Blogroll

Why I Bought a Galaxy Ring Even Though I Have a Galaxy Watch

How-To Geek - Sat, 11/30/2024 - 14:00

You could say the Galaxy Ring is unnecessary if you have a smartwatch since a Galaxy Watch does all the same things. I don't disagree, but I wanted to try one anyway. Here's why I specifically wanted to check out using a Galaxy Ring in conjunction with my Galaxy Watch.

Categories: IT General, Technology

One Thing That's Essential for Dead Games to Rise Again

How-To Geek - Sat, 11/30/2024 - 13:30

Publishers have been criticized in the past for removing purchased games from players' digital libraries. In most cases, these removals were for online games deemed "unplayable" since their servers shut down. But there's a good reason players are up in arms after losing these games.

Categories: IT General, Technology

This Smart Technology Really Helped Me When I Was Sick

How-To Geek - Sat, 11/30/2024 - 13:00

Smart technology offers convenience in everyday life, but post-surgical complications made me appreciate it in a whole new way. My smart ring even proved unexpectedly helpful when it came to helping doctors understand what was going on.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Best Black Friday Weekend Deals of 2024

How-To Geek - Sat, 11/30/2024 - 12:30

While Black Friday is over, a lot of deals tend to stay active in the weekend days between it and Cyber Monday. Here's a look at what's left!

Categories: IT General, Technology

Bluetti Handsfree 2 Review: A Backpacker’s Dream Power Supply

How-To Geek - Sat, 11/30/2024 - 12:00

Coupled with the included backpack, Bluetti’s Handsfree 2 is the most portable power supply I’ve had the pleasure of traveling with. It doesn’t sacrifice essentials for the sake of convenience, though an additional AC outlet would expand its usability.

Categories: IT General, Technology

2024 Black Friday ads: Best deals from Amazon, Target, Walmart, Best Buy, and more

Mashable - Sat, 11/30/2024 - 11:57

Black Friday has been here for weeks, but as of Nov. 29, it's actually here. As always, the shopping event that takes over our TVs and inboxes promises huge discounts on TVs, laptops, headphones, speakers, and so much more.

In the battle for Black Friday, the leading names in the retail game are competing harder than ever. Some deals are price-matched across stores, while other deals on certain products are exclusive to one store or another. Where are shoppers supposed to start?

SEE ALSO: Are there any stores that price match Black Friday deals? Not officially, for the most part.

To help you shop smart this Black Friday, we've scoured all of the deals and doorbusters from the Black Friday ads of Best Buy, Walmart, Kohl's, The Home Depot, and Target, pulling out the best ones and organizing them for you by category and retailer below. For those who don't have time to scroll through pages and pages of ad scan offers from each store, this is your cheat sheet. Just use your keyboard's search shortcut to search the product or category you're eyeing.

After weeks of having early sales advertised to us, here are the best deals from Black Friday ads that you can buy online as of actual Black Friday on Nov. 29.

Best deals from AmazonBest Amazon deals on AppleBest Amazon deals on EchoBest Amazon deals on fitness trackersBest Amazon deals on headphonesBest Amazon deals on KindlesBest Amazon kitchen dealsBest Amazon deals on robot vacuumsBest Amazon deals on TVsBest Amazon deals on DysonBest deals from Best BuyBest Buy Apple dealsBest Buy deals on camerasBest Buy deals on fitness trackersBest Buy deals on gamingBest Buy deals on headphonesBest Buy deals on kitchenBest Buy deals on laptopsBest Buy deals on smart home gadgetsBest Buy deals on speakersBest Buy deals on TVsBest Buy deals on vacuums Featured Video For You 5 best Black Friday products to shop Best deals from The Home DepotBest Home Depot deals on cordless toolsBest Home Depot deals on air purifiersBest Home Depot deals on smart homeBest Home Depot deals on home securityBest Home Depot deals on ice makersBest Home Depot deals on mini fridgesBest Home Depot deals on vacuumsBest deals from Kohl'sBest Kohl's deals on Amazon productsBest Kohl's deals on home audioBest Kohl's deals on headphonesBest Kohl's deals on smartwatchesBest Kohl's deals on tabletsBest deals from TargetBest Target deals on Apple productsBest Target deals on gaming techBest Target deals on TVsBest Target deals on kitchen appliancesBest Target deals on laptopsBest Target deals on headphonesBest Target deals on robot vacuums and regular vacuumsBest Target deals on smart homeBest Target deals on speakersBest Target deals on smartwatchesBest deals from WalmartBest Walmart deals on AppleBest Walmart deals on dronesBest Walmart deals on gamingBest Walmart deals on headphonesBest Walmart deals on laptopsBest Walmart deals on TVsBest Walmart deals on robot vacuums and regular vacuums
Categories: IT General, Technology

Home Depot is still giving away free cordless tools for Black Friday

Mashable - Sat, 11/30/2024 - 11:39

We make a lot of noise about all the tech deals you can bag during Black Friday, and it's true that you can find low prices on TVs, laptops, headphones, speakers, and just about everything else on your shopping list during this busy period. But what about tools? Is Black Friday the best time to find deals on exactly what you need to build out your toolkit? Of course it is.

Home Depot is offering a bunch of buy one, get one free deals on cordless tools this Black Friday. Decent tools are seriously expensive, so the opportunity to pick up a cordless tool for free is surely worth considering.

SEE ALSO: Best Buy is treating most of November like Black Friday

We've gone ahead and checked out everything on offer from Home Depot, and lined up a selection of standout deals. We've included big discounts on popular brands like Milwaukee, Ryobi, DeWalt, and Makita. So whether you're a professional, DIY enthusiast, or an absolutely hopeless amateur, there is a deal for you right here.

These are the best deals on cordless tools this Black Friday.

