Let’s get real: if you’re a reading-and-binge-watching combo, you’ve likely caught yourself arguing (perhaps fiercely) over whether a program actually did the book justice. Apple TV+ has now firmly established itself as a contender in that game, picking up rights to everything from sci-fi blockbusters to literary tearjerkers. Some have gotten it right, others have fallen short, and some have ignited group chats filled with raging opinions. Here’s my top 10 of the best book-to-TV adaptations on Apple TV+ because we all know ranking drama is half the fun.

10. The Mosquito Coast

Paul Theroux’s masterpiece novel gets a new contemporary reworking with Justin Theroux, yes, his nephew, taking on the lead role of Allie Fox, an idealistic genius inventor on the lam with his family. The series builds on the book’s anti-establishment themes, amplifying the tension and emotional mayhem. It deviates from the original in spots, but the combination of family drama and survivalist intrigue makes it must-watch TV.

9. Shining Girls

Lauren Beukes’ time-traveling thriller is reimagined as a moody, psychological thriller centered on Elisabeth Moss. She stars as Kirby, a woman hell-bent on catching the man who assaulted her years ago, a killer with the ability to move through time. The series condenses the book’s scope, focusing on the trauma and strength of Kirby. Moss injects her trademark intensity, making Shining Girls into a chilling, time-bending ride.

8. Five Days at Memorial

Sheri Fink’s nonfiction account of a New Orleans hospital during Hurricane Katrina becomes a harrowing limited series led by Vera Farmiga. As Dr. Anna Pou, Farmiga captures the impossible choices faced when the floodwaters rose, and the power failed. It’s not an easy watch, but it’s deeply human, unflinching in showing the moral and emotional wreckage left in Katrina’s wake.

7. Black Bird

Half crime thriller, half psychological standoff, Black Bird translates James Keene’s memoir into a tense, slow-burning work of art. Taron Egerton stars as Keene, an inmate, in return for his freedom if he can extract a confession from possible serial killer Larry Hall (Paul Walter Hauser). What transpires is a heart-pounding exercise in manipulation and trust. Egerton and Hauser deliver magnetic performances that keep the suspense razor-sharp throughout.

6. The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey

Samuel L. Jackson gives one of his finest performances in this adaptation of Walter Mosley’s novel. He is Ptolemy Grey, a 91-year-old with dementia who, briefly, recovers his memories, and with them, long-hidden secrets. The show is a combination of mystery with a deeply emotional investigation of memory, legacy, and connection. It’s poignant, heartbreaking, and wonderfully acted.

5. Truth Be Told

Based on Kathleen Barber’s Are You Sleeping, this series takes on the true-crime podcast phenomenon with Octavia Spencer as Poppy Parnell, a reporter reopening a cold case from decades past. Every season presents new enigmas as it navigates the morality of commodifying tragedy. Spencer’s authoritative performance anchors the show, making it as thoughtful as it is hooky.

4. Defending Jacob

William Landay’s legal thriller best-seller is given a pitch-perfect translation in this edge-of-your-seat miniseries. Chris Evans and Michelle Dockery star as parents whose teenager is charged with murder, and the show bottlenecks all the novel’s claustrophobic tension. With top-shelf performances and a gradual build-up of moral fear, Defending Jacob is a gut-punch of family drama and courtroom drama.

3. Silo

Drawing inspiration from Hugh Howey’s Wool series, Silo plunges audiences into a dystopian future where humanity exists in a giant underground complex, and defiance of the rules is taboo. Rebecca Ferguson is excellent as Juliette, a brilliant engineer digging up secrets. The show does more with Howey’s original storytelling with eye-popping visuals and careful world-building, building a future that feels disconcertingly real.

2. Foundation

Long considered “unfilmable,” Isaac Asimov’s iconic sci-fi epic finally gets on screen, and the outcome is big, smart, and visually stunning. Foundation reimagines the collapse of a galactic empire with a multicultural cast and fearless storytelling overhauls. Though it takes liberties with some facts, it hits the essence of Asimov’s concepts, the vulnerability of civilization, the strength of knowledge, and the gravity of destiny.

1. Pachinko

Min Jin Lee’s Pachinko is one of those novels so impossible to bring to life on screen, until Apple TV+ showed us otherwise. This sweeping, multigenerational drama follows a Korean family from generation to generation across Japan and Korea, from love and loss to identity. It’s cinematic in every frame, every performance felt to the core. Intimate and epic in equal measure, a masterclass in adapting the book’s spirit without sacrificing any greatness on the screen.

And there you have it, ten adaptations which prove Apple TV+ isn’t simply following trends; it’s creating a new benchmark for literary television storytelling. Whether you’re a hardline reader, a weekend viewer, or both, these shows demonstrate that the adaptation can burn every bit as bright as the book.

Let’s face it, TV spinoffs are a risk. With each hit, there’s a failure that leaves you questioning why it ever made it out of the drawing board (again, sorry, Joey). But occasionally, a spinoff doesn’t merely rise to the level of the original; it blows it away. These are the few, the proud, the shows that emerged from the shadow of their forebears and became legends in their own right. Here are 10 TV spinoffs that didn’t simply track in large footsteps; they outran them.

10. The Good Fight

The Good Wife already knew a thing or two about prestige drama, but The Good Fight took it to overdrive. Headed by the inimitable Christine Baranski as Diane Lockhart, the series swapped network restrictions for the freedom of streaming and used that freedom to its maximum potential. Addressing the pandemonium of contemporary politics and social turmoil, it established itself as one of the boldest, cutting-edge dramas of its era. It wasn’t merely good TV, it was necessary TV.

9. Law & Order: SVU

When Law & Order premiered, it established the gold standard for procedurals. But the Special Victims Unit took that template and infused it with a pulse. By concentrating on extremely personal and even painful crimes, SVU transcended being a cop show; it became a cultural reference point. Mariska Hargitay’s Olivia Benson became an icon of compassion and toughness, and even more than two decades later, the show still refuses to lose steam.

8. Angel

When Buffy the Vampire Slayer provided us with snappy teen angst and monster metaphors, Angel plunged into something moodier and darker. Based in Los Angeles, the show traced the dark vampire’s journey towards redemption, providing noir-tinted storytelling and emotional resonance that resonated with viewers. It wasn’t an extension, it was a reimagining of the Buffyverse, and it fluttered proudly on its own wings.

7. The Originals

Whereas The Vampire Diaries was high school drama with fangs, The Originals was an adult struggle for power splashed with blood and betrayal. Focusing on the immortal Mikaelson clan, this spinoff abandoned teenage angst for political maneuvering, eternal vendettas, and supernatural war. Located in New Orleans, it mixed a gothic setting with strong themes of family and loyalty, winning acclaim for its complexity and depth.

6. NCIS

It’s crazy to consider that NCIS was once a humble JAG spin-off. Today, it’s an international TV fixture. With the combination of humor, character-based storytelling, and military suspense, NCIS became a television staple, surpassing the original show JAG by a mile. Not only did it continue a franchise, but it expanded one, leading to numerous successful spin-offs in its own right. Full circle, indeed.

