Mashable

GET TWO FREE KINDLE TITLES: Amazon Prime members who are signed up for the free Amazon First Reads program can select two free Kindle titles during the month of December.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Two free Kindle titles with Prime membership Non-Prime members can purchase one title for $1.99 Get Deal

Even if you missed Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales, we're still seeing some great deals stick around. One of our favorite robot vacuums is still at a great discount, and Amazon still has some awesome sale prices sticking around. If you happen to be a Prime member and love reading, you'll also want to check out this completely free deal.

Until Dec. 31, Prime members can score one free Kindle title from the editor's selections at Amazon First Reads. Non-Prime members are eligible to snag one title for just $1.99. After that, you'll be eligible to score an additional free title from a selection of Kindle favorites. To snag this deal, you'll need to be signed up for the completely free Amazon First Reads program.

SEE ALSO: Amazon deal of the day: Snag the Sony ULT Wear headphones while they're still at Cyber Monday pricing

Each month, Prime members can browse the selected titles in the First Reads program and select one for free. Non-prime members aren't totally left out through because they can purchase one title for the low price of $1.99. Typically, Amazon tosses in an additional bonus title for free, like a short story.

For the Amazon First Reads program in the month of December, Amazon has eight Kindle titles available to choose from. Bitter Passage by Colin Mills is perfect for any historical fiction fan, taking us along on a survival adventure through the Northwest Passage. Or for those who prefer thrillers, The Drowning Game by Barbara Nickless dives into the world of mega money on superyachts and the dangers that can lurk deep within.

After you choose from one of the eight First Reads titles, Amazon is treating all of us to additional free title through Dec. 31. The extra free options include 15 titles that range from a Christmas-themed short story to science fiction to a story of espionage.

Since we're not well into cozy season, it's a great time to take advantage of these free Kindle titles from the Amazon First Reads program. Not only does this month offer Prime members a free title, Amazon is tossing in another great read, too, for the low price of totally free.

Babes, can you handle this collision of supreme talent? Nicola Coughlan, who won our hearts on Derry Girls and Bridgerton, is joining Sex Education star Ncuti Gatwa for the latest Doctor Who Christmas Special, titled "Joy to the World."

Written and executive produced by former Doctor Who showrunner Steven Moffat, this holiday special stars Coughlan as the title character, a single woman named Joy, whose quiet Christmas break in London is interrupted by a "top secret mission" with a certain wildly charismatic Time Lord (Gatwa).

SEE ALSO: 'Doctor Who' Christmas specials ranked, and where to watch them

What else is in store? Well, double Doctors, self-reflecting drama, and....dinosaurs! Joy to the world indeed.

How to watch: Doctor Who "Joy to the World" will premiere on Disney+ Dec. 25 9:10 a.m. PST / 12:10 p.m. EST.

"Wrapped season" might be coming for cuffing season's lunch. The popularity of Spotify Wrapped has caused other apps — from sex toy orgasm tracking to banking — to come up with their own year-end stats. The latest to join wrapped season is Grindr with "Grindr Unwrapped 2024."

SEE ALSO: Grindr is testing an AI 'wingman' bot, CEO says

In 2024, Grindr users sent over 130 billion chats and almost 10 billion taps, according to the app's data. Grindr also surveyed 10,000 worldwide users on questions ranging from sex position of the year to mother of the year, and here's what it found:

Missionary won sex position of the year, with backshots (from behind), 69, side, and spooning rounding out the top five. Kissing was Grindr users' favorite foreplay activity of 2024, followed by oral (if you count oral sex as foreplay...), rimming, "hand stuff," and frotting (penis-to-penis rubbing).

As for mother of the year, Charli XCX won over Lady Gaga, Beyoncé, Celine Dion, and Chappell Roan. Charli also won ally of the year and "BRAT" was Grindr users' album of the year — there must be a lot of 365 party girls on the app. Chappell Roan's "Good Luck, Babe!" was Grindr users' top song of the year, though, proving the newcomer's star power.

Check out all of the app's findings at Grindr Unwrapped.

Writer Richard Curtis shares the journey of adapting his children’s books into the intertwined holiday stories that make up That Christmas. He reflects on his personal Christmas traditions and how they inspired the heartfelt themes of family, community, and love in the film.

That Christmas is now streaming on Netflix.

TL;DR: Live stream Green Bay Packers vs. Detroit Lions for free with a 30-day free trial of Prime Video.

Thursday Night Football returns with Week 14 action, which kicks off with an NFC North showdown between the Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions. The Packers are 9-3, which puts them in third place in their division. The Lions are leading the entire NFC, not just the NFC North, at 11-1. The two teams are separated by the 10-3 Minnesota Vikings.

Detroit has not lost since Week 2, giving them all the momentum, on top of being the home team, where the Lions are 5-1. Green Bay has won four of their last five games, including the last three straight. The Packers are also 4-1 on the road. The odds currently favor Detroit.

When is Packers vs. Lions?

Green Bay Packers vs. Detroit Lions takes place at 8:15 p.m. ET on Dec. 5. The two teams will face off at Ford Field in Detroit.

Al Michaels is expected to do the play-by-play, Kirk Herbstreit will join him in the booth as the analyst.

How to stream Packers vs. Lions for free

Green Bay Packers vs. Detroit Lions is available to live stream on Prime Video in the U.S., but anyone can watch this game for free with a 30-day trial of Amazon Prime (not to mention other Thursday Night Football fixtures).

If you're already a member, or have already used the 30-day trial, Prime Video subscriptions start at $8.99 per month.

Best streaming services for Packers vs. Lions

Cincinnati Bengals vs. Baltimore Ravens will be aired locally in both Green Bay and Milwaukee. It may be available in some other markets, but NFL games are subject to local blackouts.

If you do not have a cable package in those markets, you have options. We've found some of the best streaming services to consider for the Packers vs. Lions on local networks.

Most affordable: Sling TV Opens in a new window Credit: Sling Sling TV Sports Plan Get Deal

Sling TV offers its Orange & Blue package of 48 channels at $55 per month that would serve your needs for locally available NFL games. Sign up to enjoy a first-month discounted rate of $27.50.

Sling TV’s sports channels feature ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, ESPNews, ESPNU, FOX, FS1, FS2, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network.

For in-market games: FuboTV Opens in a new window Credit: FuboTV FuboTV Pro plan Get Deal

FuboTV offers you more than 250 channels of live TV and the option to watch on 10 screens at once. You can try FuboTV with a seven-day free trial period. 

FuboTV’s sports channel offerings include ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNews, FOX, FS1, FS2, Golf Network, Marquee Sports Network, Monumental Sports, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network. 

Again, Bengals vs. Ravens is subject to local blackouts. It is available nationally on Prime Video.

How to watch Packers vs. Lions from anywhere in the world

If you're abroad 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., meaning you can unblock live streams of the NFL from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Packers vs. Lions 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 Packers vs. Lions 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 eight 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 — 49% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

2025 is looking to be an utterly bonkers year at the movies. New films are expected from such obsessed-over stars as Pedro Pascal, Florence Pugh, Will Ferrell, Robert Pattinson, Ke Huy Quan, and Michael B. Jordan. Celebrated directors like Antoine Fuqua, Barry Levinson, Akiva Schaffer, and Jon M. Chu have highly anticipated projects on the way. Beloved characters like Paddington, Captain America, Bridget Jones, Ethan Hunt, and SpongeBob SquarePants will pop up for fresh fun. And a barrage of sequels, reboots, adaptations, and bold new visions are already on the release calendar.

Whether you're seeking spine-tingling chills, side-splitting comedy, heart-wrenching drama, mind-bending thrills, or bone-crunching action, 2025 has cinema made with you in mind. We've scoured the trailers, casting announcements, and every scrap of entertainment news worth reading to map out what the year in movies will look like. And there are plenty of exciting options ahead of us.

Here's Mashable's 2025 movie preview, organized by release date.

JanuaryBetter Man

Sick and tired of bog-standard biopics? Well, let Robbie Williams and company entertain you with a rags-to-riches musical biography that plays like Billy Elliot meets Rocketman meets Planet of the Apes.

The English pop icon not only provides a cheeky narration to Better Man, but he also embraces The Greatest Showman director Michael Gracey's wild idea to transform its central subject from bad boy to rowdy chimpanzee. Actor Jonno Davies (Hunters) and the Wētā FX team collaborate to create a portrait of Williams that is as outrageous as it is riveting.

But that's not all. Better Man also boasts extraordinary musical numbers that combine Williams' hits with spirited choreography and awe-inspiring staging that turns everything from double-decker buses, glamorous yachts, and dodgy drug dens into a stage fit for a king of showmanship. As I cheered in Mashable's rave review out of TIFF 2024, "Rich in vibrant emotion, body-rocking musical numbers, daring performances, and a scorching tenderness, Better Man more than rocks. It rules."

Starring: Robbie Williams, Jonno Davies, Steve Pemberton, Alison Steadman, Damon Herriman, Raechelle Banno, Anthony Hayes, and Kate Mulvany

How to watch: Better Man opens in theaters everywhere on Jan. 10, with a Paramount+ debut to follow.

Back in Action

Craving some kick-butt comedy? Well, get ready for Jamie Foxx and Cameron Diaz to leap back into stunt-packed comedy with Back in Action.

Centering on a couple who were once spies and are now dedicated parents to their two children, this romp from Horrible Bosses helmer Seth Gordon pitches its heroes — well — "back in action." The film's first teaser gave a sense of the kind of fight scenes, family funniness, and enthralling chemistry its headliners share. It's a fine-looking movie, but it's especially exhilarating to see Diaz and Foxx back on screen.

Starring: Jamie Foxx, Cameron Diaz, Kyle Chandler, Andrew Scott, Jamie Demetriou, McKenna Roberts, Rylan Jackson, and Glenn Close

How to watch: Back in Action debuts on Netflix Jan. 17.

