While Apple TV+ may not have the sheer volume of cinematic titles that a platform like Netflix or Hulu is home to, that doesn’t mean that what they do have should be turned away from. In fact, compared to a number of other streamers, Apple TV+ offers some of the best movies on the digital marketplace, including CODA, the winner of Best Picture at the 2021 Academy Awards.
And if that’s not enough to peak your interest, Apple TV+ doesn’t cost much ($6 per month), is typically free for a period of time if you buy a new Apple device, and is packed with a number of other Apple titles that are equally enticing and rewarding.
Looking for something else? We’ve also rounded up the best shows on Apple TV+, the best movies on Hulu, the best movies on Amazon Prime Video, and the best movies on Disney+.
Cha Cha Real Smooth (2022)
107m
Genre
Comedy, Drama, Romance
Stars
Cooper Raiff, Dakota Johnson, Vanessa Burghardt
Directed by
Cooper Raiff
Making waves at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival, Cha Cha Real Smooth stars the film’s director and writer, Cooper Raiff, as Andrew, a college graduate who returns to his New Jersey home with little direction, only to take a job as a bar mitzvah party host where he begins a friendship with a mother named Domino (Dakota Johnson) and her autistic teenage daughter, Lola (Vanessa Burghardt). Those two relationships will forever change Andrew’s life. This is an indie rom-com bursting with love, kindness, and some excellent performances. Cha Cha Real Smooth is also a film that’s hard to forget.
9/11: Inside the President's War Room (2021)
89m
Genre
Documentary, History
Stars
George W. Bush, Dick Cheney, Condoleezza Rice
Directed by
Adam Wishart
9/11: Inside the President’s War Room presents several critical vantages from President George W. Bush and members of his cabinet on the day of the World Trade Center terrorist attacks. A documentary unlike any other, 9/11 explores the many crucial decisions that had to be made by the U.S. government’s elites, with President Bush’s recollections serving as a predominant force throughout the 90-minute film. A co-production between Apple TV+ and BBC One, this documentary was released right around the 20th anniversary of the attacks, a horrific event that would reshape the world forever.
'Twas the Fight Before Christmas (2021)
91m
Genre
Documentary
Stars
Jeremy Morris
Directed by
Becky Read
Christmas cheer takes on a whole new meaning in director Becky Read’s 2021 documentary, ‘Twas the Fight Before Christmas. The film follows the unbound holiday cheer of Jeremy Morris, a lawyer living in Northern Idaho that plans on throwing a community-wide Christmas extravaganza. When his neighborhood’s homeowner’s association cracks down on his festivities, the anticipated yuletide gathering quickly devolves into a battle of legalities between one man with an insatiable love of Christmas and the political powers of his town.
The Sky Is Everywhere (2022) new
103m
Genre
Drama, Romance, Music
Stars
Grace Kaufman, Jacques Colimon, Cherry Jones
Directed by
Josephine Decker
A dazzling kaleidoscope of drama, comedy, music, and coming-of-age storytelling, director Josephine Decker’s The Sky is Everywhere follows Lennie Walker (Grace Kaufman), a musical prodigy reeling from the sudden death of her older sister. Amidst the heartbreak, Lennie begins falling for Joe Fontaine (Jacques Colimon), a first love troubled by Lennie’s relationship with her deceased sister’s boyfriend (Pico Alexander). Adapted from the Jandy Nelson novel of the same name (Nelson also wrote the screenplay), The Sky is Everywhere is an arresting tale of life’s greatest emotional pulls: Love and loss.
Palmer (2021)
110m
Genre
Drama
Stars
Justin Timberlake, Ryder Allen, Juno Temple
Directed by
Fisher Stevens
A homecoming story for the ages, Palmer stars Justin Timberlake as hometown hero Eddie Palmer. A high-school football star turned convict, Eddie returns to his stomping grounds after a 12-year stint behind bars. As the disenchanted man forges a fruitful friendship with the seven-year-old son of his next-door neighbor, things begin looking up for Eddie’s life — that is until his past starts catching up with him. A heartfelt film packed with incredible performances, Palmer is a small-town drama that you don’t want to miss.
