Technology

Some people get in the mood for the holidays by decorating a tree, baking cookies, or venturing out to look at houses draped in thousands of string lights. Others just pop on a Christmas movie to get into the spirit. 

Whether you're planning a mega holiday movie marathon, wanting to put on an old classic, or trying to mix up your family movie night with something different this year, there's plenty to choose from. We've curated the very best Christmas movies you can stream or rent, from sentimental classics with a twist and cozy romantic comedies to emotional indie dramas and high-speed action thrillers.

1. The Long Kiss Goodnight (1996) Credit: New Line / Kobal / Shutterstock

Yes, we can all agree that Die Hard is the GOAT Christmas action movie, but don't you dare sleep on The Long Kiss Goodnight. 

In Renny Harlin's action thriller, Geena Davis' Samantha is a wholesome small-town school teacher and mother who, eight years ago, woke up pregnant on a beach with no memory of who she was. In the present day, Samantha gets into a car accident that changes everything — she begins remembering things and discovers she has elite knife skills. Was she a chef, perhaps? That seems unlikely when a strange man who recognized her at a Christmas parade shows up at her house to attack her. She kills him with ease as if it's her day job. Turns out, it sure as heck was. 

Davis' PTA mom soon transforms back into her old badass self, a platinum blonde CIA assassin. This time, she has Samuel L. Jackson's private eye as her sidekick. With explosions and car chases galore, The Long Kiss Goodnight is everything you'd want from a delightfully bonkers holiday action movie.

How to watch: The Long Kiss Goodnight is available for rent or purchase on Apple TV+, Prime Video, and Fandango at Home.

2. Home Alone (1990)

Watching Macaulay Culkin's Kevin McCallister line his house with booby traps in Home Alone never gets old. It's also a great lesson for young kids left at home by their chaotic families in how to prepare for pesky burglars. Anything can be a weapon! Those old paint cans, your brother's pet tarantula, even a blow torch to burn the top off of a strange man's head can keep you safe. Home Alone has all the perfect ingredients to make a great, rewatchable Christmas movie with its wacky and playful plot, its charismatic cast, a sentimental message about the importance of family during the holidays, and some of the most quotable lines. Go eat some junk and watch some rubbish this Christmas.

How to watch: Home Alone is streaming on Disney+ and available for rent or purchase on Apple TV+, Prime Video, and Fandango at Home.

3. The Preacher's Wife (1996) Credit: Touchstone / Kobal / Shutterstock

A cozy Christmas movie starring Whitney Houston and Denzel Washington — what could be better? In director Penny Marshall's The Preacher's Wife, a remake of 1947's The Bishop's Wife, Washington plays a charming angel sent down to Earth to help save a marriage in shambles. Houston's Julia is growing impatient with her pastor husband Henry (Courtney B. Vance), who's distracted by his dwindling church membership. Washington's jovial Dudley is just the spark that the family needs. His wit and doting attention remind Julia of what things used to be like with her and Henry, and the pastor grows jealous. But no worries; Dudley is just here to revitalize the pastor's faith and remind him of the important things he's let slip as Christmas approaches. The Preacher's Wife is warm and full of heart, and also features one of the silliest Denzel Washington performances that simply must be seen.

How to watch: The Preacher's Wife is available for rent or purchase on Apple TV+, Prime Video, and Fandango at Home.

4. Meet Me in St. Louis (1944)

Nothing says a Christmas classic like a Judy Garland song. In Meet Me in St. Louis, we get several memorable Garland numbers, from the classic “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” to the buoyant "Trolley Song." 

The 1944 Vincente Minnelli musical tells the story of the wealthy Smith family living in St. Louis, Missouri, one year before the 1904 World's Fair. All is well for them until the devastating news arrives that the family must relocate to New York City immediately after Christmas for their father's new job. The two eldest Smith daughters, Esther (Garland) and Rose (Lucille Bremer) are distraught, since they're both in love with local boys and have their futures planned near home. Even the youngest, Tootie (Margaret O'Brien), is so distraught that she destroys a bunch of snowmen in a fit of rage. But maybe, just maybe, the spirit of Christmas will turn things around for them.

How to watch: Meet Me in St. Louis is streaming on Tubi and available for rent or purchase on Apple TV+, Prime Video, and Fandango at Home.

5. Klaus (2019) Credit: Netflix

The majority of family-friendly Christmas movies often tell the same types of holiday stories about Santa. But Sergio Pablos' Klaus proposes a new origin story for Old Saint Nick. In the animated adventure, it all begins with a Norwegian postman named Jasper (voiced by Jason Schwartzman) who's sent away to an icy northern town called Smeerensburg to carry out his mail delivery duties. There he happens to stumble upon a reclusive bearded toymaker named Klaus (J.K. Simmons). When Jasper helps Klaus donate one of his creations to a local kid, soon every kid in town is desperate to send the toymaker a letter to get a gift in return. And so, Santa is born. Pablos' animated film is a welcome addition to the Christmas movie canon, not only for its originality but also for its gorgeous animation that's glowing with light and Christmas-y warmth.

How to watch: Klaus is streaming on Netflix.