5. Star Trek: The Next Generation

The classic Star Trek revolutionized television, but The Next Generation brought the franchise into orbit. With Patrick Stewart as the authoritative (and authoritative-toned) Captain Picard, the show produced wiser storytelling, more textured characters, and improved special effects. It raised the science fiction genre to the level of philosophy, discussing moral complexities and humanity at warp speed. To many, TNG is Star Trek.

4. Frasier

It’s difficult to envision a Cheers spinoff surpassing the bar where everyone knows your name, but Frasier accomplished it with sophistication and humor. Transplanting the self-absorbed but endearing Dr. Frasier Crane to Seattle, the show traded beer for sherry and dispensed 11 seasons of smart-alecky humor and poignant moments. With Kelsey Grammer and David Hyde Pierce’s unparalleled comedic chemistry, Frasier became a sitcom-writing masterclass and a cultural touchstone.

3. Xena: Warrior Princess

Born out of Hercules: The Legendary Journeys, Xena was soon demonstrating she didn’t require another’s myth to tell her story. Lucy Lawless’s intense performance made the warrior princess a feminist legend, combining sword-swinging action with wit and emotion. Xena: Warrior Princess was one of television’s most popular cult hits, generating a devoted following that continues to thrive decades later.

2. Better Call Saul

The heir to Breaking Bad was an impossible job, until Better Call Saul made it seem effortless. Bob Odenkirk’s metamorphosis from Jimmy McGill to Saul Goodman was nothing less than stunning, supported by scriptwriting so diligent and emotionally shattering that it matched (and occasionally topped) its parent show. By the finale, it wasn’t merely a fantastic spinoff; it was one of the all-time greatest TV dramas created.

1. The Simpsons

It’s hard to believe that The Simpsons started as shorts on The Tracey Ullman Show. Over 30 years later, it remains the longest-running American sitcom and one of the most powerful programs in television history. From scathing social commentary to catchphrases that are still stuck in our heads, The Simpsons altered the face of television. The Springfield family didn’t just surpass their humble beginnings; they revolutionized pop culture for good.

So next time someone says spinoffs never work, hand them this list. Because sometimes, lightning doesn’t just strike twice; it hits even harder the second time.

If you’re a fan of film, then there’s a good bet you’re already immersed in the world of Letterboxd, the social site that made watching movies a competition, a journal, and an all-day debate club. It’s where film nerds come to catalog every movie they’ve ever watched, create complex lists, and insert snappy one-liners into reviews that sometimes make it to the viral watercooler. In less than a decade, Letterboxd has gone from a quirky haunt for movie geeks to a worldwide community for taste-making, influencing not only what we watch but how we watch it.

But of the hundreds of titles prolifically logged and argued, a few exceptions stand out from the rest, the ones that set the culture of contemporary movie madness. So, settle in with your popcorn (and your phone), because here’s a top 10 countdown of the most influential films on Letterboxd, the ones that made a social app the pulse of today’s film geekdom.

10. Donnie Darko — The Cult Film That Inspired a Thousand Theories

If there’s a film that best reflects the letter and spirit of Letterboxd’s boundless analysis, symbolic ambiguity, and frenzied discussion, it’s Donnie Darko. Richard Kelly’s thought-bending debut is a film designed to be interpreted, leaving audiences in a time-loop rabbit hole and challenging them to get their heads around it. It’s only transparent enough to make you feel like a genius when you “get it” and maddening enough to make you go back for another viewing. The director’s cut might have explained too much, but the original is the holy scripture for anyone who adores ambiguity. On Letterboxd, Donnie Darko is not only a fi, but it’s a coming-of-age ritual.

9. Mulholland Drive — The Ultimate Movie Puzzle

David Lynch’s Mulholland Drive is a Rorschach test for cinema, one that provides exactly what you put into it. A film that is both dreamlike and nightmare-inducing, one that is both glamorous and gruesome, a film that is both confusing and brilliant. To Letterboxd users, it’s a holy text of confusion and epiphany. Every re-watch spawns new theories, every detail leads to another veil, and every comment thread becomes a full-blown symposium. Lynch constructed a universe that resists explication, and Letterboxd provided it with an eternal residence, a site where mystery never perishes but evolves.

8. City of God — Pure Cinema, Unfiltered Energy

Few movies harness the charge of cinema quite like City of God. Despite being masterful from start to finish, City of God is not a well-oiled machine of stylistic refinement; it’s raw energy laid bare across a cinematic canvas. It’s editing, cinematography, and narrative work as much as they did two decades ago. Letterboxd’s international presence has solidified City of God as not just a movie, but an experience that transcends cultures. It’s quoted on “Films That Changed Me” lists again and again, and for good reason: it’s impossible to watch without feeling something in your very marrow.

7. Adaptation — The Movie That Ate Itself

Only Charlie Kaufman could make a film about writer’s block that feels this alive. Adaptation is part satire, part confession, and entirely brilliant, a movie that folds in on itself until you’re not sure where fiction ends and reality begins. Nicolas Cage plays twin brothers who are both versions of Kaufman, and somehow, it works perfectly. Letterboxd viewers love movies that play with structure and genre, and Adaptation is their go-to case study. It’s witty, self-reflexive, and insightful, a love note to storytelling and the creative mess that energizes it.

6. Kiss Kiss Bang Bang — Neo-Noir with a Wink

Shane Black’s Kiss Kiss Bang Bang is the type of film that makes perfect sense for Letterboxd viewers: quick, smart, and utterly self-aware. It’s a noir-comedy-metacommentary mash-up, featuring Robert Downey Jr. and Val Kilmer in their most charming performances. Each line is quotable, each surprise is a genre wink, and the entire production takes place bathed in Christmas lights in Los Angeles. It’s no wonder that users endlessly include it on their comfort rewatch list, a winning mixture of wit, warmth, and bullet holes.

5. The Departed — Scorsese, Reinvented

Martin Scorsese’s The Departed began life as a remake, but it evolved into something very much its own, a contemporary crime epic that combines intensity with pitch-black humor. On Letterboxd, it’s one of those films that never comes off “favorites” lists. With a cast that includes Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, Mark Wahlberg, and Jack Nicholson, it’s a masterclass in controlled mayhem. The double-crosses, the paranoia, the Boston accents, it’s rewatchable and quotable to infinity. Scorsese has directed a lot of masterpieces, but The Departed is the one that millennial and Gen Z film buffs own.

4. The Darjeeling Limited — Wes Anderson’s Secret Treasure

The Darjeeling Limited wasn’t Wes Anderson’s highest-grossing film, but it’s become his most emotionally engagingmoviee and Letterboxd had a hand in it. What was initially a “lesser” Anderson now seems one of his most intimate works: a tragedy about loss, brotherhood, and the ugliness of trying to mend. Yes, it has its pastel color and obsessive framing that we’ve come to anticipate, but it also has an unguardedness that takes you by surprise. Through a thousand reviews and reevaluations, the community of Letterboxd has made Darjeeling a forgotten entry into a well-loved classic.

