When you talk about original content, major movie libraries are found on Netflix and Amazon. However, since the film CODA won the prestigious Best Picture Academy Award, it has become evident that some of the finest movies are available on Apple TV+.
Just like any other streaming platform, not every movie in their collection is a gem. Nevertheless, from the Billie Eilish documentary to acclaimed films from Sundance, Apple TV+ is establishing a remarkable lineup to complement its expanding range of popular television series.
Below, you will find the top choices from WIRED that should be at the top of your watchlist. Once you’re done with these, you can check out the greatest movies on Netflix and Disney+ as well. If you’re in the mood for series, our guide to the top shows on Amazon might just be what you need.
Fancy Dance
Taking place on the Seneca-Cayuga reservation in Oklahoma, Fancy Dance follows the story of Jax, portrayed by Lily Gladstone from Killers of the Flower Moon, as she cares for her niece Roki following the disappearance of Roki’s mother, Jax’s sister. When authorities rule Jax as unfit to look after her niece, Roki is sent to live with her grandfather. Driven by a quest for answers, Jax embarks on a journey with Roki to find her mother, evading authorities who show little interest in locating her missing sister. This film offers an exploration of life on colonized land and a poignant portrayal of preserving community.
Blade Runner 2049
Before directing Dune films and long before Ryan Gosling became Just Ken, Denis Villeneuve collaborated with Harrison Ford to create a sequel to Ridley Scott’s iconic sci-fi masterpiece Blade Runner. Set thirty years later, Blade Runner 2049 may not reach the same heights as Scott’s 1982 film, but with fewer director’s cuts, it offers style and moodiness, complemented by an ensemble cast including Ana de Armas, Robin Wright, Dave Bautista, and Mackenzie Davis. A breathtaking cinematic experience awaits.
Argylle
Among the Apple streaming selection, this film has an intriguing link to Taylor Swift, although this connection has been proven false. Portrayed by Bryce Dallas Howard, Elly Conway in the film is a spy novelist whose fictional tales start to intersect with reality. Due to her character carrying a cat in a backpack, similar to Swift, speculations arose about the singer’s involvement in scripting the movie—a notion that Howard debunked in a late-night interview. Despite the absence of Swift in the project, is Argylle still worth your time? Reviews are mixed, yet if you are intrigued by the idea of seeing Henry Cavill as a Bond-esque hero, this film might be just what you’re seeking.
The World’s a Little Blurry
The Billie Eilish legend is widely known in the pop music world: a young, slightly edgy teenager begins creating songs in her brother’s room, shares them online, and rises to become a global superstar. While this tale is captivating, it only scratches the surface of Eilish’s journey to stardom. The World’s a Little Blurry delves deeper into this narrative. Director R. J. Cutler secured remarkable access for this documentary, capturing various aspects of Eilish’s career, from her collaborative songwriting with her brother Finneas to her candid discussions about living with Tourette’s. This music documentary redefines the genre.
Girls State
Do you recall the 2020 documentary Boys State, focusing on young men in Texas participating in a summer program to create their own government? Girls State follows a similar premise, crafted by the same filmmaking duo, Jesse Moss and Amanda McBaine. However, this time, it revolves around individuals who’ve never witnessed someone of their gender holding the office of US president, set in Missouri instead of Texas. Expect the same level of determination, heartbreak, and valuable life lessons, and then some.
Napoleon
Alright, so Napoleon didn’t quite ignite critical acclaim, but sometimes you’re just in the mood for a grand historical spectacle by Ridley Scott, right? Here, Joaquin Phoenix takes on the lead role, portraying the ambitious conqueror on his relentless journey for power and dominance. Instead of rushing towards the Battle of Waterloo, the film delves into Napoleon’s tumultuous relationship with his wife, Joséphine de Beauharnais (played by Vanessa Kirby). What unfolds when a man can conquer vast territories but struggles to conquer his own emotions? Watch to unravel.
Killers of the Flower Moon
Presenting Martin Scorsese’s sweeping epic inspired by David Grann’s 2017 novel, focusing on Mollie Burkhart of the Osage Nation, who embarks on uncovering the truth behind the tragic deaths within her family. Set against the backdrop of 1920s Oklahoma, a period marked by numerous Osage killings for oil wealth, the film portrays the dynamics between Mollie (portrayed by Lily Gladstone) and Ernest Burkhart (played by Leonardo DiCaprio), and the consequences of the FBI’s involvement in the investigation of Osage deaths. Garnering accolades as one of the finest movies of 2023 by WIRED, it’s described as a poignant masterpiece that’s worth every moment.
Fingernails
Can modern technology truly unlock the secrets of true love? Unlikely, yet in Christos Nikou’s latest creation, an establishment overseen by Duncan (portrayed by Luke Wilson) boasts of identifying the equation for genuine affection—prompting Anna (played by Jessie Buckley) to explore the validity of this claim. The establishment pairs Anna with her partner Ryan (acted by Jeremy Allen White) based on their compatibility, but uncertainties arise. During her tenure at the institute, Anna encounters Amir (portrayed by Riz Ahmed) and realizes that he might be the one she’s been seeking.
Flora and Son
Recall the charm of Sing Street, the heartwarming indie flick about a Dublin lad forming a band to escape his turbulent home life? Reminiscent of Once, the soulful tale of a duo in Dublin penning love songs during a week of affection? If these resonate or pique your interest, may we recommend Flora and Son, a delightful indie narrative following a Dublin mother’s endeavor to bond with her son through music. Bearing the distinct style of director John Carney, much like Sing Street and Once, this tale features Eve Hewson portraying the protagonist—offering an impeccable performance that strikes a chord, fitting as she is the offspring of the renowned Bono.
