a little sad being a fan of tech these days. AI is consuming the world’s art and emotion and spitting out slop, and it’s driving up the price of just about every piece of consumer electronics as it does.

If you don’t need to upgrade your computer anytime soon, then you’re in a good spot - except Windows 11 is doing its damnedest to be a mess of Copilot and bugs. While Microsoft is moving to improve things (with Windows head honcho Pavan Davuluri promising big changes back in March), it feels as though we might be better off nuking the whole thing from orbit.

A bloated mess

In an update published last week, Davuluri shared a number of changes the team had made in the months since committing to improving Windows 11.

It’s well worth a read, but what strikes me are the elements that feel so foundational to Windows. Windows 11 is almost 5 years old, and yet the team is now working on a “faster and more dependable File Explorer” and allowing “more taskbar customization”.

In many ways, these feel like table stakes. These are things that should have been hammered home a long time ago, and it shows how disconnected from its consumers’ reality Microsoft is at this point. People have been using Windows 11 and calling for a smaller memory footprint for 8GB machines, and now Microsoft is finally on board.

The Copilot-addled, bloated mess that Windows 11 has become can no longer be considered the price to pay for a more modular, customizable OS than its Apple or Linux contemporaries.

My MacBook Air M3 is the device I reach for to do work, despite having a beefy gaming rig with more RAM than I know what to do with. It’s perhaps unsurprising that Microsoft can’t seem to pick a lane.

The company is all about AI now, but not long ago it was being able to run Android apps on Windows, before that it was mixed reality and before that it was Cortana.

The company keeps chasing trends while ignoring what many customers want: A steady, stable, secure OS.

Recent updates have helped fix those cracked foundations, but I fear Windows 11 might be too far gone, even with the upcoming option to uninstall AI models from Copilot+ PCs, the app toggles, and more.

I don't know if it can rebuild

Back in 2024, former Windows developer Andy Young showcased how even with 128GB of RAM, Microsoft’s Search Bar was a laggy mess and causing major issues when just trying to find something.

In the months that followed, Microsoft fixed it, but it took one of their own to put them on blast to achieve it. It’s almost as if the staff there aren’t using Windows 11 day-to-day; seeing adverts, the constant Copilot interjections, and more.

That makes me think that it’s run its race, and that the company is moving to Windows 12 (or at least thinking about it), almost certainly with a sizeable AI component.

One only has to look across the platform divide to see that Apple has taken its own kickings in recent years. Customers became so used to the thoughtful updates to macOS that something like the borders of windows not lining up was seen as a huge issue as part of the Liquid Glass rollout last year.

Windows 11’s modularity has always been one of its strengths: It’s a gaming platform, it’s a workspace, it’s somewhere you can install something for everything and get what you need done. But in recent years, it’s lost its way big time, and I feel like Microsoft simply doesn’t know how to turn this massive ship around without rebuilding it all from scratch.

But hey, those are just my thoughts. Do you agree with me? Or are you happy with the way Windows 11 is running for you? Drop me a message in the comments with your thoughts.

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I've been wearing an Apple Watch to track my runs ever since I ditched Fitbit a few years ago, and I've settled into a good rhythm with one of the best Apple Watches, the Apple Watch Ultra 2, since 2024.

However, before considering a potential upgrade to the rumored Apple Watch Ultra 4 (if it breaks cover), I wanted to see what Samsung's latest — the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 — had to offer. So I borrowed the press sample loaned to the Tom's Guide fitness team, strapped it to my right wrist (I wore the Apple Watch on my left) and clocked up my usual 10K (6-mile) run.

The watches are unerringly similar: both sport a rugged design, a shortcut button (Action Button on the Apple Watch, Quick Button on the Galaxy Watch) for starting an exercise quickly and dual-frequency GPS for accurate location tracking.

Of course, one run isn't enough to say whether one is better than the other, but there were a few things that immediately stood out about Samsung's effort. Before we get to them, here's the data each watch captured.

As you can see from the table above, there are some discrepancies in a few areas, which I can explain. I tend to mix running with calisthenics training and aim to complete 100 push-ups during each run.

On the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2, I had auto-pause enabled, which kicked in every time I dropped down to rattle off some push-ups. That explains the difference in duration, distance, pace and cadence (since the Apple Watch Ultra 2 just kept rolling), but I'm not sure why the active calorie count is so different between the two.

Leaving the stats behind and progressing on to good old-fashioned subjectivity, here are three things I really liked about the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 and one where my trusty Apple Watch Ultra 2 still wins out.

3 things Samsung did better

The bright screen

Samsung has given the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 a 1.52-inch Super AMOLED display with up to 5,000 nits of peak brightness. The company is known for making display tech, and over the course of the run I was constantly impressed with how legible the display was. It adjusted smoothly between sunlight and shade, and I never had to worry about glare on the screen.

Literally and figuratively, the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 outshone the 3,000-nit LTPO OLED screen on my Apple Watch Ultra 2. When you couple this with the fact that Samsung's workout display shows fewer metrics in a larger font size, it means the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 wins the glance-ability contest.

I also like how your current heart rate zone is displayed with a rainbow color scale at the bottom, which pops on the AMOLED screen. While you get more pixels on the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 (502 × 410 vs 498 × 498 pixels on the Apple Watch Ultra 2), this didn't make as much of a difference to me as the brightness.

The strong haptics

Apple calls the haptic technology inside the Apple Watch (and iPhone) the "Taptic Engine". But based on my run with both watches, I'd rate the horsepower inside the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 as higher.

I haven't done a teardown of each model, so I can't say for certain which vibration motor is larger or stronger, but I felt that buzz on my right wrist plenty more than the one on my left. I think it's important too, since I rely on the haptics to alert me to each kilometer I cover. It's not as much of a necessity on a small run, but if you're getting to half-marathon or marathon territory, it becomes indispensable.

Even without haptics, the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 called out my splits and pacing from the built-in speaker. It was loud enough (albeit a little robotic) to hear comfortably without ever having to raise my wrist. I disabled this same feature (called Voice Feedback) on my Apple Watch Ultra 2 a long while ago, so I don't have a comparison from this run. But I'll make sure to re-enable it again on my next one to see if the Apple Watch Ultra 2 can hold up in this regard.

The comfortable strap

It seems like a small thing to mention, especially since they're interchangeable, but the bundled Marine Band attached to the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 has caught my attention. Samsung sells this separately for $90, and in my experience, it's an extremely comfortable strap that sat snugly on my wrist during the run.

It didn't slide around when I started to sweat thanks to the channel on the underside that encourages airflow. My Apple Watch Ultra 2's Trail Loop band, by comparison, was drenched in sweat by the end of the run.

While I never wore Samsung's original Marine Band, this latest version reduces the weight by 10g (0.35oz) by, among other things, switching the keeper from titanium to rubber.

Overall, the band is slimmer and as a result more flexible on the wrist. Even if you don't plan on upgrading to the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 from the first generation, I'd encourage looking into this strap as a purchase. It uses Samsung’s Dynamic Lug band attachment system and fits the original Galaxy Watch Ultra just as well.

I have an affinity for chunky watches, so the Galaxy Watch Ultra's 47.4 x 47.4 x 12.1 mm dimensions don't bother me — but it's definitely a watch I'd rather wear for running than for sleeping.

1 thing it didn't like

Apple's Digital Crown still reigns

It's been hot this summer. Like, really hot. But I live in the U.K., where a lot of the time it's cold and/or rainy. This can often necessitate wearing gloves while out running, hiking, or cycling and if there's one thing I've learned, it's that physical controls always win out where gloves are concerned.

During a run, if I want to raise or lower the volume of my audio or scroll through my metrics, nothing beats the tactile feeling of Apple's Digital Crown. The tiny little grooves etched into the metal can be felt through running gloves, and you don't even need to look at the Apple Watch to use it.

Samsung has given the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 a Touch Bezel feature you can activate in the settings, letting you run your finger around the edge of the display to scroll through the watch's functions. There are some vibration haptics that accompany this, but it's just nowhere near as easy or as satisfying as Apple's solution.

Even a physical rotating bezel as you'd find on a dive watch would have been better. I haven't used this feature in the heavy rain or snow, but I can't see it faring as well as the Digital Crown when you need to interact with your smartwatch with cold, numb fingers.

Final thoughts

Coming away from a single run with the two watches, there's no question the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 is the superior device. It's brighter and more performant with greater storage and a longer battery life.

It also undercut the Apple Watch Ultra 2 at launch with a price of $699 to Apple's $799 (the current price of the Apple Watch Ultra 3), so it wins out if you're on a budget, too. Of course, you can currently find the Ultra 2 at a reduced price since it's been usurped by the Ultra 3, but for the sake of comparing apples to...err...apples? Samsung wins on price.