3. Inglourious Basterds — Cinema as Revenge Fantasy

Quentin Tarantino’s Inglourious Basterds is more than just a war film; it’s a love letter to films themselves. From its gripping opening scene to its jubilant rewriting of history, it’s all cinematic swagger. Letterboxd fans are addicted to its mix of gallows humor, gore, and careful plotting, or Christoph Waltz’s incredible performance as Hans Landa. Tarantino’s combination of pulp and precision makes the movie endlessly repeatable, and its winking meta-commentary on film as art and tool perfectly appeals to the platform’s cineliterate fan base.

2. Interstellar — Nolan’s Emotional Epic

Christopher Nolan effectively dominates Letterboxd, but Interstellar is the crown jewel of his filmography on the site. It’s daring, intelligent, and profoundly human, a sci-fi blockbuster that has the guts to make you cry. Matthew McConaughey’s harrowing trek through time and space is accompanied by some of the most awe-inspiring visuals and music of contemporary cinema. It’s the sort of film that inspires late-night arguments over love, science, and wormholes, a movie constructed to be logged, rated, and debated interminably. On Letterboxd, Interstellar is not merely watched, it’s revered.

1. Parasite — The Movie That United the World

When Bong Joon Ho’s Parasite became Oscar history, it also became the quintessential movie of the Letterboxd age. Witty, suspenseful, and biting in its commentary on society, it breached cultural lines unlike any film ever before. The users of the platform were rallying behind it in ways that seemed unprecedented. It wasn’t merely respected; it was celebrated. Parasite demonstrated that language is no obstacle to storytelling and that high-quality cinema is actually universal. In so many ways, it’s the film that most embodies what Letterboxd is all about: fervent debate, worldwide connection, and a passion for movies that transcends borders.

These ten films didn’t merely stir waters; they created the environment that today’s cinephiles inhabit. Each one embodies a different aspect of what Letterboxd is all about: obsession, argument, discovery, and sheer emotional identification. Whether you’re logging your 1,000th movie or just starting your cinematic diary, these titles are the cornerstones of the culture, the movies that made film-watching a conversation, not just a pastime. So the next time you hit “log,” remember: you’re not just reviewing a film, you’re joining a global conversation that these ten masterpieces helped start.

Let’s face it, even Hollywood’s best sometimes stumble on their own talents. There is a particular kind of thrill that results from seeing a normally impeccable actor perform so out of tune that you find yourself questioning whether you turned the wrong channel and are watching a parody instead. Occasionally, it’s terrible scripts. Occasionally, it’s crazy directing decisions. And occasionally, it’s simply. Chaos, so get your snack and settle in for a lesson in misfires. These are ten of the worst performances ever given by some very great actors, leading up to the most wonderfully calamitous of them all.

10. Glenn Close – Hillbilly Elegy

Glenn Close may be one of the biggest stars of Hollywood, but her role in Hillbilly Elegy as “Mamaw” feels more like a wildly off SNL sketch. In a film that seems to mistake volume for substance, this is a large, glitzy, Oscar-baiting performance. Critics branded it as an aggravatingly stereotypical and self-indulgent mockery. They claimed that even talent at the level of a giant cannot save a movie that is full of clichés.

9. Meryl Streep – Into the Woods

Even Meryl Streep can make a mistake. Her portrayal of the Witch in Into the Woods is loud, boastful, and lacks feeling; plus, there is a rap sequence that definitely should not have been filmed. Normally, Streep is a great addition to any project; however, here she seems out of place and overdressed, which is a case of “too much” becoming “way too much.”

8. Naomi Watts – Diana

Naomi Watts is a wonderful performer, but the film Diana may be the lowest point of her career. Playing the role of Princess Diana would have been the pinnacle of her career; however, it is instead a painful reproduction set in a boring script. The movie is weirdly written and terribly sincere, which is probably why Watts seems to be wandering lost among bad lines and worse directing. It’s less an homage and more of a cautionary tale.

7. Russell Crowe – The Mummy

In the ill-conceived “Dark Universe” film series that Universal attempted to revive with the help of Russell Crowe, one of the performances that stood out for its sheer bizarreness was the one that should have been a horror movie of its own. His Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is a bewildering medley of different accents, snarls, and changes brought about by the computer. While Crowe definitely goes all in with his performance, unfortunately, there is also the comedy of errors that was not intentional.

6. Robert Downey Jr. – Dolittle

Post-Iron Man, Robert Downey Jr. was the one we thought would always find a way to charm his way through any project. What the case was with Dolittle was the exact opposite – an unrecognizable accent, a confusing plot, and a leading man who looked as if he desperately wanted to be anywhere but there. Rather than being alluring, his method of communicating with animals is just tiring, as a result of which the question of how even the most charismatic of actors can’t save a movie in which everything goes wrong still stands unanswered.

5. Natalie Portman – Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones

It’s an open secret that Natalie Portman is an Oscar-winning actress; however, you would never be able to tell it from this distant galaxy. As Padmé Amidala, she has to endure awkward lines, zero chemistry with her co-star, and a love story so fake that it goes against the laws of nature. I bet you could see her pretending not to be in this fake world and hoping for another script.

4. George Clooney – Batman & Robin

Not even Clooney’s charmingness can save the Bat from his worst hour. The film Batman & Robin is famous for its over-the-top nature, the brightly colored settings, and the funny Bat-credit card, and Clooney has publicly made fun of it himself. The way he plays the character doesn’t really correspond to the typical features of the Avengers, and he is acting as a father who unwittingly came to a cosplay event.

3. Robert De Niro – Dirty Grandpa

Time out: De Niro was once the serious type in film. Following that, there’s Dirty Grandpa, a movie so immature that it makes Meet the Fockers look like The Godfather. It is cringe-inducing to watch De Niro indulge in the use of vulgar humor and spring-break jokes, and thus, it is a “how did we get here?” moment for one of the greatest cinema performers.

2. Tom Hanks – Elvis

In most cases, Tom Hanks would be the most sincere person, but his portrayal of Colonel Tom Parker in Elvis reminds one of a detached out-of-body hallucination. Underneath a mask and a voice that sounds partly like a Dutch one, and partly like an alien, Hanks goes over the top with his acting, which is almost to the level of a cartoon. The critics branded his work as “movie-ruining,” and this time, they were not being exaggerative. Even Elvis couldn’t go toe-to-toe with that madness.

1. Nicolas Cage – The Wicker Man

One shouldn’t be surprised that Nicolas Cage is quite simply the quintessential definition of an actor who over-commits to his role, and thus, this could either work in his favor or not. In The Wicker Man, his character is so maniacal to the point where, with the smallest fraction of the energy that he has contained in his character, he goes completely overboard, and this performance has been immortalized as one of the greatest memes. We can find among them: yelling, punching, bee stings, and a bear costume, all lacking in the slightest bit of the calmness of a hurricane. Though it is acting in history, the way that Cage probably intended is not.

