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This was another big week in the Linux ecosystem, with major updates going out for DietPi, the Calibre eBook manager, and the MAME emulator, among other exciting news. Here are the biggest stories you might have missed.

February 2026 is going to be a busy and exciting time on Paramount+. In addition to new series and movies, it's time for the return of primetime television with mid-season premieres and for the 68th Annual Grammy Awards. There are also plenty of shows that are currently in progress, such as School Spirits and Star Trek: Starfleet Academy, with new episodes releasing weekly, so don't forget about those.

Many of my friends and relatives think that a router is a plug-and-play type of thing. You plug it in, you connect, it works, you're done.

I've been trying to be more intentional about how I work on my PC, and a big part of that has been moving toward a keyboard-first workflow. Not because the mouse is bad, but because I kept noticing how much time I was losing to it. Dragging windows into place, hunting for the right app, re-finding something I just had opened five seconds ago. Once I started paying attention, it was hard to unsee how often the mouse was pulling me out of whatever I was trying to focus on.

Home Assistant is by far the strongest of all the smart home platforms, but even the best solutions have room for improvement. Though I’ll continue to recommend Home Assistant to everyone and anyone who’ll listen, it doesn’t hurt to be aware of these limitations.

Are you learning Bash or wishing to improve error handling in your scripts? The rules governing errors can be a little tricky to understand, so I've put together this bite-sized guide to untangle their mystery.

When your PC's operating system gets corrupted, or if an update fails, or a drive gets damaged, you need to be ready—or be prepared to spend a lot of time trying to get it back up running. Thankfully, it's just as simple as grabbing a thumb drive and getting it up and running as a rescue drive.

SAVE $500: The DJI Mini 5 Pro Fly More Combo is on sale at Amazon for $1,099, down from the normal price of $1,599. That's a 31% discount that matches the record-low price at Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Mini 5 Pro Fly More Combo $1,099 at Amazon
$1,599 Save $500   Get Deal

Despite the FCC ban on foreign drones, you can still get yourself a DJI drone. The fine print of the ban explains that any drone already in the country are excluded from the new legislation, which means they're fair game for ownership and operation. However, that means stock is dwindling, so if you're searching for a DJI drone, check out this latest deal.

The DJI Mini 5 Pro Fly More Combo is on sale for $1,099 at Amazon, marked down from the standard price of $1,599. That's a 31% discount that takes a hefty $500 off the price. It also matches the record-low price at Amazon.

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The DJI Mini 5 Pro is a premium drone and the Fly More Combo makes it just that much more appealing. The bundle includes the DJI Mini 5 Pro drone itself, the DJI RC 2 camera-drone remote controller, a set of filters, three DJI Mini 5 Pro Intelligent Flight batteries, three propeller sets, a shoulder bag, and more. Boiled down, this is everything you'd want for an epic drone set-up.

In terms of performance, the DJI Mini 5 Pro is a stellar model. It has a one-inch CMOS camera with 4K HDR filming at 60fps. You can also go with 4K 120fps for slow-motion filming. DJI also made this model especially appealing for night flying thanks to the 360 degree Nightscape Omnidirectional Sensing and Nighttime return-to-home function. DJI's ActiveTrack 360° technology is a must-have feature if you'll be filming moving subjects like a cyclist, skier, or surfer.

While it's still in stock and on sale for a record-low price, snag the DJI Mini 5 Pro Fly More Combo. The bundle is packed with advanced accessories while still being a perfect model for beginners.

SAVE $50: The M4 Mac Mini is on sale at Amazon for $549, down from the normal price of $599.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple M4 Mac Mini (2024, 256GB) $549 at Amazon
$599 Save $50   Get Deal

Silicon Valley is going wild for the 2024 M4 Mac Mini, but it's not for the reason you might think. No, it's not being used as a traditional desktop computer in the way we assume. People are using it to run the latest AI assistant, Clawdbot. With a cute lobster mascot, the Clawdbot hype is driving up sales and snatching up stock of the Mac Mini with an M4 chip. Before it becomes impossible to find in-stock, check out this sale price.

As of Jan. 31, the M4 Mac Mini is on sale at Amazon for $549, marked down from the standard price of $599.

Why use a Mac Mini for running Clawdbot? The answers are pretty similar to why you'd want a Mac Mini in the first place. Like the name implies, it's a tiny beast that has 16GB of unified memory and 256GB SSD. Plus, you can leave it running at all times with no issue. If you live in the Apple ecosystem and plan to adopt Clawdbot, a dedicated Mac Mini could be an awesome sidekick.

SEE ALSO: Clawdbot is a viral AI assistant: What it is, how to try it

This 2024 version of the Mac Mini comes with Apple's powerful M4 chip, two USB-C ports, a headphone jack, ethernet, HDMI, and Thunderbolt 4 ports. All of that is housed in the compact five inch by five inch Mac Mini housing. This size makes it simple to add to your current desktop setup or take along on the next work trip.

If you're looking for the smallest possible personal assistant, running Clawdbot on a Mac Mini might be your best option. Before demand reaches even higher levels, snag the M4 Mac Mini from Amazon while it's on sale for $549. That's $50 off the normal price.

Recent additions to this guide:

• January 2026: We've removed the Sonos Move 2 from this guide because of the high price tag and problems with Sonos software; it's also one of the older speakers on this list.

• January 2026: We've removed the IKEA VAPPEBY portable speaker. It's still a good speaker, but there are more well-rounded options for under $50.

• November 2025: We've selected the Bose SoundLink Micro (2nd Generation) as our best travel speaker, replacing the IKEA Vappeby (our new honorable mention pick).

• November 2025: We've added the JBL PartyBox Stage 320 as the best party speaker, replacing the older Ultimate Ears Hyperboom.

• November 2025: We've added the Sony ULT Field 7 as the best boombox-style speaker.

Since it entered our gay little world in 2009, Grindr has been the glue keeping queer hookup culture from completely falling apart. Gone are the days of personal ads in glossy magazines and chance encounters under dim bar lights. Now, you can have your phone in one hand and your dick in the other, fire off a few messages, and call it “effort” when someone actually shows up. In just over 15 years, Grindr has singlehandedly made gay hookups easier than brushing your teeth in the morning. 

I can’t say I’ve been on the app since the beginning, but I have been on and off for quite a while. In 2015, I was 18 years old and living in my freshman dorm at Pratt Institute in New York City. It was my second semester, and I’d made a number of connections at that point — both platonic and sexual. Classes, frat parties, campus run-ins, you get the gist. One weekend, my roommate flew to Miami for a date with his sugar daddy, who he’d met on Grindr, leaving me with the dorm room all to myself. I thought, hell, if he can get a sugar daddy to take him on a tropical vacation, why can't I? I downloaded Grindr from my lofted dorm-room bed on a Friday night. And, well, the rest is history. Grindr is now the undisputed king of queer hookup apps.

SEE ALSO: You can now view Grindr's original (and uncensored) content right in the app

I’ve been using Grindr in some fashion for 10 years, toying with every feature the app has to offer. Some Grindr features have changed a lot since I was a baby gay at Pratt, while others have remained relatively the same. After so much change, competition from other gay dating apps, and shifts in how we connect online, is Grindr still worth it in 2026?

That’s what I'm here to figure out.

The key to success on Grindr? Manage your expectations.

I’ve heard about those adorable (ugh) love stories that supposedly started on Grindr (and the rarer-still fulfilling sugar daddy relationship), but that’s never really been my experience — or the experience of the vast majority of queer guys using the app. Sure, I’ve had a few solid dates through Grindr, but nine times out of 10, we've already exchanged nudes by the first "date," and that hardly qualifies as a meet-cute.

While Grindr lets users specify what they’re “Looking For” (Chat, Dates, Friends, Networking, Relationships, or Hookups), we all know Hookups (formerly Right Now) is the main draw. Sure, you’ll occasionally stumble into one-off conversations that’ll have you smiling and twirling your hair, but you're more likely to stumble into unsolicited dick pics (aka cyberflashing) and those three little words: "top or bottom?" So, even if hookups aren’t your goal, remember that it’s the intent of basically everybody else on the app. You don’t go to Grindr to find your Prince Charming — there are plenty of other dating apps for that.

SEE ALSO: I tried Sniffies and it made getting laid as a gay man almost too easy Getting started with Grindr: The profile setup

You can sign up for Grindr with an email and password, or through Facebook, Google, or Apple ID. You also have to give Grindr your phone number to get your stamp of approval. Once you're in, you’re immediately given a blank profile that Grindr pushes you to set up, though you don’t have to. You can leave the whole thing barren if you want that air of mystery, which is a Grindr personality in itself. If you choose to, here’s what you’ll see in your “Edit Profile” section — and keep in mind, you can leave whatever you want blank:

• Photos: Upload up to five photos that make up the front-facing part of your profile. While you can get a little scandalous (you can show butt, but not hole), Grindr will veto any photo it deems inappropriate.

• Display Name: To my knowledge, you can make your display name just about anything as long as it's not hateful or obviously drug-related.

• About Me: Tell them who you are! You’ll see a lot of Grindr-specific terms here that can be confusing at first —  NPNC (no pic, no chat), NSA (no strings attached), and BB (you know what this one means, right?) Keep it short and sweet because you have just 255 characters to write your heart out.

• My Tags: Grindr implemented tags in late 2022. Some are sexual, some are about hobbies, some are about looks.

• Stats: OK, here’s where you pick apart your body and sexual desires so other guys can filter you out in their mind. Sections include Age, Height, Weight, Ethnicity, Tribes, Body Type, and more. Remember: you don’t have to fill out this or any part of the profile.

• Expectations: This is where you tell the boys whether you’re trying to get bent over on their bed or auditioning for a ring by spring.

• Identity: Initially, Grindr was designed specifically for men seeking men. Today, trans and non-binary folks are welcome on Grindr, too.

• Health: This is an awesome option that Grindr includes to ensure users are being sexually conscious. Sections include HIV Status, Last Tested Date, Vaccinations, and more.

• Social Links: I swear, we’re almost done. I see a lot of people who link to Instagram, and a lot of OnlyFans creators like to link to their X account. Linking your Facebook to your Grindr profile? That’s a bit strange to me. Instead, link your Spotify account and add your top songs for people to judge.

Once your profile’s set, it’s time to play.

The Grindr Grid Credit: Ian Moore / Mashable / Getty Images

When you open the app, you'll be brought directly to the grid, the gay little hub where everything you’ll ever need on Grindr basically lives. This shows every guy on Grindr in your area, with the top-left square reserved for whoever’s basically breathing down your neck in proximity. It gets real awkward if the closest person happens to be your downstairs neighbor. Trust me, I’ve lived it. (Also, hi, Todd.)

The grid has changed a lot over the past few years, but as of January 2026, you can expect around 87 messageable profiles if you’re not using filters and aren’t paying for Grindr XTRA or Grindr Unlimited. If you’re using filters (age ranges, tribe preferences, tags), the number of people will drop significantly. But if you’re using a subscription, you’ll have hundreds more profiles on your grid. If you don’t have a paid subscription, you won’t be able to message some visible profiles past a certain point.

Unlike dating apps like Tinder or Hinge, you don't have to match with anyone. Simply click their photo, scan their profile, and send a message. You can also opt to "tap," the Grindr equivalent of a low-effort "hey" message. Free users will only see a handful of your most recent taps, and you can only message guys that fall within that window. Personally, I suggest sending a real message. It won’t disappear, and you’re actually starting the conversation.