One of Them Days

From Insecure producer Issa Rae, Insecure writer Syreeta Singleton, and Rap Sh!t director Lawrence Lamont, One of Them Days is a tale of female friendship in a time of financial hardship. Keke Palmer and SZA star as broke besties Dreux and Alyssa, who need to make rent by 6 p.m. or face eviction from their Los Angeles apartment. So, how can they come up with some quick cash?

A first trailer studded with stars gives some ideas. Perhaps a predatory loan? (Katt Williams warns no!) Selling your blood? Well, that's a dicier proposition when a newbie nurse played by Abbott Elementary's Janelle James comes on the scene. Even trying to get into the sneaker-selling business can be brutal. What else do these queens of comedy have in store for us in 2015? We can't wait to find out.

Starring: Keke Palmer, SZA, Janelle James, Lil Rel Howery, Katt Williams, and Maude Apatow

How to watch: One of Them Days opens in theaters Jan. 17.

Wolf Man

After the rousing success of his rebooted Invisible Man, writer/director Leigh Whannell returns with a new vision of Wolf Man. For this fresh spin on a classic Universal Monster, Whannell begins with a familiar horror scenario: A metropolitan couple goes to the country for what should be a dreamy getaway — but turns into a dark nightmare.

Poor Things' Christopher Abbott stars as Blake, a San Francisco family man who takes his wife (Apartment 7A's Julia Garner) and child (Matilda Firth) to the house he's recently inherited, which lies in a remote, wooded part of Oregon. An accident with their moving van gets them off to an awful start. But things get worse when a roaring beast chases them through the forest, far from cell phone reception. And now dear daddy has a festering bite on his arm. What could this possibly mean for this family of three? (Nothing good.)

Starring: Christopher Abbott, Julia Garner, Matilda Firth, Sam Jaeger, Ben Prendergast, and Benedict Hardie

How to watch: Wolf Man opens in theaters Jan. 17.

Grafted

How far would you go to be beautiful or fit in? Director Sasha Rainbow chases this question down in the grisly horror-thriller Grafted.

This stomach-churning story of self-discovery (and self-destruction) begins with Wei (Joyena Sun), a Chinese student who travels to New Zealand on a scholarship to pursue medical research. There, she is beguiled by her popular cousin Angela (Jess Hong) and her friends, but is swiftly shunned because of her social awkwardness and a facial difference that she views as a curse. Could science give her a fresh face and a new lease on life? But at what cost?

Starring: Joyena Sun, Jess Hong, Jared Turner

How to watch: Grafted debuts on Shudder Jan. 24.

Inheritance

Neil Burger (Limitless, Divergent) helms an espionage thriller about the ties that bind (and maybe suffocate).

After the death of her mother, a young woman named Maya (Phoebe Dynevor) sees her estranged dad (Rhys Ifans) re-enter her life. But it's more a business proposition than a loving father-daughter moment. As seen in the trailer above, he offers her a gig as a spy, and when he goes missing, she finds herself on the run, trapped in a web of subterfuge, globe-trekking, and conspiracy. Will she prove to be her father's daughter? Or something greater?

Starring: Phoebe Dynevor and Rhys Ifans

How to watch: Inheritance opens in theaters Jan. 24.

Presence

Director Steven Soderbergh and screenwriter David Koepp previously teamed up for the tech-paranoia thriller Kimi. Now, they've reunited for a ghost story that's told from the perspective of the ghost.

SEE ALSO: 'Presence' review: Steven Soderbergh and David Koepp deliver a uniquely thrilling ghost story

Soderbergh himself shoulders the camera, providing a first-person (or first-spirit) point of view for the whole of Presence. As I wrote in my review out of TIFF, "Presence is extraordinary for all it tells through its moving camerawork alone."

The film follows a family whose interpersonal dramas fascinate the unseen and unheard (but not unfelt!) presence that floats among them. Who is the ghost? What does it have to do with the often-bickering family of four? Presence will reveal its secrets in theaters.

Starring: Lucy Liu, Julia Fox, Callina Liang, Eddy Maday, West Mulholland, and Chris Sullivan

How to watch: Presence opens in theaters Jan. 24.

You're Cordially Invited

Forget Bridezillas and Bride Wars. This kooky R-rated comedy is about the hilarious mayhem that happens when you pit a devoted father of the bride (Will Ferrell) against a loyal sister of another bride (Reese Witherspoon).

When a gorgeous lakeside wedding venue accidentally double-books two nuptials, the brides-to-be (Geraldine Viswanathan and Meredith Hagner) are kept blissfully unaware as their relatives duke it out for the picture-perfect celebration of love. Coming from writer/director Nicholas Stoller, the filmmaker behind such heart-warming and hilarious comedies as Neighbors and Forgetting Sarah Marshall, You're Cordially Invited is destined to delight.

Starring: Will Ferrell, Reese Witherspoon, Geraldine Viswanathan, and Meredith Hagner

How to watch: You're Cordially Invited comes to Prime Video Jan. 30.

Companion

Give yourself over to some truly wild love with Companion. As proudly proclaimed by the twisted teaser above, this film comes from New Line Cinema, the studio behind Nicolas Sparks' romance The Notebook and the deeply deranged horror-thriller Barbarian. And Companion appears to be the love child between these two very different movies.

Jack Quaid (Star Trek: Lower Decks, Scream 5) and Sophie Thatcher (Yellowjackets, The Boogeyman) co-star as a couple engaged in a violent romance. Is this going the way of Natural Born Killers, Badlands, or True Romance? We can't wait to find out.

Starring: Sophie Thatcher, Jack Quaid, Lukas Gage, Megan Suri, Harvey Guillén, and Rupert Friend

How to watch: Companion opens in theaters Jan. 31.

FebruaryHeart Eyes

Josh Ruben has steadily been carving out a name for himself in horror-comedies. In 2020, he wrote, directed, and starred in the clever and creepy anthology offering Scare Me alongside the enchantingly smirking Aya Cash. The following year he unleashed Werewolves Within, a lupine whodunnit filled with comedy notables. Now, he's taking aim at Valentine's Day with the slasher Heart Eyes.

The film's first teaser gives a glimpse of the titular killer, along with some of the tropes it'll hit — like a lovers' lane slaying. But chiefly, this preview gives a great sense of the gore in store and a glimpse at Ruben's sick sense of humor. So, date night viewing is all set.

Starring: Olivia Holt, Mason Gooding, Gigi Zumbado, Michaela Watkins, Devon Sawa, and Jordana Brewster

How to watch: Heart Eyes opens in theaters Feb. 7.

Love Hurts

Everything Everywhere All at Once Oscar–winner Ke Huy Quan steps out of supporting roles and into the leading man position for Love Hurts. This action-comedy promises to make the most out of his moxie, as well as his skill for fight choreography and pratfalls.

To his friends and neighbors in the Milwaukee suburbs, Marvin Gable (Quan) is a mild-mannered real estate agent, quick with a smile and a heart-shaped cookie. But on one fateful Valentine's Day, his dark past comes back to haunt him. More specifically, his former partner-in-crime Rose (West Side Story Oscar–winner Ariana DeBose) resurfaces, along with plenty of trouble. Get ready for fight scenes, bonkers action, and — of course — the rousing music of THE Celine Dion!

Starring: Ke Huy Quan, Ariana DeBose, Marshawn Lynch, Mustafa Shakir, Lio Tipton, Rhys Darby, André Eriksen, and Sean Astin

How to watch: Love Hurts opens in theaters Feb. 7.

The Witcher: Sirens of the Deep

The follow-up to The Witcher: Nightmare of the Wolf, this animated adventure delves deeper into the fantastical world portrayed in Andrzej Sapkowski's Witcher novels, which spawned both the popular video game series and the Henry Cavill-fronted Netflix series. Specifically, Sirens of the Deep is inspired by a short story called "A Little Sacrifice," which can be found in Sapkowski's short story collection Sword of Destiny.

As you can tell from the trailer, this film will follow the Witcher through a new war, which involves sexy sirens, a fleet of sharks, and some high-seas action to boot. Are you ready?

Starring: Doug Cockle, Joey Batey, Anya Chalotra, and Christina Wren

How to watch: The Witcher: Sirens of the Deep debuts on Netflix Feb. 11.

Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy

First, there was Bridget Jones's Diary. Next came Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason, and then there was Bridget Jones's Baby. It's been 24 years since Renée Zellweger and Hugh Grant first set hearts aflame as a hot but mismatched pair of lovers, and now they've reunited for a fresh misadventure about fiftysomethings who've grown older, but not up.

Based on Helen Fielding's novel of the same name, Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy catches up with its eponymous heroine as she navigates the terrain of dating as a widowed mother. (RIP, MARK DARCY!) While her old roguish flame Daniel Cleaver (Grant) is still about, she's got hot prospects in a much-younger beau (Leo Woodall) and a dashing gentleman (Chiwetel Ejiofor). But who delivered her a night of mind-blowing sex? We'll find out this Valentine's Day.

Starring: Renée Zellweger, Hugh Grant, Emma Thompson, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Leo Woodall, Jim Broadbent, Gemma Jones, Isla Fisher, Josette Simon, Nico Parker, and Leila Farzad

How to watch: Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy debuts on Peacock Feb. 13.

Paddington in Peru

2025 is starting off kind and polite with the marmalade-loving bear, Paddington.

The first two installments, Paddington and Paddington 2, shared his stories of coming to England, befriending the Brown family, and dodging the clutches of a tenacious taxidermist and the schemes of a self-obsessed actor. For Paddington in Peru, the eponymous hero is returning to Peru to visit his beloved Aunt Lucy (Imelda Staunton), who has gone missing in the Amazon jungle!

What part in this adventure will a chipper nun played by Olivia Colman and a swaggering treasure hunter portrayed by Antonio Banderas have to play? We can't wait to discover whatever silly shenanigans this much-anticipated family film has to offer.

Starring: Ben Whishaw, Olivia Colman, Antonio Banderas, Hugh Bonneville, Emily Mortimer, Julie Walters, Jim Broadbent, Madeleine Harris, Samuel Joslin, and Carla Tous

How to watch: Paddington in Peru opens in theaters Feb. 14.

