Apple TV+ Movies: A Diverse Array of Cinematic Gems
When discussing original content, Netflix and Amazon are often lauded for their extensive libraries of high - profile movies. However, since "CODA" claimed the Best Picture Oscar, it has become evident that Apple TV+ also houses some of the finest films in the streaming landscape.
Like any streaming service, not every movie on Apple TV+ is a masterpiece. Nevertheless, from the documentary on Billie Eilish to films that have charmed audiences at the Sundance Film Festival, Apple's streaming platform is steadily amassing a robust catalog, complementing its growing collection of beloved TV shows.
Here are WIRED's top movie recommendations on Apple TV+. After exploring these, you may also want to check out our lists of the best movies on Netflix and Disney+. If you're in the mood for episodic content, our guide to the best shows on Amazon could be just what you need.
Highest 2 Lowest
Directed by Spike Lee, this film reunites him with long - time collaborator Denzel Washington. It tells the story of David King, a music mogul who believes his son has been kidnapped and must figure out a way to rescue him. Starring A$AP Rocky as well, this reimagining of Akira Kurosawa's 1960s classic "High and Low" is not only a tense thriller but, like many of Lee’s best works, a homage to New York City and its vibrant music scene. The movie premiered in theaters this summer and will be available on Apple's streaming service on September 5.
Echo Valley
A story about a mother's extreme lengths to save her child might seem like a typical Lifetime movie. However, this offering from "Mare of Easttown" writer Brad Ingelsby takes a much darker turn. Kate (Julianne Moore) runs a horse ranch in a peaceful rural area. When her daughter Claire (Sydney Sweeney) returns home covered in someone else's blood, crying about a fight with her boyfriend, Kate is faced with difficult decisions. She also has to question if she truly knows her daughter.
Snoopy Presents: A Summer Musical
Summer has arrived! Whether you or your kids are excited about summer camp or not, this 40 - minute Peanuts special is a great watch. Charlie Brown aims to make his final year at camp the best one yet, while Sally remains skeptical. Meanwhile, Snoopy and Woodstock embark on a treasure hunt. "Snoopy Presents: A Summer Musical" is about holding onto the things you cherish, even as life progresses. If you can't gather around a campfire making s'mores, this is the next best thing.
Bono: Stories of Surrender
Bono has had a long - standing relationship with Apple, dating back to the days when his silhouette represented the “Artists” icon on iTunes, and the company was selling special U2 iPods. Now, he has collaborated with Apple to release "Bono: Stories of Surrender," a film adaptation of his one - man show. In it, he performs U2 songs and shares stories from his life, along with behind - the - scenes tour footage. Additionally, it can be viewed in an immersive format on Apple Vision Pro.
Deaf President Now!
Hailed as “the greatest civil rights moment most people have never heard of,” this documentary chronicles an eight - day standoff at a Deaf university in Washington, DC, in 1988. At the time, Gallaudet University’s board of trustees appointed a hearing president over two qualified deaf candidates. In response, students staged over a week of protests, walkouts, rallies, and boycotts. Eventually, the hearing president resigned, and deaf dean I. King Jordan was named president. From Nyle DiMarco and Davis Guggenheim, this documentary uses photography and sound design to immerse the audience in the Deaf experience. It premiered at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year and will be available on Apple TV+ on May 16.
Number One on the Call Sheet
For those unfamiliar, “number one on the call sheet” refers to the lead actor, the most crucial performer in any production. For generations, Black actors have struggled to attain this status. In this two - part documentary, some of Hollywood’s biggest stars discuss their journey to reach this coveted position. With Angela Bassett, Denzel Washington, Viola Davis, Jamie Foxx, Michael B. Jordan, among others, the documentary features legendary performers sharing their stories of making it to the top and what it means to be there.
Blitz
Written and directed by Oscar - winner Steve McQueen ("12 Years a Slave"), "Blitz" presents World War II through the eyes of a 9 - year - old boy named George (Elliott Heffernan). Sent to the safety of the English countryside by his mother Rita (Saoirse Ronan), George attempts to escape and reunite with his mom and grandfather in East London. What follows is George's harrowing quest, but as a McQueen film, this is just part of the story.
The Gorge
When the director of "Doctor Strange" and "Sinister" decides to make a horror movie starring Anya Taylor - Joy, Sigourney Weaver, and Miles Teller, it's definitely worth a look. Taylor - Joy and Teller play military operatives tasked with guarding a strange gorge in the wilderness. Although they're on opposite sides, a menacing presence in the chasm forces them to come together in a fight for survival.
