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Nobody can resist a good mystery.

Whether it's a whodunnit crime story, a tale of suspense that keeps you guessing, or a mind-bending psychological thriller, putting the pieces together sitting in front of your screen has long been a highly satisfying activity for amateur sleuths.

Often, the best mysteries span out over a whole series on Netflix, making the TV side of things pretty well populated — think The Fall of the House of Usher, The Sinner, Dark, Midnight Mass, Wednesday, The Haunting of Hill House/Bly Manor, The Watcher — but there are plenty of mystery movies on the streaming service for those who'd like a more comprehensive experience. Spanning its horror, thriller, and sci-fi genres, Netflix has a range of mystery films now streaming, each offering up an unexpected twist or reveal.

SEE ALSO: 25 best crime shows on Netflix in 2023

What's inside the walls in Remi Weekes' His House? Why does the boarding house in Santiago Menghini's No One Gets Out Alive have so many locked doors? What's at the heart of the disturbing prison system in The Platform? What exactly, David Lynch asks, did Jack do? Is Adam Sandler's Murder Mystery actually worth watching? From creaking haunted houses to vengeful masked killers, here are the best mystery movies on Netflix.

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

Southern gentlemen detective Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) is back on the case in Glass Onion, Rian Johnson’s sequel to his modern, Agatha Christie-style mystery movie Knives Out. With an eye for the tiniest detail, Blanc again finds himself investigating a murder in a secluded location with a wealthy cast of suspects (and what a cast it is). This time it’s a private island owned by billionaire tech founder Elon Musk Miles Bron (Edward Norton) and his cohort of "disrupters." When someone winds up dead, only an intricate web of deception stands between Blanc and the truth.

Though less satisfying than the original Knives Out, Glass Onion is a thoroughly enjoyable mystery whose twists and turns will genuinely surprise you. Delivering some truly delightful character work, Kathryn Hahn, Janelle Monáe, Leslie Odom Jr., Kate Hudson, and Dave Bautista star as Bron's guests, each with their own secrets. —Kristina Grosspietsch, Freelance Contributor

How to watch: Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery is now streaming on Netflix.

2. The Call Don't pick up the phone. Credit: Netflix

Not the 2013 Halle Berry film or the revenge-based horror film of the same name, but based on Matthew Parkhill's 2011 supernatural horror film The Caller, Lee Chung-hyun's The Call is a dark, chilling South Korean mystery that you can't hang up on.

SEE ALSO: 12 of the best suspense movies on Netflix to put you on edge

When Kim Seo-yeon (Park Shin-hye) visits her family home, she loses her phone, then starts getting weird, disturbing calls and finds a connection to a woman called Young-sook (Jeon Jong-seo). Where this film twists and turns from here, you’ll never predict, so paying light attention is not an option. Strong performances, unnerving use of sound, stunning cinematography, and a well-woven structure make this one surreal and disturbing journey.* — Shannon Connellan, UK Editor

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

3. His House There's something in the walls... Credit: Netflix

The best types of horror films are more than just a trickbox of scares. Some are character studies, others explore deeper themes or grapple complex social issues, and a few manage to move you in more ways than just a raising of the pulse. Writer-director Remi Weekes' debut His House does all of the above at once.

Following asylum seekers Bol (Sope Dirisu) and Rial (Wunmi Mosaku) as they arrive in the UK from South Sudan only to be thrust into an unforgiving world of bureaucracy and racism, His House melds drama with a claustrophobic haunted house mystery. Noises echo in the walls, and Bol's fear and paranoia grows along with ours. But it's only as the movie progresses, and Jo Willems' creative cinematography starts hinting at what took place in the past, that the true horror of His House is revealed.* — Sam Haysom, Deputy UK Editor

How to watch: His House is now streaming on Netflix.

4. The Guilty Jake Gyllenhaal is on top form. Credit: Glen Wilson / Netflix

Following a cop with an anger problem during a 911 dispatch shift, The Guilty sees Jake Gyllenhaal at his vein-bursting best in this twisty thriller about a kidnapped woman.

"With the camera focused on him for almost the full 90 minutes in The Guilty, Gyllenhaal combines all [his] skills into one excruciatingly tense performance," I wrote in my review. "He throws himself into the role of detective-turned-911-dispatcher Joe Baylor with so much anger, pain, and sadness that you're forced to go through every single emotion with him."* — S.H.

How to watch: The Guilty is now streaming on Netlfix.