The Tragedy of Macbeth (2021) new
105m
Genre
Drama, War
Stars
Denzel Washington, Frances McDormand, Alex Hassell
Directed by
Joel Coen
Joel Coen splits from the typical Coen brothers duo to bring us this remarkable cinematic rendition of the Shakespearian classic. Shot in beautiful black and white, The Tragedy of Macbeth stars Denzel Washington as the titular lord, a nobleman that receives a prophesy from a trio of witches that he will reign as king some day. Lady Macbeth (Frances McDormand), his spouse, will do whatever it takes to help her husband ascend to the throne. Bleak, graphic, and faithful to its source prose, The Tragedy of Macbeth is an arresting adaptation of one of Shakespeare’s most renowned works.
Swan Song (2021)
116m
Genre
Drama, Science Fiction
Stars
Mahershala Ali, Naomie Harris, Awkwafina
Directed by
Benjamin Cleary
After being diagnosed with a terminal illness, Cameron (Mahershala Ali) must face his mortality in a way no man ever has before. When presented with an experimental cloning procedure that will provide a replicant of Cameron to his wife and son once he passes, the family must ponder the delivery of another husband and father that, while matching Cameron in every way, is not the exact same human being. An emotional blend of drama and sci-fi, Swan Song asks a number of important questions about the lengths we’ll go to to preserve the legacy of our loved ones.
Here We Are: Notes for Living on Planet Earth (2020)
36m
Genre
Animation, Family
Stars
Meryl Streep, Jacob Tremblay, Chris O'Dowd
Directed by
Philip Hunt
An animated adaptation of the children’s book of the same name, Here We Are: Notes for Living on Planet Earth follows Finn (voiced by Jacob Tremblay), a curious kid who learns about the wonders of living on Earth from an awe-inspiring museum exhibit, along with the inspiring messages shared by both his mother (Ruth Negga) and his father (Chris O’ Dowd). Packed with impressive visuals and only running 36 minutes, Here We Are … is ideal viewing for a younger audience but captivating enough for the whole family.
Finch (2021)
115m
Genre
Science Fiction, Drama, Adventure
Stars
Tom Hanks, Caleb Landry Jones, Oscar Avila
Directed by
Miguel Sapochnik
Set in a post-apocalyptic wasteland, Finch stars Tom Hanks as the titular robotics engineer. After building an automaton to care for his dog after he passes away, Finch, his hound, and their robot leave the confines of their underground bunker and set off for the West. Facing hardships and forging bonds along the way, the onscreen dynamic of man and machine has never been so humorous and heartwarming.
Fireball: Visitors From Darker Worlds (2020)
97m
Genre
Documentary
Stars
Werner Herzog, Clive Oppenheimer
Directed by
Werner Herzog, Clive Oppenheimer
Werner Herzog is a master when it comes to thrilling, existentialist-style documentaries. His latest foray into the genre, Fireball: Visitors from Darker Worlds takes a close look at the cosmological events, both big and small, that impact our planet and forged the universe as we know it. Exploring meteorites and shooting stars through a myriad of viewpoints from experts and theoreticians (the always-musing Herzog amongst them), Fireball doesn’t necessarily answer the ever-expanding set of questions we face when contemplating our existence, but the point is not the conclusion itself — it’s the journey of seeking the answers themselves that we’re here for.
Hala (2019)
93m
Genre
Drama
Stars
Geraldine Viswanathan, Jack Kilmer, Gabriel Luna
Directed by
Minhal Baig
Hala stars Geraldine Viswanathan as the titular character, a 17-year-old suburban teen that attempts to lead the life of a normal youth. But amid balancing her desires with her familial and religious obligations, Hala begins to fall for a boy at school, a seemingly-innocent first-love that sends major waves through Hala’s nuclear unit.