Best deals on MilwaukeeBest deals on RyobiBest deals on DeWaltBest deals on MakitaBest deals on RidgidThe best cordless tool deals from Amazon Black Friday Is Over. This Is Your Last Chance To Snag These Savings.
Categories: IT General, Technology

The LG gram Pro 17-inch laptop is over $200 off for Black Friday, but not for much longer

Mashable - Sat, 11/30/2024 - 11:31

SAVE OVER $285: As of Nov. 30, the LG gram 17-inch laptop is on sale for $849.99 in the Amazon Black Friday sale. That's a 25% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: LG LG gram 17-Inch Laptop $849.99 at Amazon
$1,137.80 Save $287.81 Get Deal

It's not quite the Most Wonderful Time of the Year but it's not far off. And what would the Christmas build-up be without all the bargains in Amazon's Black Friday event? Looking to stock up on gifts? Or perhaps you want to treat yourself? Either way, now's the time to do it — while prices are still discounted.

One of the most sought after items over Black Friday is the laptop because, lets be honest, laptops don't come cheap. One of the best laptop deals we've spotted in Amazon's Black Friday sale is on the LG gram 17-inch, a super-thin model with an AI-assisted CPU and an incredible IPS display. As of Nov. 30, the LG gram 17-inch laptop is down to $849.99, which means 25% off the list price.

SEE ALSO: We track Apple deals year-round — Black Friday 2024 has the lowest prices we’ve seen

If you're a Windows user — or maybe you're in the market for a new operating system — there's plenty to recommend about this laptop. It's particularly good if you work on-the-go, or if portability is a priority. It measures just 0.7 of an inch when closed and weighs less than 3lbs.

And there's impressive spec under the hood. It uses an AI-enabled Intel Core Ultra 5 Processor Evo Edition and a hefty battery that offers up to 20 hours of juice.

SEE ALSO: The best early gaming laptop deals you can snag ahead of Black Friday

If the spec doesn't quite match your needs, there are other options in Amazon's Black Friday sale. The LG gram 14-inch is currently discounted by more than $600. And there's an LG gram Pro that's reduced by $700.

Amazon's Black Friday event continues until Dec 2, but don't miss your chance to grab an LG gram laptop for less.

Bag These Black Friday Deals Before They Go
Categories: IT General, Technology

Black Friday deals end soon. Save $100 on the Apple MacBook Air before Cyber Monday.

Mashable - Sat, 11/30/2024 - 11:26

SAVE $100: As of Nov. 30, the Apple MacBook Air 13.3-inch is on sale for $599 in Walmart's Black Friday sale. That's a 14% saving on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air 13.3-Inch $599.00 at Walmart
$699.00 Save $100.00 Get Deal

Amazon's Black Friday event has officially kicked off, promising two whole weeks of impressive deals and discounts. Whether you've got your eye on a TV, Apple Watch, or tablet, you'll find something on your wishlist reduced at Amazon.

But the latest deal that has caught our eye is on the 2020 Apple MacBook Air. As of Nov. 30, the Apple MacBook Air 13.3 is reduced to $599 at Walmart, saving you $100 on list price. This deal is available in multiple colors, including gold, space gray, and silver.

SEE ALSO: The Apple Pencil just got a huge discount in Amazon's Black Friday sale

This model is powered by the Apple M1 chip, meaning it delivers up to 3.5x faster performance than its predecessor. It boasts 8GB of memory, making sure things run smoothly even with the most demanding apps. The 13.3-inch Retina display offers sharp text and vibrant colors, and the battery life will keep you going for up to 18 hours.

Compatibility includes popular apps like Adobe Creative Cloud and Microsoft 365, plus the ability to run iPhone and iPad apps on macOS. It’s easy to set up, and integrates seamlessly with other Apple devices. This model also benefits from Apple Intelligence, a personal assistant system that helps with your productivity with privacy-focused features.

This is not the latest in the MacBook Air range. The 2024 MacBook Air comes in both 13- and 15-inch and runs on the new and improved M3 chip. Both are on sale at Amazon for Black Friday, if a newer model is on your wishlist.

But if the newest model isn't necessary, this deal is not one to miss. Head to the Walmart website before it sells out.

Shop The Last Black Friday Deals Before Cyber Monday
Categories: IT General, Technology

Black Friday might not be over, but $70 off the latest Apple Watch Series 10 won’t last long

Mashable - Sat, 11/30/2024 - 11:11

SAVE $70: As of Nov. 30, the Apple Watch Series 10(GPS, 40mm) is available for $329 in Amazon's Black Friday event. That’s a 19% saving on list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Series 10 (GPS, 40mm) $329.00 at Amazon
$399.00 Save $70.00 Get Deal

Don't worry if you missed Black Friday itself, because Amazon's Black Friday event will continue until Dec. 2. It's still party time if you want to get a great deal of some desirable tech. And tech doesn't get much more desirable than the Apple Watch, which continues to evolve and dazzle Apple fans.

The problem with the Apple Watch, of course, is the price — but that's what Black Friday is for. Amazon has lined up a series of Apple Watch deals, but this Series 10 model has really caught our eye thanks to its rose gold aluminium style. The Apple Watch Series 10 (GPS, 40mm) in rose gold has $70 off the list price, which brings it down to $329. That's an overall saving of 19% on list price.

SEE ALSO: 2024 Black Friday ads: Best deals from Amazon, Target, Walmart, Best Buy, Home Depot, and more

It has everything you want from an Apple Watch, with fitness tracking and health insights, ECG scans, the ability to take calls and text, stacks of apps, all your podcasts, and incredible synchronicity with all your Apple devices. Seriously, if you're an Apple user, adding the Apple Watch to your selection of devices is a no brainer. It's not just a handsome bit of a tech but a lifestyle choice.