5. Fear Street The "Fear Street" trilogy has a solid mystery at its bloody core. Credit: Netflix

What could have just been a kitschy homage to classic horror films of the '70s, '80s, and '90s actually has a really compelling core murder mystery, meaning it's on the list! The Fear Street trilogy, inspired by R.L. Stine’s more grown-up novel series, centres around a cyclical curse that sees a string of murders plaguing the residents of Shadyside. Directed by Leigh Janiak, the three films (Part 1: 1994, Part 2: 1978, and Part 3: 1666) are set in different time periods, each linked by these happenings. A group of teenagers will have to delve into the past in order to figure it all out before the curse catches up with them. As far as horror mysteries go, Fear Street is the best thing since sliced bread (sorry). — S.C.

How to watch: Fear Street is now streaming on Netflix.

6. I Am All Girls A masked killer is at the heart of the mystery in "I Am All Girls". Credit: Netflix

Fair warning: this one isn't an easy watch. Inspired by true events, the film begins with the interrogation of Gert van Rooyen, a South African sex offender who was suspected in the abductions of six young girls in the late '80s. Set in the present day, the movie uses van Rooyen's alleged crimes as a jumpin-off point, with a detective working to uncover a child trafficking ring while also investigating a serial killer who seems to be exclusively targeting the criminals involved. Donavan Marsh's movie is a blend of mystery and thriller, a how-deep-does-this-go conspiracy that leads from dilapidated drug dens to the halls of government — uncovering a series of grim revelations with roots that go back 30 years. — S.H.

How to watch: I Am All Girls is now streaming on Netflix.

7. Burning

A literal slow smoulder of a mystery film, Lee Chang-Dong's Burning is a masterpiece in simmering uncertainty. Based on Haruki Murakami's short story "Barn Burning" from The Elephant Vanishes, the film sees an impeccable Steven Yeun as the mysterious Ben, a newcomer in the lives of childhood friends Jong-su (Yoo Ah-in) and Hae-mi (Jeon Jong-seo). Though Hae-mi is enamoured with their charming new acquaintance, Jong-su feels like something's not right. With outstanding cinematography from Hong Kyung-pyo paired with Mowg's haunting score, Burning is a true scorcher. — S.C.

How to watch: Burning is now streaming on Netflix.

8. I Am Mother Friend...or foe? Credit: Netflix

The problem with robots is you can never tell what they're thinking. This is a lesson we've had drilled into us time and again in the sci-fi space, and Grant Sputore's futuristic mystery — about a girl being raised by a robot in a post-apocalyptic bunker — is of course no exception. Starring Hilary Swank, Clara Rugaard, and Rose Byrne, the suspense in this one comes hand-in-hand with the blank, impenetrable gaze of Mother (the robotic carer in question), before cranking into overdrive when a stranger's arrival casts suspicion on the metal guardian's real role.* — S.H.

How to watch: I Am Mother is now streaming on Netflix.

9. I'm Thinking of Ending Things All is not what it seems. Credit: Mary Cybulski / Netflix

Is this the most entertaining movie on this list? Almost certainly not. But is it the best mystery? Well, judging by how incredibly confused I was when I finished watching it, possibly. Writer/director Charlie Kaufman’s story about a student travelling to meet her boyfriend’s parents for the first time is a head-scratching psychological nightmare that feels like watching a reality break for two straight hours. There’s plenty of deep writing, philosophical musings, and reality-bending clues, all of which add up to a very Lynch-esque feeling that what we're watching isn't as it seems. But what are we watching? The answer might take some figuring out. — S.H.

How to watch: I’m Thinking of Ending Things is now streaming on Netflix.

10. Lost Girls Shannan Gilbert's family, played by Thomasin McKenzie, Amy Ryan, and Ooana Laurence. Credit: Jessica Kourkounis / Netflix

Based on the real disappearance of Shannan Gilbert in 2010 and her mother Mari's attempts to find her, Lost Girls is a dark exploration of events surrounding an infamous serial killer cold case that places a focus on the families left behind. Liz Garbus directs with a sense of grim realism, while Amy Ryan is a picture of angry desperation as she goes up against a police force that seems apathetic at best, and incompetent at worst. — S.H.

How to watch: Lost Girls is now streaming on Netflix.