The Velvet Underground (2021)
121m
Genre
Documentary, Music
Stars
Lou Reed, John Cale, Sterling Morrison
Directed by
Todd Haynes
Writer-director Todd Haynes goes all-out with the insightful documentary into the prolific rise of New York’s The Velvet Underground. A pioneering rock-act that was hard to put a distinct label on, Haynes’ deep-dive explores the impact the famous band had on music as a whole and the art scene the world over, utilizing talking-head interviews, live performances, Warhol films, and more. More than just a typical music doc, The Velvet Underground paints a kaleidoscopic portrait of nostalgia, culture, and invention.
Come From Away (2021)
107m
Genre
Comedy, Drama
Stars
Jenn Colella, Joel Hatch, Tony LePage
Directed by
Christopher Ashley
A filmed adaptation of Irene Sankoff and David Hein’s 2017 musical of the same name, Come From Away is an American-Canadian co-production that tells the story of over 7,000 stranded individuals. In the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, 38 airlines are directed to land in the small town of Gander in Newfoundland. The musical explores the perspectives of Gander’s townsfolk and the international travelers, showcasing the triumphs of humanity and the many strengths of love and empathy during one of the most horrendous hardships the world would ever endure.Â
Who Are You, Charlie Brown? (2021)
54m
Genre
Documentary, Animation
Stars
Lupita Nyong'o, Tyler James Nathan, Terry McGurrin
Directed by
Michael Bonfiglio
For many, Peanuts is as traditional as perfectly wrapped presents on Christmas morning. Charles “Sparky” Schulz, the creator of the original comic strip, may not be, though Apple TV+ aims to set this straight. Director Michael Bonfiglio’s short documentary shines a spotlight on the life and career of Schulz, with narration provided by Lupita Nyong’o and featuring interviews with Peanuts fans, from Drew Barrymore to Kevin Smith.
The Year Earth Changed (2021)
48m
Genre
Documentary
Stars
David Attenborough, Bhashkar Bara, Dulu Bora
Directed by
Tom Beard
During the initial lockdowns of COVID-19, humanity stockpiled rations and took shelter with loved ones, leaving much of the outside world untouched. Narrated by David Attenborough, The Year Earth Changed chronicles the reemergence and proliferation of nature during the pandemic. An uplifting film that paints a harmonious picture of what life could be like if we kept beaches closed a few days every year and reduced cruise ship traffic, director Tom Beard’s vision of a thriving Earth doesn’t have to be far from fruition.
Fathom (2021)
86m
Genre
Documentary
Stars
Ellen Garland, Michelle Fournet
Directed by
Drew Xanthopoulos
Director Drew Xanthopoulos’ Fathom follows Ellen Garland and Michelle Fournet, a pair of scientists studying humpback whales with a focus on whale song and communication amongst the species. Seeking to illustrate the deep research process and field observations that go with an in-depth nature study, Fathom may not be breaking new ground in the documentary genre, but the film itself is a sincere homage to the hardworking, often unrecognized efforts of the scientific community the world over.
CODA (2021)
112m
Genre
Drama, Music, Romance
Stars
Emilia Jones, Marlee Matlin, Troy Kotsur
Directed by
Siân Heder
Not to be confused with the 2019 drama Coda, in which Sir Patrick Stewart plays a concert pianist, the lead of Apple’s 2021 original CODAÂ is also passionate about music, but the title has another meaning as well. Emilia Jones plays 17-year-old Ruby, a CODA, or a Child of Deaf Adults. As the only hearing member of her family, Ruby helps her parents as they struggle to keep their fishing business alive, while in her high school choir club, her talent attracts the attention of the choirmaster (Eugenio Derbez), who pushes her to leave her hometown behind in favor of a prestigious music school. CODAÂ is a sweet and hilarious coming-of-age film that not only features deaf characters but casts an impressive number of deaf actors, including Oscar-winner Marlee Matlin (Children of a Lesser God).