6. Carol (2015)

We all need a sad gay romance to weep over during the holidays, and there isn't one better than Carol. Todd Haynes' 1950s-set love story follows Cate Blanchett as the eye-catching Carol Aird, a glamorous mother recently separated from her irate homophobic husband (Kyle Chandler), and Rooney Mara's budding young photographer, Therese Belivet. The two women begin to fall in love over a shared lunch of martinis and a trip to Carol's Connecticut home. But remember, this is the '50s, and Carol's queer relationship is soon used against her in her divorce.

Set over the holidays in New York City, Carol beautifully captures the Christmastime atmosphere of the East Coast in winter. There's a snowy trip to a tree lot, the frazzled energy of a department store amid the holiday shopping bustle, long winter coats and scarves, and the cozy relief of escaping the icy streets for a warm holiday party where eyes meet over cocktails. 

How to watch: Carol is streaming on HBO Max, and available for rent or purchase on Apple TV+, Prime Video, and Fandango at Home.   

7. Tangerine (2015) Credit: Augustas Quirk / Magnolia / Duplass Brothers Prods / Kobal / Shutterstock

It's Christmas Eve in Hollywood and Sin-Dee (Kitana Kiki Rodriguez), a Black trans woman and sex worker, has just gotten out of jail. She meets up with her best friend Alexandra (Mya Taylor) and soon finds out that her pimp/boyfriend Chester (James Ransone) has been cheating on her — and not with just anyone, but with a white cis woman. Now it's time for revenge.

Tangerine follows the two friends over the course of the night as they walk across Hollywood searching for Chester. A simple story blossoms into a profound and emotional journey that sheds light on the real-life experiences many Black trans sex workers encounter on the daily. When Sean Baker's film first came out, it was praised for its low-budget indie style, and for being shot entirely on iPhones. But it's really the story, rich with intimate human moments and bursts of comedy, along with Rodriguez and Taylor's raw performances, that makes Tangerine such a moving film, and one about the power of chosen family.

How to watch: Tangerine is streaming on Hulu and Netflix, and is available for rent or purchase on Apple TV+, Prime Video, and Fandango at Home.

8. Go (1999)

Forget cozy holiday dinners and family trips to the tree lot. This Christmas, why not go to a rave? That's how the kids in the '90s cult classic Go decide to celebrate the holiday season.

It's the night of a massive Santa-themed rave in Los Angeles, and two guys are looking to score some ecstasy. Sarah Polley's supermarket clerk Ronna is faced with being evicted, so she decides to become a dealer for the night. Yet things go incredibly wrong, incredibly fast. There's undercover cops, a pissed-off Las Vegas bouncer, car chases, a guy who took way too many pills, and lots and lots of anxiety. 

Watching Go is the exact opposite experience of watching a traditional Christmas movie; instead, it feels a lot like being on a bad trip at a rave. Sounds awful, I know, but I swear it's a blast! If you're itching for some adrenaline, a great '90s cast, and a taste of L.A. rave culture, look no further.

How to Watch: Go is available for rent or purchase on Apple TV+, Prime Video, and Fandango at Home.

9. The Holiday (2006)

Sometimes you're so depressed and heartbroken after a breakup that the best solution is to get the heck out of town and spontaneously travel to a stranger's home in another country. Maybe you'll find your deepest self there, or maybe you'll meet a charming, kind man for once. In Nancy Meyers' pre-AirBnB romcom The Holiday, that's just what Cameron Diaz's Amanda and Kate Winslet's Iris do. Iris swaps her cozy English cottage to spend Christmas in the Hollywood Hills, while Amanda takes a break from her movie trailer editing job in L.A. to soak in some English countryside solitude. A sweet holiday rom-com with all the signature Nancy Meyers' touches (sappy romance, picturesque homes, cozy cream sweaters, etc.), The Holiday checks all the boxes.

How to watch: The Holiday is available for rent or purchase on Apple TV+, Prime Video, and Fandango at Home.

10. It's a Wonderful Life (1946) 

In this endlessly rewatchable Christmas staple, Jimmy Stewart is the most generous man in town who puts his dreams aside to help save his neighbors during a financial crisis. Stewart's George Bailey skips his honeymoon, uses his savings to help his community, and even turns down a cushy high-paying job to put others first. But when things go terribly wrong on Christmas Eve, Bailey reaches a breaking point and steps onto a bridge, preparing to jump. That's when his guardian angel, Clarence (Henry Travers), arrives to show him just how different his town and family's life would be without him.

Frank Capra's It's a Wonderful Life is an enduring Christmas classic because it's a reminder of just how precious life is and the impact we have on those around us, even when we can't see it ourselves. It's the type of Christmas film you put on to get into the holiday mood, then suddenly find yourself sobbing, even if you've seen it a dozen times.

How to watch: It's A Wonderful Life is streaming on Prime Video, and available for rent or purchase on Apple TV+ and Fandango at Home.