SEE ALSO: Get both Hulu and Disney+ for $2.99 per month for Black Friday

We especially like this one for its rose gold coloring and blush wristband. That's just one aspect of its style. As well as the street cred you get with Apple tech, the always-on retina display is incredible. You can choose your own clock face and with fast charging, there's no reason to ever run out of juice.

Pick up this Black Friday bargain on the Apple Watch Series 10 (GPS, 40mm) for a lifestyle upgrade.

Black Friday Deals End Soon. The Best Deals Before Cyber Monday.
Categories: IT General, Technology

The best Black Friday robot vacuum deal is still live. Save $300 on the Shark AI Ultra.

Mashable - Sat, 11/30/2024 - 11:02

SAVE $300: As of Nov. 30, the Shark AI Ultra robot vacuum is on sale for $299 in the Amazon Black Friday sale. That's a 50% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark AI Ultra Robot Vacuum $299.99 at Amazon
$599.99 Save $300.00 Get Deal

Black Friday itself may have come and gone, but Amazon's Black Friday event continues until Dec. 2. Which means there's still time to grab a bargain or two, and pick up those high ticket devices that you can't normally afford. But only as long as stocks last. In other words, now's the time to check out the best deals. And here's one that's more of a lifestyle investment — a highly-rated robot vacuum that will level up cleanliness around the home while allowing you more time to put your feet up.

As of Nov. 30, the Shark AI Ultra robot vacuum is priced at just $299.99, which is a massive saving of 50% from the list price.

SEE ALSO: We track Apple deals year-round — Black Friday 2024 has the lowest prices we’ve seen

Shark isn't as well known for its robot vacuums as some other brands, but this AI-powered model is considered one of the best around. It's got powerful suction and intuitive cleaning skills that will map out your home and skirt around any obstacles using AI laser navigation. It also boasts Matrix Cleaning Navigation, which cleans in a grid-like pattern to ensure multiple passes over any given area. All of which means guaranteed cleanliness.

Pet owner? No problem. The Shark AI Ultra uses a self-cleaning brush roll with power fins that digs in deep, picks up hair, and prevents tangling.

SEE ALSO: The best early gaming laptop deals you can snag ahead of Black Friday

Everything's controlled by the Shark app, though it's pretty good at figuring things out for itself, too. It comes with a docking station and automatically self-empties. The base has capacity for 60 days of dirt and debris, so you can go literally months without lifting a finger.

Don't miss your chance to clean up with the Shark AI Ultra robot vacuum — a huge saving as part of the Amazon Black Friday sale.

The Last Chance To Secure These Savings
Categories: IT General, Technology

Today's NYT Connections Hints and Answer for November 30 (#538)

How-To Geek - Sat, 11/30/2024 - 11:00

Connections is a game from the New York Times that challenges you to find the association between words. It sounds easy, but it isn't—Connections categories can be almost anything, and they're usually quite specific. If you need a hand getting the answers, we've got you covered.

Categories: IT General, Technology

In Memoriam: The tech that died in 2024

Mashable - Sat, 11/30/2024 - 11:00

Another year is coming to a close. As we say goodbye to 2024, let us take a moment to remember the tech that won't be continuing on with us into 2025.

As it goes with the passing of time, tech products that were once shiny and new have been rendered obsolete. Others lived short lives at the expense of companies pivoting to different, more lucrative goals. On that note, the generative AI boom shows no signs of slowing down.This year's AI offerings highlighted the challenges of finding killer use cases that deliver genuine, transformative technology that, at best, provide minor productivity gains and, at worst, create frustrating inaccuracies.

Some AI tech gadgets like the Humane AI pin and the Rabbit R1 simply fell flat, unable to provide the bare minimum of reliable features, let alone something revolutionary. However, you won't see them on this list because they're technically still alive, albeit on life support.

Instead we've rounded up the most noteworthy tech deaths that have officially departed this world. Join us as we look back and reflect on their impact, whether it was significant, trivial, or downright baffling (looking at you, Meta).

Google Jamboard and Google Podcasts

It wouldn't be a tech death roundup without some entries from Google. The tech giant is notorious for ambitiously launching new products, only to ruthlessly cut them down a few years later. This year, Google Jamboard and Google Podcasts were on the chopping block. 

Google Jamboard was a whiteboard device and accompanying app for Google Workspace users to collaborate on projects in an interactive, scrapbook-esque way. Back in 2016, Mashable said it "makes collaborative work feel like playtime." But in September 2023, Google announced it would be winding down Jamboard by the end of 2024. Instead, Google said it would integrate Google Workspace with third-party partners FigJam by Figma, Lucidspark by Lucid Software, and the visual workspace Miro for its collaborative whiteboard tools. 

Say goodbye to Google Jamboard. Credit: Kiyoshi Ota / Bloomberg / Getty Images

It's not proper to speak ill of the dead, but discontinuing Google Podcasts kind of makes sense. Google announced it would be sunsetting the standalone podcast-hosting app this year and migrate its listeners over to YouTube Music. 

It's a logical choice given consumers' listening habits. "According to Edison, about 23 percent of weekly podcast users in the US say YouTube is their most frequently used service, versus just 4 percent for Google Podcasts," said the Google announcement. Plus, forcing users to listen to podcasts on YouTube Music means more eyeballs for ad revenue and subscriptions to the premium version, which costs $11 a month.

And that's not even all the stuff Google killed this year. In 2024, we also said goodbye to Chromecast, VPN by Google One, DropCam, and Keen. If you want to pay your respects, we recommend visiting the Google Graveyard.

Meta AI celebrity avatars

Another year, another installment of Meta missing the mark with technology that no one asked for. This time it was a confusing collection of AI personas that used the likenesses of celebrities, that weren't even AI versions of those celebrities. Instead we got Kendall Jenner as an AI bestie, Tom Brady as a fitness guru, and bafflingly, Snoop Dogg as a Dungeon Master for Dungeons and Dragons. 