Billie Eilish: The World's a Little Blurry (2021)
140m
Genre
Documentary, Music
Stars
Billie Eilish, Finneas O'Connell, Maggie Baird
Directed by
R.J. Cutler
Even in the relatively young life of Apple’s streaming service, they’ve earned a reputation for great music documentaries. Their latest is Billie Eilish: The World’s a Little Blurry. Clocking in at over two hours, it’s the longest of Apple’s music docs by a wide margin, but it doesn’t drag. Eilish and her singular path to stardom are fascinating enough subjects to keep you engaged, whether she’s on stage, in her brother’s room recording her debut album, or sleeping in her parents’ bed because she’s afraid of monsters.
Wolfwalkers (2020)
103m
Genre
Animation, Family, Adventure, Fantasy
Stars
Honor Kneafsey, Eva Whittaker, Sean Bean
Directed by
Tomm Moore, Ross Stewart
In 17th-century Ireland, hunter Bill Goodfellowe (Sean Bean) is tasked with ridding the forest of the wolves who continue to harass nearby farmers. His daughter Robyn (Honor Kneafsey) is eager to help her father, but that’s before she meets the wild and irreverent Mebh (Evan Whittaker) — one of the legendary wolfwalkers who transform into wolves when they sleep. Robyn and Mebh soon become friends, Robyn discovers a stronger connection to her new companion than she ever could’ve imagined, and soon she’s stuck between her father, Mebh, and the tyrannical Oliver Cromwell (Simon McBurney). Charmingly funny, touching, exciting, and gorgeously animated, Wolfwalkers won’t leave you wondering for long how it attracted so much acclaim — including a nomination for Best Animated Feature Film at the 93rd Academy Awards.
The Elephant Queen (2019)
96m
Genre
Documentary, Family
Stars
Chiwetel Ejiofor
Directed by
Victoria Stone, Mark Deeble
Narrated by Chiwetel Ejiofor, The Elephant Queen places a documentary crew on the heels of Athena, the majestic, tusked matriarch of an elephant herd comprised of adult females and their offspring. When a drought strikes the idyllic oasis known as “The Kingdom” that the pack resides in, it’s up to Athena to lead her family over 200 miles across the harshest African terrains in pursuit of a new home. An intimate and heartfelt depiction of one herd’s struggle for survival, The Elephant Queen more than does its job in reminding us that man and beast are not so different, especially when it comes to heart and soul.
Greyhound (2020)
91m
Genre
War, Action, Drama
Stars
Tom Hanks, Stephen Graham, Rob Morgan
Directed by
Aaron Schneider
Adapted by Tom Hanks from the 1955 novel The Good Shepherd, Greyhound stars Hanks as Navy Commander Ernest Krause. Carrying out a mission to escort an Allied defense battalion across the Atlantic, Captain Krause’s fleet enters enemy radar as a legion of German U-boats unleash a deadly game of cat-and-mouse. Stuck at sea, Captain Krause and his team must do everything in their power to complete their mission in one piece. Nominated for Best Sound at the 93rd Academy Awards, Greyhound is a gripping historical war film featuring a top-notch performance from Tom Hanks — although, by this point, we’ve all come to expect nothing but brilliance from everyone’s favorite Hollywood leading man and CGI-cowboy doll voice actor.
Dads (2019)
87m
Genre
Documentary
Stars
Bryce Dallas Howard, Ron Howard, Judd Apatow
Directed by
Bryce Dallas Howard
In Bryce Dallas Howard’s heartfelt Dads, the actress-turned-director points the lens at fathers the world over. Featuring talking-head interviews with the likes of industry figures like Judd Apatow and Jimmy Fallon, along with the stories and testimonies of six non-industry dads, Howard crafts an intricate portrait of modern fatherhood and what it takes to be a parent in the challenging world of today.