But it's not a complete victory. For instance, I like that the summary of your run stays up longer on the Apple Watch Ultra 2 than it does on the Galaxy Watch Ultra. Also, while the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 is a good-looking timepiece, I'm not entirely sold on the square-circle hybrid case design.

My final takeaway is to see what the Apple Watch Ultra 4 holds if and when it launches in a couple of months. Then I'll decide whether to keep my affinity with Apple going for another year or jump ship over to Samsung's side for future workouts.

What's your wearable of choice for recording your activity? Let me know if you prefer Apple or Samsung (or split the difference and go with Garmin) in the comments below.

More from Tom's Guide

• I trekked the Cascade Mountains with the Apple Watch Ultra 3 vs Garmin Instinct 3 vs Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 — this is the one I'd take on my next hike
• Garmin Cirqa vs Fitbit Air vs Whoop vs Oura Ring: Our fitness experts are helping you pick the perfect fitness tracker
• I walked 4,000 steps with the Apple Watch Ultra 3 vs Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 — and the winning margin was razor-thin

I love fun photos taken on an equally fun camera. And as a novice photographer, I've always been curious about Insta360's cameras.

Earlier this year, Insta360 introduced a special edition of its thumb-sized Go 3S camera that blends modern 4K tech with nostalgic style. Dubbed the Insta360 Go 3S Retro Bundle, this new bundle arrives two years after the original Go 3S. In our review, we gave the Go 3S a tidy 4.5 stars and found it packed with outstanding features — namely 4K video recording, superb battery life, and cool new functions accessible via its smartphone app.

The main difference between the Go 3S and the Go 3S Retro lies in the included accessories. The most obvious is the Retro viewfinder, which pairs with the standalone camera to create a handheld shooting experience.

As a fan of vintage-inspired cameras, the Go 3S Retro immediately caught my eye. Now, I'm no camera expert — I consider myself a total newbie in most cases — but I was beyond keen to get my hands on this tiny cam, for several reasons. Aside from primarily wanting to take some fun panoramic shots, I also wanted to capture some important POVs — a.k.a. what my dogs see — and take the cam for a spin when creating content. And it didn't disappoint.

Over the course of a month, I took my Go 3S Retro on every dog walk, each mosey around the shops, the occasional bike ride or drive, and everything in between. During each occasion, I noticed two major factors that made me gravitate towards using the Retro Go 3S even more — its portability and, of course, its perspective.

Perfect to pack and go

Now, the biggest, most significant factor for me when taking photos for work or play is accessibility. I want to use the camera easily, and I want it to work now. I typically resort to using my phone in almost every instance, as I can easily rely on it to take a decent photo without much fuss.

While the Insta360 Go 3S captures visually appealing 9MP photos in 16:9, they aren't necessarily superior to standard smartphone shots. That's because the tiny cam was made for shooting 4K videos.

That said, what I really appreciated during my test period with the Go 3S Retro was its portability. When paired with the viewfinder lanyard, it was easy enough to carry crossbody while walking my pups in our local park, and when filming content at an event, I could whip it out of my bag and clip it to my shirt with the magnetic strap for a direct POV shot. At just 39g, it felt light as a feather compared to my iPhone.

Better yet, I found myself editing my images and videos less. This was perhaps due to the respectable resolution, or simply because the Go 3S Retro captured the perfect shot. I didn't have to fuss over framing, angles, or distance — the Go 3S Retro handled it all.

It captured more angles and depth than I could with my phone, making it easier to edit (again, only if needed), and I found myself taking fewer photos and videos because of it. The Insta360 app also features quick transfers and previews, along with solid editing tools that eliminate the guesswork of cleaning up my shots. Overall, I definitely leaned more towards the Go 3S Retro when capturing content, and I don't think I'm going to stop anytime soon.

Changing my perspective

Sometimes a new perspective is all you need — and the Go 3S Retro has an ultrawide view of everything. Despite being small in stature, as I've mentioned, it can capture a lot — especially things that are overlooked or missed completely.

I really enjoyed reviewing my footage after the fact, and admiring what I didn't necessarily intend to capture. From peaceful moments with family and friends to gorgeous views of Sydney, there were so many memories I got to capture — and I really loved it.

Better still, there were several modes I enjoyed using and a few that are still on my to-do list (namely a starlapse). My most-used settings so far are SlowMo and Timelapse, which have been particularly fun when unboxing review units and watching my dog's hair cinematically blow in the wind.

Overall, using the tiny cam also allowed me to be fully present in some regards too. I could easily connect it to a magnetic surface and sit back, all without using my phone (or hands in some cases) to capture the moment.

So, after spending a month with the Insta360 Go 3S Retro, it became crystal clear to me that this thumb-sized camera offers a refreshing shift in how we capture memories. By prioritising portability and unique, hands-free perspectives over the fuss of traditional smartphone photography, the camera allows you to stay present while effortlessly recording life's moments.

With features like convenient magnetic mounting, high-quality 4K video, and intuitive app-based editing, the Go 3S Retro simplifies content creation, proving that a smaller camera can indeed capture a much bigger picture.

Despite being remote play only, the PlayStation Portal ended up being a surprise hit thanks to how convenient it was to use and how comfortable it was to hold. As someone who’s tried over half a dozen of the best mobile game controllers — from the Razer Kishi to the Backbone Pro — I can definitely see why. But what if PlayStation isn’t your platform of choice?

Instead of reinventing the wheel with the PlayStation Portal, Sony essentially cut its DualSense controller in half and put an 8-inch screen in the middle. This way, you got the same larger handles PS5 players were already used to without having to adapt to something smaller and ultimately less comfortable.

While portability heavily influenced the design of the first crop of mobile game controllers, companies quickly realized that comfort trumps compactness. This is why the Razer Kishi Ultra has full-sized buttons and longer handles, and you could say the exact same thing about Asus’ upcoming ROG Xbox Ally X20 too.

Just when I thought I was done testing out mobile game controllers, I finally found one that gives me that PlayStation Portal feel — but with all my favorite pro controller-style features packed in too. Meet the Elo Vagabond.

Pro controller meets mobile

After reaching out to Elo about testing the Vagabond, the company sent over the controller along with its full lineup of accessories. Right out of the box, I was impressed by how many rubber inserts Elo includes. While Razer typically gives you three pairs, I found six pairs packaged alongside the controller.

The Vagabond is built for the long haul, with tactile microswitch buttons instead of standard membrane ones, plus magnetic Hall Effect joysticks to combat stick drift. There’s a dedicated purple capture button sitting next to ABXY, and the joysticks feature purple anti-friction rings around their bases. Once plugged into your phone, they also give off a subtle purple RGB glow by default.

Around back, you get two customizable rear buttons — something I love to see on any controller, as mapping them to my most-used face buttons gives my right thumb a much-needed rest. However, if you’re the type of gamer who never uses back paddles, there are dedicated toggle switches on either side to physically disable them. Even though I would have preferred true rubberized grips, the micro-textured, cross-hatched pattern molded directly into the back of the handles makes the Vagabond exceptionally easy to hold onto.

When connecting your smartphone, the Vagabond features a flexible USB-C connector that tilts up and down, making it far easier to dock and undock your phone without worrying about damaging its charging port. While many other mobile controllers have a headphone jack on one handle and a USB-C passthrough charging port on the other, I really like that Elo placed both ports right along the center bridge. This keeps the handles clean and comfortable in your hands while protecting both connections.

Elo also sent over its official hard carrying case. Though I would have preferred to see it bundled in the box, the case is exceptionally well-built and worth the extra investment to protect your setup on the go. Underneath where the controller rests, there's a clever storage compartment designed to hold accessories like those extra rubber adapters — a massive plus if you swap devices or cases often.

Alternatively, you could easily use that space to store a pair of wired earbuds or a short charging cable. Unfortunately, I found the compartment was just a bit too tight to comfortably hold Elo’s 240W Link USB-C to USB-C cable. Still, having built-in accessory storage is a huge win for a mobile controller built for travel.

Console-quality controls on the go

To test out the Elo Vagabond, I first plugged in a Galaxy S24 FE smartphone. Much to my surprise, I didn’t even have to take off its case. This is a massive selling point, as the Vagabond works with everyday phone cases right out of the box without requiring you to slice away rubber or physically modify the controller — something I've had to do with both the original Razer Kishi and older GameSir models in the past.

Eager to start customizing those rear inputs, I downloaded the free Elo Unleashed companion app. While most mobile controllers come with an app these days, I found Elo’s interface to be remarkably clean and intuitive. Better yet, unlike Backbone’s companion software, none of the Vagabond's advanced features are locked behind a paid subscription. With a few quick taps, I mapped the right rear button to A and the left to X — my go-to layout when playing the skateboarding sim Session.

