The streaming service offers the best movies at no additional charge to its subscribers, eliminating the need for any purchases. Whether you’re in the mood for spooky thrillers to get into the Halloween spirit or more mellow films to ease into the Fall season, there is a wide selection of genres to choose from.
Despite only being in the original content production game for a little over ten years, Apple TV mostly offers new movies. However, you may be pleasantly surprised by the quality of their offerings, as they prioritize quality over quantity.
In contrast to *ahem* other platforms, there is a strong emphasis on mid-budget passion projects here.
10. Greyhound (2020)
The film Greyhound stars Tom Hanks as a US Navy Commander, making it a highly anticipated movie for American audiences. The plot follows the intense pursuit of Ernest Krause’s World War II convoy by German boats in the Atlantic, creating a fast-paced and gripping war film.
This adaptation of The Battle of the Atlantic, the longest naval battle in history, is equipped with all the essential elements one would anticipate from a seasoned addition to Hanks’ filmography. Upon its release, viewers lauded its effective portrayal of the story and how Hanks managed to achieve a great deal with limited resources.
Despite its lack of memorable characters, Greyhound’s attention to detail and impressive scale make it worth watching. It’s a film that is likely to appeal to your dad, and it’s easy to see why.
Napoleon (2023)
Despite the current streaming era, it is no longer surprising to find a costly Ridley Scott epic on Apple TV+. However, the presence of a film like Napoleon on this platform still causes one to pause and question. Was this ambitious project truly backed by a relatively small platform?
Our review of Napoleon stated, “If the film were directed by Napoleon himself, it would closely resemble the depiction of himself by Scott on screen. While this approach is not always successful and can sometimes make the lengthy runtime of 2 hours and 40 minutes unbearable, it does align with the intentions of Bonaparte in the context of the French Revolution.”
CODA (2021)
The critically-acclaimed film CODA centers on Ruby, a teenager who is the sole hearing member of her deaf family. As the family’s business faces financial struggles, Ruby must grapple with the decision between following her passion for music and being there for her loved ones.
Despite its clear hook, CODA will always be remembered as a bittersweet coming-of-age tale that adheres to traditional storytelling. Its groundbreaking Oscar victory has sparked both admiration and criticism, solidifying its place as one of the most polarizing films on Apple’s platform.
7. Boys State (2020)
Despite being buried deep in the corners of a streaming service, Boys State is a lightning-in-a-bottle think-tank documentary that shines through. While the world of documentary filmmaking may not be glamorous, projects like Boys State demonstrate the untapped potential for innovation and solidify its place as one of the most significant films on Apple TV+.
Despite the current societal issues surrounding young men, Boys State, a 2020 documentary, showcases a social experiment in which ordinary boys are given the responsibility of running a fictional ‘democracy’. At first glance, the premise of the film may seem unappealing due to the prevalence of incel culture, the far-right movement, and online toxicity in discussions about American youth.
Despite showcasing the negative effects of negative reinforcement and socialization on boys, the documentary avoids prematurely condemning anyone. It instead highlights the inherent kindness and open-mindedness of youth, offering adult viewers an insightful and non-judgemental perspective on topical issues with a glass-half-full outlook.
6. 2024 Girls State
A complementary counterpart to Boys State, Girls State was produced less than five years later. Though it may not seem like an extended period, for present-day youth, a multitude of changes can occur rapidly.
Flipping the same experiment to give girls control over the fabricated power structures is still a positive change. However, it is also significantly distinct due to the shift in participants.
Despite facing various social issues, girls in the US are particularly concerned about the threat to their bodily autonomy. As a result, Girls State was more tense than its previous iteration, but it still remains optimistic and supportive of its young participants.
5. Fancy Dance (2023)
The film, featuring Lily Gladstone, centers on Jax and her niece Roki (Isabel DeRoy-Olson) as they navigate the aftermath of Jax’s sister’s disappearance in an Oklahoma reservation. Director Erica Tremblay weaves a complex narrative that sheds light on the issue of missing Native American women and the unbreakable ties of family.