The Banker (2020)
120m
Genre
Drama
Stars
Anthony Mackie, Samuel L. Jackson, Nicholas Hoult
Directed by
George Nolfi
Based on the real-life story of two Black businessmen who not only thrived in the Jim Crow era, but managed to help other Black business owners who had nowhere else to turn, The Banker asks “How do you win a rigged game?” While Bernard Garrett (Anthony Mackie) is a brilliant financial prodigy, his skin color stops him from making the kinds of high-level deals he was built for. So Garrett and his street-smart business partner Joe Morris (Samuel L. Jackson) recruit Matt Steiner (Nicholas Hoult) to be the white face of their investments. The money rolls in, but things get a lot more complicated when Garrett convinces his partners to follow him to Texas to buy up white banks so they can offer loans to Black businesses. The Banker is a worthy drama with humor, an eye-opening crash course in business, and a message that sadly remains relevant.
Bruce Springsteen's Letter to You (2020)
90m
Genre
Documentary, Music
Stars
Bruce Springsteen, Roy Bittan, Nils Lofgren
Directed by
Thom Zimny
Bruce Springsteen’s Letter to You feels less like a documentary and more like a music video for an entire album, and that’s OK. Presented in black and white, Letter to You chronicles the making of the album of the same name — the first Springsteen has recorded with his old friends in the E Street Band since 2014’s High Hopes. Springsteen narrates the documentary with stories from his life, memories from the E Street Band, and lead-ins to each song. It’s an intimate look at the construction of an album, complete with brief and always friendly disagreements between Springsteen and the E Streeters. It often feels less like they all came together to make an album, and more like they got together for drinks, occasionally plugged in their guitars just for fun, and eventually forget to do anything else.
On the Rocks (2020)
96m
Genre
Drama, Comedy
Stars
Rashida Jones, Bill Murray, Marlon Wayans
Directed by
Sofia Coppola
One of the best pieces of news any film fan could get in 2020 was that Sofia Coppola and Bill Murray — who collaborated on 2003’s Lost in Translation — were working together again, this time with the Apple TV+ original comedy On the Rocks. Rashida Jones stars as Laura, a wife and mother who doesn’t know whether or not her marriage is in trouble. She begins to think her husband Dean (Marlon Wayans) is cheating on her, and it’s her charming, restless father Felix (Murray) who pokes at those fears and manipulates her into nightly adventures speeding through New York City in a dying convertible and even secretly following her husband to Mexico. While at heart the film is a comedy, there is an unspoken but brilliantly conveyed sadness to Felix, who seems to care less about whether or not his son-in-law is faithful and more about spending time with his daughter. On the Rocks is funny, sweet, and quietly heartbreaking.
Boys State (2020)
109m
Genre
Documentary
Stars
Ben Feinstein, Steven Garza, Robert MacDougall
Directed by
Jesse Moss, Amanda McBaine
In the 2020 documentary Boys State, one thousand boys descend on Austin, Texas, to build a mock representative government, and sadly their youth doesn’t make things any less divisive than they are on the floors of the actual Congress. As a result, you probably won’t leave Boys State feeling particularly hopeful about the future of politics. Still, it’s an incredibly compelling look at boys learning to become young men, and if nothing else, it’s both a sobering portrayal of the political landscape the youth are in store for and a reminder of how badly things need to change.
Beastie Boys Story (2020)
119m
Genre
Music, Documentary
Stars
Adam Horovitz, Michael Diamond, Adam Yauch
Directed by
Spike Jonze
If you’ve been around long enough to remember hits like “Fight for Your Right” or “Sabotage” when they were first released, there is something surreal about watching Beastie Boys Story. For example, yes, that really is Mike D and Adam Horovitz, aka Ad Rock, up there on stage narrating things, but you may have to keep reminding yourself that Ad Rock in fact is not being played by Martin Freeman. The documentary presents one night of a stage show in which the rappers present the history of their group, from their early days as a hardcore punk act to the passing of their absent friend Adam Yauch. For already invested fans, it’s fun to see the group’s history retold from their perspective, and for the uninitiated, it’s a treasure trove. Make sure to keep watching through the credits for surprise celebrity cameos and some hilarious clips that include old MTV appearances, and at least one heated argument about dog-washing.
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