Since native console ports are still relatively rare on Android compared to iOS, I primarily used the Vagabond for remote play to stream my Steam library around the house. Even during multi-hour sessions, the ergonomic handles kept my hands entirely cramp-free.

That comfort was especially noticeable while playing Session, where you rely heavily on the triggers to steer your skateboard and rotate mid-air. The Vagabond features full-travel, analog-style Hall Effect triggers rather than the shallow, digital on/off switches found on cheaper mobile game controllers. That extra control depth is equally vital for feathering the gas in racing games or metering aim in shooters. Speaking of which, I also put in some time with Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, and blasting through waves of evil robots felt fantastic on these sticks and triggers.

My longest play sessions came while cozied up on the couch making deliveries in Death Stranding 2. Whether traveling on foot and using the triggers to balance heavy cargo or zipping across the terrain in a vehicle, the Vagabond delivered a superb remote play experience as I worked to connect the continent of Australia while dodging BTs.

At just $99, I’ve been quite impressed with the Elo Vagabond so far. Unfortunately though, there was one device I didn’t get to test it with.

Phone only (for now)

From massive slates to foldables, the Vagabond works with all of the best phones. In fact, the controller extends far enough to support devices just over 8 inches long — meaning you can also clamp in an iPad mini to get a big-screen remote play experience that rivals the PlayStation Portal. There was just one problem: I didn’t have an iPad mini on hand to test it out.

Last year, I borrowed an iPad mini from work for a story, and it reignited my love for small tablets — a passion I've had since the days of the Nexus 7. I generally prefer Android over iOS, so when Lenovo unveiled its 8.8-inch Legion Tab Gen 3 with Wi-Fi 7 support for a better remote play experience, I bought one with my own money. However, while the Vagabond stretches up to 8.03 inches to accommodate Apple’s iPad mini, the Legion Tab Gen 3 is slightly too long at 8.2 inches. The same held true for the RedMagic Astra 2 gaming tablet I’m currently reviewing.

I was hoping to pick up a discounted iPad mini specifically to use with the Vagabond, but thanks to RAMaggedon, finding one anywhere under $500 has proven tough. Who knows — maybe I’ll grab an iPad mini 7 once Apple’s long-rumored OLED iPad mini finally hits store shelves.

For now, though, I’m more than content streaming my favorite Steam games on the Vagabond using my phone or the Razer Edge 5G, which gets you pretty close to that mini-tablet experience anyway. If you’ve tried the Backbone or the standard Razer Kishi and found them uncomfortable over long play sessions, the Elo Vagabond just might surprise you the same way it did me.

More from Tom’s Guide

• I tried the Sonic the Hedgehog office chair — and it actually makes ergonomics fun (and fast)
• I used the world's first mobile game controller with AR glasses support — and it completely transformed my 16-hour flight
• I tested the Minisforum G1 Pro and this console-sized mini PC works just as well in the living room as it does at your desk

Netflix’s new sci-fi thriller movie is proving popular just a couple of days after its release. "The Last House" has already climbed to the top of the platform’s top 10 most-watched list, securing the No. 1 spot. I’m not surprised; Netflix subscribers love thrillers, and this one has an intriguing premise focused on a family trapped in their home by mysterious forces.

If you’ve already watched “The Last House” and are craving more claustrophobic thrills, then I can help. I’ve found five movies that also center on characters trapped and seeking a way to escape. The locations range from an underground bunker, a windowless exam room, and even a coffin. These thriller flicks are intense and perfect to watch after “The Last House.”

‘Brick’ (2025)

If you want the closest movie possible to “The Last House,” the obvious choice is “Brick.” This Netflix original is about a couple who find themselves trapped in their home by an unexplainable force and desperately search for a way out. The similarities are stark. To be clear, on a quality level, “Brick” isn’t great; its dialogue is hammy, performances are weak, and the emotional trauma subtext is unsubtle, but like “The Last House,” you’ll want to finish watching just to figure out exactly what is keeping them trapped.

Tim (Matthias Schweighöfer) and Olivia (Ruby O. Fee) are an unhappy couple whose relationship is in crisis. The last thing they need is to be locked up in their apartment, but when a mysterious brick wall appears over their apartment building, they're trapped. Uniting with their neighbors, some friendly, some hostile, they resolve to figure out how the wall appeared, but more importantly, how they can find their freedom.

Watch "Brick" on Netflix now

‘Buried’ (2010)

Being trapped in a house or apartment is bad enough, but for Paul Conroy, his confinement is even more severe as he’s sealed within a coffin, buried six feet underground. “Buried” is a remarkably tense survival thriller. It makes the bold decision to set the entire movie within a single wooden box. There’s no introduction to set the scene, flashbacks or cut-aways; it’s just 90 minutes of claustrophobic camera lens and ratcheting suspense.

Ryan Reynolds plays Conroy, bringing his likability to the role, but shaving off some of his humor. After all, there’s nothing funny about Conroy's situation. Fortunately, he’s not totally alone in the box; he does have access to a cellphone, letting him call the outside world for help, but with a dwindling supply of oxygen, time is running out. It all builds to a heart-in-mouth ending that will have you in stunned silence as the credits roll.

Watch "Buried" (for FREE) on Tubi now

‘127 Hours’ (2010)

“The Last House” is a sci-fi thriller that centers on narrative elements that don’t exist in our reality. “127 Hours,” on the other hand, is a very real story of human survival against bleak odds. Directed by Danny Boyle, this Oscar-nominated movie is based on the true story of Aron Ralston, a hiker who got trapped miles from civilization in Bluejohn Canyon, Utah.

Aron (played by James Franco) is hiking the dusty trails when a climbing mishap results in an 800-pound boulder pinning his right arm against a rock wall. Unable to free himself, and with only a limited supply of water and food, he has to consider the unthinkable to free himself: cutting off his arm with a cheap multi-tool blade.

The movie enjoyed a resurgence in popularity earlier this year when a superfan revealed she had watched the movie more than 1,000 times. I like this film, but with its stomach-turning finale, once was enough for me!

Watch "127 Hours" on Prime Video now

‘10 Cloverfield Lane’ (2016)

My colleague Alix Blackburn is convinced the upcoming sci-fi thriller “The End of Oak Street” is a secret Cloverfield movie. Maybe this fan theory will prove to be accurate, but I wouldn’t bet on it surpassing the current best film in the franchise, “10 Cloverfield Lane.” This horror-thriller uses its claustrophobic setting to great effect, and unlike in “The Last House,” where it’s a loving family locked up together, here it's a trio of strangers.

Michelle (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) gets into a car accident after a fight with her fiancé. Rather than waking up in a hospital, she finds herself in an underground bunker with Howard (John Goodman). He explains that poisonous air has made the outside world uninhabitable and his bunker remains safe. Also down there is another man, Emmett (John Gallagher Jr.). With cabin fever setting in, Michelle wonders if Howard can be trusted.

Watch "10 Cloverfield Lane" on Fubo now

‘Exam’ (2009)

“Exam” is a little different from the rest of the movies on this list (and “The Last House”) because it sees a group of people willingly trap themselves in a single location, in this case a seemingly ordinary windowless room. It’s a psychological thriller packed full of twists and turns, so if you want a flick that will keep you guessing, then here’s the answer. A limp finale might leave you disappointed at the very end, but the journey to get there is fun.

This British film opens with eight nameless candidates for a competitive corporate job entering a room, each assigned to a small desk. An overseer (Colin Salmon) explains they will have 80 minutes to answer a single question, and must follow a strict set of rules. It sounds simple enough, but as the exam gets underway, it becomes clear that this test is not so straightforward. As their confusion rises, so does the tension.

Watch "Exam" on AMC+ now

More from Tom's Guide

• New on Netflix in August 2026
• I’m convinced ‘The End of Oak Street’ is a ‘Cloverfield’ movie
• Netflix's "The Last House" review: A movie of two halves

If you’re headed into cougar country to go e-mountain biking and you're tempted to watch videos of real-world cougar encounters beforehand, I encourage you to reconsider. Otherwise, what should be a lovely day in nature might feel a bit more, well, intense.

Fortunately, I encountered no cougars while researching this story.

With that out of the way, I just got back from electric mountain biking in Northern Washington State’s Cascade range — aka, cougar country — while wearing the new Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 on my left wrist and my go-to outdoor adventure watch, the Garmin Instinct 3 on my right wrist.

After several excellent hours spent ripping it up on a vast network of trails, followed by a quick check of the results, it was clear as day which smartwatch I’d choose to wear next time I go e-mountain biking.

I went e-mountain biking with the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 vs Garmin Instinct 3

Samsung lacks a dedicated e-bike mode

I had a hunch that the Garmin Instinct 3 would be more up to the task of accurately logging a mountain e-bike adventure than the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2. Even before my helmet reached my head, I noticed a shortcoming of the latter: it not only lacks a mountain e-bike tracking mode but also doesn’t even have an e-bike mode.