Meta's confusing AI personas were not long for this world. Credit: David Paul Morris / Bloomberg / Getty Images

Despite reportedly paying millions of dollars per celebrity to license their likenesses, the investment did not pay off.  After launching at Meta Connect in September 2023, Meta scrapped the AI personas in August 2024. The company didn't provide any reasoning for its decision to discontinue the feature, but the AI personas never gained much traction based on their follower count. 

So you're no longer able to chat with a bot that has Kendall Jenner as its profile picture and a vaguely similar influencer girly vibe. But don't worry, we still have Meta AI's celebrity voices, so at least these AI voices are clones of who they claim to be? As ever, we remain confused with Meta's strategic vision.

Meta Quest 2 and Quest Pro

Old versions replaced by new and improved ones are part of the tech gadget lifecycle. But saying goodbye to the Meta Quest 2 and Meta Quest Pro VR headsets was a tough loss. In its place, Meta introduced us to the Quest 3S, which combines Quest 2 and Quest Pro specs like full-color passthrough and XR capabilities, thereby making the older devices more or less obsolete. In a stirring eulogy, Mashable Tech Reporter Alex Perry wrote: 

While the Quest 2 wasn't the first VR headset to work without a powerful gaming PC (obviously, there was a Quest 1), its sub-$500 price tag (which included controllers) at launch in 2019 made it an incredibly appealing option for the VR-curious. 

For many, the Quest 2 may have provided their first VR experience. The Quest Pro never seemed to catch on quite as much, most likely due to its $1,499 price tag, but its full-color passthrough and AR features felt ahead of their time.

The Meta Quest 2 was one of the best early VR headsets. Credit: Yoshikazu Tsuno / Gamma-Rapho / Getty Images

Alas, such is the cycle of life. But the Quest 2 and Quest Pro will be remembered for bringing VR headsets to the masses, which is more than can be said for the Apple Vision Pro.

Kindle Oasis

As far as e-readers go, the Kindle Oasis had a good long life. Amazon launched the Kindle Oasis in 2016 with a thicker edge on one side that housed physical buttons to turn the pages. 

The design gave users a convenient way to hold the e-reader without obscuring or accidentally tapping the screen, and the buttons provided a pleasing tactility. But by this year, it was the only device in the Kindle lineup that had physical buttons, which seems to signal imminent death for tech gadgets. "Once current inventory of Kindle Oasis sells out online and in stores, we will not restock the device," Amazon confirmed to The Verge this October. "Today, all of our devices are touch-forward, which is what our customers are comfortable with." 

Kindle Oasis fans will miss the buttons. Credit: Joni Hanebutt / Shutterstock

Kindle Oasis users took to Reddit to express their grief. "Bought my Oasis when it was released solely for the page turn buttons and can't imagine living without them," said one Redditor. "I'm just not buying another Kindle without page turn buttons. It's a deal breaker for me," said another. But for Amazon. it's RIP buttons. Long live touch screens.

Jabra Elite earbuds

This was the year Jabra succumbed to the highly competitive earbud market. This past June, Jabra's parent company GN announced that it would be "winding down its Elite and Talk product lines." Jabra's lineup of Elite wireless earbuds regularly made "best of" lists for sound quality, usability, and features like noise cancellation. They were also more budget-friendly compared to premium earbuds from brands like Apple and Bose.

Jabra can no longer compete in the cutthroat earbud market. Credit: David Paul Morris / Bloomberg / Getty Images

Jabra was one of the first companies to start making wireless earbuds. But as CEO of GN Store Nord Peter Karlstromer said, "the markets… have changed over time." Simply put, competing in a saturated market has become too costly. 

However, Jabra isn't going away for good. Instead it will focus on OTC hearing aids, gaming, and office communication products lines; markets where Jabra has stronger positions. But it's the end of the line for Jabra's consumer-focused audio tech.

Apple Pay Later

Apple Pay Later didn't last long in this world. The BNPL (Buy Now Pay Later) tool launched in October 2023, but was shut down less than a year later. Apple confirmed to 9to5Mac saying "we will no longer offer Apple Pay Later in the U.S." 

Instead of Apple Pay Later, the tech giant will offer installment loans through third parties. Credit: Apple

Apple Pay Later was only available in the U.S., which suggests it never gained much traction. But it's likely that the company found it more practical to offer installment loans through third-party services rather than managing microloans directly — exactly the approach Apple has recently adopted. Instead of the self-funded Pay Later model, Apple now offers the ability to apply for "installment loans" through participating banks and lenders like Affirm and Klarna. 

So Apply Pay Later is dead, but its replacement is more or less the same for users. 

Categories: IT General, Technology

Black Friday win — get a lifetime of Windows 11 Pro for just $19.97

Mashable - Sat, 11/30/2024 - 11:00

TL;DR: Take advantage of holiday sale pricing to upgrade to Microsoft Windows 11 Pro with a lifetime license for just $19.97 (reg. $199).

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Windows 11 Pro $19.97
$199.00 Save $179.03 Lifetime license Get Deal

Looking for a smarter, sleeker, and faster way to use your PC? With Microsoft Windows 11 Pro, you’ll get an operating system built for productivity, creativity, and next-gen gaming. Now, for a limited time, grab a lifetime license for only $19.97 (reg. $199) during this Black Friday sale.

Windows 11 Pro takes the best of Windows 10 and elevates it with powerful tools and AI-driven features like Copilot. You'll be able to streamline your workdays and ask your PC to adjust settings, summarize web pages, or even generate code — all hands-free. It's an upgrade designed for professionals, gamers, and multitaskers alike.