Captain America: Brave New World

The fourth installment of the Captain America film series dovetails as a sequel to the TV drama The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. So, you might want to begin revisiting all of the above (and four Avengers movies) ahead of Captain America: Brave New World.

In this much anticipated action-thriller, Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) takes on the mantle of Captain America, confronting an international incident with a superhero style all his own. Directed by Julius Onah (Luce), Captain America: Brave New World also brings Harrison Ford into the MCU as U.S. President Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross. Even if you're not up on the comics, the teaser poster alone — featuring hulking red fingers palming Captain America's signature shield — promises a mighty foe sure to bring the fight-scene spectacle audiences crave.

Starring: Anthony Mackie, Danny Ramirez, Shira Haas, Xosha Roquemore, Carl Lumbly, Giancarlo Esposito, Liv Tyler, Tim Blake Nelson, and Harrison Ford

How to watch: Captain America: Brave New World opens in theaters Feb. 14.

The Monkey

Remember those terrifying toy monkeys that would clang terrible cymbals while staring at you with red, beady eyes? Back in 1980, this creepy critter inspired a Stephen King short story. And in 2025, Osgood Perkins, the freaky filmmaker behind Longlegs, is bringing his film adaptation of The Monkey to theaters. For added oomph, this cheeky thriller is produced by James Wan.

Theo James stars as twin brothers Bill and Hal, who find the horrid toy in their father's attic. But no sooner does this artifact get dusted off than people begin to die. Coincidence? Or curse?

Starring: Theo James, Tatiana Maslany, Elijah Wood, Christian Convery, Colin O'Brien, Rohan Campbell, and Sarah Levy

How to watch: The Monkey opens in theaters Feb. 21.

Last Breath

In 2019, director Alex Parkinson delivered an intense documentary about the rescue effort to save a deep sea diver trapped on a seabed with only minutes of oxygen left in his tank. Now, Parkinson is re-imagining this incredible story with a star-studded cast in a thriller sure to take your breath away. Both are named Last Breath.

While a storm rages above, a diver leagues below seems doomed. But not if his team has anything to say about it. Woody Harrelson brings his grizzled determination to a story of courage, brotherhood, and the risk of going where most men fear to tread (or swim).

Starring: Woody Harrelson, Simu Liu, Finn Cole, and Cliff Curtis

How to watch: Last Breath opens in theaters Feb. 28.

MarchNight of the Zoopocalypse

Got kiddos who love scary stuff? Well, then mark your family's calendar for Night of the Zoopocalypse, a zombie movie sure to excite the budding horror fan in your household.

Directed by Ricardo Curtis and Rodrigo Perez-Castro, this animated offering begins in the Colepepper Zoo, where the human visitors are protected from the animal inhabitants by glass and barred enclosures. But when a strange comet drops an extraterrestrial virus into the zoo, who will protect the animals from its zombie-fying effects? Leave it to an unlikely ensemble — a wolf, mountain lion, lemur, capybara, and pygmy hippo — to not only survive but also save the day!

Starring: David Harbour, Scott Thompson, Paul Sun-Hyung Lee, and Gabbi Kosmidis 

How to watch: Night of the Zoopocalypse opens in theaters March 7.

The Rule of Jenny Pen John Lithgow and Geoffrey Rush star in "The Rule of Jenny Pen." Credit: IFC / shudder

In the fall of 2024, The Rule of Jenny Pen got tongues wagging when it played the genre-loving Fantastic Fest. This freaky horror offering from director James Ashcroft (helmer of the exceptionally harrowing Coming Home in the Dark) also won the praise of the one and only Stephen King. Per Dread Central, the king of horror tweeted, "I watched one of the best movies I’ve seen this year. It’s called The Rule of Jenny Pen, and I urge you to watch it when it appears on Shudder."

Geoffrey Rush stars as an arrogant judge named Stefan Mortensen, who is laid low by a near-fatal stroke. Partially paralyzed and moved to a retirement home, his situation gets much, much worse when he collides with a fellow resident, Dave Crealy (Lithgow) who expertly switches from genial to malicious. With Mortensen essentially cornered, Crealy inflicts on him a twisted game he calls "the Rule of Jenny Pen," employing an odd doll as an instrument of torment. When the staff fails to step in, it's up the judge to make his own ruling, and bring down a sentence on Crealy and his Jenny.

Starring: John Lithgow and Geoffrey Rush 

How to watch: The Rule of Jenny Pen opens in theaters March 7.

Sinners

Ryan Coogler, the acclaimed filmmaker behind Black Panther and Creed, reteams with Michael B. Jordan for Sinners, an original thriller that has the bloody whiff of a vampire myth.

Jordan stars as twins who try to leave the troubles of their lives behind by returning to their hometown. Unfortunately for them, a rancid evil has creeped in and rules the night. This first teaser is enticing, offering a period piece that promises genre thrills and a political subtext. Plus, since it's slated to be released in IMAX, Sinners seems assured to be a visual stunner.

Starring: Michael B. Jordan, Hailee Steinfeld, Jack O'Connell, Wunmi Mosaku, Jayme Lawson, Omar Benson Miller, and Delroy Lindo

How to watch: Sinners opens in theaters March 7.

Black Bag

All we know about Black Bag at the time of publishing is it's a spy drama that — like Presence — brings together screenwriter David Koepp and director Steven Soderbergh. And for added intrigue, the cast is led by Cate Blanchett and Michael Fassbender. Consider us seated.

Starring: Cate Blanchett, Michael Fassbender, Regé-Jean Page, Marisa Abela, Naomie Harris, Pierce Brosnan, and Tom Burke

How to watch: Black Bag opens in theaters March 14.

Alto Knights

Previously, director Barry Levinson has collaborated with leading man Robert De Niro on a barrage of very different movies, ranging from the dark crime drama Sleepers to the political satire Wag the Dog to the madcap mobster comedy Analyze That (which Levinson produced) and the Bernie Madoff biopic The Wizard of Lies. Their latest team-up, Alto Knights, could be anything from hard-nosed pathos to a wacky comedy. However, since it's scripted by Nicholas Pileggi (Goodfellas, Casino), this is most certainly a gangster movie that places De Niro in his sweet spot. But the 81-year-old, two-time Oscar winner won't be on cruise control here.

Named for the notorious New York social club, Alto Kings will focus on the feud between warring crime bosses Vito Genovese and Frank Costello — with De Niro in both roles. Sold. Who needs a trailer?

Starring: Robert De Niro, Cosmo Jarvis, Debra Messing, and Matt Servitto

How to watch: Alto Knights opens in theaters March 21.

Snow White

Disney continues to turn their animated classics into live-action re-imaginings with Snow White. Starring as the eponymous princess is West Side Story's Rachel Zegler, who can be seen singing and dancing with the lovable seven dwarves in the teaser above. And that's lovely. But we're here for Gal Gadot serving face (the fairest in the land?) as the wicked queen. She shined as Wonder Woman. Now, as one of Disney's baddest baddies, Gadot is downright glorious.

With a screenplay from Barbie's Greta Gerwig and Secretary's Erin Cressida Wilson, Snow White could be a fresh take on this age-old tale. Helmed by Marc Webb (Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, 500 Days of Summer), this princess tale will likely have a dash of cutting wit to help the apple bite go down.

Starring: Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot

How to watch: Snow White opens in theaters March 21.

AprilA Minecraft Movie

From Jared Hess, the mind that brought us the offbeat genius of Napoleon Dynamite, comes A Minecraft Movie. And yeah, it's going get about as weird as chucking quesadillas at a llama named Tina.

Inspired by the massively popular sandbox video game, A Minecraft Movie is a live-action movie in which a band of misfits — played by Jason Momoa, Emma Myers, Danielle Brooks, and Sebastian Eugene Hansen — end up in a bizarre land that's made of cubes. There, imagination is key to the game — and survival! But fear not. Though they're stalked by hedges and square-headed hogs, our unlikely heroes have an almighty mentor/"toolbag" named Steve (Jack Black).

Starring: Jason Momoa, Jennifer Coolidge, Jack Black, Danielle Brooks, Emma Myers, Matt Berry, and Sebastian Eugene Hansen

How to watch: A Minecraft Movie opens April 4.

The Amateur

Rami Malek headlines this espionage thriller as Charlie Heller, a sharp and shy CIA decoder who is happy working a desk job at Langley. That is, until his beloved wife is killed in a London terrorist attack. Furious that his supervisors aren't leaping into action to track down those responsible, Charlie goes into the field on his own. To get the revenge he seeks, he'll not only have to survive a hunt for this homicidal squad, but also his colleagues trying to stop him.

From the looks of this first trailer, The Amateur offers a tense tale, studded with dramatic twists, cat-and-mouse thrills, and some ruthless — and inventive — kills. You had us at a shattering rooftop pool.

Starring: Rami Malek, Rachel Brosnahan, Caitríona Balfe, Holt McCallany, Julianne Nicholson, Adrian Martinez, and Laurence Fishburne

How to watch: The Amateur opens in theaters April 11.

Drop

Filmmaker Christopher Landon has made such darkly funny horror-comedies as the time-loop slasher Happy Death Day and its sequel, as well as the body-swap killer-thriller Freaky. He also wrote the screenplay for the teen twist on Rear Window that is Disturbia. He's leaving colleges and teen hysterics behind for Drop.

Written by Jillian Jacobs and Chris Roach, this horror-thriller centers on a widowed mother who's back on the dating scene. But when a series of spooky anonymous texts flood her phone while she's on a first date, she has to wonder if she's being harassed by the wanna-be beau before her.

Starring: Meghann Fahy, Brandon Sklenar, Violett Beane, and Ed Weeks

How to watch: Drop opens in theaters April 11.

Mickey 17

Bong Joon-ho is a modern master of genre-bending cinema, having bestowed upon viewers the gnarly yet funny serial killer thriller Memories of Murder, the humorous yet scary monster movie The Host, the wickedly entertaining eat-the-rich comedy Parasite, and the tense yet quirky end-of-the-world action epic Snowpiercer. Now, he's got his sights set on space.