So, I settled for Samsung’s standard mountain bike tracking mode. Meanwhile, the outdoor-oriented Instinct 3, of course, had a dedicated mode for the day’s activity.

Garmin’s elevation data appears more accurate

Assuming our control, the Strava app running on my iPhone 16 Plus is correct, then the Instinct 3 overcounted my climb by 141 feet, while the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 inflated it by as much as 344 feet, a notable difference. This also isn’t the first time the Ultra 2 reported an inflated climb in my testing.

With elevation gain being one of the primary metrics I focus on post-ride, along with top speed and distance, the Garmin is an easy choice over the Samsung. It's also worth noting that the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 failed to report my total ascent in the post-workout stats. Fortunately, I documented the stat before ending the session (something I've made a habit of doing for these exact moments).

The Instinct 3 is more comfortable than the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2

Finally, the Garmin Instinct 3 feels much comfier on my 6.5-inch wrist than the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2, especially while working up a sweat. The Samsung case isn’t only taller and wider than that of the 45mm Instinct 3; it’s also much heavier, weighing 86 g versus 54 g for the Garmin.

After a few hours of riding, I must admit, I was eager to remove the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 from my wrist.

But the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 was easier to read in direct sunlight

There was one aspect of the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 I preferred: Its ultrabright display. Even in direct sunlight with shades on, I was able to read the Samsung watch’s display at a glance. That wasn’t the case for the Garmin Instinct 3.

Of course, the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 display maxes out at a seriously impressive 5,000 nits. Garmin doesn’t generally provide screen brightness metrics for its wearables, but I highly suspect that the Instinct 3 screen maxes out at around 1,000 nits.

Which of these smartwatches would you choose to track your next outdoor adventure? Let me know in the poll below.

More from Tom's Guide

• Can the $99 Fitbit Air beat the $799 Apple Watch Ultra 3 at fitness tracking? I manually counted 4,500 steps to find out
• I walked 4,000 steps with the Apple Watch Ultra 3 vs Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 — and the winning margin was razor-thin
• I trekked the Cascade Mountains with the Apple Watch Ultra 3 vs Garmin Instinct 3 vs Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 — this is the one I'd take on my next hike

I preordered the MacBook Neo the day it went up because I wanted an affordable, lightweight MacBook Air alternative I could grab when I didn't need the horsepower of my relatively chunky MacBook Pro 14-inch. Battery life is great; it's speedy enough for basic productivity and content creation, and I absolutely love my Indigo color.

So when Satechi rolled out a set of color-matching accessories for it, the Slim EX Wireless Mouse, the USB-C Snap Hub, and the OntheGo 5-in-1 Multiport Adapter, they caught my attention. I've been testing the Indigo versions of all three, though all four Neo colors are available, as well as silver and black if you prefer. But was I drawn in just because of the color, or would these be accessories I'd actually want to use?

Quick links

• Satechi Slim EX Wireless Mouse: $29 at Amazon
• Satechi OntheGo 5-in-1 Multiport Adapter: $44 at Amazon
• Satechi USB-C Snap Hub: $44 at Amazon

Satechi Slim EX Wireless Mouse

The Slim EX Wireless Mouse's two-tone color matches my Neo's main body and keyboard keys very well. It's just as compact as the Logitech Pebble I've been traveling around with for the past few years, but it's overall a step up with comfort and build quality. Part of that comes down to the more rounded metal top shell, which also looks and feels more premium, and the scroll wheel is a nice upgrade too with its textured metal.

It charges over USB-C instead of needing a battery swap, and it comes with a USB-C dongle for a direct connection when I don't want to deal with Bluetooth. You get three total connections, two over Bluetooth and one through that USB-C dongle, and you toggle between them with a pairing button on the bottom. Interestingly, this mouse is wireless only and can't be connected directly to a device via a wired cable.

Satechi 6-in-2 USB-C Snap Hub

One of the Neo's biggest limitations of my MacBook Neo is that it has only two USB-C ports, and they're not equal. One runs at full USB 3.2 speeds; the other is capped at a much slower USB 2.0, which is intended only for charging. The Satechi USB-C Snap Hub solves that by giving me every port I actually need: full SD and microSD card slots, which are especially handy when I'm pulling files off my cameras, plus HDMI, USB-A, another USB-C, and pass-through charging up to 45W.

The Snap Hub plugs into both of the Neo's USB-C ports at once and sits flush with the keyboard deck. Other dual-connector hubs have existed for years, including the Anker 7-in-1 I've been using with my MacBook Pro; however, they aren't fully compatible with the Neo because of the unequal port speeds, which cause bottlenecks on some connections and aren't ideal.

The Satechi Snap Hub is one of the first specifically designed around the Neo's mismatched ports, so that you get full speeds across the board. Combine that with how clean it looks attached to my Neo, and this has become my favorite MacBook Neo accessory.

OntheGo 5-in-1 Multiport Adapter

If instead you want a USB-C hub that can be more permanently ready to go, there's the OntheGo 5-in-1 Multiport Adapter. With a magnetic adhesive ring that sticks to the back of your laptop's lid, the adapter can snap on and off quickly. Unravel its hidden cable when you need it, plugging into the Neo's faster USB-C port, and you get HDMI, USB-C, USB-A, a full-size SD reader, and USB-C 60W pass-through charging.

It skips the smaller microSD reader that Snap Hub offers, but it frees up that second, slower port on the Neo entirely, though I'm not sure that's a tradeoff I'd want. I'm personally not a fan of installing a magnetic ring on my Neo's otherwise very clean, symmetrical lid, so this accessory isn't really intended for me. Of course, you can use the adapter without attaching it to the back at all, but at that point I'd always just reach for the Snap Hub instead.

Bottom line

These three accessories are probably marked up a bit because of their color appeal, but still seem fairly priced. The Slim EX and USB-C Snap Hub have both earned their place in my MacBook Neo travel bag.

Color matching is obviously a big reason, but both of these also offer improvements over the accessories I was using before. Are you also drawn to accessories that match your laptop, or do you just care about functionality? Let me know in the comments!

More from Tom's Guide

• I tested the MacBook Neo for 4K video editing and it surprisingly didn't suck — until it did
• I just bought a MacBook Neo and these 15 accessories make this budget laptop feel super charged
• Here's the 5 best accessories I recommend for back to school

As someone who reviews the best mini PCs for a living, I keep coming back to Apple’s Mac mini M4. With its all-aluminum chassis, perfectly rounded corners, and — for the first time on a Mac mini — handy front ports, it’s the redesign and power boost we’d been waiting for. It’s certainly not the only game in town, but it’s easily the prettiest.

At least, I thought so until Lenovo unveiled its Yoga Mini at CES earlier this year. While other mini PCs stick to the same tried-and-true square or rectangular box, this one is completely round — so much so that you could easily mistake it for a smart speaker or a screenless smart thermostat.

Even though there aren’t any front ports next to the Yoga logo — just two small pinholes for the built-in microphone array — this is the kind of mini PC designed to sit front and center on your desk. Just like the MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG, I wouldn’t dream of mounting the Yoga Mini behind a monitor. Lenovo clearly agrees, as you won't find any VESA mounting holes on its underside. Instead, you get 360-degree ventilation, a built-in speaker, and the cherry on top: customizable RGB underglow.

I was immediately impressed during my initial hands-on with the Yoga Mini. Now, after spending two weeks using it as my daily driver, I’m even more taken with how Lenovo has managed to turn traditional mini PC expectations on their head. Or rather, on their side.

Here’s what it’s been like living with this Panther Lake-powered, puck-shaped mini PC on my desk — and why, given the choice, it wouldn't be going anywhere anytime soon.

360 degrees of usability

Even with its compact 5.12 x 5.12 x 1.91-inch footprint, I was a bit surprised by how few extras Lenovo included in the box with my Yoga Mini review unit. Alongside the device itself, there was only a 100W power brick — which, as it turns out, you don’t strictly need to use, but more on that shortly.

If you pick one up at retail, Lenovo's site notes that you’ll get a bundled wireless mouse and keyboard. Still, with no video cable listed, this mini PC will pair quite well with one of the best monitors equipped with a USB-C port capable of power delivery.

Around back, you get a nice selection of ports given the Yoga Mini’s very compact size. There’s a Thunderbolt 4 port, two USB-C ports which both come equipped with DisplayPort functionality (one even features power delivery), an HDMI 2.1 port, a high-speed USB-A port and a 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet port.

Though there aren’t any proper front ports, Lenovo didn’t let the sides of the Yoga Mini go to waste. On the left, there’s another Thunderbolt 4 port also equipped with power delivery with a 3.5mm headphone jack next to it. Then on the right side, there’s a power button with a built-in fingerprint scanner for secure logins.