11. Elf (2003) Credit: Alan Markfield / New Line Prods / Kobal / Shutterstock

It's simply not Christmas without Will Ferrell, or a bowl of spaghetti and candy for breakfast. In Elf, Ferrell's Buddy spent his entire life growing up in the North Pole believing he was one of Santa's helpers, despite being enormously tall compared to all the others. Once he finally learns that he's an orphan, Buddy sets out to New York City to find his real father and embark on a series of silly misadventures. James Caan plays Buddy's father, Walter Hobbs, a hardened business exec who publishes children's books. The two are a perfect if chaotic pair — a goofy child-in-a-man's-body, and a grouchy, workaholic dad. For a playful family Christmas comedy that's got romance, humor, and big Manhattan-at-Christmas energy, you can't go wrong with Elf.

How to watch: Elf is streaming on HBO Max, and available for rent or purchase on Apple TV+, Prime Video, and Fandango at Home.

12. Phantom Thread (2017) Credit: Moviestore / Shutterstock

If you're tapped out on sentimental Christmas movies, why not put on a seasonal period romance that's enjoyably cynical and even a bit kinky? Set in the 1950s, Paul Thomas Anderson's Phantom Thread is all about relationship power dynamics. A perfectionist London dressmaker named Reynolds Woodcock (Daniel Day-Lewis) falls for a waitress, Alma (an excellent Vicky Krieps). However, he soon discovers his new muse isn't as submissive as the usual women he casually dates and discards. After Reynolds experiences a bout of sickness, the couple's dynamic takes a fascinating turn. And while the holiday season is technically only present as a backdrop for a handful of scenes — notably some of the most emotionally charged of their romance — Phantom Thread has a wintry, even ghostly, Christmas atmosphere throughout.

How to watch: Phantom Thread is streaming on Netflix and available for rent or purchase on Apple TV+, Prime Video, and Fandango at Home.

13. The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)

Imagine being a grumpy Scrooge when you're surrounded by a town full of silly Muppets. Michael Caine is as cantankerous as ever as Ebenezer Scrooge in The Muppet Christmas Carol. In the Jim Henson musical take on Dickens' classic, Caine humbugs around London as the townsfolk sing about his coldheartedness. Gonzo and Rizzo narrate the musical film, injecting it with humor and shenanigans throughout. Kermit plays Scrooge's benevolent employee Bob Cratchit, with Miss Piggy as Mrs. Cratchit and Robin the Frog as the adorable Tiny Tim. The whole Muppet gang appears throughout, and while the film follows the same beats of A Christmas Carol, the familiar cast of characters and added music make it an extra joyous watch.

How to watch: The Muppet Christmas Carol is streaming on Disney+, and available to rent or purchase on Apple TV+, Prime Video, and Fandango at Home.

14. Moonstruck (1987)

Some people watch A Christmas Story every December, while others put on Moonstruck. The romantic comedy may not be about Christmas, but in almost every scene it gives off big Christmas energy. There's Cher's Loretta walking through the snowy streets of New York City in a long black trench coat and sipping wine by a fireplace. There's the Lincoln Center tree lit up behind Loretta and Nic Cage's Ronny as they attend the opera. There's the twinkling of string lights and Christmas decor along the streets and shops in the backdrop. The energy of Christmas is all around in this movie as Loretta falls in love with the ill-tempered Ronny while his brother (her fiancé) is away in Sicily. While Moonstruck is a perfect movie to watch any day of the year, it's especially fitting to snuggle up with it during the holiday season.

How to watch: Moonstruck is streaming on Prime Video, The Roku Channel, Tubi, and Pluto TV, and available for rent or purchase on Apple TV+ and Fandango at Home.

15. Miracle on 34th Street (1994)

When you imagine a picturesque Santa Claus, jolly, endearing, and kind, no one fits the bill better than Richard Attenborough in Miracle on 34th Street. The beloved actor just looks the part, with his rosy cheeks, warm smile, and inviting demeanor. Sadly, no one in Manhattan except a 6-year-old girl named Susan actually believes he's Santa.

In the wholesome 1994 remake of the classic film from 1947, Attenborough plays a sweet old man named Kris Kringle who gets hired to play Santa at a Manhattan department store. Kris keeps insisting that he's actually the famous guy from the North Pole, but everyone in New York seems to have lost the spirit of Christmas so much that a plot is formed to institutionalize the poor guy. It's up to Susan (Mara Wilson) and a lawyer (played by Dylan McDermott) to defend Kris Kringle in court and prove that he's not just wearing a red and white suit for a seasonal gig.

How to watch: Miracle on 34th Street is streaming on Disney+ and The Roku Channel, and available for rent or purchase on Apple TV+ and Fandango at Home.

UPDATE: Nov. 20, 2025, 12:34 p.m. This list was first published on Nov. 28, 2024. It has been updated to reflect current streaming options.

If you like playing daily word games like Wordle, then Hurdle is a great game to add to your routine.

There are five rounds to the game. The first round sees you trying to guess the word, with correct, misplaced, and incorrect letters shown in each guess. If you guess the correct answer, it'll take you to the next hurdle, providing the answer to the last hurdle as your first guess. This can give you several clues or none, depending on the words. For the final hurdle, every correct answer from previous hurdles is shown, with correct and misplaced letters clearly shown.

An important note is that the number of times a letter is highlighted from previous guesses does necessarily indicate the number of times that letter appears in the final hurdle.