Robert Pattinson stars in Mickey 17, named for the 17th printing of an earthling who has signed up to be an "expendable." For the layperson, that means Mickey has agreed to take on dangerous space jobs that could kill him. But no bother, because the company can print out a new body for his conscientiousness to inhabit if anything happens to him physically. However, when Mickey literally comes face-to-face with himself, this multiples mistake has everyone in a violent uproar. It's mayhem the way only Bong Joon-ho can imagine it.

Starring: Robert Pattinson, Naomi Ackie, Steven Yeun, Toni Collette, and Mark Ruffalo

How to watch: Mickey 17 opens in theaters April 18.

Until Dawn

Adapted from the spooky Supermassive video game, Until Dawn follows a group of teens to a remote ski lodge for a getaway they'll never forget. It was there, one year ago, that a cruel prank led to twin sisters rushing out into the cold, dark forest, never to be seen again. With their friends reunited, the truth of what happened that night could come out — along with a vengeance streak that could end them all.

Directed by David F. Sandberg (Annabelle: Creation), this Until Dawn has recast most of the characters, though the deliciously devilish Peter Stormare will reprise his role from the game as Dr. Alan J. Hill.

Starring: Ella Rubin, Michael Cimino, Ji-young Yoo, Odessa A'zion, Maia Mitchell, Belmont Cameli, and Peter Stormare

How to watch: Until Dawn opens April 25.

MayThunderbolts*

What superhero fatigue? The MCU is back again with its 36th installment, Thunderbolts*, which is sort of the Marvel version of Suicide Squad.

United by CIA director Valentine de Fontaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus), misfit antiheroes like Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh), Bucky (Sebastian Stan), Red Guardian (David Harbour), Taskmaster (Olga Kurylenko), Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen), and John Walker (Wyatt Russell) take on an even bigger Big Bad. But don't expect them to be all noble about it. They're more about the snarking and the smoldering. Lucky us.

Starring: Florence Pugh, Sebastian Stan, Olga Kurylenko, Hannah John-Kamen, Rachel Weisz, Wyatt Russell, Lewis Pullman, David Harbour, and Julia Louis-Dreyfus

How to watch: Thunderbolts* opens in theaters May 2.

Golden

Following his musical biopic filled with LEGO flare, Piece by Piece, Pharrell Williams is looking to dive deeper into his past with Golden. Set in the housing complex in Virginia Beach, Virginia, where he grew up, this musical promises to be a real dazzler. Not only does it boast a long list of stars from music, TV, and film, but also it's being helmed by Michel Gondry, the visionary behind such surreal movies as Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, The Science of Sleep, and Mood Indigo.

So, prepare for your mind to be blown and your ears to be happy.

Starring: Janelle Monáe, Brian Tyree Henry, Quinta Brunson, Da'Vine Joy Randolph, Halle Bailey, Tim Meadows, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Jaboukie Young-White, and Missy Elliott

How to watch: Golden opens in theaters May 9.

Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning

Tom Cruise returns as Ethan Hunt in Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning, the sequel to 2023's explosively entertaining Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part One.

Picking up where the seventh entry left off, this movie will chase Hunt as he seeks the key-like MacGuffin to topple a worrisome A.I. known as "The Entity." That means facing off against power-hungry foes, putting his loyal team at risk, plunging into a flood submarine, and lots, and lots, and lots of running. What can we say? Mission: Impossible knows what we want.

Starring: Tom Cruise, Hayley Atwell, Simon Pegg, Vanessa Kirby, Ving Rhames, Pom Klementieff, and Esai Morales

How to watch: Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning opens in theaters May 23.

Karate Kid: Legends

Ralph Macchio returns as Daniel LaRusso in Karate Kid: Legends. This, the sixth film in the martial arts franchise, brings together the stories of Karate Kid 1 to 3, and the 2010 reboot, which starred Jackie Chan as a Mr. Miyagi-like mentor named Mr. Han.

In Karate Kid: Legends, Daniel and Mr. Han team up in Beijing to train a new prodigy named Li Fong (American Born Chinese's Ben Wang). But something tells me their teaching styles may not exactly align!

Starring: Jackie Chan, Ben Wang, Ming-Na Wen, Joshua Jackson, Sadie Stanley, and Ralph Macchio

How to watch: Karate Kid: Legends opens in theaters May 30.

JuneFrom the World of John Wick: Ballerina

Knives Out's Ana de Armas headlines this John Wick spinoff, which is set during the events of John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum. The film's first trailer (seen above) teases how the story of ballerina/assassin-in-training Eve collides with Keanu Reeve's puppy-avenging badass. They have friends in common, like NYC's Continental Hotel manager Winston Scott (Ian McShane). Reeves himself is also slated to pop up in Ballerina. However, as Eve looks equally adept at shooting, martial arts, and looking killer cool whether dancing or brawling, this spin-off seems certain to entertain Wick's biggest fans.

Starring: Ana de Armas, Anjelica Huston, Gabriel Byrne, Lance Reddick, Catalina Sandino Moreno, Norman Reedus, Ian McShane and Keanu Reeves

How to watch: From the World of John Wick: Ballerina opens June 6.

Elio

Disney and Pixar are offering audiences a fresh vision of alien-human interaction this summer with Elio.

Named for its eponymous underdog, Elio centers on a young boy who is mistakenly identified as the head of Earth, and so is swept away to meet an extraterrestrial delegation eager to understand our planet and its inhabitants. (Good luck!) Representing not just all humans but all life on Earth puts a lot of pressure on this charismatic kiddo. But on this journey, he's sure to make strange (and silly) new friends, and find his inner strength. And hijinks. We comfortably predict spacey hijinks.

Starring: America Ferrera, Yonas Kibreab, Jameela Jamil, Zoe Saldana, and Brad Garrett

How to watch: Elio opens in theaters June 13.

How to Train Your Dragon

Cressida Cowell's enchanting book series How to Train Your Dragon first launched a fleet of high-flying animated movies and spinoff cartoon series. Now, writer/director Dean DeBlois, who's been at the helm of these movies since the first outing in 2010, is back with a live-action re-imagining.

The Black Phone's Mason Thames will step into the shivering shoes of Hiccup, while The Last of Us' Nico Parker will play his crush, Viking girl Astrid. Gerard Butler is reprising his role as Hiccup's hard-nosed dad Stoick the Vast, while Nick Frost, Y2K''s Julian Dennison, and The Fall of the House of Usher's Ruth Codd join the cast as Vikings.

Starring: Mason Thames, Nico Parker, Nick Frost, Julian Dennison, Gerard Butler, and Ruth Codd

How to watch: How to Train Your Dragon opens in theaters June 13.

28 Years Later

First, there was 28 Days Later, then 28 Weeks Later. Now, director Danny Boyle and screenwriter Alex Garland are back with 28 Years Later, delivering a devastating new dose of dystopia on a zombie-laden (well, infected-persons-laden) planet.

Set long after the second film in this frightening franchise, 28 Years Later finds the Rage Virus ravaging the world as a squad of very attractive survivors struggle to remain uninfected. I don't know anything else about the characters, but look at that cast. It's a smokeshow ensemble!

Starring: Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jodie Comer, Ralph Fiennes, Jack O’Connell, and Cillian Murphy

How to watch: 28 Years Later opens June 20.

M3GAN 2.0

Among Mashable's most anticipated movies of 2025 is Blumhouse's sequel to M3GAN. Sure, the killer AI doll bit it at the conclusion of the first movie. But that ending definitely left room for her to return. Will it be in the M3GAN vs M3GAN face-off we dream of? Will she step up her dance moves to make M3GAN 2.0 a full-blown horror musical? It's too soon to say.

But good news already abounds: M3GAN's director Gerard Johnstone and writer Akela Cooper are back for this enticing sequel, as are Allison Williams, Violet McGraw, and Jenna Davis, who provides the killer doll's perfectly prim yet menacing voice. And thrilling news for Kiwi comedy fans — Jemaine Clement (Flight of the Conchords, 2014's What We Do In the Shadows) is joining the fun in an undisclosed role. Will he be friend or foe to M3GAN 2.0?

Starring: Allison Williams, Jenna Davis, Violet McGraw, Timm Sharp, Aristotle Athari, and Jemaine Clement

How to watch: M3GAN 2.0 opens June 27.

F1

Brad Pitt drives into the high-octane world of Formula One racing with F1. Starring opposite The Banshees of Inisherin's Kerry Condon and Being the Ricardos' Javier Bardem, Pitt plays Sonny Hayes, a former pro driver who comes out of retirement to mentor a new prodigy on the scene (Damson Idris).

Reuniting Top Gun: Maverick's director Joseph Kosinski and writer Ehren Kruger, F1 is sure to offer action, macho drama, and a hero who doesn't know the meaning of the word "quit."

Starring: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Javier Bardem, Kerry Condon, Tobias Menzies, and Shea Whigham

How to watch: F1 opens June 27.

JulyJurassic World Rebirth

The Jurassic Park franchise roars on, this time leaving behind Chris Pratt, Bryce-Dallas Howard, and the first film's iconic trio of Sam Neill, Laura Dern, and Jeff Goldblum. As this sequel's title suggests, Jurassic World Rebirth brings in a new group of kids and grown-ups who should know better to mess with dinosaurs at their own peril.

SEE ALSO: 'Jurassic World: Dominion' review: A big, dumb animal that deserves extinction

Set five years after Jurassic World: Dominion, the seventh installment in the Jurassic Park film series will follow an expedition to a tropical region, where three mighty prehistoric beasts could hold the cure to some of humanity's woes. Scarlett Johansson and Mahershala Ali lead a star-studded cast, but we're most excited about the return of Jurassic Park screenwriter David Koepp (Presence, Kimi, Death Becomes Her) to the series. Teaming with The Creator helmer Gareth Edwards, this dynamic duo could make these movies watchable again!

Starring: Scarlett Johansson, Mahershala Ali, Jonathan Bailey, Rupert Friend, and Manuel Garcia-Rulfo

How to watch: Jurassic World Rebirth opens July 2.