Stephen Curry: Underrated
Stephen Curry, the revered point guard of the Golden State Warriors, stands as one of America’s most adored basketball players—and undeniably ranks among the league’s elite, if not its supreme talent. With two NBA Most Valuable Player titles, four championship triumphs, and a record tally of career three-pointers, his legacy is legendary. Recounting his journey from the underdog days at Davidson College, Underrated, helmed by Peter Nicks (Homeroom), illustrates Curry’s transformation from doubting draft analyses (which questioned his suitability for the NBA due to size constraints) to becoming a basketball titan. A must-watch for hoops aficionados.
Beastie Boys Story
Pioneers of the hip-hop scene, the Beastie Boys boast a narrative unlike any other. In this “live documentary,” filmed by Spike Jonze, Mike Diamond (Mike D) and Adam Horovitz (Ad-Rock) engage a Brooklyn audience at Kings Theater, recounting their evolution into stars. Featuring archival footage, photos, and anecdotes spanning their extensive career, the documentary highlights the profound impact of the trio since their musical journey as New York City youngsters in the late ’70s and early ’80s. Notably, it cherishes fond memories of their departed member, Adam “MCA” Yauch,who passed away in 2012 after a cancer struggle.
EPILOGUE
This is the movie that really made Apple TV+ stand out. The movie’s name is actually an abbreviation standing for “child of deaf adults.” It narrates the tale of Ruby, the lone hearing member in a family comprising two deaf parents and a deaf sibling. As Ruby explores her passion for music, she must come to terms with her aspirations against her family’s needs, who operate a small fishing business and often rely on her for communication. Heartwarming and captivating, EPILOGUE is the kind of film that will have you both rooting and tearing up simultaneously.
Still: A Michael J. Fox Film
In the year 1985, Michael J. Fox was a prominent figure in Hollywood, being the lead actor in a successful TV series (Family Ties) and starring in the highest-grossing movie (Back to the Future) of the year. Just a few years later, at 29, Fox received a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis. In Still, the award-winning filmmaker Davis Guggenheim paints a heartfelt picture of Fox’s personal and professional journey, depicting his evolution from a teenage idol to an advocate for finding a cure.
The Swan’s Melody
Mahershala Ali takes on a dual role in this romantic-sci-fi-drama. Cameron (Ali), a devoted husband (to Naomie Harris) and father, faces the dilemma of how much he is willing to sacrifice when he discovers he has a terminal illness to shield his family from the harsh reality or cope with the aftermath.
Sharper Image
Sharper Image is one of those mystery films that is best experienced without prior knowledge. Be aware that appearances can be deceiving in this modern noir featuring Julianne Moore, Sebastian Stan, Justice Smith, and John Lithgow. This intricate thriller mostly flew under the radar when it briefly hit theaters in early 2023.
Rhythmic Dance Expertise
“Sundance gem featuring Dakota Johnson” are widely available, but this particular one, about a young entertainer at bar/bat mitzvahs, is truly exceptional, proving Cooper Raiff—writer, director, and lead actor—to be a talent to watch.
The Misfortune of Macbeth
Certainly, the tale of Macbeth—a Scottish noble with ambitions of ruling his land—is well-known, but not everyone has witnessed it reimagined through the lens of director Joel Coen. Shot entirely in black and white, with Denzel Washington as Macbeth and Frances McDormand as his formidable wife, this film received three Oscar nominations and introduced a fresh perspective on a timeless Shakespearean saga.
Jazz Harmonies by Louis Armstrong
Primarily known as one of the most renowned jazz artists, Louis Armstrong also played a role in the fight for equality in America, albeit a complex one. As shown by director Sacha Jenkins in this documentary, while Armstrong broke racial barriers in entertainment, he was criticized for not being as vocal about civil rights issues as other performers of his time. Jenkins gained access to a multitude of photographs, articles, and Armstrong’s personal recordings for this documentary, providing a more comprehensive view of this legendary musician than ever before.
Puzzle Game
A legendary video game, Puzzle Game gained immense popularity among Nintendo Game Boy users in the 1980s. Puzzle Game (thefilm) showcases the individuals behind the creation of the game and its journey from the former Soviet Union to a global stage. A blend of historical comedy and spy thriller, the film may not always meet all expectations. However, if you’re unfamiliar with how Tetris emerged from beyond the Iron Curtain, it’s definitely worth a viewing.
Causeway
Upon its 2022 release, Causeway came and went rather swiftly, mirroring the essence of its narrative. Centered around a soldier (Jennifer Lawrence) returning home post a traumatic brain injury in Afghanistan, Lila Neugebauer’s film delves into themes of trauma and mutual reliance for coping. A meaningful choice for moments when you navigate your own personal struggles.
Sidney
In the year of Sidney Poitier’s passing, this documentary was unveiled by Apple TV+, exploring the actor’s illustrious career—from In the Heat of the Night to Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner—and his profound influence on American culture and political landscape. Featuring insights from a range of voices like Spike Lee, Morgan Freeman, and Harry Belafonte, the film transcends his Hollywood legacy, shedding light on his roots in the Bahamas and his monumental role in the civil rights movement and beyond.