11. No One Gets Out Alive Cristina Rodlo stars in this claustrophobic nightmare. Credit: Teddy Cavendish / Netflix

More horror than mystery? Perhaps. But Santiago Menghini's claustrophobic haunted house tale, based on an Adam Nevill novel of the same name, still comes with plenty of questions. Questions like why does the boarding house that Mexican immigrant Ambar (Cristina Rodlo) arrives at have so many locked doors? And what are the noises she keeps hearing at night, and the nightmares about a strange stone box that she keeps seeing when her eyes are closed? You’ll have a hard job guessing, but this tense and well-written thriller will have you trying until the end. — S.H.

How to watch: No One Gets Out Alive is now streaming on Netflix.

12. Oxygen Uh, how did we get here? And where's the exit? Credit: Netflix

A futuristic twist on the fear of being buried alive, Alexandre Aja's Oxygen is a claustrophobic nightmare about a woman who wakes up in a cryogenic box with no idea of who she is or how she got there. The good news? She's able to communicate with the outside world via a robotic medical unit called M.I.L.O. The bad news? Nobody she speaks to seems willing to come clean with her, and her oxygen reserves are quickly spiralling toward 0 percent. Mélanie Laurent perfectly captures the short-breathed dread of this role, and Christie LeBlanc's screenplay has enough twists and turns to keep the story racing along at a heart-pounding pace. Just tread carefully if you have a fear of tight spaces — this one won't be a fun watch for claustrophobics.* — S.H.

How to watch: Oxygen is now streaming on Netflix.

13. The Wonder Credit: Christopher Barr/Netflix

The Wonder is a wholly engrossing period mystery about a young girl from a small, 19th-century Irish town who claims to not have eaten for four months, surviving purely on holy "manna". Florence Pugh is fantastic as Lib Wright, the stoic, science-driven English nurse sent to investigate. Over the course of a few weeks, Lib is charged with watching Anna (Kíla Lord Cassidy) for 12 hours at a day, while a nun observes during the other 12, to determine if there’s a heavenly or earthbound explanation for the girl’s miraculous months-long fast.

Based on Emma Donaghue’s novel of the same name, The Wonder is a solemn, subtle, and captivating masterpiece exploring religious prejudice, cycles of abuse, and the boundaries of our own realities. It’s a satisfying watch with an unexpected ending that will stick in your bones like an Irish winter frost. —K.G.

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

14. Prisoners Credit: Moviestore/Shutterstock

When his daughter and her friend go missing, Keller Dover (Hugh Jackman) is unsatisfied with the lead detective's (Jake Gyllenhaal) investigation and takes matters into his own hands. Directed by Denis Villeneuve and written by Aaron Guzikowski, Prisoners is a meaty, complex dive into the ripple effects of trauma, exploring how grief can transform us in different ways. The mystery at the center of this story is superb, inscrutable and unpredictable until the very end. It’s a sophisticated, if dark, film that soars in the hands of its veteran director and cast, with Viola Davis, Maria Bello, Terrence Howard, Melissa Leo, and Paul Dano joining Jackman and Gyllenhaal for raw performances. —K.G.

How to watch: Prisoners is now streaming on Netflix.

SEE ALSO: 'Prisoners' is perfect counter-programing for the Thanksgiving holiday 15. The Platform How far down does it go? Credit: Netflix

Prison cells are stacked one on top of the other, with holes in the floor and ceiling. Randomly-assigned levels change each month. And a platform of food gets slowly lowered from the very top, getting sparser and sparser with each floor it descends. This is the concept at the centre of Spanish director Galder Gaztelu-Urrutia's The Platform, a disturbing sci-fi thriller that wears its capitalist analogy plainly on its prison garb sleeve. It's one of those rare gems where the execution is as strong as the idea at its core, driven by an excellent screenplay from David Desola and Pedro Rivero that's dripping with horror and suspense. If you're a fan of movies like The Cube or Saw, this is well worth checking out.* — S.H.

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

16. Missing Credit: Sony Pictures

Fast-paced and unpredictable, Missing is an exhilarating new mystery for the modern age, where amateur detectives can be teens as long as they’re techno-savvy. Storm Reid plays June Allen, an 18-year-old waiting to pick up her mother, Grace (Nia Long), and her mother’s boyfriend, Kevin (Ken Leung), at LAX after the pair’s trip to Colombia. Unfortunately, they never arrive. And when the FBI fails to make any headway investigating their whereabouts, June decides to use her Gen Z digital native powers to track them down with her friend Veena (Megan Suri).—K.G.

How to watch: Missing is now streaming on Netflix. 