Fly Me to the Moon
Have you heard the conspiracy theory about Stanley Kubrick faking the Apollo 11 moon landing? If not, a Wikipedia deep - dive is in order. After that, watch this Scarlett Johansson, Channing Tatum comedy. Johansson plays a marketing whiz hired to film a mock - up of Neil Armstrong’s famous moonwalk, just in case the actual mission didn't go as planned. This film has been on Apple TV+ for some time and remains one of the service's most popular movies, likely due to its wild yet entertaining premise, comparable to the wildness of searching for Kubrick's supposed NASA involvement in "The Shining."
The Last of the Sea Women
On the coast of South Korea's Jeju Island, women known as haenyeo have ruled the sea for centuries, diving to harvest seafood. Sue Kim's new documentary follows these women, often called real - life mermaids, as they strive to preserve their way of life amidst societal and environmental changes. Inspired by a new generation using social media to amplify their story, they may find a way forward. Produced by Malala Yousafzai, it explores cross - generational unity and the value of tradition.
Wolfs
If you've heard about "Wolfs," it was probably not about its plot. Stars George Clooney and Brad Pitt were in the news a lot around its 2024 release, mainly due to their salaries and their antics in Venice. However, in the film, Clooney and Pitt play fixers. When they're both assigned to the same job, they bicker about who is losing their edge. While it may lack depth, it's still an enjoyable watch.
The World’s a Little Blurry
When it was released in 2021, "The World's a Little Blurry" offered an unprecedented look into the life of pop star Billie Eilish as a teenager recording her debut LP "When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?" Director R. J. Cutler had remarkable access, chronicling everything from Eilish’s songwriting process with her brother Finneas to her candid discussions about her Tourette’s. Now, with multiple Grammys and Oscars, new music, and an Olympics Closing Ceremony performance under her belt, watching this film is like opening a time - capsule. It redefines the music documentary genre.
The Velvet Underground
You might think director Todd Haynes only creates intense dramas like "Carol" and "May December." However, for this film, he delved deep into the 1960s New York art scene to uncover what happened when the Velvet Underground revolutionized music. Using new interviews, archive footage, and even old Andy Warhol films, it captures a pivotal moment in music history.
Fancy Dance
Set on the Seneca - Cayuga reservation in Oklahoma, "Fancy Dance" follows Jax (Lily Gladstone from "Killers of the Flower Moon") as she cares for her niece Roki after her sister, Roki’s mother, goes missing. When the authorities deem Jax unfit to care for Roki, the girl is sent to live with her grandfather. In search of answers, Jax takes Roki on a journey to find her mother, while also trying to evade the authorities, who seem more focused on finding her than on locating her missing sister. This film examines life on colonized land and also offers a thoughtful look at community protection.
Girls State
Remember the 2020 documentary "Boys State," about a group of young men in Texas participating in a summer program to form their own government? "Girls State" is similar, coming from the same filmmaking team of Jesse Moss and Amanda McBaine. However, it follows a group of women who have never seen a female US president. Set in Missouri instead of Texas, expect the same mix of wild ambition, heartbreak, and valuable life lessons.
Napoleon
While "Napoleon" may not have received rave reviews from critics, sometimes you're in the mood for a grand, prestigious historical drama by Ridley Scott. Starring Joaquin Phoenix as Napoleon, the film follows his quest for conquest. Instead of a straightforward race to the Battle of Waterloo, it also focuses on his tumultuous relationship with his wife Joséphine de Beauharnais (Vanessa Kirby). What happens when a man can conquer much of Europe but not his own emotions? Watch and find out.
Killers of the Flower Moon
Based on David Grann’s 2017 book, Martin Scorsese’s epic film centers on Mollie Burkhart, a member of the Osage Nation, as she tries to uncover the truth behind the deaths in her family. Set in 1920s Oklahoma, where many Osage were being killed for the oil - related wealth on their land, the film explores the relationship between Mollie (played by Lily Gladstone, who won a Golden Globe for her performance) and Ernest Burkhart (Leonardo DiCaprio), and what occurs when the FBI investigates the Osage deaths. When WIRED named it one of 2023’s best movies, we called it “a feel - bad masterpiece,” and we stand by that assessment.