The funding of Fancy Dance is not typically seen. Gladstone’s dedication to portraying Native American narratives, following her success with Killers of the Flower Moon, is evident in this authentic film that centers on the characters’ lives rather than simply being about a specific topic.
Carolina Costa’s cinematography, although understated, effectively captures the essence of the setting. Through her lens, the audience is able to witness the complexities of reservation life and the social drama that unfolds. Despite some uneven gear shifts, the film successfully conveys a powerful message when it hits its mark.
4. Cha Cha Real Smooth (2022)
On Apple’s platform, you can browse through a variety of romantic comedy movies. However, you won’t come across Ghosted on our recommendations as it is not enjoyable (not even in a cheesy way). Instead, we highly recommend Cha Cha Real Smooth for a heartwarming and satisfying movie experience.
Cooper Raiff, who also serves as director, stars as Andrew alongside Dakota Johnson as Domino. The film follows a party host who forms an unlikely bond with a mother and her daughter who has autism.
The film received high praise from the community it portrays, particularly for the exceptional performance of autistic actor Vanessa Burghardt. In an interview with Variety, Burghardt shared, “The script didn’t focus on my autism; it simply depicted my life and emotions. It was refreshing to see an autistic character being treated as a fully developed individual rather than just a plot device.”
3. Causeway (2022)
Jennifer Lawrence, who had taken a brief hiatus from the spotlight due to feeling over-exposed, is now being hailed for her role in Causeway as a US soldier who sustained a brain injury in Afghanistan.
Despite its chaotic nature, it was refreshing to witness Lawrence’s skilled performance as he played against his usual type alongside the endearing yet equally flawed Brian Tyree Henry.
The paragraph delves into her challenges in adapting to civilian life while avoiding patronizing or glossing over difficult situations. The true tension lies in Sharon’s incremental triumphs and setbacks – relearning how to drive, confiding in a new acquaintance, and grappling with errors that may or may not be solely attributed to her injury.
Wolfwalkers: An Animated Film (2020)
Cartoon Saloon, a renowned Irish 2D animation studio, is recognized for its exquisite storytelling and stunning hand-drawn landscapes; and Wolfwalkers stands out as the pinnacle of their work.
The opening of the movie, aimed at a female audience, follows the expected trope: Robyn is trapped in a figurative cage. Despite her father’s plans for her to work as a maid, she yearns for excitement and adventure. However, Wolfwalkers quickly diverges from the typical narrative. When Robyn crosses paths with Mebh, a wolfwalker who possesses the ability to shapeshift, they must face challenges such as prejudice, hunters, and English colonizers.
“Wolfwalkers presents a vivid and clever narrative, balancing simplicity for a young audience while also tackling heavy themes and intense execution without holding back.”
1. Killers of the Flower Moon (2023)
Although Killers of the Flower Moon is a Martin Scorsese picture, simply stating this would suffice. However, we will not stop there, as this film stands out as one of his most daring and unconventional projects in his illustrious career.
Drawing inspiration from the 1920s Osage Nation murders, this poignant and graphic portrayal sheds light on the forced relocation of Native Americans and the brutal treatment inflicted upon their communities.
Despite Leonardo DiCaprio’s top billing, it is Mollie Burkhart, played by Gladstone, who truly steals the show. Her piercing screams as her family falls victim to tragedy serves as the backbone of the story. We witness the despicable actions of deceitful and foolish characters. Director Scorsese adds elements of romance and humor to prevent the film from becoming one-dimensional, but at its core, it remains a gritty and revealing tale.
The unique combination of editing, cinematography, and focus on the score sets this film apart from Scorsese’s other works. It is evident that the subject matter posed a challenge for the seasoned filmmaker. Considering his extensive experience and numerous successful projects, this further emphasizes the significance of this particular film.
We hope that we were able to assist you in finding a movie to watch on Apple TV+, but now, let’s change the topic.
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