Superman View this post on Instagram

On Instagram, writer/director James Gunn shared this first look at David Corenswet as Superman, signaling a reset for Warner Bros. superhero movies. Say goodbye to the DCEU and hello to the DCU, a relaunched franchise that will build from Superman.

The official logline for this reboot is as follows (courtesy of Variety): "[Superman] tells the story of Superman’s journey to reconcile his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing as Clark Kent of Smallville, Kansas. He is the embodiment of truth, justice, and the American way, guided by human kindness in a world that sees kindness as old-fashioned."

Starring: David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan, Nathan Fillion, Isabela Merced, Edi Gathegi, Anthony Carrigan, and Nicholas Hoult

How to watch: Superman opens in theaters July 11.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps Tweet may have been deleted

The Fantastic Four are getting rebooted and ushered into the MCU in 2025. While the plot details of this superpowered quartet's new adventure are under wraps, fans have plenty of reason to shriek in anticipation from the cast alone. Director Matt Shakman managed to cast three of the internet's boyfriends in The Fantastic Four: First Steps.

Stranger Things' Joseph Quinn will play the fiery Johnny "The Human Torch" Storm. The Bear's Ebon Moss-Bachrach will give gruff but lovable a new go as Ben "Thing" Grimm. And Pedro Pascal of The Last of Us will swagger into the role of Reed Richards, aka Mr. Fantastic. Rounding out the foursome as Sue "The Invisible Woman" Storm is The Crown's Vanessa Kirby. And with Robert Downey Jr. coming back to the MCU — not as Tony Stark but as Fantastic Four foe Doctor Doom — might we anticipate he'll pop up here?

Starring: Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, and Joseph Quinn

How to watch: The Fantastic Four: First Steps opens in theaters July 25.

AugustThe Naked Gun

Yep. They're rebooting Naked Gun. And if you — like me — grew up with the dynamically dopey Leslie Nielsen as Detective Sergeant Frank Drebin, you might be dubious of any attempt at recasting. To that I say: They got Liam Neeson. And by "they," I mean The Lonely Island's Akiva Schaffer, co-writer/co-director of Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping. If anyone could recapture the magic of this trilogy, it's the bonkers brains behind one of the best mockumentaries of all time

Plus, Neeson is no stranger to turning his tough guy persona into cop-centered comedy. In The Lego Movie, he expertly pivoted between voicing the two-faced Good Cop/Bad Cop. In Derry Girls, he played Chief Constable Byers, who was befuddled by the rants of the annoying Uncle Colm. And if you want to go way back, he played a horny, homicidal, and hilarious ghost in 1988's haunted house comedy High Spirits. Simply put, we're optimistic about this curious comedic reboot.

Starring: Liam Neeson, Paul Walter Hauser, Kevin Durand, Pamela Anderson, Danny Huston, and Cody Rhodes

How to watch: The Naked Gun opens Aug. 1.

Nobody 2

In 2021, Better Call Saul star Bob Odenkirk turned action hero in Nobody, a dark comedy about a former assassin turned office worker who falls back into that violent life — whether he likes it or not. Well, one good turn (at the box office) deserves another, so Odenkirk is reprising his role as Hutch Mansell, former contract killer. Much of the old gang is back, in fact, including Connie Nielsen as Hutch's wife, Becca, and RZA as his brother, Harry. New to the team is The Shadow Strays director Timo Tjahjanto, who's taken up the helm. So anticipate action that is jaw-dropping, if not downright jaw-breaking.

Starring: Bob Odenkirk, Connie Nielsen, RZA, Christopher Lloyd, Sharon Stone, Colin Hanks, and John Ortiz

How to watch: Nobody 2 opens Aug. 15.

Thread: An Insidious Tale

The Lambert family isn't the focus of this spin-off film, though it's still set within the world of Insidious. Following the horrors in Insidious: The Red Door, Thread: An Insidious Tale will star Mandy Moore and Kumail Nanjiani as a pair of grieving parents who attempt to travel back in time to prevent the death of their daughter. How does The Further factor in? We'll see this summer.

Starring: Mandy Moore and Kumail Nanjiani

How to watch: Thread: An Insidious Tale opens Aug. 29.

SeptemberThe Conjuring: Last Rites

Critics may have eye-rolled over The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It, but the third movie in the Ed and Lorraine Warren franchise made bank at the box office. So, Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga will return as the Christian couple who combat supernatural evils through faith.

The Devil Made Me Do It director Michael Chaves is back at the helm, with The Conjuring 1 and 2 helmer James Wan producing. What case from the Warren Files might they plumb next?

Starring: Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson

How to watch: The Conjuring: Last Rites opens in theaters Sept. 5.

Downton Abbey 3

Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes reteams with Downton Abbey: A New Era director Simon Curtis for the third spin-off movie from the deeply adored English drama series. Also back will be much of the cast we've come to love for their upstairs posturing and downstairs drama.

Starring: Hugh Bonneville, Dominic West, Elizabeth McGovern, Michelle Dockery, Laura Carmichael, Jim Carter, Phyllis Logan, Robert James-Collier, Joanne Froggatt, Allen Leech, Penelope Wilton, Lesley Nicol, Michael Fox, Raquel Cassidy, Brendan Coyle, Kevin Doyle, Harry Hadden-Paton, Sophie McShera, Douglas Reith, and Dominic West

How to watch: Downtown Abbey 3 opens in theaters Sept 12.

Saw XI

This frightening slasher franchise is going strong. Following the critical acclaim and box office success of Saw X, director Kevin Greutert returns with an 11th installment that promises to be grisly. Beyond graphic violence and gnarly kills, we're not sure what else to expect at this point. But Saw fans don't need anything else to be marking their calendars.

Starring: TBD

How to watch: Saw XI opens in theaters Sept. 26.

The Bride!

The Wolf Man isn't the only Universal Monster getting a makeover in 2025. Maggie Gyllenhaal pulls double duty as writer/director of The Bride! — an intriguing re-imagining of the iconic 1935 classic The Bride of Frankenstein. Pulling inspiration from James Whale's sequel to Frankenstein and the original sci-fi novel of Mary Shelley, Gyllenhaal carves a new chapter for her bride.

Set in 1930s Chicago, The Bride! follows a murdered young woman (Men's Jessie Buckley), who is resurrected by Dr. Euphronius to be the romantic partner to his monster (Christian Bale). But this revived heroine has more than love on her mind, and she evades police while engaging in a fight for radical social change. Let's go, ghouls!

Starring: Christian Bale, Jessie Buckley, Peter Sarsgaard, Annette Bening, and Penelope Cruz

How to watch: The Bride! opens Sept. 26.

OctoberMichael

Director Antoine Fuqua has collaborated with stars like Denzel Washington and Will Smith on such intense dramas as The Equalizer trilogy, Training Day, and Emancipation. Now, he's turned his focus to the life story of the celebrated and controversial King of Pop, Michael Jackson.

Stepping into the pop icon's moon-walking shoes is Jaafar Jackson, his 28-year-old nephew, son of Jermaine Jackson. Backing him up are Colman Domingo and Nia Long as Michael's parents, Joe and Katherine Jackson. And setting the stage is John Logan, three-time Academy Award–nominated screenwriter of Hugo, The Aviator, and Gladiator. Which is all to say, on paper, this is a compelling prestige pic, and Lionsgate moving its release from April to October could suggest they see it as an award season contender.

Starring: Jaafar Jackson, Nia Long, Colman Domingo, Laura Harrier, Larenz Tate, and Miles Teller

How to watch: Michael opens in theaters Oct. 3.

Tron: Ares View this post on Instagram

A stand-alone sequel to 2010's Tron: Legacy, Tron: Ares stars Jared Leto as the titular character. Per Disney's official logline: "Tron: Ares follows a highly sophisticated Program, Ares, who is sent from the digital world into the real world on a dangerous mission, marking humankind’s first encounter with AI beings."

AI has been at the center of a slew of recent movies, including AfrAId, Atlas, The Creator, and M3GAN. What will Disney's sci-fi drama from Joachim Rønning, helmer of Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales, have to say about it? That's a mystery we can't solve just yet.

Starring: Jared Leto, Greta Lee, Cameron Monaghan, Evan Peters, Gillian Anderson, Jodie Turner-Smith, Arturo Castro, Hasan Minhaj, and Jeff Bridges

How to watch: Tron: Ares opens in theaters Oct. 10.

The Black Phone 2

A decade after the sick thrills of Sinister, director Scott Derrickson, screenwriter C. Robert Cargill, and leading man Ethan Hawke reunited for 2021's The Black Phone, a grisly adaptation of a Joe Hill short story. It's a twisted tale of stranger danger involving ghost boys, a captive kid, and Hawke as The Grabber, a villain who channels his mercurial moods into chilling masks.

At this time, it's hard to say where this haunting tale can go next. But we're ready to find out.

Starring: Ethan Hawke, Mason Thames, Madeleine McGraw, Jeremy Davies, and Miguel Mora

How to watch: The Black Phone 2 opens in theaters Oct. 17.

Mortal Kombat 2

Cue the battle music! Director Simon McQuoid is reuniting with the cast of his 2021 live-action reboot Mortal Kombat for a sure-to-thrill sequel. Based on the wildly popular video games from Midway Games, this film series follows Cole Young (Lewis Tan), a down-on-his-luck mixed-martial artist whose secret lineage pulls him into a world of super-powered battles for the future of the Earthrealm.

Reprising their roles in Mortal Kombat 2 are Hiroyuki Sanada, Jessica McNamee, Tadanobu Asano, and Mehcad Brooks. New to the cast isn The Boys' Karl Urban, who's set to play the cocky and charismatic Johnny Cage. Game on!

Starring: Hiroyuki Sanada, Lewis Tan, Jessica McNamee, Karl Urban, Tadanobu Asano, and Mehcad Brooks

How to watch: Mortal Kombat 2 opens in theaters Oct. 24.