What you are left with after all these cases is a list of ten instances when even the most legendary of men were shown to be only human. The great ones don’t necessarily leave the stage unscathed; it is rather shown by these performances that they can get back up higher and (hopefully) without bees despite bad direction, worse scripts, or simply having taken the risk too far.

Let’s be real, when you hear grandparent, your mind likely goes to soft sweaters, silver hair, and tales about “back in my day,” not Grammy winners, action heroes, or reality TV stars. But in Hollywood, time doesn’t work the same way. Some of your favorite celebs have become grandparents long before you’d imagine, and they rock the moniker proudly. From music legends to film icons, here are 15 of the youngest celebrity grandparents who show that family in showbiz is all shapes and sizes (and ages). 

15. Donny Osmond (Grandfather at 48)

Donny Osmond, forever remembered for his smile and energy, became a grandparent at 48. The singer, who now has 14 grandchildren, said in an interview with People he adores his “grandpa-in-the-corner” job happily sitting aside while the children play. With so many grandkids, he’s got a full-time job just keeping birthdays straight.

14. Nicolas Cage (Grandfather at 50)

The ever-eclectic Nicolas Cage became a granddad at 50 when his son Weston welcomed little Lucien. Cage, now a proud grandfather several times over, says being “Pop” is one of his greatest joys, and if you’ve seen his softer interviews lately, it’s clear he means it.

13. Mick Jagger (Grandfather at 49)

Rock ‘n’ roll never stops for diapers. The Rolling Stones singer became a grandfather at 49 when his daughter Jade gave birth to her first child, Assisi. Roll on a few decades, and Jagger’s family tree has expanded so quickly that he’s now a great-grandfather. You can rock and babysit simultaneously, it seems.

12. Charlie Sheen (Grandfather at 47)

At 47, Charlie Sheen swapped “winning” for “grandpa-ing” when daughter Cassandra had baby Luna. His greeting to his granddaughter? “Welcome to my planet.” Classic Sheen is unpredictable, a little crazy, and completely one-of-a-kind.

11. Jim Carrey (Grandfather at 47)

Comedy legend Jim Carrey became a granddad at age 47 when his daughter Jane gave birth to a baby boy, Jackson Riley Santana. He gleefully shared the news on the internet, referring to his grandson as “California dynamite.” Carrey later confessed the entire experience was “very odd but magical.” Sounds just like him.

10. Pierce Brosnan (Grandfather at 46)

Former James Bond Pierce Brosnan first became a grandfather at age 46 when his adopted daughter Charlotte gave birth to her daughter Isabella. After his wife and daughter lost their lives to ovarian cancer, Brosnan regularly talks about how much his grandchildren mean to him. They’re a shining light in his life.

9. Sarah Palin (Grandmother at 44)

Sarah Palin was the subject of two 2008 headlines, one political and one for giving birth to a grandchild at 44 years old. Her daughter Bristol gave birth to Tripp only a few months after Palin’s own baby arrived, making her both a new mom and new grandmother in the same year. Talk about doing it all.

8. NeNe Leakes (Grandmother at 44)

Real Housewives of Atlanta star NeNe Leakes became a grandmother at 44 when her son Bryson had a daughter, Bri’asia. Leakes prefers the title “Glam’Ma,” though, and she proudly posts about her grandkids on social media, saying they keep her young and laughing.

7. Snoop Dogg (Grandfather at 43)

When Snoop Dogg comes to mind, chances are you imagine chill atmosphere and groovy rhythm, not playdates and storytime. But the hip-hop legend was made a grandpa at 43 when his son Corde welcomed Zion. Now with a few grandkids, “Papa Snoop” explains they each “own a different piece of [his] heart.”

6. Kid Rock (Grandfather at 43)

Kid Rock entered the young grandparent club at age 43 when his son Robert Jr. had a daughter, Skye. The rock-rap artist quips that being a granddad helps him “stay real” because nothing’s more street cred than babysitting.

5. Brett Favre (Grandfather at 40)

NFL legend Brett Favre was just 40 years old when his daughter, Brittany, had Parker Brett, one of the youngest sports legends to become a grandfather. Nowadays, Favre likes cheering from the sidelines or the golf course instead of watching his grandkids take tackles on the field.

4. Dascha Polanco (Grandmother at 40)

Orange Is the New Black star Dascha Polanco became a grandmother at 40 when her daughter Dasany gave birth to a baby girl named Dior. Polanco told People she’s embracing the role: “There are younger grandmas than me, but I’m still fly!” And honestly, she is.

3. Kiefer Sutherland (Grandfather at 39)

At just 39, 24-year-old Kiefer Sutherland became a grandfather when his stepdaughter Michelle Kath had her son, Hamish. He later joked that an hour with his grandkids leaves him “completely wiped out like I’ve run a marathon.” Being Jack Bauer didn’t prepare him for playtime.

2. Whoopi Goldberg (Grandmother at 34)

Whoopi Goldberg wins the cake for one of Hollywood’s youngest and hippest grandmas. Her daughter Alexandrea was just 34 when she gave birth to Amara. Goldberg was a great-grandmother at 58. She once joked on The Tonight Show, “You made me a grandmother when I was 33, bitch.” That’s Whoopi, direct, humorous, and completely unfettered.

1. CeeLo Green (35-Year-Old Grandfather) & Mama June Shannon (32-Year-Old Grandmother)

CeeLo Green became a granddad at age 35 when his stepdaughter Sierra gave birth to a son. His grandkids refer to him as “Poppi,” he says, and he delights in sharing his musical energy with the next generation. But the youngest celeb grandma crown belongs to Here Comes Honey Boo Boo personality Mama June Shannon, who became a grandma at age 32 when her daughter Anna delivered Kaitlyn. Mama June insists Kaitlyn’s special spirit “makes her even more special,” and she wouldn’t trade it for anything.

So the next time you catch a glimpse of a star lighting up the stage or screen, keep in mind that they may be going home to bedtime stories, dance recitals, and sticky-fingered kisses. Hollywood’s youngest grandparents teach us, family comes in all shapes… and sometimes, it arrives a little earlier than expected.

In fact, it would be quite a challenge to think of something that would cause a massive and very spontaneous uproar on the internet as a single event of a superhero casting announcement. Someone might compare Twitter to a brownie: it could be calm and even-tempered one minute, and the next, it would be overflowing with the users’ responses. Hollywood fans grumble about the industry neglecting them, hashtags that are gradually getting more and more use, and petitions that become more and more numerous. Nevertheless, in some instances, those “bad” decisions actually turn out to be “good” ones. So, just relax and see what you have for a snack. These are the ten superhero (and superhero-related) castings that were most mocked initially but later retweeted as great by the fans.

10. Kristen Stewart – Spencer

Well, she is not a hero in the sense of the word, but the rise of Kristen Stewart to fame is definitely worth putting here. People were against the idea of her playing the role of Princess Diana in Spencer. Many could not get over the fact that she was from the Twilight series, and they regarded her as too stiff or “emotionless”. In the end, she proved all those people wrong. In fact, Stewart’s performance was one of the most memorable, masterfully human and beautifully haunting, and for the very first time, it really eclipsed the Bella Swan legacy.