You can also star the profiles you really like, so you can save your favorites like you’re curating a very queer museum exhibit. There are a few more ways to filter profiles, including sorting by who’s currently online, by tags, by sexual position, and more, to narrow down your hunt. You can also filter by age, which is great if you typically veer toward older or younger blokes. You can’t search by a specific age anymore, but Grindr now lets you browse within age ranges of six years or more, starting with 18–23.

You can also hop around the map from the top of the grid, either by typing in a location or dropping a pin. But if you’re on the free version, you only get one message a day to someone outside your area, so make sure he’s cute. (And if you're looking for location-based cruising, give Sniffies a try.)

Your Grindr inbox

This is where all the magic happens. Your Grindr inbox is a blessing and a curse. One minute you’ll be talking to the hottest guy in the city, the next you’ll receive seven unsolicited dick and hole pics from a 76-year-old named Joe who is cheating on his wife and wants to shove a sneaker inside of you. I’m not kidding, either. If you decide to get Grindr, you will get some really creepy messages that will make you wonder why you downloaded the app to begin with. It’s just in the name of the game, sadly.

Also, please remember that Grindr does have rules for messaging. If you encounter any racism, boundary crossing, underage users, harassment, or other types of abuse, you can report the user for violating Grindr's community guidelines.

Your inbox will eventually become a graveyard of every Grindr conversation you’ve ever had. Deleting messages only erases them for you. The other guy still gets to keep your entire chat history like a souvenir. If you reinstall the app, you’re starting fresh, while he’s still scrolling through previous pictures you sent of your dick and balls. Messages only disappear for good when you fully delete your account. Paid Grindr members can also unsend messages for up to 24 hours after hitting send.

You can filter your messages the same way you filter the grid — by who you’ve starred, what’s unread, distance, who’s currently online, or sexual position. Grindr loves a category.

Private Albums on Grindr

Private albums are your saving grace on Grindr, especially if you’re a hoe on the low. You can include up to 10 pieces of content and up to one video in your private album. This is where you keep the nudes you use to entice strangers to your apartment at 3 a.m. Grindr even tells you how many people you’ve shared your album with, whether you want that information or not.

Albums on Grindr are made for discretion. Seriously. Try screenshotting an image on anyone’s album, and you won’t be able to. What comes up instead? A bunch of Grindr emojis covering the image you were trying to save to your camera roll, you sneaky little fuck. Busted. Everything that’s in the album stays in the album — and that’s one of my favorite Grindr features by far. (That said, technically savvy perverts might still find ways around screenshot protections, so act accordingly.)

Paid Grindr customers can make multiple private albums. If you're a free user, choose your dick pics wisely.

Looking for Right Now?

The “Right Now” feature is Grindr’s latest attempt to help you find someone who’s DTF immediately. It opens a map of floating circle profiles (a.k.a. Grindr doing its best Sniffies impersonation) and gives your profile three purple droplets to show you’re ready this instant. In reality, I barely ever see people on it, and I live in a big city. I’m not convinced this feature will survive long-term, but Grindr has kept stranger things alive. I often click it by mistake.

What else can I get from Grindr? Credit: Grindr

Grindr is constantly testing out new features, from fancy new AI tools to original content. Tap on “Grindr Presents” to see uncensored original videos, music, editorials, and playlists that dive headfirst into gay culture and the many flavors of queer existence. It’s new as of 2025, and I’ve literally never once used it. Sorry. However, keep exploring the menu, and you'll find an option to get a free HIV test, read all about Grindr’s safety and privacy, and peep your settings.

SEE ALSO: Grindr's latest updates are wild: Hiding from your ex, verified pics, and faster hookups Should I pay for Grindr?

This is the question every person on Grindr is asking themselves in 2026. I explored this question in my recent piece on Grindr Xtra. It's an undeniable fact that the paid version of Grindr is noticeably better. But I ultimately decided that a recurring subscription to a hookup app just wasn't for me, even if it can be worth it for special occasions.

To quote myself, "Are you touring a new city alone for a week and want your whole cake and to eat it, too? Then, sure — pay for a week-long Grindr XTRA subscription for a little over $2 a day. Go buck wild on your Berlin trip. Are you home on your couch when Pornhub is just a few clicks away in your Safari app? Maybe don’t pay for Grindr XTRA this time. Let it be a little treat every once in a while."

Credit: Grindr Credit: Grindr

Of course, if you choose not to pay for Grindr, you'll have to deal with some really annoying obstacles. For one, the free version of Grindr is riddled with ads that are impossible to avoid. You want to look at a profile? Ad. You want to send a message? Ad. You want to look at someone’s album? Ad. While it has gotten a little bit better in the early weeks of 2026, 2024 through 2025 was an atrocious time to be on Grindr, and the ads made the app borderline unusable. If you pay up, the ads disappear, you get access to way more profiles, and you can filter by tags like a gay detective on a manhunt.

Grindr XTRA starts at $15.99 a week, and honestly, I only recommend springing for it in dire emergencies (like if you’re really horny) or when you’re traveling. You can also opt for Grindr Unlimited, which allows you to see who has been snooping on your profile, slip into Incognito Mode to lurk unnoticed, send unlimited disappearing photos, auto-translate chats, and even use Grindr on your browser, all without a single ad clogging the experience. And, get this, it starts at $9 a day. No thanks.

Is Grindr still worth it?

I have such an insane love/hate relationship with Grindr, and the answer to this question really depends on what you’re currently looking for in life. If you’re hunting for a boyfriend, absolutely not. Run. Run fast and far. (There are plenty of dating apps out there for serious relationships.) But if you’re horny, bored, or trying to dust off your flirting skills? Then Grindr is basically built for that, so get on and have some fun.

And as for your mental health, remember this: you are under zero obligation to be on Grindr. The sheer number of users doesn’t mean everyone is constantly hooking up — that’s just the illusion the grid gives you. If you’re not on the app, that doesn't mean you're missing out on anything. Take care of yourself first. If Grindr starts messing with your head, delete it. You can always come back and make a new account when it feels right.

Ultimately, Grindr is meant to be fun. It’s designed to be exciting. And though those damn ads make everything a little less sexy, Grindr is worth it if you’re looking to have some fun. And, if fun is what you want, let yourself have it.

Opens in a new window Credit: Ian Moore / Mashable / Getty Images Grindr   Learn More

For me, it was a bit nerve-racking to welcome Vic Michaelis to Mashable's Say More couch. The talented comedian appears in a slate of sensational Dropout shows, like Dimension 20: Gladlands, Gastronauts, and Game Changer as well as the new Peacock espionage dramedy Ponies. But Michaelis has also created their own interview parody show, where improv artists wear prosthetics to play Very Important People. 

How do you interview a comedian who has mastered making a bad interview great TV? Well, you can see for yourself in Mashable's full Say More episode with Vic Michaelis on YouTube. But from my perspective, it was truly one of the easiest interviews I've ever done. Where on Very Important People, Michaelis' character (also named Vic Michaelis) is socially awkward and dangerously ambitious, in person they were quick, funny, and game for anywhere the conversation took us — including giving us a taste of the Twisters movie that is their dream project. 

In the interview, we talked about Heated Rivalry, orcas attacking yachts, the groundbreaking "One Year Later" episode of Game Changer, Brennan Lee Mulligan "quitting" Dropout, and their dream guest, Catherine O'Hara, whose passing came days after this conversation took place. But for fans of Very Important People, I wanted to single out all the things Michaelis shared about the creation of the Dropout show that they host and serve as executive producer on. 

So, here's everything Mashable learned about Very Important People from Vic Michaelis. 

When does Michaelis see the full look for their guests?  Vic Michaelis is Vic Michaelis, host of "Very Important People." Credit: Ryan Schude / Dropout

As a producer on the show, Michaelis is in on the early conversations about the look that the costume and makeup teams are building for each guest. However, they choose to keep their distance from the reveal room, where comedians like Paul F. Tompkins, Bobby Moynihan, Jeremy Culhane, Nicole Byer, and Anna Garcia discover what prosthetics, wigs, and wardrobe have been applied while their eyes were closed. 

Michaelis explained to me, Entertainment Editor Kristy Puchko, "So in the pre-production process, I'm down to know everything. Because often it's like, we're dealing with mood boards. We're dealing with reference images and things like that. So it's easy enough to sort of be like, 'Oh, I can sort of see what the idea is.'"

They continued, "I would say on the whole like, I know the improviser's comedy style very well. So like, I'm like, 'Okay, I think that this would help set this person up for success with this for XYZ reasons.' But on the day, as soon as we get to set, I don't want to see finished costumes until they step on set. I don't want to know anything about them. I don't want them to be married to anything that they say in the reveal room."

"Because if it's like, they have an idea, and then as soon as we get on, we start building something, and they're like, 'Oh no, this is a more fun path. Or, like, I want to change it to this. Or I want this to be a surprise, and I want to get your reaction to it.' I just think it allows for some more freedom," Michaelis said, "In general, I kind of view myself as, like, the head of the talent department. Like, my only goal when people get on set is just to make sure that they feel safe and comfortable and confident to take big swings or make choices, or take stuff back if they want to. I just want to make sure that everyone is having a good time, because it is a daunting process."

Very Important People made one big change between conception and the show's debut. Credit: Ryan Schude / Dropout

Of working on the show, Michaelis said, "It rocks. Genuinely, it really just is the best job in the world. You know, especially in that first season, they really gave us complete free range to do truly whatever we wanted, because they had so many other things going on. And, like, for a long time, Dropout was really, like, all hands on deck. Like, you know, we're gonna do our best." 

Then they revealed how Very Important People was originally intended to have multiple guests and interviews in each episode. "They had initially designed Very Important People to be three episodes in one essentially," Michaelis explained. "So it'd be like they do Anna Garcia's episode ('Princess Emily'), Zac [Oyama]'s episode ('Tommy Shriggly'), and Jacob [Wysocki]'s episode ('Marionette Conqui and Zonton de la Doll'), and that'll all be like one… But then they had so much footage at the end, they were like, it's gonna be three separate episodes."

Vic Michaelis' suit is solo, and maybe staying? Vic Michaelis is on the set of "Very Important People." Credit: Ryan Schude / Dropout

While their guest might wear robes, '90s alt attire, rocks or slime to the set, Michaelis has worn the exact same suit through Seasons 1, 2, and 3. But will this camel suit be a constant?

Asked about the suit's origins, Michaelis asked me what I'd make of a change in wardrobe, and I admitted in my mind this suit is what the character Vic sees as the look for a professional journalist. From there, they admitted that every season it's a discussion. 

"Every season there's talk of like, 'Do we do a new suit? And it ends up looped back to the exact same place," they said, adding, "I love the suit. It's honestly unbelievably comfy. We have the exact same one from Season 1. I had literally brought it home with me, because they were like, 'You can keep the suit after the first season.' Then they decided they wanted the same one for the second season, and I had to bring it back from my house. I'm wearing the pants from that suit in my Smartypants episode. So, you know, it's family at this point.' 

So will there be a change? We'll have to see in Season 4. 

For more from Michaelis on Very Important People, Dimension 20, and the unexpected connection between Game Changer, Heated Rivalry, and Ponies, check out the full Say More episode on YouTube.