SEE ALSO: Directors Nick Johnson and Will Merrick talk 'Missing' and the real meaning behind its whirlwind ending 17. The Perfection Logan Browning and Allison Williams star as musical protégés in "The Perfection". Credit: Netflix

This isn’t the kind of movie you want to be watching while you eat. Richard Shepard’s musical nightmare leans heavily into the body horror genre, with protégés Charlotte (Allison Williams) and Lizzie (Logan Browning) going on a truly hellish journey that starts with a bus ride through rural China and ends with them revisiting the prestigious music school where they both trained — and where all is clearly not as it seems. Tread carefully, because this story is really not for the faint-hearted — but it is full of surprises. — S.H.

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

18. What Did Jack Do? What did you do, huh? WHAT DID YOU DO? Credit: Netflix

For a truly baffling mystery, it's time for you to watch David Lynch asking a suited monkey if he's ever been a card-carrying member of the Communist party. It's a genuine thing that happens in David Lynch's What Did Jack Do?, a 17-minute film which sees the director interrogating a monkey called Jack in a train carriage.

Co-presented by Lynch's company Absurda and Parisian contemporary art museum Fondation Cartier, the film was written, directed, and edited by Lynch himself. Along with a small crew, he also did the sound editing, set design, and assisted with set construction.

We won't spoil what happens, but look out for a cameo from actor Emily Stofle (Twin Peaks star and David Lynch's wife), and make sure you stick around for the catchy musical number toward the end. Yes, you read that right.* — S.H.

How to watch: What Did Jack Do? is now streaming on Netflix.

19. The Nice Guys Credit: Misty Mountains/Bloom/Silver/Kobal/Shutterstock

Russell Crowe, Ryan Gosling, Angourie Rice, Matt Bomer, Margaret Qualley, Keith David, and Kim Basinger all shine in this 2016 part-buddy cop, part-noir film mashup. Gosling is Holland March, a low-level private investigator in 1970s Los Angeles looking into the strange death of porn performer Misty Mountain (Murielle Telio). Unfortunately, gruff enforcer Jackson Healy (Crowe) has also been hired — to scare March off the scent. As the two butt heads, the mystery of Misty’s murder begins to unfold and they form an unlikely and tenuous alliance. 

Written and directed by Shane Black (Lethal Weapon, Last Action Hero, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang), The Nice Guys is a magnetic, fast-paced action comedy with a smart script, a multifaceted mystery, and a strong sense of style. —K.G.

How to watch: The Nice Guys is now streaming on Netflix.

20., 21. Enola Holmes 1 and 2 Credit: Alex Bailey/Netflix

If you want your mysteries more adventurous and bright than bleak and despairing, then Netflix’s Enola Holmes films will certainly fit the bill. Based on author Nancy Springer's The Enola Holmes Mysteries, the films star Millie Bobbie Brown, ebullient and charismatic as Sherlock Holmes’ younger sister. Raised alone by an eccentric mother (a perfectly cast Helena Bonham Carter) who rejects societal expectations for women, Enola is every bit the prodigy her brother is, and then some. But when her mother goes missing, she takes it upon herself to solve the mystery, uncovering a larger enigma in the process. 

Cheerful, charming, with a moderate sense of danger and a whole lot of fun, Enola Holmes and its sequel are pure delights with surprisingly sophisticated mysteries at their core. Henry Cavill and Sam Claflin round out the sparkling cast as Sherlock and Mycroft, Enola's more famous older brothers, both visibly enjoying themselves with the material. —K.G. 

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

How to watch: Enola Holmes 2 is now streaming on Netflix.

22. Things Heard and Seen Amanda Seyfried has a pretty grim time of it in "Things Heard and Seen". Credit: Anna Kooris / Netflix

Don’t let the low Rotten Tomatoes score put you off. Shari Springer Berman and Robert Pulcini’s Things Heard and Seen — based on the novel All Things Cease to Appear by Elizabeth Brundage — is one of those films that's sure to divide people. It hovers between multiple genres, splicing drama and thriller with horror and mystery in a balancing act that could easily be off-putting to some. The film follows a young couple – Catherine (Amanda Seyfried) and George (James Norton) – whose decision to move into a farmhouse in upstate New York leads to the discovery of some fairly unsettling secrets (both of the ghostly and the non-ghostly variety). Don't go into it expecting straight horror, though, or you’ll be disappointed. But if you like well-drawn characters and plenty of simmering dread, it’s worth checking out. — S.H.