At 1.32 pounds, Lenovo’s Yoga Mini is just slightly lighter than the Mac mini M4 at 1.5 pounds. While I doubt you’ll be holding it like this as often as I have, its aluminum finish feels great on your fingers and the whole mini PC fits neatly in the palm of your hand. Thanks to a few extras Lenovo worked into its design, the Yoga Mini is the kind of mini PC you can travel with too if you prefer using an external mouse and keyboard over your laptop’s keyboard and trackpad.

Hiding this mini PC isn’t an option

Back when I first laid eyes on the Yoga Mini at CES, I imagined it sitting front and center on my desk. After using it for two weeks that way, I can easily see it becoming a permanent fixture. Sure, it is small enough to tuck under a monitor stand, but that would defeat the point. This is a mini PC that’s meant to be seen — and it sees you, too.

The Yoga Mini comes equipped with Intel’s Wi-Fi sensing tech, allowing you to use Windows’ settings menu to wake up your monitor when you enter the room or put it to sleep when you leave. As someone who often leaves several desktop computers running simultaneously, walking into my office to see a blank display for once was a welcome change. But that’s not the only trick up the Yoga Mini’s rounded sleeves.

Within the Lenovo AI Turbo Engine app, you can customize the default lighting and change how the RGB underglow responds to different scenarios. Although I set the default lighting to teal to match the accent keys on my Keychron Q11 Ultra keyboard, I really liked the soft violet hue it was set to out of the box. I decided to keep that shade to greet me when I sit down at my desk, paired with a bouncy ball lighting effect to boot.

There’s more you can do with the underglow, too. While testing the built-in speaker, I forgot I had Sound Lighting enabled. As a 21:9 music video played on the Innocn 401CU ultrawide monitor above it, Lenovo’s mini PC treated me to a miniature light show that I enjoyed more than I’d like to admit. You can also enable lighting effects for notifications, though I typically keep those off in Windows since my phone buzzes enough as it is.

One detail I particularly like in mini PCs designed for the center of a desk is a built-in fingerprint scanner, like the ones on MSI’s Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG or the Mind Graphics 2 eGPU dock I use with the Khadas Mind 2S. The one on the Yoga Mini’s right side works quite well and makes logging into Windows a breeze — especially when paired with presence detection to re-authenticate after stepping away.

If the fingerprint scanner, RGB underglow, and built-in microphone array aren’t enough to convince you to make the Yoga Mini your desk's centerpiece, Lenovo included one more trick.

Just like a smartphone, this mini PC features a built-in accelerometer under the hood, allowing you to use the top of its case like a large touch-sensitive button. In the Lenovo AI Turbo Engine app, you can enable tap interactions: by default, a single tap toggles the adaptive lighting on or off, while a double tap activates voice chat mode. You can also remap either gesture to launch any program installed on your PC.

Since my review unit arrived early, Lenovo is still ironing out the software kinks for gesture remapping. While tapping to toggle the RGB underglow worked fine, I couldn’t get it to launch Chrome with a single tap or Steam with a double tap (more on that in a bit). This will be addressed in an upcoming software update though.

Since there’s only one USB-A port on the back of the Yoga Mini, I initially relied on my monitor’s built-in KVM switch for the 2.4GHz dongles for my keyboard and trackball mouse. That worked well until I needed to offload photos from my camera’s SD card, leading me to an unexpected discovery.

Although you get one USB-A port with the Yoga Mini, you don’t get any with the Mac mini M4. That’s why the first accessory I tried out with Apple’s redesigned mini PC was Satechi’s Mac Mini M4 Stand & Hub. Alongside three USB-A ports, it also has an SD card reader on the front. I had tried using it with a few other Windows-based mini PCs in the past and while everything worked, it was far from a perfect fit. Since the circular base at the bottom of the Yoga Mini has more or less the same dimensions as the one on the Mac mini M4, the two look like they were made for each other — especially with that same anodized aluminum finish.

While I’ve spent most of my time using the Yoga Mini for work in my office, I decided to give another setup a try to put the graphical power of its Panther Lake chip to the test.

Power-brick optional

If there’s one thing I hate seeing on the back of a mini PC, it’s a barrel connector for power. That usually means you're stuck using the bulky included adapter to power the device. Fortunately, with the Yoga Mini, that’s not the case.

The included adapter uses a USB-C connector, which means as long as you match the wattage, you can swap it for a compact GaN charger instead. I did just that in my office for a cleaner look with braided cables. However, I also wanted to see if a monitor with USB-C power delivery could do the same thing

I brought the Yoga Mini to my game room and plugged it into the MSI Pro Max 271UPXW12G monitor I recently reviewed. At first, the mini PC refused to turn on. Then I remembered this MSI display has two USB-C ports: one capped at 15W and another that provides 98W of power delivery. After a quick cable swap, I hit the power button again and we were in business.

I’d previously tried this with that Innocn ultrawide monitor and while it worked, I kept the Yoga Mini plugged into a power outlet there just to be safe. The main reason I moved it to the game room setup was to see how well I could game on its integrated Intel Graphics. On the 5K2K ultrawide, I could manage windowed gaming, but full screen was asking too much.

While a native 1080p display would have been better suited for testing than a 4K monitor, playing my go-to game — the fast-paced skateboarding sim Session — was a pleasant surprise. The visuals were a tad soft rendered at 1080p on a 4K panel, but the framerate stayed solid and the game was completely playable.

Intel’s integrated graphics performance has come a long way over the years — something I first noticed when I built a triple-monitor setup with the original Khadas Mind. Panther Lake takes those built-in graphical capabilities even further. While you won't be running demanding AAA titles on the Yoga Mini, it has plenty of power for older or lighter titles when you need a gaming fix.

I’m definitely going to try out a few more games ahead of my full review, but for a productivity-focused device, I’m thoroughly impressed with what this round mini PC is capable of.

Circle gets the square

Now don’t get me wrong, the Mac mini M4 is one of the best Macs Apple has ever made — both in terms of design and performance — and I can’t wait to see what Cupertino does with the next generation. Still, while it’s one of the most recognizable mini PCs, it’s far from your only option. And let’s face it, not everyone can or wants to daily drive macOS.

I’ve tried out plenty of mini PCs with a similar footprint and performance to the Mac mini M4, like the Geekom A9 Max. However, while Geekom has continued to improve upon its designs with each new mini PC it releases, the Yoga Mini is an entirely new form factor for Lenovo and one that works surprisingly well.

After testing this mini PC for two weeks, I hope the puck-shaped Yoga Mini becomes a mainstay of Lenovo’s lineup going forward. Given the company has "Intel" in parentheses next to its name, who knows? Maybe we’ll see an AMD version or even one equipped with Nvidia’s upcoming RTX Spark chip sooner rather than later, too.

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The rest of 2026 is shaping up to be absolutely stacked with huge releases, and as a total movie lover, my fall films watchlist is already overflowing. Of course, calendar-wise, we are technically still in summer until the middle of September, but from that mid-month mark all the way through December, theaters are gearing up for an incredible stretch of films to get excited about.

Before we dive in, a quick disclaimer: you won’t see massive blockbusters like “Dune 3,” “Avengers: Doomsday,” or the next “Hunger Games” chapter on this list. I’m naturally super excited to see those films just like everyone else, so I wanted to take a slightly different approach. Instead, I want to highlight seven fall releases you might not have heard of or thought about yet, but absolutely deserve a spot on your radar.

So, if you’re also a movie lover looking to expand your watchlist, here are the seven films I can’t wait to watch in fall 2026.

‘Resident Evil’ (September 18)

One of my most anticipated films of the year is “Resident Evil,” as the game franchise means a lot to me, so naturally my excitement for this new take was high. Not to mention, it’s in good hands with Zach Cregger, who delivered the incredible “Weapons” and “Barbarian.” Some fans may not be on board with the film telling a completely original story within the universe, but considering previous adaptations have struggled to capture what made the games special, I’m glad someone is taking a different approach this time around.

“Resident Evil” follows Bryan (Austin Abrams), an ordinary medical courier tasked with making a routine delivery. His night takes a catastrophic turn when a deadly viral outbreak erupts across Raccoon City, transforming the population into horrifying, mutated creatures. Trapped as the city devolves into total chaos, Bryan is forced into a non-stop battle for survival, with no choice but to evade infected hordes as he fights to escape the nightmare alive.

"Resident Evil" hits theaters on September 18

‘Verity’ (October 2)

I love a good psychological thriller, even more so when there’s a strong ensemble cast. Adapted from Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel, “Verity” is an upcoming thriller I’ve been curious about, mainly because the trailer looked especially creepy. Plus, the 2018 novel became a runaway viral hit on TikTok, selling millions of copies and maintaining a massive fan debate over its infamous ending, making it one of the most anticipated book-to-film adaptations of the year.