Ponies is now streaming on Peacock. Game Changer, Dimension 20: Gladlands, and Very Important People are all streaming on Dropout.

NASA has postponed the pivotal fueling test for Artemis II because of a near-freezing chill in Florida, making a February space launch far less likely. 

The so-called "wet dress rehearsal" will load the Space Launch System with 700,000 gallons of ultra‑cold propellants at the rocket's Kennedy Space Center launchpad in Cape Canaveral, Florida. The trial run, now targeted for Monday, Feb. 2, takes the countdown all the way to 29 seconds before liftoff, then stops. 

How the test goes will determine when NASA actually lights those engines. 

"We need to get through wet dress, we need to see what lessons we learn as a result of that, and that will ultimately lay out our path toward launch," Artemis launch director Charlie Blackwell‑Thompson said. "With a wet dress that is without significant issues, if everything goes to plan, then certainly there are opportunities within February that could be achievable."

SEE ALSO: No guarantees: Inside the biggest risks facing NASA's Artemis 2 crew

Artemis II will be the agency's first flight to the moon with a crew in over 50 years. Three U.S. astronauts, Commander Reid Wiseman, pilot Victor Glover, and Christina Koch, and one Canadian astronaut, Jeremy Hansen, will ride in the Orion spacecraft, which they named Integrity. The 10-day journey, which could launch as early as Feb. 8, is a necessary flight test before NASA attempts to land astronauts on the lunar surface.

Here's how to watch NASA fill up the 322-foot mega moon rocket in this crucial test. 

Artemis II launch director Charlie Blackwell-Thompson watches the mega moon rocket roll by the windows of the firing room. Credit: NASA / Aubrey Gemignani When is the wet dress rehearsal? 

NASA has announced the wet dress rehearsal is now scheduled for Monday, Feb. 2 at 9 p.m. ET, two days later than officials had said earlier in the week, though the date and time could continue to change as the agency monitors weather and temperature conditions. 

During the test, teams will fill the rocket with liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen and rehearse every major step of launch‑day fueling. Controllers will run through all countdown procedures, including the final "terminal count," stopping at T‑29 seconds. 

Will NASA broadcast the test? 

Yes, although the agency has not released the link to the specific feed, NASA plans to stream the wet dress rehearsal live on its YouTube channel. 

The individual stream links will be available on that page, "closer to activities," according to NASA. It's unclear how much forewarning the agency will provide. It's also likely NASA will broadcast the event on NASA+, its own free on-demand streaming service, though a placeholder link for it was not available as of midday Friday on the service's "scheduled events" page. Check NASA's Facebook page and X channel for coverage as well. 

Since SLS rolled out to the pad on Jan. 17, NASA has maintained a steady 24-7 view of the rocket. But that feed won't be the one capturing the fueling test with commentary, according to officials. 

From left, the Artemis II crew: Christina Hammock Koch, Jeremy Hansen, Victor Glover, and Reid Wiseman. Credit: NASA / James Blair What's the likelihood of success? 

It's hard to predict the outcome of NASA's wet dress rehearsal, but how smoothly it goes will drive the launch timeline. 

During Artemis I, NASA needed four fueling rehearsals because teams had trouble keeping the liquid oxygen cold enough, found hydrogen leaks where the ground pipes connect to the rocket, and ran into a problem with a valve that lets hydrogen flow back into the tank. From SLS's rollout in March 2022, it was an eight-month campaign before the rocket left Earth.

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But mission leaders say this time will be different. For Artemis II, they have changed how they pump the fuel, upgraded the connections between the rocket and the ground equipment, and redesigned and tested that troublesome valve with real super‑cold fuel.

"Why do we think that we'll be successful in Artemis II?" Blackwell-Thompson said. "It's the lessons that we learned."

When will Artemis 2 launch? 

A launch window is the span of time when a rocket can lift off and still reach its planned destination in space. NASA has released the launch windows for February, March, and April. Mashable has provided an extensive explainer on launch opportunities for the upcoming crewed mission. 

Because of the latest delays, that leaves only Feb. 8, 10, and 11 for this month before NASA starts looking into March. Despite having only publicized the launch dates through April, mission leaders said they actually have a handful of days available "in just about every month," Blackwell-Thompson said.

We love to see it — that house on the commute home from work that always has festive decorations lit up to celebrate each holiday. Even on horrible days, seeing that cheery house is a nice feeling. There’s just one glaring issue with having festive lights on your home — it’s a massive pain to actually get them up on the house.

Without fail, it always feels like a sketchy situation to get on the ladder and work with arms overhead and a staple gun. Just ask Clark Griswold. That same inconvenience hits if a bulb burns out and needs a replacement. Luckily, Govee is giving us the ability to keep lights on year-round with bulbs that’ll never need replacing.

Govee Permanent Outdoor Lights Prism $539.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon A never-ending party

For years now, Govee has made outdoor lights that are designed to be permanent. Just one trip up the ladder and/or onto the roof and the lights can stay up year-round.

But in the fall of 2025, Govee launched the new Permanent Outdoor Lights Prism. Unlike previous Govee models, the Prism version has triple-color lighting heads on each light module. In less fancy terms, each individual light consists of three lights that can all display their own individual color. The result looks like the coolest lighting party that your neighbors will envy.

Home is where the celebrations happen, so putting up permanent lights is a top-tier life hack. Holidays, birthday parties, graduation, retirement, backyard barbecues, and every party in between will have a new element of celebratory vibes. Plus, Govee’s app makes choosing your lighting situation incredibly enjoyable. As an added bonus, the lights are awesome for illuminating the front door and your home’s perimeter both for better visibility when walking around and better home security.

A fancy upgrade from the original Govee Permanent Outdoor Lights

As a surprise to no one, Govee does lighting incredibly well and the Prism version of the brand’s permanent outdoor lights are spectacular, in my opinion. The triple-light module makes for an amazing display. I first heard about these lights when I was covering exciting launches at IFA 2025 and I knew they’d be cool, but once I got them up, I was enamored. They’re more than just cool. The triple color effect is really awesome.

You can't deny that's an awesome display. Credit: Lauren Allain / Mashable

Govee went all out with this design, from the lights themselves to the durable build. For starters, they’re safe to use in a massive temperature range from -22 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit which again, plays into the permanent aspect of these lights. They’re also waterproof, carrying an IP68 rating. The power adapter and control box come with an IP67 rating. 

If you like more technical specs, each light has a rating of 60 lumens with a color temperature range between 2,700K and 6,500K. You’ve probably heard of the RGB term (red, green, blue) but these Govee lights operate with RGBWWIC which adds in warm white, and independent control. That means you get 16 million color options to choose from, all with tunable gradients and brightness levels. If that feels intimidating, you can choose from over 100 preset Govee modes.

A playful app

Immediately, I was in love with the look of the Govee Permanent Outdoor Lights Prism. I’m a huge sucker for great ambient lighting as well as lighting that helps set the mood and these lights do both in a majorly successful way.

But knowing I was testing these for others, I went deep into the Govee app to see just what these spendy lights were capable of. What happened next was me sitting outside for hours playing with the app and then looking at the lights to say, “Oh this one is the coolest!” over and over again.

I spent hours in this app clicking through the options. Credit: Govee app screenshot

The Govee app you’ll use to control the lights offers endless options of lighting vibes for every holiday, celebration, event, mood, and more. When I was testing, Govee even had options to celebrate the new release of Zootopia 2, and then I played around with dozens of pre-set options that covered major sports teams from the NFL, NHL, MLB, and more. That’s an awesome feature to immediately switch your lights to your team’s colors on game days. 

There’s also nature scenes, festivals, and the option to have the lights bop along with your music. And then I found Govee’s “Effects Lab.” Here, I tested out light colors and displays that depict settings from all around the world like Santorini, the Sydney Opera House, and the Tokyo Tower. You can display common colors of the lagoon triggerfish or plants or even pulling colors from famous paintings. 

I actually like the Govee AI Lighting Bot 2.0. Credit: Govee app screenshot Get your lights to bop along with your music. Credit: Govee app screenshot

The Govee app is also one of the few instances I can support using AI. The Govee AI Lighting Bot 2.0 was a joy to use, and it crafted me red and white lighting displays after my prompt. But you can also give the Bot 2.0 a vibe you’re going for and it’ll do its best to convey that mood in lighting form. 

What I don’t love

Not everything is 100% perfect with the Govee Permanent Outdoor Lights Prism and after having them up for a few weeks, I have two small gripes.

First, the light modules are super spread out. A 100-foot set includes 36 lighting heads. That means there’s about 2.7 feet between each light. I’m gonna assume Govee did this on purpose. Because each light is actually three-in-one and the outer two are angled in such a way to project over a wide area, each light module projects in a fairly wide area. Because of this, I don’t think many people will be upset about the spacing but I wish they were a smidge closer together.

These lights require to get tucked under an overhang. Credit: Lauren Allain / Mashable

The only other negative I see about the Govee Permanent Outdoor Lights Prism strands is that they need to be attached under an overhang. You won’t be able to get the right effect from these lights if you string them up on a backyard fence or wind them around a pole, for example. The shining performance of these Prism lights with a triple light effect really requires them to project downward onto a wall.

What’s the lifespan of permanent outdoor lights?

Govee notes the Prism permanent outdoor lights can last for up to 50,000 hours. That equals 2,083 days or about 5.5 years if you never turn the lights off, ever. Assuming you would turn the lights off during daylight hours, we’ll adjust that to keeping them on for 10 hours per day. That equals a lifespan of 5,000 days of use or about 13.7 years. 

So these Govee lights are not permanent in the sense that they'll last a lifetime but rather, they’re permanent in that you won’t have to take them down after each holiday. Thanks to their durability, weather-resistance, and LED light technology, these lights should last an incredibly long time. Certainly long enough to stay up on your roof until you move or you decide to upgrade to newer lights with fancier tech sometime within the next 13 years.

Are the Govee Permanent Outdoor Lights Prism worth the price?

The Govee Permanent Outdoor Lights Prism are top-of-the-line and use some of the most advanced technology we have when it comes to lighting. Because of this and their durable build, these lights don’t come cheap. A 100-foot set has 36 lighting heads and comes with a list price of $539.99. Up that to a 150-foot set with 54 lights and the price jumps to $699.99. A 200-foot set with 72 lightning heads comes with a wincing price tag of $859.99.

The permanent aspect will be well worth the price for many homes. Credit: Lauren Allain / Mashable

That’s a lot of money for exterior lights. But put into real-life context, I think it’s well worth the price for many people. It saves you the hassle, questionable safety, and time of getting up on the ladder and/or on the roof each year to hang the Christmas lights and then take them down in sketchy wet weather come January. The price becomes even more warranted if you typically hire someone to hang Christmas lights for you each year, which can often come with an astronomical price. The permanence of the Govee lights is likely well worth it for plenty of homes.

If you’re not thrilled about paying the premium for the Prism version, Govee makes several other outdoor permanent lights that come in at a more affordable price like the Govee Permanent Outdoor Lights Pro and the Govee Permanent Outdoor Lights 2. Both of those options are a downgrade in terms of display options, but they serve the same purpose of getting lights on your house that won’t need to come down for a very, very long time. Plus, they’re awesome, and that counts for quite a bit.