How to watch: Things Heard and Seen is now streaming on Netflix.

23. Luther: The Fallen Sun Credit: John Wilson/Netflix

For five seasons, Neil Cross' highly addictive BBC series Luther followed Idris Elba in his iconic role as the hardened titular detective who plays by his own rules. The very first film of the TV franchise, Luther: The Fallen Sun, sees the brilliant and brash John Luther finally facing consequences for his years of flouting the law in the name of the greater good. He’s now in prison, just when an old case of his starts to heat up again. It’s a twisting and gripping thriller that will keep you guessing, and Andy Serkis' villain David Robey is truly chilling. While it may not be a wholly necessary addition to the Luther legacy, it’s certainly a welcome one. We’ll take any chance to see Elba’s reckless detective take on the world once more. * —K.G.

How to watch: Luther: The Fallen Sun is now streaming on Netflix.

24. Svaha: The Sixth Finger

Svaha: The Sixth Finger is a chilling, serpentine Korean mystery/thriller that explores unseen interpretations of Buddhism and probes the meaning of faith. Pastor Park (Squid Game's Lee Jung-jae), a man driven by his work exposing dangerous cults, looks into a remote religious sect called Deer Mountain or Dongbanggyo. Simultaneously, police begin investigating the murder of a girl found encased in concrete. Could the two relate? —K.G.

How to watch: Svaha: The Sixth Finger is now streaming on Netflix.

25. Murder Mystery Credit: Scott Yamano/Netflix

Sometimes you want your mysteries mindless and cheerful, and the fairly substance-less Murder Mystery Netflix franchise is just that. Adam Sandler is Nick, an NYPD cop, and his wife, Audrey (Jennifer Aniston), is a hairdresser and murder mystery book lover. On their first trip to Europe, their 15th anniversary celebrations are delayed when they board a luxury yacht, a murder occurs, and they’re the number one suspects. Looks like these two amateur detectives will have to solve the case to clear their names. It’s a silly, lighthearted romp with a few solid jokes and an unchallenging plot. Murder Mystery (and Murder Mystery 2) make perfect background movies for cooking, cleaning, or scrolling on your phone, when nothing but fluff will hit the spot. —K.G.

How to watch: Murder Mystery is now streaming on Netflix.

*This write-up also appeared in a previous Mashable list or article.

UPDATE: Jan. 2, 2024, 12:20 p.m. EST This article has been updated to reflect current Netflix offerings.

Opens in a new window Credit: Netflix Netflix Streaming now Get Deal

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Breaking news: Samsung will probably have a bunch of new gadgets to buy in 2024.

Do we know exactly what they will be? Nope. But based on recent history, as well as some classic internet rumor-mongering, we can make a bunch of educated guesses. Samsung's 2024 is likely to feature plenty of devices in every conceivable category, but as far as premium phones and earbuds are concerned, we expect these four products will get plenty of time in the spotlight.

Here are four big devices Samsung will almost certainly launch in the coming year.

SEE ALSO: Samsung Galaxy S24: Every single thing we know so far Samsung Galaxy S24

Let's start with the easiest call in the world to make: There will be a new Samsung Galaxy S phone in 2024. Heck, we can even reasonably assume it'll be called the Galaxy S24.

It's also the device we know the most about. You can check out our full rumors hub to learn everything there is to learn about the Galaxy S24, but to summarize, expect a lot of AI features. That's because Samsung has applied for trademarks for phrases like "AI smartphone," whatever that means. There could be generative AI features or bells and whistles related to software photography, or maybe even both. That would certainly put it on par with the Pixel 8.

You can also most likely expect a new Snapdragon processor, camera upgrades, and the usual array of new software features, along with some minor physical design changes. You probably won't even have to wait long to find out all of this for sure; Samsung usually launches its Galaxy S flagship phones in January or February of every year.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6

Unfortunately, we don't know nearly as much about the other devices on this list as we do about the Galaxy S24. That's more than likely because of the S24's imminent launch, while we don't expect to see or hear from Samsung's next batch of foldables until late summer, as is tradition.

Still, the Galaxy Z Fold 5 was excellent and there will definitely be a follow-up to it in 2024. It may bring a new processor and some of the same camera and software upgrades present in the S24. Interestingly, recent patent filings suggest that the Z Fold 5 could physically accommodate the S Pen stylus accessory by making it attachable in some way.