Wind down the year and kick off the new one with a better PC experience. Features like snap layouts and virtual desktops help you multitask effortlessly, while DirectX 12 Ultimate enhances gaming with any visuals. Advanced security tools such as TPM 2.0 and BitLocker encryption protect your data, giving you peace of mind.

If you’re upgrading an older PC or need a new license, Windows 11 Pro provides a sleek, modern interface and powerful tools for both work and play. And with this lifetime license, there’s no subscription to worry about — just a one-time payment and lifetime access and Microsoft customer support.

At this low price that saves you $179 off the retail price, it's an undeniable way to set yourself up for success going forward.

Get a lifetime license to Microsoft Windows 11 Pro for just $19.97 (reg. $199) during this Black Friday sale when you order through December 8.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Launch a coding career with Microsoft Visual Studio and 15 courses for just $56

Mashable - Sat, 11/30/2024 - 11:00

TL;DR: This Black Friday offer includes Microsoft Visual Studio 2022 and a 15-course learn-to-code bundle for just $55.97.

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Visual Studio Professional 2022 + The 2024 Premium Learn to Code Certification Bundle $55.97
$1,999.00 Save $1,943.03 Get Deal

Give the gift of code this holiday season! Whether you’re shopping for an experienced developer or an aspiring coder ready to take on the tech world, this Black Friday deal has it all. For just $55.97, unlock Microsoft Visual Studio Professional 2022 plus The 2024 Premium Learn to Code Certification Bundle with 15 courses covering Python, JavaScript, C++, OpenAI, and more.

Visual Studio — the Developer’s Ultimate Tool

Visual Studio is a powerhouse IDE that enables developers to craft mobile, desktop, and web apps with efficiency and precision. With IntelliCode for smarter suggestions and CodeLens for better insights, this 64-bit IDE is perfect for tackling big projects while boosting productivity. From cross-platform builds with .NET MAUI to responsive Web UIs with Blazor, Visual Studio can be your partner in innovation.

Comprehensive Courses for Every Skill Level

Want to master Python? Build interactive web projects with JavaScript? Explore OpenAI fundamentals? This bundle has it all. Hands-on projects and real-world applications make these courses practical, whether you’re a total beginner or looking to sharpen your skills.

Python for Beginners helps you get started with one of the most in-demand languages. And the CHATGPT Series: OPENAI Fundamentals 2024 course explores the cutting edge of AI-powered coding.

This bundle doesn’t just save you money—it opens doors to endless possibilities. Whether you’re helping a friend launch their career or you’re diving into coding for the first time, this duo gives you the tools you need to succeed.

Grab the Microsoft Visual Studio 2022 + Learn-to-Code bundle for just $55.97 during this Black Friday sale.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Give old memories new life with the Kodak Slide N Scan

Mashable - Sat, 11/30/2024 - 11:00

TL;DR: Digitize and preserve your old film and photo memories with the Kodak Slide N Scan Scanner — on sale now for just $164.97 for the holidays.

Opens in a new window Credit: Kodak Kodak Slide N Scan Film & Slide Scanner $164.97
$224.99 Save $60.02 Get Deal

Pretty much every family has those old photo albums and boxes of slides somewhere. You know they’re filled with priceless memories, but they’re gathering dust because digging through them feels like a project. While they are treasure chests of nostalgia, they don't really fit into the modern world.

The Kodak Slide N Scan Film and Slide Scanner is an incredibly easy way to bring those moments into the digital age. You can pick it up for just $164.97 (reg. $224) through December 8.

Think of it as a time machine for your family photos. With the Kodak Slide N Scan, you can digitize color and black-and-white negatives (135, 110, 126) and standard slides into high-quality JPEGs. Once scanned, those images can be safely stored online, turned into photo books, or shared on social media.

Your Instagram feed need a little retro flair? You can surprise your followers with a stunning shot from your parents’ honeymoon or your grandparents’ first car — captioned with a dash of nostalgia.

The Kodak Slide N Scan is designed to be intuitive, with a bright five-inch LCD screen that lets you preview your scans in real time. You can even make quick edits like rotating, cropping, or adjusting colors right on the device.

And if you're looking for a gift that’s both unique and meaningful, the Kodak Slide N Scan could be a hit for the family historian or creative mind in your life.

Get the Kodak Slide N Scan Film and Slide Scanner while it's available for just $164.97 (reg. $224) through December 8.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Get a travel adapter to charge up anything, anywhere for just $25

Mashable - Sat, 11/30/2024 - 11:00

TL;DR: This HyperGear 4-in-1 WorldCharge Adapter is just $24.99 and will help you stay charged in 150+ countries.

Opens in a new window Credit: HyperGear HyperGear WorldCharge Universal Travel Adapter with USB-C $24.99
$29.99 Save $5.00 Get Deal

When you’re off exploring new destinations or visiting old favorites, there’s one travel companion you can’t leave behind — a reliable way to keep your devices charged.

The HyperGear WorldCharge Universal Travel Adapter is your ultimate sidekick, built to handle outlets in over 150 countries. From the bustling streets of Berlin to the beaches of Australia, this compact adapter ensures your devices stay powered no matter where your adventures take you.

This 4-in-1 travel adapter is cleverly designed with retractable prongs for US, UK, EU, and AUS outlets, making it your go-to solution for global compatibility. Its lightweight and compact size means it’ll slip into your suitcase without a fuss, while its ability to charge up to four devices at once makes it ideal for powering your smartphone, laptop, tablet, and more, all from a single outlet.

The built-in 15W USB-C port offers blazing charging speeds, capable of boosting your devices to 70 percent in under an hour. Pair this with two high-speed USB-A ports and a universal AC socket, and you’ll wonder how you ever traveled without it. Whether prepping for a business presentation or capturing photos of your trip, this adapter helps keep your tech ready to go.