NovemberPredator: Badlands

In 2022, writer/director Dan Trachtenberg delivered a fresh spin on the Predator franchise with Prey, a human-versus-alien movie set in 1719 Great Plains. In 2025, he returns with Badlands, the ninth installment of this ferocious sci-fi series.

This stand-alone adventure will star Elle Fanning, who memorably confronted a mysterious monster in 2011's Super 8. Little is known about the plot, beyond a casting call: "the two main storylines delve into the intricate bond of two very different sisters, [and] their familial ties are put to the ultimate test as they pursue divergent paths and missions."

Starring: Elle Fanning

How to watch: Predator: Badlands opens Nov. 7.

Now You See Me 3

Nine years after Now You See Me 2 thrilled audiences with its blend of heist hijinks, devious deceits, and practical magic, the Horsemen are back. What are these charismatic and trouble-chasing magicians up to? Well, we have no idea just yet. But look at how the deck is stacked with an all-star cast! Add to that Zombieland helmer Ruben Fleischer, and crackling action-comedy seems assured.

Starring: Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Mark Ruffalo, Dave Franco, Isla Fisher, Lizzy Caplan, Dave Franco, Morgan Freeman, Justice Smith, Dominic Sessa, Ariana Greenblatt, and Rosamund Pike

How to watch: Now You See Me 3 opens in theaters Nov. 14.

The Running Man

This 2025 offering isn't just a remake of the 1987 Arnold Schwarzenegger action movie The Running Man. It's also a reunion of Twisters stars Glen Powell and Katy O'Brian, and of Scott Pilgrim vs. The World's leading man Michael Cera and director Edgar Wright. So, there's a lot of charm coming in this dark tale, based on a 1982 Stephen King novel.

If the original movie adaptation is anything to go on, The Running Man will be set in a future dystopian America, where a totalitarian police state rules — even over art, media, and reality TV. Thus, a falsely convicted cop is forced to participate in a deadly, prime-time game show called The Running Man to snatch his chance at freedom. That is, if he can survive. What will Wright and company bring to this concept in an age where reality TV has given us not only hours of entertainment but also the rise of Joe Rogan and Donald Trump? We're eager to find out.

Starring: Glen Powell, Josh Brolin, Lee Pace, Katy O'Brian, William H. Macy, Emilia Jones, and Michael Cera

How to watch: The Running Man opens in theaters Nov. 21.

Wicked: Part Two

For better or for wicked, we're in the middle of one long intermission. With Wicked: Part One, director Jon M. Chu brings the Broadway hit to the silver screen, full of star power courtesy of Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande as unlikely besties Elphaba and Glinda. But Wicked: Part One climaxes with "Defying Gravity," leaving fans to wait an entire year before seeing Act II!

Along with the return of its dazzling leading ladies, Wicked: Part Two will also welcome back the dashing Jonathan Bailey, the sinisterly suave Jeff Goldblum, and hordes of flying monkeys. But as this story veers into the more familiar terrain of The Wizard of Oz, what fresh magic might Chu — who's previously wowed us with musicals like Step Up 3D and In The Heights — have in store?

Starring: Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Jonathan Bailey, Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh, Marissa Bode, and Ethan Slater

How to watch: Wicked: Part Two opens Nov. 21.

Zootopia 2

Zooptopia's Jared Bush returns for this much-anticipated sequel that will usher audiences back into the wild, eponymous metropolis.

Ginnifer Goodwin and Jason Bateman reprise their voice roles as determined bunny cop Judy and wily but kind fox Nick. In their new adventure, the odd couple will be on the tail of a mysterious reptile, drawing them into new neighborhoods within their wooly city. Will their friendship survive another rocky ride through Zootopia's shady underbelly?

Starring: Jason Bateman, Ginnifer Goodwin, Ke Huy Quan, Fortune Feimster, and Shakira

How to watch: Zootopia 2 opens in theaters Nov. 26.

DecemberFive Nights at Freddy's 2

In 2023, director Emma Tammi's live-action adaptation of the popular video game franchise Five Nights at Freddy's kicked butt at the box office. Now, the sequel is coming to level up the creepy fun.

We can safely assume that with Josh Hutcherson returning as plagued security guard Mike Schmidt, the sequel will take us back to Freddy Fazbear's Pizza. There, rotting animatronics with a grisly origin stalk the rooms. But with their father/foe slain in the first movie, what fresh mayhem might they raise now?

Starring: Elizabeth Lail, Josh Hutcherson, Matthew Lillard, and Piper Rubio

How to watch: Five Nights at Freddy's 2 opens in theaters Dec. 5.

Avatar: Fire and Ash

Following the box office success of Avatar: The Way of Water, Avatar: Fire and Ash is poised to take Christmas 2025 by storm!

James Cameron's third installment of his ambitious sci-fi film series will return audiences to the world of Pandora, where the Na'vi battle against human military forces to preserve their environment and culture. Little is known about the plot at this point, though we can expect this sequel to continue exploring new new corners of the planet and other Na'vi communities. Plus, Everything Everywhere All at Once star Michelle Yeoh is joining the ensemble as human scientist Dr. Karina Mogue. All promising details. But will Cameron answer our burning questions from his last stunner?

SEE ALSO: 6 burning questions we have after 'Avatar: The Way of Water'

Starring: Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldaña, Sigourney Weaver, David Thewlis, Stephen Lang, Giovanni Ribisi, Michelle Yeoh, and Oona Chaplin

How to watch: Avatar: Fire and Ash opens in theaters Dec. 19.

The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants

Who lives in a pineapple under the sea — and is coming up on his fifth feature film? SpongeBob SquarePants!

First, there was The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie, then Sponge Out of Water, Sponge on the Run, and Saving Bikini Bottom: The Sandy Cheeks Movie. Now, with The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants, the lovable chuckler will set forth on a new adventure, traveling the expanse of the oceans to confront the ghost of the Flying Dutchman! Expect things to get silly — and spooky!

Starring: Tom Kenny, Clancy Brown, Brian Doyle-Murray, Bill Fagerbakke, Rodger Bumpass, Mr. Lawrence, and Carolyn Lawrence

How to watch: The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants opens in theaters December 19.

UPDATE: Dec. 5, 2024, 1:05 p.m. EST This article has been updated to reflect the latest release information.

Cuffing season is in full swing and 2025 is within kissing distance. But, what will the new year bring for our love lives?

Dating app Hinge is encouraging daters to adopt a concept they're calling "Dating Forward". The concept essentially centres around being intentional and thoughtful in your dating behaviour, avoiding amassing dating matches without talking to them, and instead taking time to read people's profiles and engage with the content.

SEE ALSO: Cuffing for love? Here are the best dating apps for serious relationships

So, how exactly do we "date forward"? Hinge's director of relationship science Logan Ury says it's all about prioritising quality over quantity.

According to a new survey by the company, 47 percent of Hinge daters say that going on more dates is their top dating goal for 2025. But, as anyone who's been on a dating app lately will know, the real challenge lies in turning matches into conversations, then converting those chats into real-life dates. That's not even mentioning the journey that ensues once you've connected IRL.

Hinge's five tips for dating forward in 2025Focus on the present

73 percent of Hinge daters admit to overthinking past dating experiences. Hinge wants daters to refocus their attention to present and future dating experiences.

Set yourself dating goals

When you're spending a decent chunk of time on the apps, it's useful to think about what you want to get out of that. 42 percent of Hinge daters say they need to set clearer intentions for what they're looking for.

Prioritise quality matches over quantity

Stop racking up matches with no intention of talking to people. Instead, try slowing things down and evaluating each match before turning back to scrolling through profiles. Hinge introduced Your Turn Limits in 2024 to cap the number of unanswered messages in a bid to beat dating fatigue. If you have too many pending replies, the feature will ask you to respond to or end those conversations before connecting with new people.

SEE ALSO: Tinder's top dating trends and predictions for 2025 Meet ASAP

Many of us know how it feels to get stuck in a pen pal situationship with someone who has no intention of meeting you in person. Chat to someone too long and you can quickly lose interest in meeting up. Hinge research has found that three days of chatting is the "sweet spot to ask someone out."

Plan activity-based dates

Gone are the days of boring dates that feel like job interviews. Why not plan a date around an activity you find fulfilling? If the date goes well: great. But if it doesn't: you still had fun and got to do an enjoyable activity. 31 percent of Hinge daters think that planning dates that centre around activities they like would help them stay focused on dating. You could try going to museums, art classes, or an event where you try your hand at a new skill.

Go forth and date forward.

Haliey Welch, the girl behind the viral "Hawk Tuah" video that was everywhere over the summer, has gone from strength to strength since, growing a huge social media following before launching her own podcast. But it seems like her luck in the public sphere may have run out.

SEE ALSO: 50 Cent got hacked by someone shilling memecoins

On Wednesday, Welch followed in the footsteps of celebrities like Iggy Azalea and Cardi B when she launched her own memecoin, $HAWK. Within minutes of the launch, though, things started going wrong. Here's how it all played out.

Tweet may have been deleted What is Haliey Welch's $HAWK token?

In short, it's another of the many memecoins on the Solana blockchain. Welch teased the launch in late November, mentioning possibly launching a memecoin on her podcast when interviewing businessman Mark Cuban, and sharing a thread on X (formerly Twitter) from a company called overHere, who said it was launching the token on her behalf.

Tweet may have been deleted

"$HAWK isn’t just a Meme Coin, it’s a part of the culture," reads the token's description on overHere's site. "Haliey is using her meme to unite her entire community. From: TikTok, Talk Tuah podcast listeners, merchandise buyers, and even her charity supporters. Hundreds of thousands of non-crypto users will be onboarded by $HAWK because Haliey is making it easy, fun, and engaging. If you love Haliey, you love memes. And $HAWK is where it all comes together."

overHere's original X thread also stated that $HAWK "isn't just another token launch," arguing that it would help onboard non-crypto users while putting transparency first.

So where did it all go wrong?