If you find yourself stuck at any step of today's Hurdle, don't worry! We have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Hurdle: Everything you need to know to find the answers Hurdle Word 1 hint

A priniciple.

SEE ALSO: Apple’s new M3 MacBook Air is $300 off at Amazon. And yes, I’m tempted. Hurdle Word 1 answer

AXIOM

Hurdle Word 2 hint

To adorn.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for November 22, 2025 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

DRESS

Hurdle Word 3 hint

Moist.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for November 22 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for November 22, 2025 Hurdle Word 3 answer

HUMID

Hurdle Word 4 hint

Black.

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for November 22 Hurdle Word 4 answer

EBONY

Final Hurdle hint

Amusing.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Games available on Mashable Hurdle Word 5 answer

DROLL

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

The moon is slowly coming back to us, but it's still a little bit too dark to see anything on it's surface. It's only day two of the lunar cycle, so we’ll have to wait a few more nights before it starts showing its features.

What is today’s moon phase?

As of Friday Nov. 21, the moon phase is Waxing Crescent. This means 5% of the moon is lit up tonight, according to NASA's Daily Moon Observation. This means there is still nothing to see on its surface tonight.

When is the next full moon?

The next full moon will be on Dec. 4, this will be the last of three consecutive supermoons. The last full moon was on Nov. 5.

What are moon phases?

NASA tells us that moon phases are all a part of a repeating lunar cycle of 29.5 days. These phases describe how the moon appears from Earth as it orbits our planet. While we always see the same side of the moon, the amount of sunlight illuminating it changes throughout its orbit. That’s why sometimes it looks full, sometimes half, and sometimes disappears entirely (the New Moon). There are eight main moon phases:

New Moon - The moon is between Earth and the sun, so the side we see is dark (in other words, it's invisible to the eye).

Waxing Crescent - A small sliver of light appears on the right side (Northern Hemisphere).

First Quarter - Half of the moon is lit on the right side. It looks like a half-moon.

Waxing Gibbous - More than half is lit up, but it’s not quite full yet.

Full Moon - The whole face of the moon is illuminated and fully visible.

Waning Gibbous - The moon starts losing light on the right side. (Northern Hemisphere)

Third Quarter (or Last Quarter) - Another half-moon, but now the left side is lit.

Waning Crescent - A thin sliver of light remains on the left side before going dark again.

The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult to solve if you're a healthy eater.

Connections is the one of the most popular New York Times word games that's captured the public's attention. The game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for today's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections?

The NYT's latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to create the new word game and bringing it to the publications' Games section. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

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Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.

If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

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Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for November 22, 2025 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

Want a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:

• Yellow: A speck

• Green: A seaman

• Blue: Foods found on islands

• Purple: A bargain

Here are today's Connections categories

Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:

• Yellow: Little bit

• Green: Sailor

• Blue: Tropical fruits/vegetables

• Purple: ___ Deal

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections #895 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Little bit: DAB, DROP, SPLASH, TOUCH

• Sailor: SALTY DOG, SKIPPER, SWAB, TAR

• Tropical fruits/vegetables: BITTER MELON, CHAYOTE, DURIAN, SOURSOP

• ___ Deal: BIG, PLEA, RAW, SWEETHEART

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for November 22, 2025

Are you also playing NYT Strands? Get all the Strands hints you need for today's puzzle.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Connections.

Today's NYT Strands hints are easy if you're a college sports fan.

Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game, requires the player to perform a twist on the classic word search. Words can be made from linked letters — up, down, left, right, or diagonal, but words can also change direction, resulting in quirky shapes and patterns. Every single letter in the grid will be part of an answer. There's always a theme linking every solution, along with the "spangram," a special, word or phrase that sums up that day's theme, and spans the entire grid horizontally or vertically.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable

By providing an opaque hint and not providing the word list, Strands creates a brain-teasing game that takes a little longer to play than its other games, like Wordle and Connections.

If you're feeling stuck or just don't have 10 or more minutes to figure out today's puzzle, we've got all the NYT Strands hints for today's puzzle you need to progress at your preferred pace.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for November 22, 2025 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for November 22, 2025 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Ivy League

The words are related to colleges.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe college mascots

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is vertical.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Sports Team.

NYT Strands word list for November 22

• Bulldogs

• Bears

• Tigers

• Sports Team

• Quakers

• Crimson

• Lions

Looking for other daily online games? Mashable's Games page has more hints, and if you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now!

Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Strands.

Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you're broad.

If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for today's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for November 22, 2025 Where did Wordle come from?

Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once. 

Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.

What's the best Wordle starting word?

The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.

What happened to the Wordle archive?

The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles was originally available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it, but it was later taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times. However, the New York Times then rolled out its own Wordle Archive, available only to NYT Games subscribers.

Is Wordle getting harder?

It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.

SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for November 22, 2025 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Abundant.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no recurring letters.

Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...

Today's Wordle starts with the letter T.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. The Wordle answer today is...

Get your last guesses in now, because it's your final chance to solve today's Wordle before we reveal the solution.

Drumroll please!

The solution to today's Wordle is...

