With theatrical windows shrinking by the year, it’s easy to miss outstanding films while they’re still in cinemas or to dismiss them as too expensive, even if the film itself is worth the wait. Whatever reason you choose to utilize Apple TV, there’s no doubting it’s one of the more popular online rental businesses for all types of media, thanks to its user-friendly design and a variety of download options, including iOS and Apple TV. However, with so many films going through the theatrical release pipeline to Apple TV, it’s easy to become overwhelmed or simply unsure of how you’ll spend your $6 rental fee.
We’re here to give you some pointers on movies you might have missed that are now available on Apple TV.
Because Apple TV contains so many movies, a “Best Movies on Apple TV” list would essentially simply be “Best Movies,” therefore we’re keeping an eye on what’s new to the service. We’ll be expanding this list and rotating movies in and out as they no longer qualify as “new,” so keep an eye on this space.
1 . Long Shot
If you’re looking for a decent date night movie, Long Shot is a romantic and raunchy rom-com that conjures classics like Pretty Woman and The American President with an R-rated twist. The plot revolves around journalist Fred Flarsky (Seth Rogen), who agrees to prepare a speech for his high school sweetheart Charlotte Field (Charlize Theron), who is now Secretary of State and planning a bid for President. The picture is wonderfully humorous and light, and it works brilliantly because to Rogen and Theron’s fantastic performances and chemistry. While the idea is so ridiculous that even the title admits it, you can’t help but laugh at this fluffy rom-com that liberally uses the F-bomb.
2 . Avengers: Endgame
If you like Marvel films, Avengers: Endgame is a must-see, and odds are you saw it on opening weekend. However, if you want to see what all the fuss is about, we recommend reading this article about which Marvel films are required to understand Endgame (Joe and Anthony Russo have argued that you only need to see Captain America: Civil War and Avengers: Infinity War), but Endgame is really a reward to everyone who has seen all 22 Marvel films. It’s a one-of-a-kind epic that has never been done before since it carries so much history with it while still telling its own story without relying on nostalgia and pointless references. Avengers: Endgame is all about the payoff, and it’s well worth the wait. – Goldberg, Matt
3 . Rocketman
I went into Rocketman expecting to enjoy it, but I was blown away. In addition to being brilliantly filmed and including stunning interpretations of Elton John’s songs, the film converts its worst flaw—the well-worn cliches of the music biopic—into an asset, letting go of a precise history of John and instead attempting to embrace the spirit of his journey. Rather than creating a myth, John, who worked as an executive producer on the picture, lets Rocketman rip him down to his core and tell a narrative about a man wanting to be loved who falls into a self-destructive spiral as a result. Rocketman is a genre giant and one of the best films I’ve seen this year because to its engaging tale, which is centred by Taron Egerton’s Oscar-worthy performance. – Goldberg, Matt
4 . Toy Story 4
It’s incredible that the Toy Story franchise is still going strong after 24 years, but Toy Story 4 is far from an attempt to cash in on Pixar’s famous series. Woody (Tom Hanks) is trying to help a new toy, Forky (Tony Hale), find his role in the new plot, but he realizes along the way that his own purpose may not be what it was now that he’s no longer Andy’s toy. It’s a surprisingly meaningful narrative about finding a new path in life, but it’s handled with not only the heart we’ve come to expect from Pixar, but also with a welcome dose of levity. Toy Story 4 is one of Pixar’s funniest films, as well as one of their most intelligent. The Toy Story series couldn’t have gone out on a high note.
5 . Spider-Man: Far From Home
With Homecoming and now Far From Home, the Spider-Man films have carved out a nice little chunk of the Marvel Cinematic Universe by depicting what life is like for everyone who isn’t a superhero. Have you ever wondered how the events of Avengers: Endgame have changed your life? Spider-Man: Far From Home will keep you entertained. Far From Home, however, is a great story on its own merits, with Peter Parker (Tom Holland) grappling with not just the responsibilities of being Spider-Man, but also living in the shadow of Iron Man’s history. Throw in an ingenious villain who makes a pointed statement on American culture in the late 2010s, and you’ve got yourself another Marvel triumph
6 . A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood
A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood is not a biopic of Fred Rogers (for more information, see the documentary Won’t You Be My Neighbor?). Instead, it’s a fascinating reflection on Fred Rogers’ (played by Tom Hanks) ideals, with him serving as a supporting character in the story of a cynical journalist (Matthew Rhys) who learns the value of kindness. While that may appear simplistic and clichéd, Marielle Heller’s movie expertly depicts that practicing compassion is extremely tough, and that cynicism is what comes naturally. A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, crafted in the style of a Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood episode for grownups, is a sweet, contemplative movie that features yet another Oscar-worthy performance from Tom Hanks.
7 . Knives Out
You will have a fantastic time at the movies if you see Knives Out. And, given how expensive it may be to simply attend to the movies these days, a guarantee is a rare and beautiful thing. But trust me when I say thatwriter/director Rian Johnson’s whodunit will keep you engrossed from start to finish, taking you on a roller coaster thrill journey of murder mystery, intrigue, and unexpected twists and turns. It’s also amusing! Even hilarious. Every scenario is precisely produced, every shot is carefully planned, and every character is clearly sketched. Johnson leans into murder mystery tropes while incorporating a few of his own cinematic touches, resulting in a film that exceeds expectations rather than upending them. There isn’t a single false note or scene squandered throughout the entire movie.It’s pure, unadulterated fun from start to finish, and it’s one of the best and most delightful films of 2019.
8 . Parasite
From beginning to end, South Korean filmmaker Bong Joon-latest ho’s movie is an absolute masterpiece. The plot of Parasite centres around a family of squatters who locate an affluent household they can swindle their way into by posing as smart staff. To say much more would ruin the films’ many twists and turns as Bong dances a high-wire act of tones and genres while never losing his balance. The film is a work of art that deftly examines economic disparity and class disparities. Bong has never shied away from complicated social topics (his earlier films include Snowpiercer and Okja), but he’s never been more insightful and cutting than in this exquisite satire. The film won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture, so you’ve ran out of reasons to avoid it.
9 . The Good Liar
If you’re tired of franchise movies that rely on spectacular effects rather than acting, The Good Liar is like water in the desert. Bill Condon’s twisting thriller follows Roy Courtnay (Ian McKellen), a con man attempting to deceive a wealthy widow (Helen Mirren), but nothing is as it appears. The true lure here is McKellen and Mirren, two acting superstars bouncing off each other in characters that are rich and meaningful. The content, though, is pulpy enough that you’ll always have a good time as Condon delightfully twists the knife with each startling twist and turn. The storey also has a fascinating undercurrent about the power of history and those who choose to ignore it, but even if you ignore the subtext, you’ll be transfixed watching McKellen and Mirren demonstrate why they’re masters of their profession.
10 . Ford v Ferrari
Ferrari vs. Ford When it comes to sports dramas, director James Mangold does not reinvent the wheel, but he does construct an absolutely flawless wheel. Even if you’re not into automobiles or automotive culture, the narrative of how Carroll Shelby (Matt Damon) and driver Ken Miles (Christian Bale) collaborated to overcome the suits at Ford to design a car that might beat Ferrari at Le Mans will captivate you. The wit is razor-sharp, the performances are superb, and the driving sequences are breathtaking. Mangold explains why people are so passionate about this universe, and it extends beyond Ford’s desire to reinvent itself for a younger generation.
The film develops into a storey about two guys pursuing perfection and being good enough to achieve it.
It’s a lot of fun.