What happened with the $HAWK launch? That chart...doesn't look great. Credit: dexscreener.com

Shortly after $HAWK launched, Welch's X post was quickly hit with a Community Note warning that 96 percent of the token's supply appeared to be owned by just 10 connected wallets. Wallets are anonymous (at least to an extent), but when such a large percentage of one token is owned by so few, the risks are obvious — if these people start selling, the token's value can plummet.

Tweet may have been deleted

As you can see from the chart above by blockchain data analytics visualiser Bubblemaps, $HAWK spiked to a market cap of almost $500 million just minutes after its launch, before dumping down just as quickly again. At the time of writing the coin has a market cap of $36.6 million. In short, most people who bought the coin in those opening hours have lost money on it.

What has Haliey Welch said about $HAWK?

Welch and the overHere team attempted damage control in the hours after the launch, saying that "Haliey's team has sold absolutely no tokens whatsoever" and trying to place the blame on snipers (people who use bots to quickly buy tokens at the cheapest price possible). They released "Hawkanomics" which appear to show that Welch's tokens (10 percent of the supply) are locked for 12 months.

Tweet may have been deleted

They all eventually joined an X Spaces to talk about the launch, which Welch left after an hour saying she was "gonna go to bed." The overHere team promised that they'll "come back tomorrow" and that they're not going anywhere.

For the people who may have bought the token shortly after it launched, though, only to find its value quickly melting away as others sold it, that might not be much comfort.

SAVE $150: As of Dec. 5, the Beats Studio Pro headphones are on sale at Best Buy for $199.99. This is $150 off their original price of $349.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Beats Beats Studio Pro $199.99 at Best Buy
$349.99 Save $150.00 Get Deal

Headphones with noise-canceling are a must for people who frequently listen to music, audiobooks, or podcasts. There's truly nothing better than being able to tune in to just what you're listening to and not be bothered by outside noises. Unfortunately these headphones can often come with hefty price tags, but thankfully a few are still on sale after Cyber Monday, including the Beats Studio Pro.

The Beats Studio Pro headphones are currently down to $199.99 at Best Buy, a whopping $150 off their original price of $349.99. All colors are discounted as well, so you can choose between the black and gold headphones, standard black, navy, deep brown, and sandstone. As a bonus, you also get two free items with your purchase: Apple Fitness+ for free for three months and up to three months free of Apple Music.

SEE ALSO: My favorite LG TV is still on sale after Cyber Monday

Noise-canceling headphones like these ones are worth every penny. In our review, writer Alex Perry said "the Beats Studio Pro headphones are excellent on most of the levels that matter. They sound fantastic, last a long time, and support multiple playback styles. Most importantly, Android users don’t get the shaft, with near-parity between iOS and Google’s mobile platform."

These headphones may not stay at this sale price for long, so take advantage of this Beats Studio Pro headphones deal at Best Buy before it's gone.

There are still some great deals to check out right now, even with Black Friday and Cyber Monday behind us. In our roundup of the best Cyber Monday deals still live, you can have a look through our selection to see if any items that caught your eye are still discounted right now.

SAVE $150: As of Dec. 5, the 42-inch LG C4 OLED 4K TV is on sale for $999.99 at Best Buy. This is $150 off its original price of $1,149.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: LG LG 42-inch Class C4 Series OLED TV (2024) $999.99 at Best Buy
$1,149.99 Save $150.00 Get Deal

If you frequently use a TV for gaming, movie nights, or watching your favorite TV shows, it's definitely worth investing in an OLED TV. Thankfully, after the Cyber Monday sale event, there are still a few on sale. This includes some of this year's biggest and best models, like the LG C4 TVs.

For those looking for a smaller TV for their living space, the 42-inch LG C4 is currently on sale for $999.99 at Best Buy. This is $150 off its original price of $1,149.99 and absolutely worth jumping on if you've been looking for an upgrade, in my opinion.

SEE ALSO: The PS5 Digital Edition is still at its Black Friday price

As someone who picked up an LG C4 TV for themselves this year, it's worth every penny. Games look stunning and smooth on it and movie nights are unbeatable when it comes to the OLED display and 4K resolution. I recently re-watched The Lord of the Rings trilogy and let me tell you, those films look even more gorgeous on this OLED. Filmmaker Mode really made them shine, as did Dolby Atmos for excellent sound.

Deals like this likely won't stick around for long as we inch closer to the holidays, though. So, if you want to jump into OLED with a smaller display for your home, have a look at this 42-inch LG C4 deal at Best Buy.

While some of the bigger deals may have gone by now, there are still a few hanging on after Cyber Monday. If you're curious to see what else is still available, have a look at our breakdown of the best Cyber Monday deals to see if something that caught your eye during the sale is still discounted.

Is Paul Mescal one of those method guys?

"Absolutely not," he tells his SNL colleagues in the sketch above, which is a promo for the episode Mescal will be hosting on Saturday. "That's not my style."

Cue Mescal quickly attempting to start a Gladiator II style challenge to settle a dispute before shooting Mikey Day with an arrow after he tells the actor he can't play Donald Trump Jr.

Stardew Valley fans, there's been an update on the developer's highly awaited next game, Haunted Chocolatier. But before you get too excited, remember these things take a SquidFest's worth of work to create.

The farming/role-playing game's designer, Eric Barone, who works under under the alias ConcernedApe, published a blog post on Wednesday checking in about Haunted Chocolatier's development and reminding fans that it takes time to make a game like this from scratch — and notably solo.

SEE ALSO: 'Stardew Valley' has an official cookbook. Here's how to make Seafoam Pudding.

Barone said he'd been working on the recently released Stardew Valley 1.6 update, originally announced in April 2023, which meant he had to bench Haunted Chocolatier for a moment as he added new content and fixed bugs. But the developer said he has "created a 'vertical slice' of Haunted Chocolatier, essentially a skeleton of the game with most (not all) of its bones in place."

"It’s been a little sad to see Haunted Chocolatier getting dusty on the shelf… but this is the reality of my situation," he wrote. "Stardew Valley is a big and popular game, and I have a lot of attachment to it. I also feel a strong sense of duty and obligation to all the people who have bought Stardew Valley over the years, granting me this rare opportunity to be an indie game developer. So it’s hard to 'let go' of Stardew, even temporarily, to work on something that isn’t already established and meaningful to people."

For fans, Barone shared a little of the "vertical slice" he's created so far for Haunted Chocolatier, with screenshots he noted were "'work in progress' and likely to change before release." Barone is coding the game himself in the Microsoft platform C# (as Stardew Valley was) and entirely from scratch.

Run awaaaaaayyyy! Credit: ConcernedApe

In the post, you can see an adorable hovering ghost character, a scene showing the titular chocolatier's home with rows of vegetables suggesting that requisite farming element, a scene showing the player fighting off a giant horde of incoming pink and purple blobs with a sword (Barone has previously said the game will have "a greater focus on combat" than Stardew), an inventory menu, and two characters (one with purple hair, one blonde).

These are just the latest additions to the sneak peeks we've seen in ConcernedApe's existing screenshots which you can check out on the website. Plus, here's the early gameplay trailer from 2021 you can still savour:

Barone explained there will be no preorders, crowdfunding, or early access of any kind with Haunted Chocolatier, "so I don’t feel a ton of external pressure to finish the game on a timeline. The major source of external pressure is the fact I announced the game kind of early (I had my reasons for doing this), which built up excitement, meaning that if I take a long time, people might become sad. And that is a real pressure to me. But ultimately, I will not release a game unless it is complete and I am very happy with it, and I think that’s what most people would want, anyway."

Enjoy the snippet and head back to your cauliflowers, folks. It'll be here when it gets here.

SAVE $69.01: As of Dec. 5, the Apple Watch Series 10 (46mm, GPS) is on sale for $359.99 after clipping a $19.01 coupon at Amazon. This is 16% off its original price of $429.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Series 10 (GPS, 46mm) $359.99 at Amazon
$429.00 Save $69.01 Get Deal

There are still a few Apple deals floating around following the big Black Friday and Cyber Monday seasonal sale events. If you were hoping to pick up an Apple Watch on sale, Amazon's here to help as you can still score an Apple Watch Series 10 at a discounted price right now.

The Apple Watch Series 10 with GPS is on sale for $359.99 at Amazon after clipping a $19.01 coupon on the store page. This is 16% off its list price of $429 and is just $0.99 away from its lowest-ever price from Black Friday, according to price tracker camelcamelcamel. A deal like this one may not stick around for long, so act fast to pick it up.

SEE ALSO: Upgrade your earbuds and save $10 on the Apple AirPods 4

This Apple Watch is a worthy addition to a collection of Apple devices as well. Along with health and safety features, sleep tracking, and fitness tracking, this smartwatch has a lightweight design that can fit comfortably on your wrist alongside a larger display. In our review, Mashable's Stan Schroeder also said "if you've never owned an Apple Watch and want to dive in now, the Series 10 is a good place to start."

Who knows how much longer this deal will stick around for, so take advantage of this Apple Watch Series 10 deal while it's still live.

There are a few more Apple deals still live after Cyber Monday, if you're looking to pick some up before the holidays. Have a look at our roundup of the best Apple Cyber Monday deals to see which ones are still hanging on after the sale events.

SAVE $80: As of Dec. 5, Apple AirPods Pro 2 are still on sale for $169.99 at Target. This is 32% off their original price of $249.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Pro 2 (Active Noise Cancellation) $169.99 at Target
$249.99 Save $80.00 Get Deal

The Cyber Monday sale event may be officially over, but there are still quite a few deals leftover to jump on before the holidays kick off. If you still have Apple products on your radar, the good news is that some are still discounted right now, including my personal favorite earbuds: the Apple AirPods Pro 2.

While not as low as they were during Cyber Monday, the Apple AirPods Pro 2 are still on sale at Target for $169.99. This is $80 off their original price of $249.99 and well worth picking up at this price, in my opinion.

SEE ALSO: Upgrade your earbuds and save $10 on the Apple AirPods 4

Not only are these earbuds great for listening to podcasts, music, and audiobooks, but I really love the active noise cancelation. Sometimes while I'm working I'll just put on noise cancelation to help me focus. And for when I need to keep an ear out for what's going on around me, especially if I'm traveling, Transparency mode works wonders so I can hear what's happening around me without skipping a beat.