Lowen Ashleigh (Dakota Johnson) is a struggling writer hired by Jeremy Crawford (Josh Hartnett) to finish the popular book series created by his wife, Verity Crawford (Anne Hathaway). Verity, a renowned author, was left incapacitated following a devastating car crash. Lowen moves into the Crawfords’ family home to sort through Verity’s office notes and research material. While searching through the workspace, Lowen uncovers an unpublished, hidden manuscript that contains chilling admissions about Verity’s past, her marriage, and her family.

"Verity hits theaters on October 2

‘Other Mommy’ (October 9)

As you can tell, I’m a huge horror fan, and “Other Mommy” looks like an incredibly creepy film judging by the trailer. Oscar winner Jessica Chastain leads the film in a demanding double role, playing both the human mother and the terrifying, shapeshifting entity that mimics her. It’s adapted from the 2024 horror novel Incidents Around the House by Josh Malerman, who previously wrote the smash-hit source material for “Bird Box.” Spooky season is already looking good.

Eight-year-old Bela (Arabella Olivia Clark) is a young girl growing up in a household already strained by her parents’ troubled marriage. Bela’s life takes a terrifying turn when a sinister, malevolent entity emerges from her bedroom closet. The supernatural force takes on the uncanny appearance of Bela’s mother (Jessica Chastain) and persistently asks the girl a disturbing question: “Can I go inside your heart?” When Bela continually refuses, the entity’s manifestations grow increasingly hostile and aggressive.

"Other Mommy" hits theaters on October 9

‘Whalefall’ (October 16)

Austin Abrams seems to be stuck in some pretty terrible situations this year, because not only does he have to avoid infected hordes in “Resident Evil,” but he also has to escape the stomach of a sperm whale in “Whalefall.” This survival thriller will likely trigger anyone’s claustrophobia, with the idea of being trapped inside one of the largest creatures in the ocean being especially terrifying. Survival thrillers can be incredibly intense when done right, so I have high hopes for this one.

Driven by guilt over his father’s death, 17-year-old Jay Gardiner (Abrams) embarks on a dangerous ocean dive off Monastery Beach to search for his father’s remains. The underwater mission quickly turns disastrous when a surprise encounter with a giant squid triggers a chaotic ocean attack, resulting in Jay getting swallowed whole by an 80-foot, 60-ton sperm whale. Trapped in the creature’s digestive system, Jay finds himself racing against time with only one hour of oxygen left.

"Whalefall" hits theaters on October 16

‘Clayface’ (October 23)

It seems as though DC is going down a darker path with “Clayface,” its upcoming body horror movie that draws heavy creative inspiration from the fan-favorite “Batman: The Animated Series” two-part tragic episode, “Feat of Clay.” The story was conceived and written by acclaimed horror auteur Mike Flanagan, with a script polish by Oscar-nominated writer Hossein Amini, so it’s safe to say this film is in good hands. Director James Watkins was also inspired by David Cronenberg’s “The Fly.”

Matt Hagen’s (Tom Rhys Harries) meteoric rise from Gotham street kid to Hollywood leading man is tragically cut short when a mob attack leaves him horribly disfigured. Abandoned by his team and desperate to salvage his career, Hagen undergoes a radical, cutting-edge biotech procedure to rebuild his face. The treatment initially restores his looks, but soon triggers horrific bodily mutations that transform him into a shapeshifting, clay-like metahuman monster.

"Clayface" hits theaters on October 23

‘Godzilla Minus Zero’ (November 6)

“Godzilla Minus Zero” is the highly anticipated follow-up to the Academy Award–winning “Godzilla Minus One.” Helmed once again by Takashi Yamazaki for Toho, the film continues Toho’s critically acclaimed Reiwa-era approach to the franchise. This time it shifts the lens further into the late 1940s recovery era, examining how a traumatized society attempts to rebuild amid persistent existential dread. I can’t wait to see this on the big screen.

Set four years after the devastating events of “Godzilla Minus One,” Japan is slowly rebuilding from the ashes of World War II and the creature’s initial rampage. Just as a fragile sense of peace begins to take root, the nuclear-mutated giant monster re-emerges from the Pacific depths, more volatile and destructive than before. Traumatized veterans Koichi Shikishima (Ryunosuke Kamiki) and Noriko Oishi (Minami Hamabe) are drawn back into the struggle for survival.

"Godzilla Minus Zero" hits theaters on November 6

‘Violent Night 2’ (December 4)

“Violent Night 2” is the upcoming holiday action-comedy sequel from director Tommy Wirkola, and the film seems to double down on the original’s chaotic mix of festive holiday cheer and high-octane R-rated action. Even though I’m not in the Christmas mindset yet (because Halloween comes first, always), I can’t deny I’m excited. The first film was a lot of fun, and if you need a good pick-me-up this year, “Violent Night 2” looks like the perfect festive fix.

When a ruthless mob syndicate led by a dangerous crime boss takes over the Silver Bell Mall, a sapped-of-his-magic Santa Claus (David Harbour) is forced to trade holiday cheer for brutal combat. Realizing he is hopelessly outnumbered, Santa calls in last-minute heavy reinforcements: his equally lethal wife, Mrs. Claus (Kristen Bell). Together, the formidable couple unleashes a trail of gory holiday retribution to dismantle the syndicate and clear out the mall.

"Violent Night 2" hits theaters on December 4

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Walking out of “Spider-Man: Brand New Day,” I was basking in a feeling I’ve not experienced for several years: Excitement for the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Hello, old friend, it’s been far too long.

Clearly I wasn’t the only one who rushed out to see Tom Holland’s fourth solo outing as the world’s most popular superhero. In North America, “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” brought in an amazing $360 million in its opening weekend, which marks the biggest domestic debut in box office history. Analysts predict that by the end of its run, the comic book flick could gross more than $2 billion worldwide, with more records to tumble.

The film represents the strength of the Spider-Man brand, the popularity of this incarnation of the character, and a much-needed win for the MCU after several years of struggle in the wake of 2020's “Avengers: Endgame.” With the return of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes due on December 18, when “Avengers: Doomsday” arrives, it would be easy to declare the “MCU is back!”

Perhaps it is. There’s every possibility the one-two punch of Spider-Man and the Avengers is just the start of a second golden era of box-office-breaking Marvel movies, but there’s also reason for caution. The MCU looks to be on the right track, but the magic isn’t fully restored. The MCU’s toughest tests are still to come, and they’ll be fought without Spidey.

(This article includes spoilers for “Spider-Man Brand New Day.” You’ve been warned!)

‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ might have cured my Marvel fatigue

I should clarify at this point: while I’ve been suffering from a wicked case of Marvel fatigue since around 2022 (I blame "Moon Knight"), it never extended to Spider-Man. It’s the obvious pick, but he’s my favourite comic book hero, and I’ll consume almost any media featuring the character.

So, I went into “Brand New Day” with plenty of hype. I didn’t need to be convinced to care about Peter Parker (Tom Holland), MJ (Zendaya) or Ned (Jacob Batalon). But what “Brand New Day” did that I didn’t necessarily expect was have me looking to the future of the interconnected superhero franchise with a degree of anticipation I’ve not felt for a long time.

Consider this your final spoiler warning, but the inclusion of Sadie Sink as Jean Grey was my favorite part of the entire movie. It takes some doing to upstage Spider-Man, but Sink’s portrayal of the uber-powerful X-Men was phenomenal. In this incarnation of the character, Jean hasn’t yet joined up with Xavier and his School for Mutants, and instead is initially a villain. Only once we learn her tragic backstory are we given context for her actions.

With a full X-Men movie set within the MCU in the pipeline, I can’t wait to see how this version of Jean fits into the team dynamic. And if the casting rumours are any indication, the MCU’s X-Men could be quite the eccentric group of outsiders, underdogs and eventually heroes. This small taster in “Brand New Day” has me eager for the full meal later down the line.

I felt last year’s MCU efforts “Thunderbolts” and “Fantastic Four: First Steps” were enjoyable enough blockbusters in their own right. However, I didn’t leave my local cinema desperate to see their respective cast return as soon as possible. I could wait. After “Brand New Day,” I’m already scouring the internet for news of “X-Men’s” release date (it’s rumored for 2028).

‘Avengers: Doomsday” is a Hail Mary, but a necessary one

But before we can see the “X-Men” rebooted within the MCU, there’s the small matter of “Doomsday” on the horizon. There’s no escaping that there’s a stink of desperation about the much-anticipated return of the Avengers. It perhaps doesn’t help that audience members who haven’t kept up with Marvel homework might not even know who’s in the team.