9. Tom Cruise – Interview with the Vampire

The decision to choose Tom Cruise for Lestat in the early 90s led to a huge fury of fans and even criticism from the author, Anne Rice. The question was: How could the actor of Top Gun be the one to give us the iconic one of the oldest vampires? Nevertheless, Cruise went against all odds; he was exactly what the character required: intelligent, malevolent, and attractive. Shortly after, Rice declared that she was sorry for not believing him, and all moviegoers agreed with her. Occasionally, the opposite of what someone expects can lead to excellent results.

8. Robert Pattinson – The Batman

The response to the tweet “Not my Batman” came almost immediately after the news was released. As a result, fans of the Twilight vampire were totally confused and didn’t know what to think of it. To make a long story short, Pattinson gave a darkly atmospheric and emotionally complex performance in 2022, which was the reason why the dissenting voices were very quickly put to silence. His Batman was certainly not a slick billionaire; rather, he was a very troubled detective, and it turned out great. Even the toughest critics had to admit to themselves, “We have been so wrong.”

7. Chris Pratt – The Super Mario Bros. Movie

It is worth noting that Chris Pratt, as the voice of Mario in the Super Mario Bros. Movie, was certainly not a superhero role, but rather a different war on different scales. Most internet users were completely against the idea of Pratt voicing Mario, and their reaction was the exact opposite of the confirmation when the news broke out. The typical response of the internet community to this event was something like “He doesn’t even speak Italian!” Not long after the film premiered, it was his vibrant and very effective voice that made the audience want to see the movie as soon as possible. No, it was not a trick; it was just his performance, and it certainly did. The internet would sometimes do itself a favor if it didn’t react in its usual way.

6. Daniel Craig – Casino Royale

People were so displeased with Daniel Craig as James Bond that they actually protested when he was announced in the role. Too blond. Too tough. Too short. “James Bond” was a hot topic for a lot of days. However, critics and the public initially responded to the “Casino Royale” film way beyond their expectations. Craig’s dark, real, and very human 007 not only brought the franchise back to life but also served as an example that daring casting moves can rejuvenate a legend. Presently, he is very often considered one of the greatest Bonds of all time.

5. Michael Keaton – Batman (1989)

Similar to Pattinson, Michael Keaton was also negatively talked about before the time when a great number of people raised their voices in anger in the comment sections. Character’s fans were irate that Tim Burton chose a comedic actor, maybe the most likely, Mr. Mom, to be Batman. The opinion was that the actor was too short and not that scary. In the end, Eon’s dark, stripped-down, and intense performance spoke very loudly, even though it was very brief. He gave the character a quirky but very human side, which is, by the way, the side that all the later Batmen have been compared to.

4. Robert Downey Jr. – Iron Man

Most people find it very difficult to even consider someone else but RDJ wearing the Iron Man suit; however, he was definitely a risk back in 2008. The main reason for this was his confrontation with the law, along with the fact that his career was going downhill, making him an extremely unlikely candidate for the protagonist of the Marvel universe. Director Jon Favreau was crazy about the idea, and after convincing the studio, he got the role, and that was the beginning of movie history. Downey was not only Tony Stark on the screen; he was the entire MCU’s new face, a loud gesture after a hard time in the past.

3. Bill Skarsgård – Rumored Joker Casting

While the news hasn’t come out officially, a lot of people are talking about Bill Skarsgård being the next Joker. In a way, that’s a good thing because he is probably most known for being the terrifying Pennywise in It. Skarsgard also implied he has a “really cool Joker” inside him, and people are wondering. The fact that he is so intense and unrecognizable when he changes could mean that the Joker could be something really scary and new from the Clown Prince of Crime. If we talk about his roles in Nosferatu and John Wick 4, he certainly has the talent to make a lasting impression.

2. Heath Ledger – The Dark Knight

Heath Ledger got the Joker role in The Dark Knight, and people were laughing at him till the end. “The guy from that teen rom-com?” fans mocked with their faces full of sarcasm. However, the movie premiered along with the chaotic, scary, and groundbreaking performance of Ledger that changed the superhero genre. The Joker was a frightening, unexpected, and later, a mesmerizing character; therefore, he was the one to receive the Oscar posthumously and set such a high bar that has hardly been met since.

1. Why Risky Casting Works

Where is the secret of these phenomenal feats? Very rarely, the best performance is found most unexpectedly. A comedic actor becomes a dark hero. A former teen idol turns into a tragic icon. A single purposeful decision becomes a cultural touchstone. Bill Skarsgård said once, “I really enjoy the transformation process, discovering the voice.” That is what great acting is all about. So keep surprising us, Hollywood, we will keep doubting you… and then loving it when you prove us wrong.

In​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ case you are a person who puzzles-solving is their/thing, keeps living for plot twists, or simply likes to yell “I knew it!” at the TV, then Prime Video is the place for you. The platform is packed with enigmas and thrillers, which will not only test your detective skills but also keep you excited until the very last twist. The array of genres offered ranges from court dramas through psychological thrillers up to modern whodunits; therefore, every type of detective can find a bit of everything here. These are the 10 best mystery movies that are currently available for streaming in no particular order, other than from the newest gem to the all-time ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌favorites.

10. Murder & Cocktails (2024)

Who says murder can’t be chic? This lighthearted whodunit turns suburban suspense on its head. When a neighbor is found dead, Nick and Lana host cocktail gatherings to figure out the killer. Each guest is suspect, each cocktail is a hint, and the tension builds with each shaken martini. It’s Agatha Christie goes to happy hour—flair, flashy, and full of tension.

9. Above Suspicion (2019)

Based on a true case, this gritty thriller delves into the life-threatening romance between an FBI newcomer and his informant in rural Appalachia. It’s ragged, suspenseful, and a chilling reminder that blurred lines between duty and passion can kill quickly. If you prefer your mysteries based on actual crime, this is the one.

8. Beyond a Reasonable Doubt (2009)

In this remake of the 1956 film, a reporter sets himself up for murder to catch a crooked district attorney, but when the scheme goes awry, clearing his own name is the ultimate test. Full of snap turns and hairpin tension, it’s the type of picture that will make you suspect the motives of every character.

7. Old (2021)

Leave it to M. Night Shyamalan to make a beach vacation into a nightmare. A family finds a hidden beach where time accelerates, and they’re aged decades in just one day. The only escape? Unravel the secret of the beach before their lives are gone. Creepy, unsettling, and full of twists—this one will haunt you.

6. Jagged Edge (1985)

Glenn Close excels as a defense attorney for a man who stands accused of killing his wife—but the more she investigates, the more sordid it becomes. Is she defending a wrongly accused man or assisting a murderer? A mix of courtroom thriller and psychological suspense, this 80s thriller still delivers. 

5. The Bone Collector (1999)

Denzel Washington stars as a paralyzed detective, partnered with rookie cop Angelina Jolie, who set out to capture a painstaking serial killer who leaves cryptic clues. Clever, suspenseful, and brain-twisting, it’s a thrilling cat-and-mouse game that you’ll be solving alongside the leads. 