THICK

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be a new Wordle for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for November 22, 2025

Reporting by Chance Townsend, Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Wordle.

By now, you've likely heard about the Jeffrey Epstein email document dump that was released last week by the House Oversight Committee. Saturday Night Live, The Daily Show, everyone has been talking about the emails and some of the more interesting revelations. OpenAI even lost a member of its board, Larry Summers, after he resigned following the email release, which revealed he was in constant contact with Epstein.

As released, the Epstein email documents are basically just hundreds of individual text files, scanned PDFs, and images containing the contents of those emails. It was hard to sift through — until now.

On Friday, creator Riley Walz, who Wired describes as a "prankster," and developer Luke Igel released Jmail, a recreation of Jeffery Epstein's email inbox. Jmail is essentially a Gmail clone interface that looks and acts as if you're viewing Epstein's emails via his jeevacation@gmail account through his actual email inbox.

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But Jmail isn't just visually stunning in its presentation of these Epstein emails. It actually makes the emails incredibly easy to search through as well. The search box at the top of the page can actually be used to find names, keywords, and other information in specific emails. The Inbox and Sent pages separate the emails that Epstein both sent and received. The Starred page acts as a crowdsourced compilation of what visitors found to be the most interesting missives. A People section in the sidebar presents itself as a contact list of all the most notable individuals who interacted with Epstein in the emails included in this dump.

Jmail is really an ingenious project that combines art and web development to create a journalistic research tool.

Good news, bargain hunters.

Over at Amazon, the AirPods 4 with ANC just hit their lowest-ever price — $99.99. And isn't there just something about $99 AirPods that just feels right?

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods 4 with ANC $99.99 at Amazon
$179 Save $79.01   Get Deal

Veteran deal hunters will recall that we once got excited when the version without active noise cancellation went on sale at this price point, but for Black Friday 2025, Amazon is pulling out all the stops. These wireless earbuds have never hit this price point before, so this is definitely a notable deal.

The Everything Store officially launched its Black Friday sale on Nov. 20, but this deal didn't drop until today. If you're worried about prices dropping, don't. We think this is the lowest price we'll see during the holiday shopping season for this product.

The new AirPods 4 line features improved fit and an all-around feature update. We reviewed them positively when they came out in 2024, and we're still fans. If you haven't updated your pods in awhile, you'll instantly notice improved sound, call quality, and ANC.

If you're looking for an even bigger bargain, you can buy their ANC-less siblings for only $79.99, somehow. This is easily one of the top Amazon Black Friday deals so far, but keep checking back as we add more deals throughout the extended Black Friday-Cyber Week season. You can also check out my hand-picked guide to the best noise-cancelling headphone deals so far.

SEE ALSO: Black Friday 2025: Live updates on the latest deals from Amazon, Target, Walmart, and more

TL;DR: Skoove Premium lifetime access is on sale for just $99.97 (reg. $299.99), giving you unlimited, self-paced piano lessons built around the music you love — plus smart AI feedback to help you improve quickly.

Opens in a new window Credit: Skoove Skoove Premium Piano Lessons: Lifetime Subscription $99.97
$299.99 Save $200.02   Get Deal

Learning piano usually goes one of two ways: you either take expensive weekly lessons or you promise you’ll “figure it out on YouTube someday” (which never actually happens).

That’s what makes Skoove Premium such a refreshing middle ground. For a one-time payment of $99.97, you get lifetime access to a guided, interactive piano-learning experience that adapts to your pace and your taste in music.

SEE ALSO: Pay once, speak another language for life — Babbel makes it that easy

Skoove is packed with over 400 lessons, thousands of videos, and AI-powered feedback that listens to what you’re playing in real time. Hit the wrong note? Too fast? Too soft? Skoove gently nudges you in the right direction like a patient instructor who’s 100 percent okay with rewinding a hundred times.

And yes — you get to learn songs you actually know. From Adele and The Beatles to Bach, there’s something for every mood, level, and genre preference. It’s a choose-your-own-adventure, but for music skills.

The best part? You can learn anywhere — on your tablet, phone, laptop, with nearly any keyboard or acoustic piano. Busy schedule? No problem. Practice for five minutes or fifty. Skoove is built to be flexible.

If you’ve ever dreamed of playing piano (or returning to it), this lifetime offer makes it incredibly easy and fun to actually commit. Don’t miss getting lifetime access to Skoove Premium while it’s on sale for just $99.97 (reg. $299.99) for a limited time.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Microsoft's next update for Notepad will bring native table support and streaming results for its built-in AI text features. This is a significant move that continues to push the classic text editor away from its simple, lightweight roots, which isn't where you'd want it to go.

The Google Photos editing update earlier this year received a mixed reception, but one of the biggest things I noticed was the removal of a feature I used a lot: perspective correction. I was worried it was gone forever, but thankfully, it looks like Google is quietly working to bring it back.

The advent of HDR has been a game changer for image quality when it comes to televisions. Console gamers, in particular, have enjoyed incredibly vibrant, high-contrast imagery which goes a long way to making up for a lack of overall GPU power. With the right TV, games (and movies) can be jaw-dropping on a TV.