Marvel Studios has spent Phases 4 and 5 throwing as many new heroes and ideas at the wall as possible, and precious few of them have actually stuck. Heck, even the big bad the Avengers were supposed to be facing, Kang the Conqueror, totally flopped. A rushed retooling saw Kang booted, and Doctor Doom (played by the returning Robert Downey Jr.) drafted in. “Avengers: The Kang Dynasty” was out; in steps “Avengers: Doomsday.”

This speaks to the increasingly messy nature of the MCU over the last five years. A franchise that once felt mapped out to the letter was suddenly unmoored, making major alterations on the fly, and banking on nostalgia when all else fails. The recasting of Downey Jr., beloved for his portrayal of MCU anchor Tony “Iron Man” Stark, and the unexpected return of Chris Evans’ Steve Rogers certainly do not scream “this was always the plan.” They appear to be Hail Mary pivots made out of desperation rather than narrative inspiration.

However, nostalgia sells. Last month, a limited selection of “Avengers: Doomsday” tickets went on sale and generated $16.5 million in a day. These tickets were just for the movie in premium formats (but no IMAX; “Dune Part 3” has those screens on lockdown), so represent only a fraction of an opening weekend haul expected to top out at “Brand New Day” level.

Maybe an “Avengers” movie that mixes the old guard with the young blood is needed. Yes, “Doomsday’s” marketing is aggressively pushing stalwarts Downey Jr., Evans and Chris Hemsworth’s Thor. However, there is space for new(er) faces like the Thunderbolts, Fantastic Four, Shang-Chi, Shuri and Sam Wilson, who has been in the MCU for ages, but only in Phase Four swapped his role as sidekick Falcon for Captain America.

“Avengers: Doomsday,” which will lead into next year’s “Avengers: Secret Wars,” widely expected to function as a soft reboot of the MCU, was clearly not the endpoint mapped out after the Infinity Saga drew to a satisfying close in 2020, but I understand why Marvel has radically reworked its roadmap. After all, desperate times often call for desperate measures.

But don’t call it a Marvel comeback just yet

It would be easy to look at the obscene “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” box office figures, coupled with the hype already building for “Avengers: Doomsday,” and conclude the MCU has successfully course-corrected. However, I’m not willing to echo that sentiment. At least not yet. Because Spider-Man and Avengers were always the MCU’s strongest weapons.

I don’t think even at its most battered and bruised the MCU could fall far enough for a Spider-Man or Avengers movie to flop. These are powerful sub-brands within the overarching franchise. The “break glass in case of emergency” bankers that have the enduring appeal to thrive even when the Marvel universe is floundering. And flounder the MCU has in recent years. Gone are the days when the MCU brand was enough to sell cinema tickets even for a movie starring characters unknown to a mass audience.

Phases 4 and 5 are littered with box office disappointments (“Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania,” “Captain America: Brave New World”) and some outright financial bombs (“Eternals” and “The Marvels”). The MCU’s move into Disney+ original series has also been a mixed bag, with even acclaimed projects, like “Wonder Man,” failing to attract enough viewers.

Kevin Feige recently admitted that last year’s “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” disappointed at the box office, showing that MCU skepticism remains in the air. Spider-Man and the Avengers can flip the narrative, to a degree, but until Marvel is again ruling the box office, turning outsiders like “Guardians of the Galaxy” into household heroes, it’s not truly back.

Of course, perhaps the big question is whether that level of success can be recaptured. Post-pandemic, the theatrical landscape has never been more cutthroat. Blockbusters with budgets ballooning north of $150m bomb on an alarmingly regular basis. Marvel’s big rival, DC, recently got its feet burned when its nascent DCU suffered its first audience rejection in the form of “Supergirl,” which grossed $125 million on a budget of around $180 million. Alarmingly, it's only the second feature of this new DC universe.

Expecting the MCU to recapture its glory days between 2012 and 2020 is a tall order. The approach going forward might be to rely heavily on a few juggernauts like Spider-Man and perhaps the X-Men, and save the “lesser” heroes for Avengers team-ups or opt to include them as supporting characters alongside a more dependable lead, like the web-slinger.

There are still a great many unknowns in the MCU’s future, not least of which is what the universe will even look like post “Secret Wars.” Audience interest is clearly still there for the right projects like “Spider-Man” and the “Avengers.” Nevertheless, the MCU still looks fragile to me, but at least for the first time in forever, I’m looking to the future with some excitement.

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I'll freely admit, I've always liked "Man on Fire." I've always liked Denzel Washington. I've always liked director Tony Scott. I've always liked when they've teamed up together. And while "Crimson Tide" remains their best team-up, this 2004 action thriller set in Mexico City has been a movie in the Denzel Watchathon I've been eagerly anticipating.

What I didn't realize, though, is that while I always loved this movie, critics hated it. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a rating of just 39% fresh. One review on the review aggregator (Nathan Rabin of AV Club) called it "Scott's latest exercise in assaultive excess nevertheless lingers for two and a half hours, like a drunken houseguest who won't leave." On Metacritic, it's a relatively abysmal 47 out of 100 average critic score. That's actually worse than the 5.4 out of 10 average score on Rotten Tomatoes.

Yet, while critics disliked "Man on Fire," audiences loved it. It's rated 89% fresh by audiences on Rotten Tomatoes with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5. On Metacritic, things are more tempered, with it scoring just 7.4 out of 10 on average. It notched an A- Cinemascore and is rated 3.8 out of 5 on Letterboxd.

In short, someone is wrong here. Either the critics got it right, and this movie is an excessive montage of violence and not much else. Or, audiences got it right, and this is a darn good movie. Going in, I already was siding with the audience. But I haven't seen the nearly two-and-a-half-hour-long movie in years, so I was willing to be proved wrong.

If you want to watch this movie before you read on, I have some good news and some bad news. "Man on Fire" isn't currently streaming on any of the best streaming services, but it is on many of the best live TV streaming services. You can stream "Man on Fire" as part of your YouTube TV subscription or buy or rent "Man on Fire" from Amazon right now.

'Man on Fire' knows how to build its characters and then unleash them

For those who've never seen this movie, it stars Denzel as John Creasy. He's a former Marine and CIA operative, and he's got a major drinking problem. So when he visits his friend Rayburn (Christopher Walken) in Mexico City and is told of a job opportunity as a bodyguard, he takes it. Frankly, he needs it.

But his charge is a precocious young girl named "Pita" (Dakota Fanning), and she quickly gets on his nerves. After a failed drunken suicide attempt, though, he comes to the realization he was meant to live and protect her. After time, he becomes a friend to Pita, and even a father figure.

This beautiful budding relationship is brought to a screeching halt, though, when Pita is kidnapped, and Creasy is left for dead at the scene. Once he wakes up, he learns she died after the ransom attempt went poorly. In response, he gets out of his sick bed and goes on a quest for vengeance that won't end until everyone is dead.

It takes a surprisingly long time to get to this point. It's around an hour into the movie that things really kick into gear. But that's okay.

For starters, as much as I love Denzel in this movie, Dakota Fanning is also excellent. So I have no problem watching them spend time bonding and trading barbs on screen for a while before the action starts.

We also know the kidnapping is coming. It takes a while to get there, but the entire time we know to expect it. The movie starts with a different kidnapping. It references that kidnappings are happening before Pita's abduction. Sure, you could argue that it undercuts a shocking moment to already know this. But the movie isn't about the kidnapping. It's about Creasy's response to the kidnapping.

And his response is brutal. It drew the ire of film critics. But there were no complaints from me as Creasy finds new creative ways to eliminate the criminal network that led to Pita's kidnapping and subsequent botched ransom. The highlight, for me, is when a guy who helped botch the ransoming is caught by Creasy and then given the world's worst suppository: a bomb that can be set off with a simple pager watch.

Verdict: The critics got this one wrong

Is this movie perfect? No. The direction and aesthetics are overly stylized at times. Especially in the first act of the movie. It makes the film appear extremely dated.

But for the most part, this is an excellent, or at the very least, supremely enjoyable movie to watch. The first act's focus on Denzel and Fanning is a highlight, rather than a slog to get through. Then once the action starts, it's a high-octane thrill ride with some brutal moments worth of a John Wick movie.

So if you've never seen "Man on Fire" before, don't worry. The critics got this one wrong. This action thriller flick remains a must-watch Denzel performance, and Dakota Fanning's breakout is a bonus. If you have cable or a cable alternative, make sure to check if you can watch it on demand, and if you can, make sure you take advantage.

Stream "Man on Fire" as part of your YouTube TV subscription or buy or rent "Man on Fire" from Amazon now

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Another weekend is here, and with summer in full swing, our air-conditioned living rooms are looking more and more enticing these days. On August 1, Prime Video added a whopping 51 new movies, with several new releases landing over the course of the week. It's enough to make our good ol' friend decision paralysis rear its ugly head, but don't worry — I'm in the trenches sifting through all the new releases to help you decide what to watch.