Govee Permanent Outdoor Lights options Govee Permanent Outdoor Lights Prism (100 feet) $539.99 at Amazon Shop Now Govee Permanent Outdoor Lights Prism (150 feet) $699.99 at Amazon Shop Now Govee Permanent Outdoor Lights Prism (200 feet) $859.99 at Amazon Get Deal Govee Permanent Outdoor Lights Pro (100 feet) $439.99 at Amazon Shop Now Govee Permanent Outdoor Lights 2 (100 feet) $329.99 at Amazon Shop Now

Want to watch college basketball this season? Here are your best options: BEST FOR SINGLE GAME FuboTV 7-day free trial, then $54.99/month for 1 month Get Deal Best for affordability Sling TV Orange + Blue $23/month for your first month, then $45.99/month Get Deal Best for top weekend games Paramount+ with Showtime $13.99/month or $139.99/year Get Deal BEST FOR SMALL SCHOOL FANS ESPN+ $29.99/month Get Deal Best for Big Ten games Peacock Premium $10.99/month Get Deal BEST for INTRODUCTORY OFFER YouTube TV 7-day free trial, then $59.99/month for 2 months (save $99) Get Deal

It’s not quite March Madness but we’re getting close — the college basketball season is heating up and delivering more action than most b-ball fans can keep up with. Among the big games this week is Arizona State Sun Devils vs. tArizona Wildcats. It’s been a tricky season for the Sun Devils so far, while the Wildcats are at the top of the Big 12 and currently ranked No. 1.

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On paper this should be all about the Wildcats, but there’s nothing like a state rivalry to amp up the excitement. Not to mention the fact that their last meeting this month, won by the Wildcats, was a narrow result. Can the Sun Devils upset the favorites?

When is Arizona State vs. Arizona?

Arizona State vs. Arizona takes place at 2 p.m. ET on Jan. 31. This game takes place at Desert Financial Arena.

Arizona State vs. Arizona is broadcast on TNT Sports.

How to watch college basketball in 2025/26

Fans can live stream college basketball on a wide range of recommended platforms, some of which include free trials, allowing you to follow the action without actually spending anything.

ESPN+ (no free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: ESPN ESPN+ $29.99/month Shop Now

Channels: ESPN+ only

If your favorite team plays in the America East, Atlantic Sun, Ivy League, or Southland conference, then ESPN+ is the only way to watch those teams without going to the games. For many other leagues that don’t have many games on traditional TV channels, ESPN+ is the primary way to watch games.

It's worth noting that an ESPN+ subscription gives you access to ESPN+ only. For the full range of ESPN and sports access, choose an alternative tier.

The ESPN Select tier (for classic content, studio shows, and replays) is priced at $12.99 per month or $129.99 per year. ESPN Unlimited (all ESPN live channels and ESPN+ content) costs $29.99 per month or $299.99 per year.

Peacock Premium (no free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock Premium $10.99/month Shop Now

The Big Ten Conference will have games exclusively on Peacock this season, so to catch all those conference contests, you’ll need Peacock.

Members of the Big Ten Conference in 2025-26 include Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, Michigan, Michigan State, Minnesota, Nebraska, Northwestern, Ohio State, Oregon, Penn State, Purdue, Rutgers, UCLA, USC, and Wisconsin.

There are 58 Big Ten men’s basketball games scheduled to be broadcast exclusively on Peacock. Peacock Premium costs $10.99 per month or $109.99 per year.

FuboTV (free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: FuboTV FuboTV 7-day free trial, then $54.99/month for 1 month Shop Now

Channels: ACBS, FOX, Big Ten Network, CBSSN, ESPN, ESPN2, FS1, FS2, MSG, NBC Sports Bay Area, NBC Sports Philadelphia, Pac-12 Network, SEC Network, and USA Network. 

FuboTV will be a great option for the college basketball regular season. Its Pro plan at $84.99 per month will give you access to hundreds of college basketball games. There is also a seven-day free trial. 

If you’re a fan of teams in the Atlantic Coast Conference, you’ll want to upgrade to the Elite plan to get the ACC Network. The Elite plan is $104.99 per month. 

The biggest channels missing from the FuboTV lineup are TBS, TNT, and truTV. Those carry a large chunk of games during the NCAA Tournament, and the 2026 Final Four and national championship game are scheduled to be broadcast on TBS. To get those games, you’ll need to go elsewhere such as the B/R Sports add-on with Max. 

Paramount+ with Showtime (free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: Paramount Paramount + with Showtime 7-day free trial, then $13.99/month Shop Now

Channels: CBS, CBS Sports HQ

CBS mainly shows college basketball games on the weekends, so if you’re mainly a weekend viewer until March, this would work for you.

Paramount+ gives you a seven-day free trial. To live stream CBS on Paramount+, you need the Paramount+ with Showtime tier, and that is $12.99 per month. You can also choose the annual plan at $119.99 per year, and you save about $3 per month. 

Paramount+ also gives students a 25% discount. CBS Sports Network games are not available to live stream through Paramount+ on its own. You'll need the Showtime add-on.

Sling TV Orange + Blue (no free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: Sling Sling Season Pass $329 for 5 months Shop Now

Channels: ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPN 3, ESPNews, ESPN U, Fox, FS1, FS2, NBC, Pac-12 Network, SEC Network

If you’re a casual college basketball fan, an option like Sling may be a good fit for you. It's a comprehensive sporting service with a wide range of benefits, but you will need to be careful when selecting your plan. The Orange and Blue packages give you access to FOX, NBC, ABC, ESPN, and more in local markets — for $45.99 per month (with an introductory deal of 50% off for the first month) — but for access to ACC Network, SEC Network, Big Ten Network, and more, you'll need the Sports Extra package. We recommend checking your local market to ensure you get access to the channels you actually want.

YouTube TV (free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: YouTube TV YouTube TV 7-day free trial, then $59.99/month for your first 2 months Shop Now

Channels: CBS, FOX, ACCN, Big Ten Network, CBSSN, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPNEWS, FS1, FS2, SEC Network, TBS, TNT, truTV, The CW, USA Network

YouTube TV offers a 7-day free trial. It is then $59.99 per month for the first two months. That will get you most of the way through the 2025-26 college basketball season. After the introductory rate, the rate is $82.99 per month starting in the third month. 

How to watch Arizona State vs. Arizona from anywhere in the world

If you're outside the U.S. for this fixture, you might need to use a VPN to unblock your favorite streaming service. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the U.S., allowing you to unblock live streams of college basketball from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Arizona State vs. Arizona from anywhere in the world by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in the U.S.

4. Sign in to your favorite streaming service

5. Watch Arizona State vs. Arizona from anywhere in the world

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including the U.S.

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to 10 simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free. That means 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.95 (which includes a money-back guarantee).

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.95 at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

TL;DR: This tool unites the major AI models in one convenient spot, and now you can get a 1min.AI Advanced Business Plan lifetime subscription for only $74.97 through tonight (Jan. 31) at 11:59 p.m. PT.

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AI is supposed to make our lives easier… so why does it feel so complicated? With dozens of models on the market, each with different strengths, it can be hard to know which one to turn to when. That’s where 1min.AI comes in handy.

This one-stop shop lets you compare results from numerous AI models in one place, and right now a lifetime subscription to 1min.AI’s Advanced Business Plan can be yours for just $74.97 until tonight (Jan. 31) at 11:59 p.m. PT.

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Sick of second-guessing which AI model generates the best images? Tired of tab-hopping to see which one has the best answer to your question? 1min.AI puts a stop to the AI runaround, uniting dozens of models in one spot.

With 1min.AI, you can see results from ChatGPT, Mistral, Gemini, Grok, and more in one window. Whether you’re looking for help coding, creating images, or editing videos or audio, you can see the results side by side and pick the one that works best for you. Just always make sure to give the results a human once-over, as light editing may be required.

1min.AI’s Advanced Business Plan gives you weekly updates, an unlimited prompt library, unlimited storage, and unlimited brand voice options. You also get access to 4,000,000 credits a month.

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Learning a new language does more than expand your vocabulary — it opens doors. Whether you’re navigating a new city, joining an international work call, or simply trying to connect with someone outside your comfort zone, being able to communicate changes the experience entirely.

Babbel is built around that idea. Instead of focusing on isolated words or abstract grammar rules, Babbel teaches you how to use a language in real situations. From travel conversations and workplace discussions to everyday social interactions, lessons are designed to help you speak clearly and confidently when it actually matters.

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With access to 14 languages and more than 10,000 hours of content, Babbel supports learners at every stage, from first-time beginners to advanced speakers refining their fluency. Lessons are short and structured, typically taking just 10–15 minutes, making it easy to stay consistent without burning out.

Babbel’s approach is rooted in research and developed by expert linguists, not guesswork. Features like speech recognition help improve pronunciation, while personalized review sessions reinforce what you’ve learned so it sticks.

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Some home theater soundbars go to town on features and performance, aiming to check as many audio boxes as possible. These systems tend to have correspondingly high prices and can get a little complex to operate. Sony’s Bravia Theater Bar 6 ($699.99) runs in the other direction. It's still a full-fledged Dolby Atmos and DTS:X system with an impressive 3.1.2 channels, but it maintains a laser focus on simplicity, ditching flexibility and connection options in favor of a set-it-and-forget-it solution.

It’s an approach that works, as long as you’re content to stick within the Bravia Theater Bar 6’s somewhat restrictive limitations.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony Bravia Theater Bar 6 $498 at Amazon
$699.99 Save $201.99   Shop Now Minimalism to the extreme

Design-wise, the Theater Bar 6 takes minimalism to the extreme. The main bar, at 37.5 x 2.6 x 4.3 inches, is made entirely from matte black plastic. It’s as unobtrusive as a full-size soundbar gets, and when you dim the lights, it all but disappears. There are no controls at all, save for a tiny power button hidden on the right side. Owners of Sony Bravia 5, 7, 8, 9, 8, A95L, or Bravia 8 II TVs get the added benefit of on-screen controls; for everyone else, you’ll need to use the Bravia Connect mobile app to access the speaker’s settings. A tiny LED on the front tells you if the Theater Bar 6 is turned on, and which input is in use.

Speaking of inputs, you get just three: HDMI ARC/eARC, optical, and Bluetooth. Realistically, it’s only two, since the ARC/eARC and optical inputs are both dedicated to your TV. You can use one or the other, but not both. Sony provides an HDMI cable in the box, which makes sense: only HDMI ARC/eARC connections support Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. If your TV doesn’t do HDMI ARC, you’ll need to source your own optical cable.

Credit: Simon Cohen

This means that from a music listening point of view, it’s going to be Bluetooth streaming from your phone, or perhaps dedicated music apps on your TV or TV-connected streaming device. There’s no WiFi and no available digital or analog inputs.

Sony also includes little rubber feet that can lift the Theater Bar 6 high enough to clear the built-in feet on many of Sony’s TVs (when they’re in the middle position), and there’s a wall-mount template to help you find the right anchor points for a set of screws (no additional hardware needed).

The subwoofer is a blessing and a curse

The included wireless subwoofer is a big, boxy affair — standard issue for most home-theater-in-a-box systems — but just like the main bar, it should fade into the background if you can find a discreet spot to place it. Just keep in mind that this particular Bravia soundbar can’t be expanded with wireless surround speakers. If you need that flexibility, the Theater Bar 8 and 9 are better choices.