SAVE $100: As of Nov. 21, the Google Pixel Watch 4 (41mm, LTE) is on sale for $349.99 at Amazon. That's a 22% discount, and the first time this model has ever gone on sale.

Google Pixel Watch 4 (41mm, LTE, Matte Black) $349.99 at Amazon
$449.99 Save $100   Get Deal at Amazon

The Google Pixel Watch 4 launched earlier this year, and until now, it hasn’t budged from its full price. For Black Friday, Amazon finally knocked it down.

As of Nov. 21, the Google Pixel Watch 4 (LTE) is on sale for $349.99. That’s a $100 drop from its $449 list price and the lowest price we’ve ever seen. (If you don't need the latest model, the Google Pixel Watch 3 is also on sale for $199.99, down from $299.99. You'll still get Fitbit integration and a sleek design, but for $100 less.)

Not only is this a good price for a smartwatch, but it's legitimately our favorite Android smartwatch of 2025. It even landed a spot on the Google Holiday 100 list as one of the most-searched gifts of the year. Mashable’s Senior Culture Reporter, Christianna Silva, trained for the New York City Marathon with it, calling it a "true runners' watch" thanks to its custom workout builder and reliable GPS. While the battery didn't quite survive the entire race day (it died before the finish line), it was flawless during her 18 weeks of training. The new domed display is brighter and more immersive, the interface is smoother, and it holds its own against heavy hitters like Garmin.

If you want the best experience on your Pixel or Samsung phone, this is the watch to get — especially now that it’s finally cheaper.

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While you might think to plug your desktop or smart home hub into your router’s Ethernet port, there’s a lot more to hardware for internet.

A big concern in this new and fancy AI era is taking proper care of the stuff we actually give to AI models. These days, training AI models with your input is typically an opt-in thing—mostly because governments already had a say in it. Google, however, is apparently taking the liberty to train Gemini using your Gmail account. And you actually need to opt out.

Ubisoft is potentially ready to sail the high seas again.

The French gaming giant published its latest financial earnings this week, and while there's lots of interesting business-y stuff going on in there, one minor detail stands out: the presence of an unannounced title that is set to launch by March 31, 2026 at the latest. Insider Gaming reports that this is going to be a remake of Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag, originally released in 2013 and pretty much universally regarded as one of the top titles in the long-running series.

SEE ALSO: Review: 'Kirby Air Riders' is frivolous, fleeting, and only fun with other people

Insider Gaming has been on this beat for a while now, having published previous exclusive reports about this remake. Aside from general visual and quality-of-life upgrades you would expect from a remake, it's apparently also going to take Black Flag in a more RPG-like direction, a la recent entries like Shadows. One unfortunate (depending on your perspective) rumor is that it's going to minimize or even do away entirely with the modern-day frame story sections of Black Flag. Once a major part of Assassin's Creed, Ubisoft has been shying away from those elements for a while now, seemingly unable to or uninterested in pushing them forward narratively.

Of course, this is not officially confirmed yet, so it's possible it winds up not happening. Still, it would be nice to return to the piratical shenanigans of Black Flag.

Ah, Black Friday. I've been covering this annual sales event professionally since 2019 (even picking up an award along the way). Because it feels like the entire internet goes on sale during Black Friday, it can actually be hard to know where to start. We've got plenty of shopping guides to help you out, including our regularly updated guide to the best Black Friday deals of 2025.

By now, all of the big online retailers have launched their Black Friday sales, so there's no reason to wait for Thanksgiving to do your shopping. Many of the best products of the year are getting their first real discounts, including the Sony XM6 headphones, Google Pixel Watch 4, Samsung Galaxy Watch 8, and Apple M5 MacBook Pro laptops. But what about those classic products that never go out of style? I'm talking about viral hits like Bissell's Little Green Machine or Yeti coolers.

SEE ALSO: Black Friday 2025: Live updates on the latest deals from Amazon, Target, Walmart, and more

In this story, I'll share all of my favorite classic Black Friday deals. Year after year, I've counted on these deals when making recommendations to friends and family. Whether you're shopping for Christmas gifts or rewarding yourself, you can find massive savings in this guide.

Kindles Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Kindle Paperwhite $124.99 at Amazon
$159.99 Save $35.00   Get Deal

Kindles usually go on sale but twice a year: Prime Day and Black Friday. And now that the holiday shopping season is finally here, you can pick up Kindles starting at just $79.99 at Amazon. However, my advice would be to spring for the Kindle Paperwhite, which we've named the best Kindle for most people.

Apple AirTags Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirTags (4-pack) $64.98
$99 Save $34.02   Get Deal

Initially marked down to $67.99, Amazon went even lower, and you can now pick up a 4-pack of Apple AirTags for just $64.98. Whether you use these Bluetooth trackers to keep track of your personal belongings or your toddler, it's time to restock.

Crest 3D WhiteStrips Opens in a new window Credit: Crest Crest 3D WhiteStrips teeth whitening treatment $29.99 at Amazon
$45.99 Save $16.00   Get Deal

This is one of those classic Black Friday deals that always comes around like clockwork. FYI, they make a great stocking stuffer.