Times are tough, so this week I'm shining a light on two great new comedies that just landed on Prime Video: the quirky "Licorice Pizza" with an impeccable '70s soundtrack and the hilarious girls' trip comedy "Joy Ride." Pharrell Williams' Lego-themed biopic "Piece by Piece" also just got added, which is a much-watch for any music fans out there.

For even more streaming recommendations, check out everything new on Prime Video in August. So without further ado, let's dive into the best new movies on Prime Video to add to your watchlist.

'Joy Ride' (2023)

The vibe: A raunchy Asian girls' trip

I have a group chat of my hometown besties that I call "The Council" where I am very discerning about my streaming recommendations, but "Joy Ride" made the cut. This raunchy R-rated comedy from "Crazy Rich Asians" producer and writer Adele Lim revolves around Audrey Sullivan (Ashley Park), a lawyer on a business trip to China where she plans to reconnect with her childhood best friends Lolo (Sherry Cola), Kat (Stephanie Hsu), and Lolo's eccentric cousin, Deadeye (Sabrina Wu).

Audrey's promised a promotion in exchange for closing a deal with a prominent Chinese businessman, but their trip veers wildly off-course in spectacular (not to mention hilarious) fashion, including side quests to find Audrey's birth mother and being forced to do copious amounts of cocaine. Much in the same vein as "Superbad," "Bridesmaids," and "One of Them Days," it fits the mold of out-there comedies centered on friends in desperate situations.

Watch "Joy Ride" on Prime Video now

'Piece by Piece' (2024)

The vibe: An earworm-filled biopic that doesn't take itself too seriously

Pharrell Williams is from my neck of the woods (shout out to the 757!) so I never miss an opportunity to shout out his stunning biopic "Piece by Piece." It's a bold turn, using Lego to tell the story of his rise to fame in Virginia Beach alongside P-town native Chad Hugo with their iconic Neptunes sound to his international smash success as a recording artist and producer with the likes of Jay-Z, Snoop Dogg, Daft Punk and more.

Colorful and endlessly inventive, "Piece by Piece" uses its Lego visuals in creative ways to depict Williams' process for creating music, specifically his synesthesia (where individual notes and melodies appear to him as colors). With five new original songs written by Pharrell just for this flick, “Piece by Piece” is naturally a must-watch for fans of the chart-topping musician. It's definitely more winding than traditional biopics, but fun to throw on in the background.

Watch "Piece by Piece" on Prime Video now

'Licorice Pizza' (2021)

The vibe: A madcap joyride with '70s flair and larger-than-life characters

Last up, we have a nostalgia-filled coming-of-age-tale that's a great pick for music lovers, with classic tracks from artists like David Bowie, Paul McCartney, Nina Simone, The Doors, and Gordon Lightfoot. Directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, "Licorice Pizza" stars Cooper Hoffman as Gary Valentine, a teenager who, on school picture day, shoots his shot with a 25-year-old photographer's assistant Alana Kane (Alana Haim) with all the confidence of two kids in a trench coat trying to sneak into an R-rated movie.

If it ended there, it wouldn't be much of a movie now would it? Over the years, he ping pongs through jobs, from a child actor to a waterbed salesman, and manages to rope Alan into his schemes against her better judgement. Their magnetic chemistry buoys a somewhat meandering plot peppered with nostalgic callbacks and some truly insane cameos.

Rotten Tomatoes: 90%
Watch "Licorice Pizza" on Prime Video now

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• New on Prime Video in August 2026: Top picks and all the new movies and shows to watch
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• 10 best Netflix movies and shows of summer 2026 (so far)

Hulu is a great streaming service if you're looking for new shows to binge this weekend. It features a deep library of series from a range of Disney-owned networks, including FX, ABC and 20th Television. It also has tons of original hit shows that you don't want to miss. As per usual, this week, I've put together a list of three newly added shows perfect for adding to your weekend watchlist.

First up is "Betrayal: Dirty Secrets" season 4, which tells a scintillating story about an egregious abuse of power. If you prefer your drama fictionalized, "The Shards" is a brand-new series from Ryan Murphy that is based on the life of show co-creator Bret Easton Ellis. If that name sounds familiar, it's because he also wrote "American Psycho." No big deal.

Finally, "Star Wars: Visions Presents – The Ninth Jedi" is a new animated Star Wars series. The complete first season just dropped on Hulu (and Disney+) and it's a must-watch for any Star Wars fan. It's a spin-off of one of the best Star Wars series ever.

Here are three new to Hulu shows you need to binge-watch this weekend, and why you need to watch them. For more recommendations, check out the full list of everything new to Hulu and Disney+ in August 2026.

'Betrayal: Dirty Secrets' season 4

Genre: True crime docuseries

What's it about? This season of "Betrayal" covers the story of Karoline Borega. She thought she was getting a happily-ever-after when she married Colorado Springs PD officer Joel Kern. But her dream turned into a nightmare when she learned he was abusing his power for sexual conquests.

Why you should watch it: This Hulu series dives deep into the scandal. Not only are there interviews with Borega and her daughter, but there's even an appearance by one of Kern’s ex-lovers. If you are a true crime fanatic, you won't want to skip this salacious season of "Betrayal."

Stream all 3 episodes of "Betrayal: Dirty Secrets" season 4 on Hulu now

'The Shards' season 1

Genre: Teen thriller series

What's it about? "The Shards" is based on show co-creator Bret Easton Ellis' fictionalized memoir of the same name. It stars Igby Rigney as a young Ellis at Buckley Prep. His world gets turned upside down when a new student, Robert (Homer Gere) arrives at the same time a serial killer known as the Trawler becomes active.

Why you should watch it: Ryan Murphy is a prolific showrunner, and his FX shows all tend to have a combination of polish, style and darkness. "The Shards" seems to be cut from that same cloth, especially with "American Psycho" author Ellis on hand to turn up the dark, twisted drama.

Stream the two-episode premiere of "The Shards" season 1 on Hulu now

'Star Wars: Visions Presents – The Ninth Jedi' season 1

Genre: Anime anthology series

What's it about? "The Ninth Jedi" was an episode from the anthology series "Star Wars: Visions." Now, it's been spun off into its own season of television. Tune in to see the Jedi Lah Kara (Chinatsu Akasaki [Japanese]/Kimiko Glenn [English]) and her crew take on a powerful Imperial warlord.

Why you should watch it: "Star Wars: Visions" is one of the best Star Wars shows ever. I'd put it just behind "Andor." It's an anthology series that isn't tied to the canon, meaning creators can use the Star Wars sandbox to create whatever stories they want. "The Ninth Jedi" is one of the best "Visions" episodes, and the trailer for its spin-off series gave me goosebumps. This is a must-watch, and I'll definitely be watching it this weekend.

Stream all eight episodes of "Star Wars: Visions Presents – The Ninth Jedi" season 1 on Hulu now

More from Tom's Guide

• 3 new to Hulu movies you need to stream this weekend (Aug. 7-9)
• What to watch tonight: Every new movie and show added to Netflix, Paramount+, Prime Video and more streaming services
• 3 new to Paramount+ movies you need to stream this weekend (Aug. 7-9)

Paramount+ is regularly adding new shows to binge-watch. This weekend is no exception. The streaming service releases new episodes of hit shows every week. Sometimes, even entire seasons at once. It added over 80 new movies and shows on August 1 alone. It even has some live sporting events, including all major events from the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

This weekend, I've got a new season from Taylor Sheridan, a 20-episode bingable docuseries and a returning competition that's a must-watch. "Lioness" season 3 is first up on the list. Fans of Sheridan will probably have already seen the premiere by now, but the rest of you should use the weekend to catch up. Once you're done, check out "Special Ops: True," a docuseries that examines secretive U.S. military operations from Somalia to Afghanistan. Finally, you'll want to check out "The Challenge: Cutthroat" season 42 this weekend. This competition series has 24 people competing for $500,000, and someone could steal it all at the last second.

Here are the three new to Paramount+ shows you need to binge-watch this weekend. If you need more recommendations, check out everything new on Paramount+ in August 2026 for more options.

'Lioness' season 3

Genre: Spy thriller series

What's it about? Joe McNamara (Zoe Saldaña) is a CIA operative who runs the Lioness program. This initiative inserts female operatives undercover in the war on terror. Once in, they take down enemy targets by getting close to the women around them.

Why you should watch it: "Lioness" season 3 has Joe dealing with deadly operations and enemy combatants abroad, and betrayals close to home. If you're a fan of Saldaña or showrunner Taylor Sheridan, you should definitely catch up with "Lioness" this weekend if you haven't already.

Stream the "Lioness" season 3 premiere on Paramount+ now