Our review said, "The AirPods Pro (2nd generation) are a great pair of wireless earbuds. They sound wonderful and have almost uncanny active noise cancelation." If you've been wanting to pick them up for yourself, don't miss out on this Apple AirPods Pro 2 deal at Target.

Looking for even more Apple deals? It's worth having a look at our roundup of Apple Cyber Monday deals to see if anymore are still discounted after the sale event. While many discounts won't be quite as steep, they're definitely still worth a look right now.

SAVE $1000: As of Dec. 5, the Sony 75-inch Bravia XR X93L Mini LED 4K Smart TV is available for $1,498 at Walmart. That’s a $1,000 discount off its original price of $2,498.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony Bravia XR X93L Mini LED 4K Smart TV $1,498.00 at Walmart
$2,498.00 Save $1,000.00 Get Deal

Sony's 75-inch Bravia XR X93L Mini LED 4K Smart TV combines cutting-edge technology with a sleek design, making it one of the best premium TVs around. And now, it's on sale for $1,498 at Walmart — a generous $1,000 off its list price of $2,498. It's pricey, but it's an absolute bargain considering what you get for your money.

This TV's heart is Sony's Cognitive Processor XR, which delivers stunning picture quality with deep blacks, bright highlights, and natural colors that mimic real-world visuals. Paired with the XR Backlight Master Drive and XR Triluminos Pro, the Mini LED technology creates fantastic contrast and billions of vibrant colors for a brilliant visual experience.

SEE ALSO: New consumer protection rules would block data brokers from selling Americans' sensitive info

Gamers will appreciate the HDMI 2.1 features, including 4K/120Hz, Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), which ensure smooth, responsive gameplay. If you're a PlayStation 5 owner, exclusive features like Auto HDR Tone Mapping and Auto Genre Picture Mode optimize your gaming and streaming sessions with incredible picture quality.

Bravia XR X93L offers Dolby Vision, IMAX Enhanced, and Netflix Adaptive Calibrated Mode, letting you enjoy your favorite content exactly as the creators intended. The Bravia Core app allows you to stream high-quality 4K UHD movies directly on your TV.

But the brilliance isn't just visual. With Acoustic Multi-Audio technology, the TV's sound positioning tweeters provide wider, more immersive audio that complements the stunning picture. The Acoustic Center Sync feature enhances dialogue clarity and overall sound immersion if you pair it with a Sony soundbar.

The multi-position stand can be configured in three ways to suit your setup. Placing it on narrow furniture or raising it to accommodate a soundbar? Sony's got you covered. With an anti-reflective screen and wide viewing angles, you'll enjoy a premium picture no matter where you sit.

At $1,498, this deal is a no-brainer for anyone wanting a top-tier TV perfect for gaming, movie nights, and everything in between. In my experience, deals like this don't last long, so make your move before it's too late.

SAVE $200: As of Dec. 5, the Hisense U6 Series 65-inch 4K Smart TV is available for $497.99 at Amazon. That’s a $200 discount off its original price of $698.

Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense Hisense U6 Series 65-inch 4K TV $497.99 at Amazon
$698.00 Save $200.01 Get Deal

If you're looking for a high-performance TV that doesn't blow your budget, the Hisense U6 Series 65-inch 4K Smart TV is what you need. Currently priced at $497.99 at Amazon, this limited-time deal knocks $200 off its regular price of $698.

What sets the Hisense U6 apart is its impressive Mini-LED backlight technology. This contrasts exceptionally with a Full Array of Local Dimming, offering the deepest blacks and brightest highlights. The clarity on this bad boy is brilliant for its deal price point.

SEE ALSO: New consumer protection rules would block data brokers from selling Americans' sensitive info

The TV also features QLED Quantum Dot Color, which brings over a billion vibrant shades to your screen. Colors feel rich, natural, and immersive, which improves image quality regardless of what this TV is used for. Dolby Vision IQ and Dolby Atmos have also come along for the ride, slapping viewers in the middle of the action with immersive sound.

For gamers, the U6 Series has you covered with Game Mode Plus, which includes Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), and AMD FreeSync compatibility. These features ensure smooth, lag-free gaming experiences. Thanks to Motion Rate 240 and Game Booster120, fast-paced action scenes and high-intensity gameplay look seamless and fluid.

Powered by Google TV, Hisense U6 integrates all your favorite streaming apps, voice control via Google Assistant, and advanced WiFi 6 connectivity for faster buffer-free streaming. The Hi-View Engine also uses AI-enhanced processing to continually optimize your picture quality.

At 65 inches, this TV hits the sweet spot for size and performance, making it an ideal centerpiece for any living room or gaming setup. It's also part of a series that offers multiple size options, so you can upgrade to a model that fits your space if you need it.

If you're looking for a TV that combines premium features with unbeatable value, the Hisense U6 Series 65-inch 4K TV is a fantastic deal that won't last long.

SAVE $500: As of Dec. 5, Sony 85-inch X77L 4K Ultra HD Smart TV is available for $998 at Amazon. That’s a $500 discount off its original price of $1,498.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony 85 Inch 4K Ultra HD TV X77L $998.00 at Amazon
$1,498.00 Save $500.00 Get Deal

Shopping for a massive TV with premium features and excellent value can feel overwhelming. Don't worry; I think this deal on the Sony 85-inch X77L 4K Ultra HD Smart TV hits the sweet spot. Currently priced at $998 on Amazon (down from $1,498), this $500 discount makes it one of the best big-screen deals of the season.

What makes Sony X77L stand out? Sony's 4K Processor X1 delivers vibrant colors and sharp detail in every frame. It makes every use case pop, from movies to gaming, with the resulting image quality feeling almost lifelike. The processor also works with 4K XR-Reality PRO to upscale older content, breathing new life into your favorite shows and movies.

SEE ALSO: New consumer protection rules would block data brokers from selling Americans' sensitive info

Games, sports, and action movies look amazing thanks to Motionflow XR technology, which reduces blur during fast-moving scenes. For gamers, the X77L is packed with exclusive PlayStation 5 features, like Auto HDR Tone Mapping and Auto Genre Picture Mode. You'll get a lag-free and responsive experience if that means nothing to you.

At 85 inches, this TV is a proper centerpiece for your home cinema or gaming setup. Thanks to Google TV, you'll have all your favorite streaming apps in one place. Need to adjust settings or find a show? Use Google Assistant for hands-free control or pair with an Alexa device for seamless integration.

Sony has also thought of practical details. With Apple AirPlay, you can easily share content from your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. Connectivity options like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB, and multiple HDMI ports make it versatile enough for any setup. Plus, the TV is surprisingly slim for its size, allowing it to blend beautifully into any space.

This deal is about grabbing a premium giant-screen TV at a price that won't make your partner flip. If you dream of upgrading to an 85-inch screen without breaking the bank, this is your chance. Sony's X77L delivers everything you need for a top-tier viewing experience, and at $998, it's a deal that's hard to beat.

Connections is the latest New York Times word game 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.

Tweet may have been deleted

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.

Tweet may have been deleted

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's The Mini crossword answers for December 4 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Natural talent or skill

• Green: The outermost part of something

• Blue: Silicon Valley companies

• Purple: Types of stones

Featured Video For You Connections: How to play and how to win Here are today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Aptitude

• Green: Exterior

• Blue: Tech Companies

• Purple: ___Stone

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 #543 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Aptitude: FLAIR, GIFT, INSTINCT, NOSE

• Exteriors: FACE, FRONT, OUTSIDE, SURFACE

• Tech Companies: AMAZON, APPLE, INTUIT, ORACLE

• ___Stone: BRIM, LIME, RHINE, YELLOW

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 December 5

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

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 the latest Connections.

SAVE $250: As of Dec. 5, the Samsung 65-inch Q80C QLED 4K Smart TV is available for $748 at Walmart. That’s a $250 discount off its original price of $998.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 77-inch S84D OLED TV $748.00 at Walmart
$998.00 Save $250.00 Get Deal

I've reviewed my share of TVs, but this Samsung 65-inch Q80C QLED 4K Smart TV deal gives buyers bang for their buck. It's available at Walmart for $748 — a hefty $250 off its regular price. This is a steal for anyone looking for a mid-range price tag and flagship performance.

A Direct Full Array QLED display means solid contrast, even in rooms filled with natural light. Watching a movie? You'll notice the difference. Gaming? The Motion Xcelerator Turbo+ keeps every frame smooth and sharp up to 4K 120Hz. And for streaming or live TV, its Neural Quantum Processor ensures every scene is rendered in crisp detail.

SEE ALSO: New consumer protection rules would block data brokers from selling Americans' sensitive info

The Quantum HDR+ sealed the deal for me. It brings colors to life, delivering theater-level brightness and depth to your favorite shows and movies. Pair that with Dolby Atmos™ sound, and you'll feel right in the action. The same goes for gaming on consoles and PCs that support it.

I also love how this TV is designed for modern living. There's a built-in Gaming Hub (no console required) or the SolarCell Remote that charges itself; Samsung has thought of everything. Plus, features like ConnecTime makes taking video calls from your big screen easy. RememberDon't that Samsung TVs have the Game Pass app built in, which means cloud gaming without an Xbox console. However, we'd recommend picking up a compatible Bluetooth controller.

At $748, this Samsung 65-inch Q80C QLED 4K Smart TV is solid. If you're looking to upgrade your setup for holiday movie marathons or level up your battle station, this Samsung QLED is a no-brainer. It'll likely shoot back up to full price sooner rather than later, so don't hang around.

Oh hey there! If you're here, it must be time for Wordle. As always, we're serving up our daily hints and tips to help you figure out today's answer.

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 today: Hints and answers for December 5 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's The Mini crossword answers for December 5 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

To grant or provide something valuable.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no reoccurring letters.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter E.

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...

ENDOW.

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 December 5

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 the latest Wordle.