4. Absence of Malice (1981)

When a businessman is unfairly linked to a murder by an enterprising reporter, the consequences reveal the thin line between aggressive reporting and sensationalized storytelling. Paul Newman and Sally Field star in this biting, intelligent drama that posits: what happens when the truth is just another tool?

3. Wind River (2017)

Set on an isolated Native American reservation, this chilling murder mystery tracks a tracker (Jeremy Renner) and an FBI agent (Elizabeth Olsen) as they expose sinister secrets after a young woman is killed. Stark, emotional, and handsomely photographed, it’s both a thrilling crime drama and a powerful commentary on abandoned communities.

2. Charade (1963)

Charm and wit are supplied by Audrey Hepburn and Cary Grant to this combination of mystery, romance, and comedy. When Hepburn’s character discovers that her husband has been murdered, she’s pulled into a perilous search for pilfered cash—with a lot of twists and quick wit for dialogue along the way. It’s glamorous, intelligent, and constantly re-watchable.

1. The Silence of the Lambs (1991)

Few mysteries are quite so iconic as this one. Jodie Foster’s first-time FBI agent goes to the diabolical but genius Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins) to capture the gruesome Buffalo Bill. Creepy atmosphere, unforgettable performances, and suspense that never abates—this is not only a mystery, but it’s a masterpiece.

Prime Video’s mystery lineup proves that not all great nights need a comedy or rom-com. Whether you’re into stylish whodunits, tense crime dramas, or psychological thrillers, these 10 films will keep your brain racing and your pulse pounding. So dim the lights, pour yourself a drink, and see if you can crack the case before the credits roll.

Halloween is the one night when pop culture enthusiasts get to be their true selves, when they can swap out their regular attire for something from their favorite movie or TV show. If you’re the crafty type and enjoy getting creative with DIY costumes, or if you like scraping something together easily at the last minute, a great character look makes you the center of attention at any party. From horror film legends to contemporary box office hits, these 15 classic costumes are the essence of the big screen and ensure someone will approach you and say, “Oh my god, I adore your costume!”

15. The Grady Twins from The Shining

If you’re looking for a haunting, one-of-a-kind twinned costume, the Grady Twins from Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining are horror gold. Their somber symmetry and ghostly stares create one of the most identifiable appearances in film history. Just add pale-blue baby-doll dresses that are identical, white knee socks, black MaryJaness, and pink ribbons tied around your waists. For an added horror effect, some fake blood or a toy axe you carry will do the trick. It’s an easy, eerie, and totally unsettling way to turn heads (and maybe cause a few nervous laughs).

14. Elsa from Frozen

There’s no denying that Elsa remains one of the most beloved costume choices year after year. Her glittering blue gown, shimmering cape, and signature platinum braid make her instantly recognizable. Whether you’re 8 or 38, this costume radiates confidence and cool literally. Match it with some sparkly eyeshadow and a sprinkle of glitter to feel as if you’ve jumped straight out of Arendelle. And if you want to go full-on, sing “Let It Go” when you walk into the party, you’ll be the ice queen everyone’s rooting for. 

13. Minion from Despicable Me

Not many costumes are as bubbly and easy-going as a Minion. These yellow, goggle-wearing goofballs are pure joy and a hit with both kids and adults. To pull it off, grab a yellow long-sleeve shirt, blue overalls, black gloves, and round glasses (or actual goggles if you’re going all in). Paint your face yellow or wear a yellow beanie to complete the look. Whether you’re saying “Banana!” or bursting into your best Gru impression, this is a costume that wears a smile wherever you go.

12. Jughead Jones from Riverdale

For those who enjoy teen drama and mystery, Jughead Jones is a simple and effortlessly cool costume option. His look is easy to replicate: think black jeans, a tee, a denim or leather jacket, and his signature crown-beanie. Add a serious expression and a bit of attitude, and you’ve nailed it. It’s one of those rare Halloween looks that’s comfortable enough to wear all night, whether you’re out solving crimes or just hanging out with your own Archie crew.

11. Blair Waldorf from Gossip Girl

Channel your inner queen bee of the Upper East Side with a look inspired by Blair Waldorf. Her neat prep-school look is ageless: a starched white blouse, black pleated skirt, necktie, and naturally, a stylish headband. Complete the look with knee-high stockings and heeled Mary Janes, and you’re immediately the best-dressed guest at the party. Extra points if you hold a coffee cup and utter a wink-wink “XOXO, Gossip Girl” before making your exit.

10. Donna Sheridan from Mamma Mia!

If your Halloween is spent belting out ABBA and island living your best life, Donna Sheridan is your costume. Bring back her boho chic in a white peasant-style top, black overalls or flared pants, and beachy tousled locks. Throw on some gold jewelry and perhaps a scarf wrapped around your head for that Greek island allure. Whether you’re channeling Meryl Streep’s free-spirited energy or belting “Dancing Queen”, Donna’s look is all about joy, freedom, and fun.

9. Daisy Buchanan from The Great Gatsby

Step into the reckless 1920s with the epitome of vintage glamour style, Daisy Buchanan’s flapper fashion. Envision a sequined or metallic fringe gown, pearl jewelry, a sparkly headband, and heels that could last a night of Charleston dancing. Add it to soft curls and dramatic red lipstick for a genuine Jazz Age appeal. This costume is ideal for someone who wishes to combine refinement with a touch of old Hollywood glamour.

8. Jay Gatsby in The Great Gatsby

For something a bit more high-class, the one and only Jay Gatsby is the suavest option. A cream or white suit with crisp shirt, tie, and slicked-back locks can immediately turn you into the icon that is Leonardo DiCaprio’s millionaire. Throw in the cane or champagne flute for extra measure, and you’ll be raring to go with your own opulent 1920s party. Gatsby costumes always appear classy, great for anyone wanting to look sharp without looking new-school.

7. Elle Woods from Legally Blonde

Bend and snap your way into Halloween as everyone’s favorite pinkenthusiasts, the Harvard law student. Elle Woods exudes confidence, intellect, and, of course, perfect fashion sense. Pull on a pink dress or power suit, some chic heels, and a little dog plush to symbolize Bruiser. Add a bright smile and perhaps even a legal pad for a comical touch. You’ll be proving that pink is always in season, and that blondes really do have more fun.

6. Holly Golightly from Breakfast at Tiffany’s

Audrey Hepburn’s Holly Golightly is the essence of classic chic. You just need a basic black dress, a pearl necklace, long black gloves, and a sleek updo. Add oversized sunglasses and a coffee cup as a tribute to her classic opening scene. This look is effortlessly cool and suitable for anyone who’s a fan of vintage glamour. It’s subtle, immediately identifiable, and always classy, a costume that never exists.

5. Wednesday Addams from The Addams Family

Dark, broody, and strangely cute, Wednesday Addams is a Halloween classic. Her all-black outfit with a white-collared dress, braids, and pale face makeup is effortless yet iconic. The Netflix Wednesday show has only increased the popularity of the look, with thousands of TikTok recreations. To stand out, perfect her deadpan expression and throw in a dry one-liner or two. It’s the ultimate creepy-cool combo.