When you get the sound settings dialed in, the Bravia Theater Bar 6 does a very good job of bringing movies and TV shows to life. It provides a far larger soundstage than any built-in TV speakers, and thanks to both a dedicated center channel driver and an excellent available voice mode, you won’t miss a word of dialogue. 

Still, some managed expectations are in order. Even when you hit it with Dolby Atmos content, as I did with several clips from No Time To Die, Unbroken, and Dune, the system isn’t going to wow you with its 3D immersion. Its main benefit is its power (it can get impressively loud) and its energy (even at lower volumes, the sound signature conveys lots of detail and emotion). Overhead and surround effects, on the other hand, are hinted at rather than delivered directly.

Credit: Simon Cohen

One very important tip: If your TV only supports HDMI ARC (as opposed to eARC), always keep Sony’s Sound Field mode turned on when watching Atmos or DTS:X content, otherwise the Theater Bar 6 treats it as 7.1 Dolby Audio surround sound — a less rewarding experience.

The subwoofer is both a blessing — it’s the key to getting deep, cinematic punch for your movies — and a curse: if you’re not careful with the settings, it can overwhelm the mid-frequencies with a dull smear of low-end bass. This is especially true when listening to music. I had to reduce the bass substantially from my preferred movie-watching level to achieve a balanced EQ for music.

It’s easy to recommend the Sony Bravia Theater Bar 6, particularly if you can find it on sale. But there are also plenty of great alternatives. One of my favorites is the Klipsch Flexus Core 200. It costs less than the Theater Bar 6, and while it doesn’t come with a subwoofer, it punches out impressive bass on its own. Plus, it’s expandable with Klipsch Flexus wireless subwoofers and surrounds, or you can use a wired sub if you happen to own one.

Looking to fuel up your Netflix queue with some high-octane action?

Whether you're a fan of wild Westerns, cunning detectives, high-swinging superheroes, ravenous zombies, rowdy thieves, or hard-hitting heroines, Netflix has a movie pitch-perfect for every kind of adrenaline seeker.

We know scrolling through the streaming app can be a chore when all you want to do is Netflix and chill. So, we've taken out the hard step by highlighting the most stunt-stuffed, battle-powered, high-speed films the streamer has to offer.

SEE ALSO: The best Netflix movies of 2025 now streaming

Here are the best action movies on Netflix, streaming right now.

21. Back in Action Credit: John Wilson / Netflix

Aptly titled, Back in Action not only refers to the plotline of this charming espionage comedy but also the return of its stars to the spotlight.

Jamie Foxx and Cameron Diaz co-star as a couple of spies who fake their deaths to flee their dangerous jobs once they learn they've got a baby on the way. Cut to 15 years later, when they're middle-aged with a cozy suburban life that's interrupted by an unexpected visit from some former colleagues. To keep their kids safe, they'll need to go on one more mission. And things get pretty zany — and yeah, corny too. But there's an undeniable pleasure in watching Diaz and Foxx bounce off each other's energy.

In my review for Mashable, I wrote, "Don't overthink it. Turn on Back in Action, and allow the star power and nostalgia for the heyday of '90s rom-coms, the peak of Cameron Diaz fame, and the fun of all that wash over you."* — Kristy Puchko, Entertainment Editor

How to watch: Back in Action is now streaming on Netflix.

20. Train to Busan

Like your action with a blood-splashed buffet of horror? You, my fright-seeking friend, will love Train to Busan.

This South Korean horror thriller imagines what would happen if a zombie outbreak hit a rail train full of average people. Directed by Yeon Sang-ho, Train to Busan focuses on a workaholic father who's taking the train with his young daughter to spend her birthday with his ex-wife in Busan. But this dad will have to prove himself when their fellow passengers become flesh-craving, limb-contorting beasts. The action sequences on this journey are nerve-shreddingly intense, thanks to a clever use of contortionists and the screen presence of South Korean action star Don Lee. You'll never look at a train — or a flight of escalators — the same way again. — K.P.

How to watch: Train to Busan is now streaming on Netflix.

19. Upgrade

The always-welcome Logan Marshall-Green stars here as Grey, an auto mechanic who gets sucked into a nefarious world of cyber-horror when a car crash leaves him paralyzed and his wife dead. Implanted with an untested computer chip that can control his limbs and "fix" his paralysis, Grey's mind starts communicating with the technology, which in turns starts egging him on. After all, why just walk when you can be a kick-ass super-soldier? Needless to say, as in any good RoboCop spin, the corporations are not to be trusted when it comes to our best interests. — Jason Adams, Contributing Writer

How to watch: Upgrade is now streaming on Netflix.

18. Land of Bad

Land of Bad seems fairly generic at first glance. A ragtag group of soldiers (portrayed by both Liam Hemsworth and Luke Hemsworth, American Gods star Ricky Whittle, and former Gilmore guy Milo Ventimiglia) find themselves stranded behind enemy territory in the Philippines and they must, you know, get the heck out of there. Russell Crowe plays "Reaper," a drone pilot who provides air support to the group on the ground by yelling into a telephone a lot. This is nothing we've not seen before!

And yet the movie's actually a solid B-movie slice of old-fashioned action movie entertainment. The film is directed and co-written by William Eubank, whose previous credits include one of the most underrated action-thrillers of recent times, 2020's Underwater with Kristen Stewart. Like that film, Land of Bad doesn't rewrite its genre, but it does bring the action and thrills efficiently and well. — J.A.

How to watch: Land of Bad is now streaming on Netflix.

17. Kraven the Hunter Credit: Sony Pictures

Okay. So you're probably thinking, "Why is a movie with a 15% on Rotten Tomatoes on a best-of list? Is Netflix really so thin on good action?!" I hear you. But look, while Kraven the Hunter is not a great film, or even a good one, it is wildly fun. And the action is a major part of that! 

SEE ALSO: 'Kraven the Hunter' is bad. But what if I love it?

This Spider-Man spinoff centers on the comic book villain Kraven the Hunter (Aaron Johnson), but makes him less a poacher and more a bad-guy hunting vigilante. And along the way, there's other Spidey characters haphazardly looped in, like Aleksei "The Rhino" Sytsevich (Alessandro Nivola), Calypso (Ariana DeBose), and The Foreigner (Christopher Abbott). But the real fun comes in some fight scenes so violent that Sony's sheer reckless rebellion in the face of MCU PG-13 standards is worth the watch. Like, Kraven bites off a dude's nose. And that's not the climax of a fight. Come on. You want to watch that.  — K.P.

How to watch: Kraven the Hunter is now streaming on Netflix.

16. The Union

Mark Wahlberg and Halle Berry team up for an action-comedy that is surprisingly charming! He's a Boston everyman who works construction by day and by night hooks up with local hotties (including his former seventh-grade English teacher). She's a globe-trekking secret agent — and his high school girlfriend — who shows up at their old dive bar out of the blue to invite him in on a secret mission. Together, they're working for The Union.

Explosive espionage action blends with rom-com chemistry as Wahlberg and Berry delve into car chases, gun fights, and plenty of bouncy banter. J.K. Simmons brings gruff bravado, while Evil's Mike Colter delivers breathtaking swagger. Full of thrills, fun, and verve, The Union is a great pick for movie night at home.* — K.P.

How to watch: The Union is now streaming on Netflix.

15. Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F

Coming back onto the scene 30 years after Beverly Hills Cop III flopped, this fourth installment of the comedic crime-solving adventures of Detroit police officer Axel Foley has no right to be as good as it is. Not only did screenwriters Will Beall, Tom Gormican, and Kevin Etten have to manage how public opinion has shifted when it comes to cops who play by their own rules, but also how to approach Axel's wise-cracking sense of humor that traditionally put just about everyone in its crosshairs. Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F manages both in a way that gives fresh life to the character without casting aside the fans who loved his wild ways.

As I wrote in my rave review, "Eddie Murphy is as good as ever as Axel Foley." Plus, he's got his old friends, like John Ashton, Judge Reinhold, Paul Reiser, and Bronson Pinchot back and in action. It's an absolute blast to see all these energies colliding, and yet there's room for newcomers, like the dynamic Taylour Paige and the ever-solid Joseph Gordon-Levitt, both of whom prove to be compelling foils to the ever-quipping Murphy. "In the end, Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F isn't just a great sequel, or an awesome action-comedy; it might just be the most entertaining movie of [2024]."* — K.P.

How to watch: Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F is now streaming on Netflix.

14. Bad Boys: Ride or Die Credit: Frank Masi / Sony Pictures

Nearly 30 years after their first adventure as cop buddies Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett, Will Smith and Martin Lawrence are back with the Bad Boys' franchise's fourth installment. Bad Boys For Life co-helmers Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah also returned, bringing their high-octane brand of action into a stunt-packed epic about loyalty and redemption.

When the late Captain Howard (Joe Pantoliano) gets dragged for alleged ties to corruption, it's up to Mike and Marcus to find the truth and clear his name. In her review of this action-comedy, Mashable contributor Monica Castillo praised this rousing return, writing, "Bad Boys: Ride or Die is an entertaining reminder of what made the original movie work all those years ago." — K.P.

How to watch: Bad Boys: Ride or Die is now streaming on Netflix.

13. Damsel Credit: John Wilson / Netflix

Netflix has invested big in Millie Bobby Brown. Not only has the English ingenue been leading Stranger Things for years, but also she's becoming an outright action star through movies she has headlined and produced for the streamer, including a pair of Enola Holmes adventures and the fearsome fairy tale Damsel. Here, Brown stars as Elodie, a dutiful damsel destined to wed a handsome prince (Nick Robinson)! But rather than happily ever after, her deceitful groom pitches her into a dragon's pit. However, that's far from the end of her story. She'll fight her way to salvation and vengeance, one fiery sequence at a time.

In her review, Mashable's Belen Edwards wrote, "Boasting some inventive twists and a heartfelt lead performance from Brown, Damsel may not be groundbreaking fantasy, but it is a thrilling ride." — K.P.

How to watch: Damsel is now streaming on Netflix.

SEE ALSO: Netflix's 'Damsel' trailer will put you in distress 12. KPop Demon Hunters

Officially the most popular Netflix original movie of all time, KPop Demon Hunters delivers a little bit of everything: romance, action, comedy, and a totally addictive soundtrack.

SEE ALSO: How 'KPop Demon Hunters' became a love letter to K-pop and its fandom

The story stars with K-pop trio HUNTR/X, who, when they aren't making bops like "Golden," are battling demons to protect the very souls of their fans. But just as they think they're on the verge of building an impenetrable barrier with their songs, the demons fight back with a boy band of their own. The Saja Boys are comically hot, delivering smooth moves, devious plans, and plenty of slapstick. Plus, they've got a tiger, who is cute, creepy, and silly to boot! Whether it's the martial arts action sequences, the swoon-worthy song-and-dance numbers, or the cheeky sense of humor that's grabbed fans of all ages, KPop Demon Hunters is sure to thrill. And hey, now there's a sing-along version too. — K.P.

How to watch: KPop Demon Hunters is now streaming on Netflix.

11. The Harder They Fall Credit: David Lee / Netflix

Put 'em up, as this is hands-down one of the best action movies in the Wild West.