Safety is key when charging abroad, and HyperGear delivers with built-in overload protection. Rest easy knowing your devices are safeguarded against short circuits and overcurrents. Plus, with certifications from the FCC, CE, and RoHS, you can trust this adapter to perform wherever you plug in.

Get ready to power up anywhere. Have this travel MVP delivered in time for holiday gifting when you order through December 15.

Ideal for any traveler on your holiday list, this HyperGear 4-in-1 WorldCharge Adapter is just $24.99 for a limited time.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Black Friday extended: Refurbished iPad Pro for creatives, still 60% off

Mashable - Sat, 11/30/2024 - 11:00

TL;DR: While supplies last, get a refurbished 2020 iPad Pro for $519.97 with this extended Black Friday sale.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Refurbished Apple iPad Pro (128GB, WiFi) $519.97
$1,299.00 Save $779.03 Get Deal

I have a secret: I’ve been running my small art business for four years, all from my iPad Pro. It was originally supposed to be a design tool, but now it’s my go-to for updating my website, email, video chats, and everything else. My only regret? I didn’t buy it on sale.

If you couldn’t decide on a Black Friday iPad deal yesterday, here’s your second chance. This iPad Pro 12.9-inch is an excellent choice for those who want a large screen, enough power for creative tasks, and some fun on the side. A refurbished model is only $519.97 until they sell out (a $1,299 value).

Here’s why I recommend it

Anyone who wants an iPad for digital art should seriously consider a Pro model. This one has an Apple A12Z Bionic chip, which basically means your art apps won’t crash. Previously, I had an iPad mini that would freeze with Procreate, which was a nightmare. 

Plus, you’ll have a gigantic screen. Honestly, at first, I worried it was too big, but once I was designing stickers, I appreciated the extra screen space — it’s so much easier on the eyes.

Other notable features:

  • 128GB of storage to download all your favorite apps and store files

  • 10-hour maximum battery life for interrupted work sessions

  • Front and rear HD cameras, plus Face ID for fast sign-ins

  • It’s compatible with the Apple Pencil 2 (sold separately)

How good can pre-owned be?

I wish I had purchased a refurbished iPad Pro instead of spending four figures because I could’ve saved 60%. The only difference is that you might notice some minor cosmetic blemishes, but it has a grade “A” refurbished rating, so probably not even that.

Take home one of these iPad Pros for creatives while they’re $519.97 with this extended Black Friday sale (reg. $1,299). No coupon is needed, but they’re selling out fast.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The 20 best action movies on Netflix right now

Mashable - Sat, 11/30/2024 - 11:00

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: Netflix just made it easier to stan their shows

Here are the 20 best action movies on Netflix, streaming right now.

20. Jaws

In 1975, Steven Spielberg gave rise to the blockbuster with this iconic creature feature. Roy Scheider, Robert Shaw, and Richard Dreyfuss star as an unlikely trio of sheriff, sea captain, and shark expert. Together, they brave the waters off Amity Island to do battle with a man-eating great white shark. Though not as action-packed as today's blockbusters, this nerve-rattling adaptation of Peter Benchley's beach read was scary enough to drive audiences wild and turn the tide of shark sentiment against the sea beast for decades.

Yet nothing in the fear-mongering Shark Week can compete with the man-versus-sea-beast action that goes down here. And every time, you'll be tempted to cheer when Brody snarls, "Smile, you sonovabitch!" —Kristy Puchko, Entertainment Editor

How to watch: Jaws is now streaming on Netflix.

19. 21 Jump Street Credit: Moviestore / Shutterstock

It seemed highly unlikely that anyone could update a ludicrous TV show where grown-ass adult cops go fight crime in high schools into anything resembling a good movie. Yet, somehow Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs helmers Phil Lord and Christopher Miller's live-action debut was equal parts hilarious, smart, bro-ishly sweet (as all Channing Tatum flicks should be), and packed full of action.

With a goofily propulsive script by co-star Jonah Hill — back when he was still getting typecast as that Superbad dork — and Michael Bacall, and strong supporting performances by Dave Franco, Rob Riggle, Brie Larson, Holly Robinson Peete, and yes, Ice Cube, 21 Jump Street had its very own mid-aughts moment worth revisiting. And keep your eyes peeled for a now-controversial cameo. — Jenni Miller, Contributing Writer

How to watch: 21 Jump Street is now streaming on Netflix.

18. Bad Boys: Ride or Die Will Smith and Martin Lawrence return in "Bad Boys: Ride or Die." Credit: Frank Masi / Sony Pictures

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

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

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

17. Zombieland Credit: Pariah / Kobal / Shutterstock

Horror-comedy got a double-tap of greatness with this 2009 romp, which imagines the zombie apocalypse as an amusement park packed with action, gore, and punchlines galore. Jesse Eisenberg stars as the meek yet wise Columbus, whose rules to survival have kept him safe since outbreak day went from potential hookup to self-defensive homicide. Joining him on a rowdy road trip through a ravaged USA are hard-hitting Tallahassee (Woody Harrelson), sassy Little Rock (Abigail Breslin), and snarling but scorching-hot Wichita (Emma Stone).

Can love and friendship blossom in this hopeless place? Does Bill Murray pop up for a kooky cameo? Find out by hitting play. — K.P.

How to watch: Zombieland is now streaming on Netflix.

16. Damsel Credit: John Wilson / Netflix

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

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

How to watch: Damsel is now streaming on Netflix.

SEE ALSO: Netflix's 'Damsel' trailer will put you in distress 15. Cold Pursuit

Patron saint of action Liam Neeson headlines this icy thriller that's an English-language remake of 2014 Norwegian film In Order of Disappearance (Kraftidioten). Here, Neeson plays Nels Coxman, a snowplow driver whose job in his Colorado community is so key that he's been awarded Citizen of the Year. But when his beloved son dies of a drug overdose, Nels readies to clear away more than snow. With a thirst for vengeance and a sawed off shotgun, he hunts down the cartel that's corrupted his community — and its bloody thrilling to witness. Edged with a dark sense of humor, Cold Pursuit is wicked fun. — K.P.