Coleman camping tents Opens in a new window Credit: Coleman Coleman Sundome Camping Tent $71.99
$106.49 Save $34.50   Get Deal

As sure as the sun rises in the sky, Coleman will mark down its four-person tents to under $85 during an Amazon sale. This Black Friday is no exception.

LifeStraw emergency water filters Opens in a new window Credit: LifeStraw LifeStraw Peak Series Personal Water Filter Straw $18.70
$24.95 Save $6.25   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: LifeStraw LifeStraw Personal Water Filter Straw $9.99 at Amazon
$19.95 Save $9.96   Get Deal

In keeping with the outdoor theme, LifeStraw always has big discounts across the board come Black Friday. Their deals start cheap — for less than $10, you can grab their original personal water filter. And for a little bit more, their updated Peak Series straw is on sale for $18. If you need stocking stuffer ideas, try these Black Friday classics.

Apple AirPods Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods 4 $77.99 at Amazon
$129 Save $51.01   Get Deal

For at least the last couple of years, Amazon has used Black Friday and Prime Day as an excuse to drop AirPods down to a new record-low price. And this year, they dropped even lower than we expected. Best Buy, Walmart, and Target all dropped prices on these wireless earbuds to $79.99. As of this writing, Amazon has finally matched that price.

Bissell Little Green Opens in a new window Credit: Bissell Bissell Little Green $84.99 at Amazon
$123.59 Save $38.60   Get Deal

The upholstery cleaning powerhouse, otherwise known as the Bissell Little Green, can be found on sale year-round, but reliably, Black Friday Day brings it down to its lowest price point. If you're shopping early to make holiday hosting easier, this little cleaning machine could be a godsend.

Echo speakers Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Echo Pop smart speaker $21.99 at Amazon
$39.99 Save $18.00   Get Deal

Amazon Echo speakers provide the cheapest entry fee for smart speaker life. Just like with Kindles, Amazon doesn't miss a chance to mark them down during the big sale — the cheapest one you can grab is the Echo Pop at just $24.99.

Yeti Coolers and Tumblers Opens in a new window Credit: Yeti Yeti Tundra 45 cooler $260 at Yeti
$325 Save $65   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Yeti Yeti Rambler 42-ounce Tumbler $31.50 at Amazon
$45 Save $13.50   Get Deal

Yeti doesn't do sales like other brands. So scoring actual discounts on the outdoor brand's coolers and drinkware isn't easy. However, there is one foolproof trick. During Black Friday, Yeti always discounts one color across its entire product line. For Black Friday 2025, it's firefly yellow.

Jackery Explorer power stations Opens in a new window Credit: Jackery Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 Portable Power Station $349 at Jackery
$429 Save $80   Get Deal

We love power stations here at Mashable, as they're extremely useful companions for music festivals, camping trips, and tailgate parties. They also come in clutch during power blackouts. I've had a lot of good experiences with Jackery, and the brand's Explorer power stations are at record low prices over at Amazon, as they always are during Black Friday.

Awesome Lego sets Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Star Wars Advent Calendar $35.99 at Walmart
$44.49 Save $8.50   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Classic Creative Brick Box $17.99 at Amazon
$34.99 Save $17.00   Get Deal

The best-selling Lego sets for Black Friday 2025? The seasonal Lego Star Wars Advent Calendar and the classic Lego Brick Box are both on a major discount. Of course, you can find tons more Lego sets on sale this time of year, as per always.

Pro tip: Don't sleep on Walmart's Lego deals!

Instant Pots Opens in a new window Credit: Instant Pot Instant Pot Pro Crisp (8-quart) $199.95 at Amazon
$269.99 Save $70.04   Get Deal

Instant Pots may not really have the cultural cachet of a few years ago, but they're still a mainstay on the Black Friday deals page. This Pro Crisp model is a hybrid, serving as both a pressure cooker and an air fryer.

UltimateEars speakers Opens in a new window Credit: Ultimate Ears Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 $59.99 at Amazon
$99.99 Save $40.00   Get Deal

These tiny speakers are the best Bluetooth speakers under $100, even at full price. And while they dropped to $66.49 for Prime Day 2025, you can now pick them up for the ridiculous price of $59.99. Not only are they fully waterproof (you can take them in the shower), but they sound louder and clearer than you'd expect for a speaker of their size.

Sony headphones Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony WH-1000XM4 Headphones $159.99 at Best Buy
$349.99 Save $190   Get Deal

Sony's flagship noise-cancelling headphones always get a discount on Black Friday, and the XM4 model is Best Buy's doorbuster deal of the day for Friday, Nov. 21. You can pick up these famous headphones for just $159.99, more than half off the retail price. While they're not the newest headphones in Sony's lineup, they're far more affordable and almost as good as the brand's newest noise cancellers.

DeWalt drills Opens in a new window Credit: Dewalt Dewalt 20V MAX Cordless Drill Driver Set $119 at Amazon
$179 Save $60 Battery and charger included Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: DeWalt Dewalt 20V MAX Cordless Drill and Impact Driver $149 at Amazon
$259 Save $110   Get Deal

If you've always wanted to be handy around the house, then you need the proper tools. And DeWalt deals are always popular on Black Friday. These drills were some of the most popular products among Mashable readers for Black Friday 2024, and they're officially back on sale.