Directed by Jeymes Samuel, The Harder They Fall defiantly redefines the predominantly white Western, boasting an incredible cast of Black stars: Jonathan Majors, Idris Elba, Regina King, Zazie Beetz, LaKeith Stanfield, and Delroy Lindo. A tale of heroes and villains, the film follows Nat Love (Majors) on his quest for revenge against the formidable Rufus Buck (Elba). But he'll have to make his gunslinging way through "Treacherous" Trudy Smith (Regina King) and Cherokee Bill (Stanfield) first. Even before the opening credits roll, you'll fall hard for this one. — Shannon Connellan, UK Editor

How to watch: The Harder They Fall is now streaming on Netflix.

10. Enola Holmes Credit: Netflix

Sherlock Holmes's much cooler little sister is an overlooked young action hero in Enola Holmes. Based on author Nancy Springer's popular book series The Enola Holmes Mysteries, the film puts the great detective's savvy 16-year-old sibling on the case, played with energetic spoonfuls of gumption by Stranger Things star Millie Bobby Brown. She's set to solve the greatest mystery of her young life: to find her missing mother (Helena Bonham Carter) through a series of deliberately cryptic clues — all while breaking the fourth wall and confiding in the audience, thanks to Fleabag director Harry Bradbeer and His Dark Materials' Jack Thorne's sharp screenplay.

Stepping into the footsteps of her famous brother Sherlock (Henry Cavill) and avoiding those of her stuffier misogynist brother Mycroft (Sam Claflin), Enola's case leads her on a wild ride through Victorian-era England, with more than a few fistfights and butts to kick along the way. And lucky for you, the sequel is even better. — S.C.

How to watch: Enola Holmes is now streaming on Netflix.

9. They Cloned Tyrone Credit: Netflix

With this 2023 release, co-writer/director Juel Taylor pulls plenty of inspiration from Blaxploitation. John Boyega, Jamie Foxx, and Teyonah Parris star as a drug dealer, a pimp, and a sex worker who undercover a nefarious conspiracy that's happening underneath their neighborhood. Taylor and fellow screenwriter Tony Rettenmaier weave in wild twists, fly fight scenes, irreverent humor, and swaggering style for what our critic called "a propulsive comedy-thriller with weight." As bold as it is star-studded, you won't want to miss They Cloned Tyrone. And stay for the credits, trust us. — K.P.

How to watch: They Cloned Tyrone is now streaming on Netflix.

SEE ALSO: We need to talk about 'They Cloned Tyrone's ending 8. Kill Boksoon Credit: No Ju-han / Netflix

Gil Bok-Soon (Jeon Do-yeon) is a single mother who often finds herself at odds with her teenage daughter. She's also a highly skilled and successful assassin. Kill Boksoon is a fantastic action film that sees its main character head straight from a brutal killing to the grocery store so she can get dinner on the table. It's one hell of a hook that sucks you in immediately. The fight scenes are hypnotic and the cinematography ambitious and exciting. It's a gripping thriller that makes plenty of space for the complex emotional reality of its characters.* — Kristina Grosspietsch, Freelance Contributor

How to watch: Kill Boksoon is now streaming on Netflix.

7. Triple Frontier Credit: Netflix

This Netflix adventure has Ben Affleck, Oscar Isaac, Charlie Hunnam, Garrett Hedlund, and Pedro Pascal coming together as a group of former Special Forces who plan an elaborate heist in South America. But after things get out of hand, their survival skills are put to the ultimate test.

Putting a talented cast in a tension-filled scenario, Triple Frontier is the type of gritty thriller that's hard to turn away from. — Brooke Bajgrowicz, Entertainment Fellow

How to watch: Triple Frontier is now streaming on Netflix.

6. Okja Credit: Netflix

Blending drama with fantasy/adventure and weaving in a very real message about the horrors of the meat industry, Bong Joon Ho's Okja is a beautifully unique creature feature, striped with action.

The film follows Mina (Ahn Seo-hyun), the granddaughter of a farmer in South Korea who has spent the last 10 years rearing a genetically modified super-pig called Okja as part of a breeding project spearheaded by a grim U.S. corporation. This movie is dark in places, magical in others, and poignant overall, asking us to stop and reflect on the dark side of an industry the majority of us are complicit in. Tilda Swinton and Jake Gyllenhaal make for an entertaining pair of villains, too.* — Sam Haysom, Deputy UK Editor

How to watch: Okja is now streaming on Netflix.

5. Da 5 Bloods Credit: Netflix

Spike Lee copters audiences back to the Vietnam War with Da 5 Bloods, a daring film that's part drama, part war movie, and part heist flick. Named for a squad of Black U.S. Army soldiers of the 1st Infantry Division, Lee's critically heralded 2020 joint follows this band of brothers through a treacherous war zone, then rediscovers them in a present where they're seeking to uncover the past — and a big payday.

Sequences of brutal battles, narrow escapes, and high-tension hijinks make Da 5 Bloods an enthralling watch. Though inspired by history, it's impossible to predict where Lee's story will lead. Our guides on this intense journey through time, loss, war, and brotherhood are Delroy Lindo, Jonathan Majors, Clarke Peters, Norm Lewis, Isiah Whitlock Jr., and the late Chadwick Boseman. Together, they and Lee create an American war film that can't be missed. — K.P.

How to watch: Da 5 Bloods is now streaming on Netflix.

4. Army of the Dead Credit: Netflix

Sometimes all you want is to grab hold of that action-o-meter and crank the dial, hard, to a solid 11. Army of the Dead more than delivers on that front, opening with a musical montage of guns and exploding body parts — and it only gets gorier from there. Zack Snyder's story follows a band of mercenaries hired to steal $200 million from a casino in Las Vegas. The problem? Vegas has been invaded by zombies, the city is quarantined, and the military is planning to blow the entire thing up with a tactical nuclear strike. The sprawling cast includes Dave Bautista, Omari Hardwick, Hiroyuki Sanada, Garret Dillahunt, and Ana de la Reguera, as well as a digitally added Tig Notaro.

What follows is a gloriously silly romp that refuses to take itself too seriously, propelling us through a series of explosions and bullets while the story twists and turns through a 148-minute runtime that feels oh, so much shorter. — S.H.

How to watch: Army of the Dead is now streaming on Netflix.

3. The Old Guard Credit: Netflix

Folks looking for that summer blockbuster thrill, search no further than The Old Guard. Based on the superhero comic books of the same name, director Gina Prince-Bythewood's movie sucks viewers into a slick, well-crafted world of action and narrative that isn't particularly unique but delivers its formulaic pieces with enough precision to keep you invested.

Charlize Theron crushes as the ass-kicking leader of an immortal warrior fight crew, with performances by Harry Melling, Marwan Kenzari, KiKi Layne, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Veronica Ngo, Matthias Schoenaerts, and more.* — Alison Foreman, Entertainment Reporter 

How to watch: The Old Guard is now streaming on Netflix.

2. RRR

You've never seen an action movie quite as bombastic or as bromantic as RRR. Director S.S. Rajamouli draws loosely from history to tell the story of Indian freedom fighters Alluri Sitarama Raju (Ram Charan) and Komaram Bheem (N.T. Rama Rao Jr.). Over the film's three-hour runtime, the two unwittingly face off in the search for a kidnapped girl, become the best of friends, and square off against villainous English colonizers.

SEE ALSO: Was 'RRR' snubbed at the Oscars?

Any of RRR's action sequences would be the pinnacle of a lesser action movie, but the film seems determined to outdo itself with showstopper after showstopper. Take when Raju faces down hundreds of protesters and wins, or when Bheem fights a tiger bare-handed. Would you believe me if I told you those happen within the first 20 minutes? The action — and the movie — only get more awesome from there. — B.E.

How to watch: RRR is now streaming on Netflix.

1. Godzilla Minus One Credit: Toho Company Ltd / Everett / Shutterstock.com

You don't know Godzilla until you see Godzilla Minus One. The American movies featuring the classic kaiju go for huge monster-versus-monster face-offs, bogged down by tedious human characters. But writer/director Takashi Yamazaki reclaims the Japanese icon with a movie that gets the balance between rampaging monster action and human drama just right.

Set near the close of World War II, Godzilla Minus One proves a fascinating tale of atomic age terror. Ryunosuke Kamiki stars as a kamikaze pilot who first flubs his mission, then crosses paths with the giant lizard with atomic breath. Survivor's guilt torments him, even as he cobbles together a found family of fellow survivors. This cast of characters is dynamic, making the scenes of simple home-cooked meals just as satisfying as sequences of town-trampling destruction. Actually, one deeply informs the other. Because while the movie's jaw-dropping special effects rightfully won the Academy Award for Best Visual Effects, it's the emotional impact of them that makes this Godzilla hit harder than any contemporary. Even on the small screen, you'll be in awe.* — K.P.

How to watch: Godzilla Minus One is streaming on Netflix.

Opens in a new window Credit: Netflix Netflix   Get Deal

* denotes the entry comes from a previous Mashable list.

UPDATE: Jan. 30, 2026, 1:00 p.m. EST This list was first published on May 24, 2020. It has since been updated to reflect the current selection on Netflix.

Nothing feels as good as a deep, genuine laugh. It's an expression of joy! It's a workout. It's a sign that you're having a good time.

Netflix has a dazzling selection of comedy movies that give you that good-time feeling on demand. Whether you're craving action-spiked shenanigans, quirky coming-of-age adventures, awkward humor, stranger-than-fiction silliness, madcap musical numbers, or crime with a spree of laughs, there's a perfect pick for you. And we've made singling it out all the easier by highlighting the most hilarious below.

Here are the funniest movies now streaming on Netflix.

27. Cora Bora Megan Stalter stars in "Cora Bora." Credit: Brainstorm Media

If Too Much has you craving more Megan Stalter, you'll want to catch up with this underseen gem. Directed by Hannah Pearl Utt, Cora Bora centers on the titular musician (played by Stalter), who has left Portland and her girlfriend (Jojo T. Gibbs) behind to pursue her dreams in LA. The couple's open relationship allows each to explore other connections — or, in Cora’s case, endure an awkward one-night stand with a sexy Flat Earther (Thomas Mann). But when Cora begins to fear that her girlfriend is catching feelings for someone else, it prompts the chaotic bisexual into a hasty homecoming.

In my review out of the film's SXSW premiere in 2023, I cheered, "Cora Bora proves a sensational cringe comedy, spiked with wicked humor, skin-crawling awkward scenarios, and an ardent — if wounded — heart. Deftly dancing from brash jokes to tender dialogue, Stalter reveals a riveting range and stirring screen presence. Simply put, it’s easy to fall for Cora Bora." — Kristy Puchko, Entertainment Editor

How to watch: Cora Bora is now streaming on Netflix.

26. Paddington in Peru

We could all use some Paddington in our lives, so why not kick back and enjoy Paddington in Peru? Sure, it's not the masterpiece that is Paddington 2, but director Dougal Wilson still crafts a charming adventure in its own right in his directorial debut.

SEE ALSO: 'Paddington in Peru' review: The movie we need right now

This time around, Paddington (voiced by Ben Whishaw) is headed back to his homeland of deepest, darkest Peru, with the Brown family in tow. In his quest to find his missing Aunt Lucy, he'll cross paths with a high-energy, guitar-playing nun (Olivia Colman) and a cartoonish, disguise-loving boat captain (Antonio Banderas). Colman and Banderas elevate Paddington's journey from funny to downright outrageous, proving that there are few things more fun than watching seasoned performers let their freak flags fly. Check out their work and the rest of Paddington in Peru, and see why Mashable Entertainment Editor Kristy Puchko called it "the movie we need right now." — Belen Edwards, Entertainment Reporter

How to watch: Paddington in Peru is now streaming on Netflix.