How to watch: Cold Pursuit is now streaming on Netflix.

14. RRR

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

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

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

How to watch: RRR is now streaming on Netflix.

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

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

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

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

12. Enola Holmes Credit: Netflix

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

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

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

11. 65 Credit: Patti Perret / Sony Pictures Entertainment

Sometimes, you get the urge to watch an Oscar-nominated actor blast a bunch of dinosaurs with a laser gun. And when that urge sneaks up on you, the only cure is 65.

65 is built around the genius premise that is "Adam Driver fights dinosaurs," and boy, does it deliver. As Mills, a pilot from a super advanced civilization from 65 million years ago, Driver crash-lands on prehistoric Earth, where he headshots a T. Rex, bludgeons a raptor, and much, much more. He also takes the time to bond with his one fellow survivor, a young girl named Koa (Barbie's Ariana Greenblatt). The result is a sweet "lone wolf and cub" movie full of dino-sized thrills, kills, and a very threatening asteroid. — B.E.

How to watch: 65 is now streaming on Netflix.

10. They Cloned Tyrone Credit: Netflix

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

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

SEE ALSO: We need to talk about 'They Cloned Tyrone's ending 9. Kill Boksoon Credit: No Ju-han / Netflix

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

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

8. Triple Frontier Credit: Netflix

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

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

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

7. Okja Credit: Netflix

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

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

How to watch: Okja is now streaming on Netflix.

6. Da 5 Bloods Credit: Netflix

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

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

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

5. The Quick and the Dead Sharon Stone raises her gun in "The Quick and the Dead." Credit: Murray Close / Tri Star / Kobal / Shutterstock.com

Sam Raimi is best known for stomach-churning horror (Evil Dead, Drag Me to Hell) or larger-than-life superhero adventures (The OG Spider-Man trilogy, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness). But between these phases of a funky filmography, the cult-adored director tried his hand at a Western with The Quick and the Dead. And it's a weird but wonderful watch.

Sharon Stone stars as a hardened wanderer known as "The Lady" who blows into the Old West town of Redemption with a dark secret and a snarl for fools. There, a fast-draw tournament spills blood and drama in the main thoroughfare, all under the piercing stare of tyrant John Herod (Gene Hackman). Rolling through like furious tumbleweeds are a cast of colorful characters, from young guns to battered pacifists to surly straight shooters, played by the likes of Leonardo DiCaprio, Russell Crowe, Keith David, Lance Henriksen, Tobin Bell, and Gary Sinise. If that cast list alone doesn't have you adding this one to your queue, then we're very different people, pardner. But maybe the promise of a string of suspenseful shoot-outs will win you over? — K.P.

How to watch: The Quick and the Dead is now streaming on Netflix.

4. Army of the Dead Credit: Netflix

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

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

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

3. The Old Guard Credit: Netflix

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

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

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

2. Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse Gwen Stacy and Peter B. Parker in "'Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse." Credit: Sony Pictures

The Spider-Verse movies continue to raise the bar for superhero movies, and it’s hard to imagine one better than the latest installment, Across the Spider-Verse. The sequel to 2018’s Into the Spider-Verse manages to have even more dazzling animation, more jaw-dropping action sequences, and even bigger doses of clever humor.

Miles Morales is a little bit older (and taller) than when we last saw him, but he’s having a rough time now that he’s hardly seen Gwen Stacy and the rest of his Spider-People crew. A new villain enters the picture, majorly upping the stakes for Miles and the fate of the whole Spider-Verse. We also meet a handful of new characters voiced by some truly delightful actors, like Issa Rae’s badass pregnant Spider-Woman, Oscar Issac as Spider-Man 2099, Daniel Kaluuya’s rocker Spider-Punk, and Karan Soni as Spider-Man India. While the sequel clocks in at two hours, every minute is bursting with entertainment. — Oliver Whitney, Contributing Writer

How to watch: Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is now streaming on Netflix.

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

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

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

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

Opens in a new window Credit: Netflix Netflix Get Deal

* denotes the entry comes from a previous Mashable list.

UPDATE: Nov. 20, 2024, 12:00 p.m. EST This list was first published on May 24, 2020. It has since been updated to reflect the current selection on Netflix.

Categories: IT General, Technology

20 best comedies streaming on Netflix right now

Mashable - Sat, 11/30/2024 - 11:00

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

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

Here are the 20 funniest movies now streaming on Netflix.

20. Logan Lucky Adam Driver, Channing Tatum, and Daniel Craig are mid-heist in "Logan Lucky." Credit: Trans-Radial Pictures / Kobal / Shutterstock.com

Returning to his love of a wacky heist, Ocean's Eleven helmer Steven Soderbergh delivers fresh thrills and laughs with this 2017 gem, which is absolutely stacked with a dazzling cast.

Channing Tatum and Adam Driver star as the Logan brothers, who come from a family supposedly cursed to baffling misfortune. But could their fate be turning when older brother Jimmy (Tatum) concocts a convoluted scheme to steal millions from a bustling race speedway during their biggest event of the year? Younger, one-armed brother Clyde (Driver) will be his right-hand man. Their spunky hair-stylist sister Mellie (Riley Keough) will be their getaway driver. Now all they need is to break out the infamous safecracker Joe Bang (Daniel Craig with a daffily entertaining Southern accent), and bring on his Bible-thumping brothers (Brian Gleeson and Jack Quaid) as backup. Also starring are Katie Holmes, Dwight Yoakam, Sebastian Stan, Seth MacFarlane, and Hilary Swank. Divulging anything more about this Southern-fried romp would be to spoil the fun. — Kristy Puchko, Entertainment Editor

How to watch: Logan Lucky is now streaming on Netflix.