That would certainly go a long way towards making the Z Fold 5 the true successor to the late Galaxy Note line.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6

Everything you just read about the Z Fold 6 will probably apply to the Z Flip 6, which we expect to launch at the same time. Well, almost everything. It probably won't attach to the S Pen.

The more influencer-friendly of the two foldables will surely get processor upgrades to go along with all the other fancy stuff you expect from an annual product refresh. The only real nugget we have to work with right now comes courtesy of Dutch Samsung blog GalaxyClub, which reported that the Z Flip 6 could have a 50 megapixel main camera sensor. That would be a substantial step up from the 12MP sensor found on the Z Flip 5.

Samsung Galaxy Buds 3?

Our last prediction is the most speculative of the bunch. Samsung may not launch a new line of Galaxy Buds in 2024, but it's been long enough since the last batch of 'buds that it would make a ton of sense to see new ones next year.

Specifically, the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro model launched in late 2022, with 2023 not bringing a full refresh to Samsung's earbuds brand. There isn't much in the way of rumor-mongering about the new earbuds, if they even exist, but it just feels like it's about time for Samsung to bring out some new ones.

Post-apocalyptic TV shows and movies can go either way, whether private and personal or large-scale and rambunctious. In Netflix's trailer for Badland Hunters, however the world actually ends, Don Lee is someone you'd seriously want around.

Director Heo Myeong-haeng teams up with the Marvel Cinematic Universe and Train to Busan star for the streaming service's upcoming action film set in a post-apocalyptic Seoul. In a barren wasteland, a notorious hunter called Nam Sam does what he can to survive, including seizing an attacking crocodile by the tail in the trailer. When he makes friends with a teen who is abducted by a barbarous doctor, revenge is afoot.

With writers Kim Bo-tong and Kwak Jae-min at the helm, and Lee Hee Jun, Lee Jun-young, Roh Jeong Eui, and An Ji-hye rounding out the cast, Badland Hunters promises a brutal journey through this harsh land, where allies are few and predators are huge.

How to watch: Badland Hunters is streaming on Netflix from Jan. 26.

Japanese disaster alert app NERV says Twitter/X limited its posts just hours after Japan was shaken by an earthquake, severely restricting its ability to share important updates about the subsequent tsunami warning.

A 7.6-magnitude earthquake hit Japan's west coast at 4:10 p.m. JST on New Year's Day, triggering waves at least one metre (three feet) high and prompting the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) to issue its first major tsunami warning since the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami that killed almost 20,000 people.

Those along the country's western coastline — particularly those along the Sea of Japan including the Ishikawa, Niigata, and Toyama prefectures of Honshu and areas of Hokkaido — were urged to evacuate inland to higher ground, with panicked-sounding Japanese news anchors shouting at viewers to leave their televisions and start running immediately, with similar on-screen warnings.

Credit: MLADEN ANTONOV / AFP via Getty Images

However, despite the urgency of the situation, the popular NERV Disaster Prevention app said it was being prevented from posting emergency alerts or providing updates on its Twitter/X accounts.

"Our accounts appear to have been rate-limited due to the frequent posting of information updates regarding the Ishikawa Earthquake and Tsunami," NERV's English-language Twitter/X account posted just over two hours after the earthquake. Rate limits are restrictions on the number of posts an account can make within a set time period.

SEE ALSO: Rate limit explained: Why is Elon Musk restricting how many tweets you can see?

NERV also shared a similar message on its Japanese account, advising people to download its app for realtime updates instead.

Tweet may have been deleted

Fortunately, NERV later stated that Twitter/X had reached out to urgently register both its Japanese and English-language accounts as "Public Utility" accounts, "resolving the issue of API rate-limiting." Unfortunately, this fix reportedly came almost three hours after NERV said it was first rate-limited, leaving a significant window where it was unable to share potentially lifesaving information about the ongoing disaster.

Twitter/X has no dedicated press contact to reach for comment.

SEE ALSO: Elon Musk's 6 dumbest X / Twitter decisions of 2023

Twitter/X users were quick to criticise the platform's rate limiting in both Japanese and English, particularly as NERV is not an unknown entity. NERV's Twitter/X account has long been a reliable, trusted source for information during natural disasters in Japan, having first begun sharing disaster information on Twitter/X following the 2011 earthquake and tsunami over a decade ago. It has 2 million followers on its Japanese Twitter/X account alone, while the NERV app has been downloaded almost 4 million times since its launch in 2019.