25. Saturday Night Credit: Hopper Stone / Sony Pictures Entertainment

Unjustly overlooked at release in the fall of 2024, this frantically funny romp from Juno and Young Adult director Jason Reitman details the 90-minute lead-up to the very first episode of Saturday Night Live in October of 1975. The ensemble cast is packed, with Cory Michael Smith as Chevy Chase, Ella Hunt as Gilda Radner, Dylan O'Brien as Dan Aykroyd, Emily Fairn as Laraine Newman, Matt Wood as John Belushi, Lamorne Morris as Garrett Morris, and Kim Matula as Jane Curtin. 

Add Gabriel Labelle as Lorne Michaels, the man with the wild and crazy plan himself, and the fact that this movie managed to only be 90 minutes long with all of these characters (plus a dozen more I don't even have room to list) is a real miracle in itself. Plenty of people do get shafted time-wise — notably, most of the women, which is pretty crappy given the show's own track record shafting women back in the day — but Saturday Night definitely captures the chaos and hilarious mayhem that Michaels managed to funnel into a comedy revolution. — Jason Adams, Contributing Writer

How to watch: Saturday Night is now streaming on Netflix.

24. Nonnas

Speaking of delicious, this comedy written by Liz Maccie and directed by her husband Stephen Chbosky will have you craving a home-cooked Italian meal.

Inspired by the true story of the restaurant Enoteca Maria, Nonnas stars Vince Vaughn as an average Joe who channels his grief over losing his mother and grandmother into a tantalizing new venture. He uses his inheritance to build a new restaurant in Staten Island, and hires Italian grandmothers (or nonnas) to become the chefs using their family recipes. Personalities clash, but ultimately these strong-willed women come together to create something stupendous.

It's a feel-good comedy full of love, joy, and laughs.* — K.P.

How to watch: Nonnas is now streaming on Netflix.

23. Heart Eyes Credit: Christopher Moss

Valentine's Day gets a horror-comedy makeover in Heart Eyes, from director Josh Ruben (Werewolves Within). The titular slasher only kills on Feb. 14, when they target happy couples in love. This year, the Heart Eyes killer has marketers Ally (Olivia Holt) and Jay (Mason Gooding) in their sights. There's just one problem: Ally and Jay aren't a couple, even though a coffee shop meet-cute and undeniable chemistry seem to suggest otherwise. Can these star-crossed acquaintances and definitely not lovers survive the night and convince the Heart Eyes Killer they're totally platonic?

What follows is a cross between gory slasher and romantic comedy, and if you're a fan of both genres, chances are you'll be charmed by Heart Eyes. As Mashable contributor Kimber Myers wrote in her review, "Heart Eyes is a gory good time for those who are likely to swipe right on an off-kilter love story and a horror comedy." — B.E.

How to watch: Heart Eyes is now streaming on Netflix.

22. Cunk on Life

Comedian Diane Morgan has been gifting the world with her character of Philomena Cunk for a glorious decade and a half now. A dim-witted investigative journalist who butts heads with the real-world leading minds on each subject, Cunk proved to be a one-woman feast of absolute nonsense. The character Cunk started getting her own specials in 2016 with Cunk on Christmas, followed by Cunk on Britain and the epic globe-trotting mockumentary series Cunk on Earth (also streaming on Netflix).

Morgan's expanded her reach all the way to Cunk on Life, her latest side-splitter that tries to uncover the very meaning of existence itself across its humble 71-minute runtime. Does Cunk succeed? Well, Cunk definitely thinks she does, every damn time. But if not, at least we'll get to hear some Technotronic in the process, dammit! — J.A.   

How to watch: Cunk on Life is now streaming on Netflix.

21. Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F Eddie Murphy is back as Axel Foley. Credit: Netflix

Eddie Murphy returns as wise-cracking Detroit police officer Axel Foley. 30 years after Beverly Hills Cop III, this sensational sequel sees Foley returning to Los Angeles to fight a new foe, reunite with old friends, and reconnect with his estranged daughter.

SEE ALSO: 'Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F' review: Netflix's sequel shouldn't work and yet...

Reprising their supporting roles are Beverly Hills Cop co-stars John Ashton, Judge Reinhold, Paul Reiser, and Bronson Pinchot. New to the crew is Taylour Paige as Axel's hard-headed daughter, Joseph Gordon-Levitt as a local ally, Nasim Pedrad as a flustered real estate agent, and Kevin Bacon as a smirking antagonist. The sparks will fly. The punchlines hit powerfully. The soundtrack is fire. And just like that, the heat is back on! — K.P.

How to watch: Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F is now streaming on Netflix.

20. Between Two Ferns: The Movie Credit: Adam Rose / Netflix

Zach Galifianakis' awkward celebrity interview web series Between Two Ferns might not seem like fodder for a full-length movie, but Between Two Ferns: The Movie goes double meta by presenting his success on Funny or Die as an insult to the actor's intention to host a "serious" interview show. Galifianakis the character sets off to correct the assumption that his original show is a joke by interviewing even more celebrities, like John Cho, Keanu Reeves, Tiffany Haddish, and more. — Alexis Nedd, Senior Entertainment Reporter

How to watch: Between Two Ferns: The Movie is now streaming on Netflix.

19. Do Revenge Credit: Netflix

Looking for a revenge flick that pays tribute to teen classics like Mean Girls, Heathers, Cruel Intentions, and more? Then check out Do Revenge, a dark comedy sure to join the canon of iconic high school movies. Students Drea (Camila Mendes) and Eleanor (Maya Hawke) couldn't be more different... apart from the fact that both have major bones to pick with people who ruined their reputations. They decide to team up and execute one another's revenge plans, which leads down a winding road of morally dubious choices, snappy one-liners, and excellent outfits.

Mendes and Hawke have great chemistry, but it's Sophie Turner who damn near steals the show in a bit part that simply must be seen to be believed.* — Belen Edwards, Entertainment Reporter

How to watch: Do Revenge is now streaming on Netflix.

SEE ALSO: Sophie Turner steals Netflix's 'Do Revenge' in 5 outrageous minutes 18. Always Be My Maybe Credit: Netflix

What if the one who got away got a second chance? Back in the day, Sasha and Marcus were tight as a slap bracelet. But one fumbled night in a sweaty backseat seemed to shatter their future together.

Fifteen years later, she's a world-renowned chef and he's — well — he's working for his dad's HVAC business and playing with his band on the side. Still, fate arranges for them to reconnect, which could mean Marcus (Randall Park) has a shot to show Sasha (Ali Wong) how he feels. Comedy ensues as the stakes get high when Keanu Reeves crashes the party, being all weird and hot and having the audacity to be Keanu Reeves! This Nahnatchka Khan-helmed laffer also boasts appearances by James Saito, Charlyne Yi, Karan Soni, Daniel Dae Kim, and Michelle Buteau.* — K.P.

How to watch: Always Be My Maybe is now streaming on Netflix.

SEE ALSO: 20 best romantic comedies to fall in love with on Netflix 17. Dolemite Is My Name Credit: François Duhamel / Netflix

Chronicling the true story of late comedian Rudy Ray Moore — also known as Dolemite — this Eddie Murphy vehicle is worth every minute of viewing.

An outrageous showbiz comedy, Dolemite Is My Name is at once a poignant look at the life of an underdog and an unbelievably good time. With supporting performances by Da'Vine Joy Randolph, Wesley Snipes, Craig Robinson, and more, this biopic offers more beat-for-beat joy than many of its fictional counterparts. Sensational, aspirational, and electric: You'll love it. — Alison Foreman, Entertainment Reporter

How to watch: Dolemite Is My Name is now streaming on Netflix.

16. The Polka King Credit: Netflix

Sometimes true crime can lead to some pitch-perfect dark comedy. This is the case for this outrageous offering, which stars Jack Black as infamous scammer/local celebrity Jan Lewan. Black brings all the rock star panache you need to understand how Lewan could be so beguiling to the Pennsylvanian retirees who surrendered their savings to the self-proclaimed Polka King.

Screenwriters Maya Forbes and Wallace Wolodarsky gave this story of fraud and showmanship shape. But they wisely trusted in the local flair of the terrific 2009 documentary The Man Who Would Be Polka King to provide some of the wildest lines of dialogue. Plucking directly from interviews with the friends, family, and victims of Jan Lewan, this comedy feels stranger than fiction but is jaw-droppingly real. Salty supporting turns from Jenny Slate, Jacki Weaver, and Jason Schwartzman bring added fun.* — K.P.

How to watch: The Polka King is now streaming on Netflix.

SEE ALSO: Love me like a Polka King 15. The Mitchells vs. The Machines Credit: Netflix

Sony Pictures Animation has given audiences such daring and dynamic animated movies as Surf's Up, Hotel Transylvania, and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. This zany 2021 release centers on a family who's battling back the robo-apocalypse with togetherness, internet savviness, and a wall-eyed pug named Monchi (voiced by social media icon Doug the Pug).

The Mitchells' adventure into chaos begins when daughter Katie (Abbi Jacobson) is poised to go off to college. Desperate for one last family-unifying road trip, her dad (Danny McBride) piles the whole family into his beater of a vehicle, unknowingly charting a fateful route into heroics. Co-directors Mike Rianda and Jeff Rowe infuse Katie's excitable perspective throughout the film by working in internet memes, social media-style reactions, and blitz of bonkers visuals. It’s a bold move that might alienate some viewers but has largely won the acclaim of critics and kiddos.* — K.P.

How to watch: The Mitchells vs. The Machines is now streaming on Netflix.

14. Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery Credit: Netflix

Writer/director Rian Johnson follows up his critically heralded whodunnit with a sequel that's even more explosive than Knives Out. Southern gentleman/detective Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) is back, drawling deductions and whipping out witticisms, much to the chagrin of a group of wealthy and conniving friends.

It was supposed to be a murder mystery weekend where homicide was just a game. But when tech scion Miles Bron (Edward Norton) brings together his closest friends and worst enemy, real blood will be spilled, and the game is afoot! Joining in on the comically chaotic fun are Kate Hudson, Janelle Monáe, Dave Bautista, Kathryn Hahn, Leslie Odom Jr., and Jessica Henwick. — K.P.

How to watch: Glass Onion is now streaming on Netflix.

SEE ALSO: All those 'Glass Onion' cameos, ranked 13. The Forty-Year-Old Version Credit: Jeong Park / Netflix © 2020

The Forty-Year-Old Version isn’t just any film about a struggling New York artist, but one about a Black female playwright who’s continually held back from creating something authentic to her perspective. Radha Blank's autobiographical directorial debut, which she also wrote, produced, and stars in, is a searing, funny, and unabashedly honest look at the compromises Black creatives are pushed to make in a world dominated by whiteness.

A teacher approaching her 40th birthday, Radha (Blank) gets the chance to produce one of her plays — only after she refuses to write a slave musical. But forced to change her vision to appease white audiences, Radha considers a totally different medium to express herself: becoming a rapper. The Forty-Year-Old Version may be one of the most slept-on Netflix originals, and it’s a shame we've yet to see another film from Blank since, itself an indictment of an industry that fails to continually platform raw and honest Black storytelling.* — Oliver Whitney, Contributing Writer

How to watch: The Forty-Year-Old Version is now streaming on Netflix.