Fingernails
Can technology determine true love? In the latest from writer - director Christos Nikou, an institute run by Duncan (Luke Wilson) claims to have found the formula for it, and Anna (Jessie Buckley) wants to verify its authenticity. The institute has determined that Anna and her boyfriend Ryan (Jeremy Allen White) are a match but has some doubts. While working at the institute, she meets Amir (Riz Ahmed) and wonders if he might be her real soulmate.
Flora and Son
If you enjoyed "Sing Street," the charming indie about a Dublin kid starting a band to escape his complex home life, or "Once," the charming indie about a couple writing love songs in Dublin over a week, then "Flora and Son" might be for you. Also from director John Carney, this charming indie follows a mother in Dublin trying to connect with her son through music. With Eve Hewson, Bono's daughter, playing the titular mom, she delivers a powerful performance, hitting all the right musical notes.
Stephen Curry: Underrated
Golden State Warriors point guard Stephen Curry is one of the most beloved and best players in American basketball, having been named the NBA's Most Valuable Player twice and winning four championship rings, with more career three - pointers than anyone in the league. However, in the late 2000s, he was a young player at Davidson College, striving to live up to his coaches' expectations. Directed by Peter Nicks ("Homeroom"), "Underrated" chronicles his journey from being underestimated in the NBA draft (due to concerns about his size) to becoming one of the greatest players of all time. A must - watch for basketball fans.
CODA
This film put Apple TV+ on the map. "CODA" is an acronym for “child of deaf adults.” It tells the story of Ruby, the only hearing person in a family with two deaf parents and one deaf sibling. When Ruby discovers her love for music, she must balance her aspirations with her family's needs, as they run a small fishing business and often rely on her for communication. Heartwarming and engaging, "CODA" will have you cheering and crying simultaneously.
Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie
In 1985, Michael J. Fox was one of Hollywood’s biggest stars, starring in a hit TV show ("Family Ties") and the year’s highest - grossing movie ("Back to the Future"). Just a few years later, at 29, he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. In "Still," Oscar - winning documentarian Davis Guggenheim offers a poignant portrait of Fox’s personal and professional life, and his transformation from teen idol to advocate for a cure.
Swan Song
Mahershala Ali stars in this romantic - sci - fi - drama, and yes, he plays multiple roles. Cameron (Ali) is a loving husband (to Naomie Harris) and father who, after learning he has a terminal illness, must decide how far he'll go to protect his family from the truth and its devastating aftermath.
Sharper
For "Sharper," the less you know going in, the better. In this neo - noir starring Julianne Moore, Sebastian Stan, Justice Smith, and John Lithgow, no one is who they seem. This twisty thriller largely flew under the radar when it was briefly released in theaters in early 2023.
Cha Cha Real Smooth
While "Sundance hits starring Dakota Johnson" are relatively common, this one about a young bar/bat mitzvah party - starter is truly special. It also showcases Cooper Raiff, who writes, directs, and stars in the movie, as a talent to watch.
The Tragedy of Macbeth
Most people are familiar with the story of Macbeth, the Scottish lord with aspirations of ruling his country. However, not everyone has seen it through the eyes of director Joel Coen. Shot entirely in black and white, with Denzel Washington as Macbeth and Frances McDormand as his powerful wife, the film was nominated for three Oscars, bringing a fresh take on the classic Shakespearean tale.
Tetris
One of the most popular video games of all time, Tetris was a sensation for Nintendo Game Boy owners in the 1980s. The movie "Tetris" tells the story of the people who created the game and brought it from the Soviet Union to the rest of the world. Part historical dramedy, part espionage flick, while it may not always hit the mark, it's worth a watch if you've never heard the story of how Tetris made its way out from behind the Iron Curtain.
Causeway
Released in 2022, "Causeway" may have come and gone relatively unnoticed, but that's in line with its nature. Focusing on a soldier (Jennifer Lawrence) who returns home after suffering a brain injury in Afghanistan, this film from director Lila Neugebauer explores trauma and how people support each other to overcome it. A worthy watch when you're dealing with your own challenges.
Sidney
Sidney Poitier passed away in 2022, the same year Apple TV+ released this documentary exploring his long - standing career, including films like "In the Heat of the Night" and "Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner," and his impact on American culture and politics. With interviews from Spike Lee, Morgan Freeman, Harry Belafonte, and others, the film goes beyond his Hollywood years, starting with his upbringing in the Bahamas and ending with his significant influence on the civil rights movement and beyond.