And yes, NERV is named with permission after the organisation from the iconic anime series Neon Genesis Evangelion, complete with the red leaf logo and slogan, "God's in His Heaven, all's right with the world."

Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Twitter/X's rate-limiting has hindered disaster alerts before

As potentially dangerous as they were, Twitter/X's restrictions on NERV didn't come as a complete surprise. Last August, NERV's Japanese account announced that it would no longer post information on power outages or evacuations on Twitter/X due to the platform's strict rate limits. 

Under Twitter/X's $100 per month Basic application programming interface (API) plan, NERV's official accounts could only post up to 100 automated posts every 24 hours. This may be more than enough for most Twitter/X users, but it's markedly inadequate for the urgent real-time distribution of lifesaving disaster information. Unfortunately, as reported by Unseen Japan at the time, NERV said it was already "in the red" and had decided to forgo X's $5,000 per month Pro plan, instead "it would be better if this money could go to developing our NERV app and strengthening our ActivityPub servers."

SEE ALSO: Twitter API changes crush @PossumEveryHour and other good bots

Twitter/X came under fire for ending free access to its API early last year, and demanding developers at least pay for its Basic plan — which also had restrictions regarding how much they could post. As a result, numerous public service accounts were no longer able to post automated updates on important live events.

The social media company later carved out an exception for verified government and public service accounts that post emergency alerts or travel notifications. Still, NERV arguably falls outside this. Though it receives its information via a direct, dedicated line from the JMA and is operated with the agency's approval, the NERV app was developed and is run by security company Gehirn. 

Yet even if it were an official government account, that's still no guarantee NERV would have been able to post without disruption. This isn't the first time Japanese emergency alerts have been hindered by Twitter/X's rate limits, even when posted from government accounts. As previously reported by The Asahi Shimbun, multiple local Japanese governments had their accounts temporarily frozen last year after they reached Twitter/X's rate limit for free accounts during natural disasters. 

Twitter/X has become a go-to source for disaster information in Japan since the 2011 disaster, with many local governments using the platform to quickly distribute up-to-date information during emergencies. Unfortunately, judging by its recent history, the platform appears far less effective at helping keep people safe than it was in the past.

TL;DR: Through Jan. 7, you can snag the Populele 2 Smart Concert Ukulele on sale for $139.99 (reg. $199.99) — that’s 30% in savings.

If you’re looking to pick up a new hobby in 2024, why not try learning an instrument? Whether it’s your first time or you’ve mastered the guitar or piano, a ukulele is a fun, simple instrument that can create beautiful tunes. With this Smart ukulele, all you need is one instrument that you can play while learning simultaneously. Now you can grab the Populele 2 Smart Concert Ukulele for only $139.99 (reg. $199.99) for a limited time.

The Populele is a concert-ready and user-friendly instrument, suitable for all levels. You’ll have unlimited access to its Smart Music Library, which has over 100 popular songs from around the world. Simply follow along with the 56 LED fretboard to learn and play without the tediousness of music instruction. Its sound-responsive technology provides you with instant feedback so you can correct yourself in real-time.

If you’re a hands-on learner, this Smart Ukulele lets you skip straight to the fun part of learning. You can also easily connect to your favorite wireless devices using Bluetooth 5.0 BLE to activate the line graph, tuner, metronome, and recorded video sharing all on the PopuMusic app.

The Populele 2 is made from carbon fiber material, making it an environmentally friendly option. It also includes a fully enclosed 18-tooth piano twist with full bass sound, a stable midrange, and a transparent treble to produce beautiful sound whether you’re jamming at home or on a bench in the park. Its PVDF carbon strings are soft to the touch, too.

Learning a new hobby should be fun and seamless, and with the Populele, you can master the art of the uke in no time! Grab the Populele 2 Smart Concert Ukulele for only $139.99 (reg. $199.99) until January 7 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

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Opens in a new window Credit: PopuMusic Populele 2 Smart Concert Ukulele $139.99 at the Mashable Shop Get Deal

TL;DR: Through Jan. 7, you can get a grade-A refurbished HP Pro Desk 600 G2 Mini (Core i5-6400T, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) for all your multitasking needs for only $189.97 (reg. $375) — that’s 49% off.

A New Year means new goals; if two of your top goals are work or money-related, you’re in luck. Although having the latest and greatest tech gadgets is exciting, it’s not always necessary to accomplish your everyday work and school-related tasks. A refurbished model of a powerhouse of a device can save you some serious cash and fulfill all your multitasking needs. Now, you can grab a refurbished HP ProDesk for just $189.97 (reg. $375) for a limited time.