12. Vampires vs. the Bronx Credit: Netflix

Want a movie that's got excitement, comedy, a scorching message about the evils of gentrification, and is a kid-friendly romp? Then take a bite out of Vampires vs. the Bronx.

Oz Rodriguez's PG-13 horror-comedy centers on Afro-Latino teens who recognize that a flurry of missing person posters and an influx of rich white folks with tote bags means bad news for the neighborhood. Together, they team up Monster Squad-style to take down the bloodsuckers and save their community. With a sharp wit, a warm heart, a rich sense of atmosphere, and an equal appreciation for the Blade movies and '80s Amblin, Vampires vs. the Bronx is an easy watch full of rewards.* — K.P.

How to watch: Vampires vs. the Bronx is now streaming on Netflix.

11. The Breaker Upperers

This hidden gem comes from New Zealand, the fertile comedy ground that gave us Taika Waititi, Flight of the Conchords, and What We Do in the Shadows. Waititi collaborators Jackie van Beek, James Rolleston, and Jemaine Clement team up for a deeply quirky buddy comedy about two long-time besties with a bonkers — but brilliant — business model.

Need someone to dump your partner so you can avoid a messy confrontation? Call on Jen and Mel (co-writers/co-directors/co-leads van Beek and Madeleine Sami). For a reasonable fee, these fearless Breaker Upperers will impersonate police officers, play pregnant, or even fake your death to help you ghost an ex. Whatever the shenanigans, van Beek and Sami sparkle. Booming with wild humor and big heart, this comedy is guaranteed to leave you cackling.* — K.P.

Where to watch: The Breaker Upperers is now streaming on Netflix.

10. Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga Credit: John Wilson / Netflix

With its reputation for wacky musical numbers, the Eurovision Song Contest is ripe for parody. Luckily for Eurovision lovers, the contest gets the send-up it deserves in this gloriously goofy flick starring Will Ferrell and Rachel McAdams. They play the Icelandic musical duo Fire Saga, who find themselves in the Eurovision spotlight. There, they discover that the famed competition is a world of cutthroat competitors, glitzy costumes, and many, many bops.

Eurovision Song Contest is full of larger-than-life characters and ridiculous humor, but it's also teeming with Eurovision references that will have fans laughing and cheering. For every "Jaja Ding Dong," there's a joyful Song-A-Long — and both are great! Pair all that with pitch-perfect comedic performances from Ferrell and McAdams, and you have a comedy that will both have you in stitches and win your heart. (Best of all, if you weren't a Eurovision fanatic before seeing this movie, you'll definitely be one by the time it ends.)* — B.E.

How to watch: Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga is now streaming on Netflix.

9. The Thursday Murder Club Celia Imrie, Helen Mirren, Naomi Ackie, Pierce Brosnan, and Sir Ben Kingsley in "The Thursday Murder Club." Credit: Giles Keyte / Netflix

Sir Ben Kingsley, Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, and Celia Imrie bring to life the brilliant pensioners at the heart of Richard Osman's best-selling novel The Thursday Murder Club.

In the charming retirement village of Cooper's Chase, a club made up of a former M16 agent, a once-feared union activist, a wise therapist, and a cheerful retired nurse use their lifetimes of skills to crack cold cases. But when fresh blood is spilled in their social circle, the Thursday Murder Club hunts for clues, leading them to spooky settings and dangerous people.

Director Chris Columbus offers a cozy crime thriller that's sure to delight fans of the book series. And we suspect it'll hook newcomers too, as his cast dazzles with every quip and daring deduction. — K.P.

How to watch: Thursday Murder Club is now streaming on Netflix.

8. Hit Man

Richard Linklater and Glen Powell reunite for Hit Man, a rom-com that is killer in all sense of the word.

Powell plays Gary Johnson, a college professor whose side gig as an undercover hit man leads to an unexpected meet-cute with would-be client Madison (Andor's Adria Arjona). The pair's connection (and electrifying chemistry) sparks a delightful game of false identities, reinvention, and twisted love that toggles between hilarious, thrilling, and sexy at a moment's notice. Oh, who am I kidding; sometimes it's all three at once!* — B.E.

How to watch: Hit Man is now streaming on Netflix.

7. One of Them Days Credit: Anne Marie Fox / Sony Pictures

Produced by Issa Rae, One of Them Days stars Keke Palmer and SZA as best friends scraping by in Los Angeles — and rent is due! Unfortunately, a shady boyfriend seems to have made off with their payment. If they don't scramble together enough cash to appease their crooked landlord, aspiring painter Alyssa (SZA) and waitress Dreux (Palmer) will be out on the curb. These inventive girlfriends go through a wild array of hijinks along the way, crossing paths with a vicious romantic rival, a big-mouthed busybody, a ruthless gangster, and Dreux's muscle-bound crush whose nickname is "Maniac." As the ticking clock comes closer and closer to climax, you'll be worn out from cackling.

The script by Syreeta Singleton is crackling with jokes, and director Lawrence Lamont pitches his cast into some grade-A slapstick. While this comedy's dynamic leading ladies are reason enough to give One of Them Days a watch, they're bolstered by a supporting cast that includes Katt Williams, Maude Apatow, Janelle James, Gabrielle Dennis, and Dewayne Perkins. — K.P.

How to watch: One of Them Days is now streaming on Netflix.

6. Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl Credit: Netflix

Our pals Wallace the inventor and his loyal pup Gromit have been running around for nearly four cracking decades now, but their latest adventure (and only their second feature-length film, after 2005's The Curse of the Were-Rabbit) proves they've lost not a whit of their vim and verve. Nominated for Best Animated Feature at the Oscars, Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl happily proves to be yet another gut-busting bit of British whimsy from Aardman Animation head Nick Park and his team of clay-playing creatives.

Vengeance Most Fowl sees our cheese-loving duo facing down a familiar foe — the diabolical penguin mastermind Feathers McGraw, who was last seen being sent off to imprisonment in the City Zoo in the classic 1993 short The Wrong Trousers. Hacking into Wallace's latest invention, a garden gnome robot named Norbot that he's created to do all of the yard work, Feathers builds himself an army of killer gnomes all programmed to do his bidding. And he wants nothing more than to bid adieu to his nemesis Wallace! — J.A.

How to watch: Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl is now streaming on Netflix.

5. Shiva Baby

Some people find this 2020 cringe comedy from writer-director Emma Seligman to be so stressful that it stops being a comedy altogether, to which we give a hearty boo. Sure, it's one of the most claustrophobic experiences you can have outside of an escape room that's caught on fire, but Rachel Sennott is a comic genius who spins every moment of horror into gold!

Before the two teamed up again in 2023 for the LOL-worthy Bottoms, Seligman and Sennott gave us this small-scale story of college student Danielle, who is attending a Jewish funeral reception where absolutely everything goes wrong. Sitting shiva is never a party, but Danielle's parents (a brilliantly funny Fred Melamed and Polly Draper) are hard on her case. Then her ex-girlfriend Maya (an equally funny Molly Gordon) shows up, and that's awkward. What else could go wrong? Glad you asked! Danielle's secret side gig as a sugar baby is jeopardized when her main client (Danny Deferrari) shows up with his shiksa wife and their newborn baby. Now throw all of this drama into the smallest three rooms you can imagine, all stuffed with the loudest people eating the driest crackers you have ever seen, and enjoy! — J.A.

How to watch: Shiva Baby is now streaming on Netflix.

4. KPop Demon Hunters HUNTR/X eats ramen in "KPop Demon Hunters." Credit: Netflix

Officially the most popular Netflix original movie of all time, KPop Demon Hunters delivers a little bit of everything: romance, action, comedy, and a totally addictive soundtrack.

The story stars with K-pop trio HUNTR/X, who, when they aren't making bops like "Golden," are battling demons to protect the very souls of their fans. But just as they think they're on the verge of building an impenetrable barrier with their songs, the demons fight back with a boy band of their own. The Saja Boys are comically hot, delivering smooth moves, devious plans, and plenty of slapstick. Plus, they've got a tiger, who is cute, creepy, and silly to boot! Whether it's the martial arts action sequences, the swoon-worthy song-and-dance numbers, or the cheeky sense of humor that's grabbed fans of all ages, KPop Demon Hunters is sure to thrill. And hey, there's a sing-along version now too. — K.P.

How to watch: KPop Demon Hunters is now streaming on Netflix.

3. Between the Temples

Filmmaker Nathan Silver has been churning out extremely oddball indie films for the past 15 years without a whole lot of fanfare, but he finally found a sliver of mainstream attention in 2024 with Between the Temples, a tender and relatively straightforward (for him) comedy starring the one-of-a-kind twosome of Jason Schwartzman and Carol Kane. Schwartzman plays Ben, a recently widowed cantor at the local synagogue, while Kane plays his former elementary school music teacher Carla, who comes to him after deciding she wants to have the bat mitzvah she didn't get to have as a child. The two spark, their families clash, and big life lessons are learned. And if you could bottle the off-kilter chemistry between these supreme character actors, you'd have magic, which is just what this movie, singular and sweet, is. — J.A. 

How to watch: Between the Temples is now streaming on Netflix.

2. Kneecap Credit: Helen Sloan / Sony Pictures Classics

Like 8 Mile with way more vowels, Kneecap tells the true life story of the titular band while starring the band members as themselves. The hip-hop trio of Liam Óg "Mo Chara" Ó Hannaidh, Naoise "Móglaí Bap" Ó Cairealláin, and JJ "DJ Próvaí" Ó Dochartaigh portray their own rise from rough-and-tumble beginnings in West Belfast to their place atop the Irish charts, which stands out since they rap in the Irish language, which was well out of favor at the time, having been usurped by the English colonizers. Their music rises on the tide of the language's popular reclamation, but Kneecap is hardly a linguistics lesson — it's a hilarious and wildly entertaining drug-fueled riot of anarchic artistic expression. Oh, and Michael Fassbender plays Naoise's da, which I guess makes him the Kim Basinger of this situation?  — J.A.

How to watch: Kneecap is now streaming on Netflix.

1. Parasite

Bong Joon Ho's Parasite is not just a deeply dark "eat the rich" comedy, it's also a Best Picture winner. And for good reason.

Co-written and direct by Bong, Parasite centers on an impoverished family, scraping by in a basement apartment in Seoul, South Korea. When son Kim Ki-woo (Choi Woo-shik) scores a coveted job as the personal tutor to the youngest child of the wealthy Park family, he sees an opportunity for his father (Song Kang-ho), mother (Jang Hye-jin), and sister (Park So-dam) to get in on the payday. It'll just take some careful strategizing — or, well — flat-out scamming.

Bong and his crackling cast had audiences cackling over these crafty con artists in the film's first and second acts. However, Parasite isn't just a class-conflict comedy but also a scathing critique of a capitalist culture that holds up the haves and scorns the have-nots, so things go from dark comedy to just downright dark in the film's finale. Not for the faint of heart, Parasite is a marvel that'll have you laughing, gasping, and maybe even crying by its end. — K.P.

How to watch: Parasite is now streaming on Netflix.

Opens in a new window Credit: Netflix Netflix   Get Deal

* denotes that this blurb appeared in a previous Mashable list. 

UPDATE: Jan. 30, 2026, 2:21 p.m. EST This list was originally published on March 26, 2020. It has been updated to reflect the current selection on Netflix.