Cheap Fire TVs Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon 32-inch Fire TV 2-Series $99.99 at Amazon
$149.99 Save $50.00   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Insignia Insignia 65-inch F50 Series LED 4K Smart Fire TV $279.99 at Amazon
$449.99 Save $170   Get Deal

Somehow, in the tariff era, TV prices keep getting lower. Why should TVs prove to be so immune to tariffs? Hey, don't look a gift horse in the mouth. This year, you can even grab a 32-inch Amazon Fire TV for just $99.99. And if you want a 65-inch Fire TV, prices start at just $279.99.

Samsung's The Frame Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 55-inch The Frame TV (2024) $797.99 at Amazon
$1,497.99 Save $700   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 55-inch The Frame QLED Smart TV (2025) $897.99 at Amazon
$1,497.99 Save $600   Get Deal

I've probably written this sentence a hundred times: Samsung's The Frame is the best TV in the world right now. While Samsung does have some premium OLEDs with better displays and sound, the balance of features and unique art gallery function makes The Frame truly unique. Often imitated, this art TV has an ultra-thin design and a unique anti-glare matte display you won't find anywhere else.

Nespresso machines Opens in a new window Credit: Nespresso Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ Coffee and Espresso Maker $89.99 at Amazon
$139.95 Save $49.96   Get Deal

Nespresso machines are a step above your typical Keurig. Several steps up, actually. And it's rare to find these espresso makers on sale for under $100 — unless it's Black Friday. Pro tip: This is also a good time of year to stock up on coffee and pods.

Flagship Roborock robot vacuums Opens in a new window Credit: Roborock roborock Saros 10R $999.99 at Amazon
$1,599.99 Save $600   Get Deal

The Roborock Saros 10R, one of Mashable's best robot vacuums, is finally under $1,000. While we haven't seen this specific robot vacuum in past Black Fridays (because it's, you know, new), we always see the year's best robovacs go on sale.

Samsonite luggage sets Opens in a new window Credit: Samsonite Samsonite Saire LTE Softside Expandable Luggage Set with Spinner Wheels $299.99 at Amazon
$509.99 Save $210   Get Deal

If you're a Black Friday veteran like I am, then you know Samsonite luggage sets always get big discounts at Amazon this time of year. In fact, I'm pretty sure these are the exact Samsonite bags I got for Christmas a few years ago. They've taken me everywhere from Palm Springs to Kyoto. They may not be the most stylish bags, but who cares if they get you where you're going?

Dyson Supersonic

I'm vain about my hair, and the Dyson Supersonic is the hair dryer I use every day to get the perfect coif. I've been using this legendary hair dryer for years, but its full $449 price tag (it's priced at $519 at Amazon) can really hurt. That's why you should only buy this ionic hair dryer during Black Friday, when it gets its annual discount. If you shop directly at Dyson, you'll pay just $299.

Opens in a new window Credit: Dyson Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer $299.99 at Dyson
$449.99 Save $150   Get Deal Free offers from Amazon Opens in a new window Credit: kindle unlimited Kindle Unlimited $0
3-Month Free Trial Learn More Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Music Unlimited $0
4-Month Free Trial Get Deal

Amazon tries to tempt Black Friday shoppers with extended free trials on its most popular services, including Amazon Music Unlimited, Audible, and Kindle Unlimited. Just don't forget to make a calendar event to remind you to cancel the subscription before the free period expires!

Hybrid technology is no longer just for Prius-level models. In 2025, some of the most affordable new hybrids are well within reach for budget-conscious buyers. Thanks to improvements in hybrid systems and strong competition between automakers, there’s now an impressive selection of lightly priced, fuel-efficient vehicles.

SAVE $190: As of Nov. 21, you can get the Sony WH-1000XM4 noise-canceling headphones for just $159.99, down from $349.99, at Best Buy. That's a $190 discount and the lowest price we've ever seen these headphones go for.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony WH-1000XM4 $159.99 at Best Buy
$349.99 Save $190   Get Deal

I’m not usually the person shouting about headphone specs, but I do know a pricing error when I see one — and this definitely feels like one. Best Buy just dropped the Sony WH-1000XM4s to $159.99. To give you some context, I looked up the price for a used pair on Amazon, and they're selling for about the same price. Getting a brand-new pair for under $160 is wild.

SEE ALSO: I test headphones for a living — these are the 10 best early Black Friday deals

I know these aren't the newest model (the XM5s are out), but a lot of people actually prefer these older ones. The main reason? They fold. The new ones don't, which is annoying if you're trying to jam them into a carry-on.

Plus, they hold up. Mashable’s Alex Bracetti re-tested these in 2025 and flat-out said there is "no better audio deal right now" than the XM4s. You still get top-tier noise cancellation and 30 hours of battery life, just without the "newest model" price tag.

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No version of Windows is perfect for everyone, and Windows 11 has attracted more controversy than most. Windows isn't quite as flexible as Linux if you want to customize your experience, but you can get close if you're willing to dive in a bit.