Versatile mini desktop

Unlike your traditional, bulky desktop, this HP ProDesk 600 G2 Mini Core is built with a small and compact design so you can fit it on your home desk; it is ideal for those looking to go minimalist in the new year and save on space. But don’t let its small design fool you.

This computer includes a generous 16GB of RAM and 512GB SSD for spacious and fast storage. It also provides enough memory so you can switch between multiple tasks and run multiple applications without experiencing any lagging. It also features an Intel Core i5-6400T, 2.2GHz, to ensure smooth performance all day long.

This desktop runs on a Windows 10 Pro operating system, so it’s compatible with the most widely used apps. It also has LAN connectivity for seamless communication and data transfer.

Grade "A" refurbished rating

This HP ProDesktop has a grade “A” refurbished rating, meaning it arrives in near-mint condition with minimal to zero amounts of scuffing on the case. It also includes a Wi-Fi adapter, USB keyboard, USB mouse, and a power cord, so you don’t have to worry about grabbing extra accessories. 

If you’re looking to stay on top of your savings goals in 2024 while boosting your productivity at work or school, this deal is for you. Grab this HP ProDesk 500 G2 Mini Core for only $189.97 (reg. $375) until January 7 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

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Opens in a new window Credit: HP HP ProDesk 500 G2 Mini (Core i5, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $189.97 at the Mashable Shop Get Deal

TL;DR: Start the year off right with this 52% off deal on the Goplus magnetic foldable rowing machine. It's usually $399.99, but through Jan. 7, you can order it for just $189.99.

As a new year begins, the desire to be healthier and lead a more active lifestyle becomes strong for many of us. There are a lot of ways to act on this new positive way of thinking. Getting a gym membership is one way to go, but it can be costly and leave you feeling unmotivated to leave the house when it's cold or the weather is unpleasant.

You could also opt to take advantage of the sales that pop up at the beginning of the year to help you on your journey. This Goplus Magnetic Foldable Rowing Machine is just $189.99 (reg. $399.99) through January 7 and gives you a built-in way to get in a workout without leaving the house.

This isn't your average bulky exercise machine that takes up loads of space. The Goplus Magnetic Rowing Machine features a compact and folding design, allowing you to enjoy a full-body workout without giving up too much space. Easily tuck it away when not in use, making it ideal for home gyms and small living spaces.

You'll be able to build muscle and burn calories without too much impact, which is great for those with joint issues. And because it has eight levels of adjustable magnetic resistance and foot straps, you can ensure it's set up for your specific comfort level.

Made to be super-smooth and very quiet, the LCD gives you a clear view of total count, calories, time, and more right from your seat. It should be noted that it has a weight capacity of 220lbs.

Amp up your fitness from the comfort of your home with this easy-to-use machine.

Get this magnetic foldable rowing machine for just $189.99 (reg. $399.99) until January 7 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

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Opens in a new window Credit: Costway Goplus Magnetic Rowing Machine $189.99 at the Mashable Shop Get Deal

TL;DR: As of January 3, get this Smart GPS Tracker for just $21.99 — that's 31% off.

If there's one thing this digital age has given us, it's the ability to track our stuff. Whether you're tracking a package or your food being delivered through a delivery app, it's a convenience our grandparents would probably be in awe of. Now, you can track your own items more easily with gadgets like this smart GPS tracker. And through January 7, you can get it on sale for just $21.99.

Compatible with both Android and Apple devices, simply set it up through your device's Bluetooth to see where your item is. Get real-time updates on the location of your items through the Findmytag app, which you'll have lifetime access to on both Apple and Android devices. 

What might it be useful to track? If you're someone who frequently loses their keys, this could be a good idea to have. Or, if you're a frequent flyer, get one for each suitcase for peace of mind in case your luggage and all of the items inside of it get lost in transit. And, if you plan on going away with little ones who have a favorite stuffy, you could sew this tracker into it so you can track it down quickly.

You can also do a proximity search in which the tracker emits a sound to help you locate it. It's also small enough to fit in your pocket, attach to your keys, or slip into a bag without adding any bulk.

Pick it up at this reduced price and have it ready to go for your next trip.

Get this smart GPS tracker on sale now for just $21.99 (reg. $31.99) until January 7 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

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Opens in a new window Credit: Smart Gear Smart GPS Tracker $21.99 at the Mashable Shop Get Deal