4. Sandy Olsson from Grease

Whether you’re sweet, sassy, or somewhere in between, Grease’s Sandy provides two killer costume ideas. You can dress “Good Sandy” in a pastel skirt and cardigan or “Bad Sandy” in a fitted black pant, off-the-shoulder top, and red lipstick. Curl your hair into big, beachy waves, and you’re ready to sing the night away. It’s a timeless throwback look that never goes out of style, especially for couples’ costumes with a Danny Zuko partner.

3. Harley Quinn from The Suicide Squad

Harley Quinn is still one of the most sought-after Halloween costumes of all time, and it’s easy to see why. Her punk-rock-playful look is both disheveled and vibrant. Combine a “Daddy’s Lil Monster” top with red and blue shorts or a bomber jacket, pigtails colored pink and blue, smudged eyeliner, and attitude. Margot Robbie’s interpretation of Harley is hot, hilarious, and completely iconic. You’ll stand out right away, particularly if you have a baseball bat and a wicked smile.

2. Joker from Joker

If you’d prefer to tap into chaos itself, the Joker is your best bet. Joaquin Phoenix’s take on the character infused him with gritty, unhinged realism. You’ll need a bright-colored suit, a green wig, and sloppy clown makeup to make an appearance. Throw in some over-the-top gestures and unsettling laughs, and you’re guaranteed to have aced it. It’s fearless, expressive, and unexpectedly simple to DIY Just don’t forget to master your best slow dance down the stairs.

1. Barbie from Barbie (2023)

This year’s unchallenged costume queen is none other than Barbie. Courtesy of Greta Gerwig’s blockbuster, the world’s best-known doll is back with a vengeance. Pick your favorite iteration rollerblading Barbie, cowgirl Barbie, or pink power-suit Barbie, and prepare to live your plastic (and fabulous) dream. Bright hues, coordinating accessories, and an unabashedly campy attitude are the way to go. It’s a fun, empowering costume that’s ideal for group or couple themes. Ken is optional, of course.

From horror myths to pop culture legends, these costumes demonstrate that Halloween is about more than just costume-wearing; it’s about honoring the characters that defined our childhoods. With a little creativity in your outfit choices and a dash of confidence, you’ll be the party hero. Spooky, sassy, or stylish, whichever route you choose, keep this in mind: the most epic Halloween costumes are not only worn, but performed.

Welcome to the age where your living room couch serves as the box office and “home premiere” isn’t marketing hyperbole, it’s a fact. With streaming services replicating at a rate rivaling Marvel spinoffs, deciding what to watch is basically a full-time job. Worry not, I scrolled (and suffered) for you. From remakes that work to horror movies that will ruin your sleep, these are the 15 top new streaming movies to watch now, numbered from 15 to 1.

15. How to Train Your Dragon (2025) – A Soaring Live-Action Reboot (Peacock)

DreamWorks’ much-loved classic is reborn surprisingly magically in live action, and it really does work. Mason Thames embodies heart and authenticity as Hiccup, the gangly Viking teenager who befriends toothy dragon Toothless. Returning helmer Dean DeBlois finds the magic and charm of the original and refurbishes it with dazzling visual wizardry. Nostalgic but new, this one really flies.

14. KPop Demon Hunters – Pop Idols Meet Monster Madness (Netflix)

Envision a K-pop girl group battling demons, and miraculously, it’s even more enjoyable than it looks. KPop Demon Hunters is a whirlwind of color, music, and bedlam, full of smart pop-culture nods. Arden Cho, Ahn Hyo-seop, and Liza Koshy’s voices maintain sky-high energy. It’s boisterous, humorous, and shamelessly extra, the cartoonish pandemonium you didn’t realize you required.

13. The Naked Gun – Liam Neeson Masterclass in Deadpan Absurdity (Paramount+)

Liam Neeson doing slapstick comedy? Yes, really. As the son of klutzy cop Frank Drebin, Neeson commits wholeheartedly to the ridiculousness, and it’s wonderful. The Naked Gun remake walks the line between nostalgia and current-day absurdity, thanks to an excellent supporting cast featuring Pamela Anderson and Paul Walter Hauser. Miraculously, this reboot hits every note.

12. Lurker – When Social Media Turns Sinister

Director Alex Russell’s debut feature explores the dark underbelly of parasocial obsession. Theodore Pellerin stars as Matthew, a solitary fan whose obsession with an up-and-coming pop star turns into something much more sinister. Lurker is unsettling, incisive, and intensely disturbing, a reflection held up to our influencer-addled era.

11. The Fantastic Four: First Steps – Marvel’s Retro Revival

Marvel’s First Family is finally given the adaptation it deserves. Against a 1960s backdrop, The Fantastic Four: First Steps achieves a combination of retro style and blockbusting scale. Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach have genuine chemistry, and the return of Galactus and Silver Surfer makes it both epic and intimate. It’s a colorful reminder of why people fell in love with Marvel in the first place.

10. Together – Romance, Terror, and Body Horror Collide

Alison Brie and Dave Franco star as a couple whose love gets a grotesque twist when a supernatural occurrence merges them into one body, literally. Half romance, half horror allegory, Together probes the frightening aspect of codependency. Equal parts unsettling and sensitive, it’s one of the most innovative horror romances in recent memory.

9. Caught Stealing – Austin Butler Gets Gritty

Austin Butler drops the Elvis swagger for battered, noir antihero grit in Caught Stealing. As an everyman drawn into a world of violent crime, Butler shows he’s got legitimate dramatic skills. Starring alongside Zoë Kravitz and Regina King and directed by Darren Aronofsky, this thriller is electric with tension and style.

8. Steve – Cillian Murphy’s Quiet Power (Netflix)

Cillian Murphy gives one of his most low-key performances as a headteacher driven to a moral crisis in Steve. Over the course of one terrifying day in a school for difficult boys, the film examines empathy, fatigue, and the boundaries of leadership. Directed with subtlety by Tim Mielants, it’s a heart-wrenching, exquisitely performed drama about the unheralded struggles people wage.

7. Sinners – Ryan Coogler and Michael B. Jordan Get Their Southern Horror Together

Ryan Coogler and Michael B. Jordan swap superheroics for slow-burning horror. Sinners sees twin brothers coming home to their Mississippi hometown, where traumatic history and supernatural terrors blur. Moody, emotional, and socially aware, it’s a haunting Southern Gothic that refuses to leave the mind after the credits have rolled.

6. The Long Walk – Stephen King’s First Novel Finally Gets Its Due

Francis Lawrence brings Stephen King’s first book to life in The Long Walk, a chilling dystopian thriller. One hundred teenage boys are forced to continue walking; stop, and you’ll die. The premise is straightforward, the result spine-tingling. Lawrence’s direction combines stark survivalism with profound psychological horror, making for a haunting exploration of youth and death.

5. Bring Her Back – The Philippou Brothers Get Even Darker

Following Talk to Me, Danny and Michael Philippou strike again with another gut-kick of a horror movie. Bring Her Back features Sally Hawkins as a foster mother with a frightening secret, and the plot plunges deep into grief, obsession, and the occult. Eerie and emotional in equal measure, it solidifies the Philippou brothers as the masters of contemporary horror.

4. The Substance – Youth, Celebrity, and Terror Clashes

Demi Moore’s resurgence is also unsettling and fantastic in The Substance. She stars as a faded Hollywood actress who injects a strange serum to regain her youth, only to encounter the horrific aftermath. It’s body horror combined with acid satire, a sharp-tongued riposte to beauty culture that’ll get under your skin (and in your gut) for days.

3. The Lost Bus – Survival and Sacrifice Under Siege

Matthew McConaughey heads The Lost Bus, a gripping survival thriller based on the true story of the California Camp Fire. Driver McConaughey gives raw humanity as he fights to rescue stranded students and teachers. Paul Greengrass directs with usual intensity, and America Ferrera’s supporting appearance lends depth to this riveting, emotionally draining ride.

2. Weapons – Zach Cregger’s Next-Level Psychological Horror

After Barbarian, Zach Cregger serves up another horror masterpiece with Weapons. The disturbing mystery of the film, children disappearing in a small town, unravels into something much worse. With Josh Brolin and Julia Garner providing every performance, it’s a slow-burning slide into terror that leaves you shuddering and entranced.

1. The Conjuring: Last Rites – The Franchise’s Chilling Farewell

Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga reprise their investigation one last time as Ed and Lorraine Warren in The Conjuring: Last Rites. Covering decades of ghostly exploits, the finale provides retro-style frights and emotional resolution. Intelligent, frightening, and surprisingly sentimental, it’s the unusual horror sequel that lands the landing, and the ideal curtain call for the genre’s initial power couple.

As streaming services fight for supremacy, viewers have never been better off. From edge-of-your-seat horror to Oscar-bait drama, this slate demonstrates there’s no end to cinematic riches hovering within a few taps. So settle in with snacks, turn down the lights, and appreciate that the best house seat may very well be your own couch.

Apple TV+ began life as the dark horse of the streaming wars, but it’s rapidly become one of the most reliable platforms for quality storytelling. In a few short years, it’s delivered award-winning dramas, acerbic comedies, and ambitious sci-fi winners that compete with HBO and Netflix on both prestige and popularity. If you’re wondering where to start or what to rewatch, the Tomatometer has the answers. Here’s a countdown of the ten best Apple TV+ originals, ranked by critic and audience scores, and all absolutely worth your next binge.

10. Shrinking

Tomatometer: 94% | Audience Score: 89%

Jason Segel plays a therapist who’s tired of being nice, and he begins speaking his mind to his patients. The outcome? Pandemonium, humor, and a remarkable degree of therapy. Starring Harrison Ford in one of his most comedic, most sincere turns, Shrinking mingles comedy and sadness in a way few programs do. Critics have complimented its warmth, its humor, and its thoroughly human foundation.

9. Trying

Tomatometer: 96% | Audience Score: 91%

This delightful British sitcom tracks Nikki and Jason, a pair going through the trials and tribulations of adopting. Their journey to parenthood is cringe, tear-jerking, and riddled with laugh-out-loud moments. Audience members and critics have fallen in love with its combination of sincerity and absurdity, dubbing Trying one of the most authentic comedies on television.

8. Severance

Tomatometer: 95% | Audience Score: 80%

What if your work life and personal life were literally separated in your brain? That’s the eerie idea behind Severance, starring Adam Scott as an office worker stuck in a corporate hellhole. Showrun by Ben Stiller, the series blends dystopian suspense with visually stunning design. Critics have called it one of the most innovative and philosophical sci-fi dramas of the past decade.

7. Mythic Quest

Tomatometer: 96% | Audience Score: 81%

By the makers of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Mythic Quest explores the back-stage mayhem of a successful video game development shop. Rob McElhenney fronts a group of offbeat characters who make office politics into comedy gold. The show is both absurd and moving, honoring creativity, ego, and collaboration in the most dysfunctional manner conceivable.

6. Murderbot

Tomatometer: 95% | Audience Score: 82%

Adapted from Martha Wells’ popular sci-fi novellas, Murderbot is the tale of a wayward security android that only wants to be left alone to watch soap operas in peace, but keeps getting pulled back into rescuing humans. Alexander Skarsgård lends the titular robot an unexpected amount of snark and heart. Critics are hailing it “the funniest science fiction show of the year,” and its mix of humor, action, and existential angst has quickly made it a favorite.

5. Central Park

Tomatometer: 97% | Audience Score: 73%

From the makers of Bob’s Burgers, Central Park is a musical animated comedy about a family that actually resides within the park they run. It’s full of witty songs, quirky misfits, and New York vitality. Critics have commended its vibrant animation and cheerful demeanor; it’s just the right boost for any mood.

4. Little America

Tomatometer: 97% | Audience Score: 86%

An anthology based on actual immigrant experiences, Little America honours the humor, heartache, and hope of individuals pursuing the American dream. Each episode is self-contained, but collectively they compose a vibrant, compassionate picture of contemporary life. Critics have termed it “a quiet masterpiece” for its humanity and narrative elegance. 

3. Pachinko

Tomatometer: 97% | Audience Score: 92%

Spanning generations and decades, Pachinko traces a Korean family’s triumph over love, loss, and survival in Japan and America. Adapted from Min Jin Lee’s celebrated novel, the series is a cinematic achievement, visually stunning and emotionally powerful. Praise has been heaped upon it as a milestone in international television, with breathtaking performances and unparalleled depth.

2. Black Bird

Tomatometer: 98% | Audience Score: 95%

In this tense true-crime thriller, a fallen sports star (Taron Egerton) is granted release from prison if he can befriend a possible serial killer (Paul Walter Hauser) and get him to confess. It’s a game of psychological cat-and-mouse. Critics describe Black Bird as “a masterclass in suspense,” and both stars give some of their finest performances.

1. Slow Horses

Tomatometer: 97% | Audience Score: 87%

At the top of the list is Slow Horses, a darkly comedic spy drama that flips espionage on its head. Gary Oldman plays Jackson Lamb, the foul-mouthed boss of MI5’s team of misfits. Featuring wicked writing, rich character development, and loads of twists, it’s the uncommon spy thriller that’s as funny as it is suspenseful. Critics agree, Slow Horses is Apple TV+ at its very best.

Honorable Mentions

If you’ve already breezed through these, don’t miss other standouts like The Studio, Bad Monkey, Platonic, and Shrinking (yes, it’s worth another mention). Apple’s library is stacked with inventive, emotionally grounded shows that prove quality still matters in the streaming age.

From offbeat comedies to epic dramas, Apple TV+ has established itself as the destination for intelligent, exquisitely constructed storytelling. Whether it’s sci-fi brain teasers or poignant studies of character, this slate shows that Apple’s bite-sized offering is full of big wallop.