19. Two Weeks Notice Hugh Grant and Sandra Bullock walk in Manhattan in "Two Weeks Notice." Credit: Eli Reed / Warner Bros / Kobal / Shutterstock

This 2002 romantic comedy united the forces of America's Sweetheart, Sandra Bullock, and England's Brat Prince, post-Bridget Jones's Diary Hugh Grant. Written and directed by Marc Lawrence, Two Weeks Notice follows a Spencer-Hepburn approach to love and humor, introducing an enemies-to-lovers arc that's timelessly charming.

Bullock stars as an intelligent and altruistic lawyer who wants to devote her skills to the betterment of mankind. Unfortunately, she's fallen into a tireless job as the chief legal counsel for an arrogant, obnoxious, and deeply selfish real-estate developer (Grant). Finally fed up, she gives notice, but leaving isn't as easy as she'd like. Sparks fly, punchlines land, and we still swoon over this charming laffer. — K.P.

How to watch: Two Weeks Notice is now streaming on Netflix.

18. Midnight Run Robert De Niro smirks in "Midnight Run." Credit: Universal / Kobal / Shutterstock

Craving old-school laughs? Then you'll appreciate this 1988 hit, which has Robert De Niro and Charles Grodin in their comfort zones and irritating each other for our amusement.

Following the success of Beverly Hills Cop, director Martin Brest delivered another cracking action-comedy. De Niro stars as Jack Walsh, a gruff (but lovable) ex-cop turned bounty hunter whose latest assignment is tracking down Jonathan "The Duke" Mardukas (Grodin), a mob boss's accountant who embezzled millions and jumped bail. Catching the pencil-pusher is supposed to be quick and easy money — a "midnight run," if you will. But not only must Jack get his quarry across the U.S. without being killed by gangsters or collared by feds, he must also resist the urge to strangle the grousing, neurotic accountant himself. Make no mistake; there's a distinct delight in beholding De Niro's surly façade get ruffled by a snarking Grodin. — K.P.

How to watch: Midnight Run is now streaming on Netflix.

17. Pain & Gain Dwayne Johnson, Mark Wahlberg, and Anthony Mackie star in "Pain & Gain." Credit: Platinum Dunes / Kobal / Shutterstock

Darkly funny and brilliantly savage, Pain & Gain brings together one of the U.S.'s wildest true crime stories with Michael Bay's eye for outlandish spectacle. Set amid the sweaty gyms, shady sex shops, and glistening mansions of 1994 Miami, this action-comedy stars Mark Wahlberg, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, and Anthony Mackie as three muscle-bound meatheads who'll do anything to get their American Dream — even if that means abduction, fraud, and murder. Along the way, they'll collide with muscle cars, hard drugs, enormous dildos, and the long arm of the law, as portrayed by a steely Ed Harris.

By fueling the film with a pumped-up soundtrack and almost obscenely high-contrast colors, Bay manages to keep even the grimmest parts of this stranger-than-fiction story light. An ensemble cast — which includes Tony Shalhoub, Rob Corddry, and Rebel Wilson — bolsters this bright but bonkers tone with larger-than-life performances. That, plus the crackling wit in a script from Captain America: Civil War writers Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely, makes for a movie that is in turn exciting, shocking, and thought-provoking, but overall a laugh riot. — K.P.

How to watch: Pain & Gain is now streaming on Netflix.

16. Bridesmaids Maya Rudolph and Kristen Wiig work out in "Bridesmaids." Credit: Suzanne Hanover / Universal / Kobal / Shutterstock

Raunchy, hilarious, and ultimately heart-warming, Bridesmaids is a terrific comedy even when the crush of wedding season has come to an end. Kristen Wiig stars as a down-on-her-luck baker who feels her longest-lasting relationship with her soon-to-be-married best friend (Maya Rudolph) is threatened when a picture-perfect bridesmaid (Rose Byrne) muscles in on maid-of-honor duties.

Co-starring Melissa McCarthy, Ellie Kemper, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Jon Hamm, and Chris O'Dowd, this Paul Feig-directed comedy about female friendship offers everything from Saturday Night Live-style silliness to outrageous improvisations and an explosive poop joke that results in a hysterical sequence impossible to forget. Get ready to party with the bad girls of comedy. You won't regret it. — K.P.

How to watch: Bridesmaids is now streaming on Netflix.

15. Plus One

Ben (Jack Quaid) and Alice (Maya Erskine) are old college friends who, in their late twenties, find themselves two of the few people in their circles left without partners. With a summer of endless weddings and awkward singles tables ahead of them, Ben and Alice decide to team up as each other’s plus-ones for the nuptial marathon, accidentally falling for each other along the way. 

With a cast full of indie comedy darlings and a funny, grounded script, Plus One is a top-notch rom-com for the modern era. For outrageous hijinks and convenient romance, look elsewhere. This is a sweet, relatable winner that feels about as real as a rom-com can get.* — Kristina Grosspietsch, Contributing Writer

How to watch: Plus One is now streaming on Netflix.

SEE ALSO: 'Plus One': A perfect rom-com for when you're a bit over love 15. Easy A Emma Stone wears a scarlet A in "Easy A." Credit: Olive Bridge / Kobal / Shutterstock

Want a raunchy teen comedy that's surprisingly smart? Then revisit 2010's winsome rom-com Easy A. Emma Stone stars as Olive, a modern-day Hester Prynne, which in this context means a high school girl who's trading fictional sexcapades for gift cards. The boys get high fives for their sexual prowess, while — double standards being what they are — Olive gets slut-shamed and shunned. But don't worry, she's got a plan.

Will Gluck directs a star-studded cast that includes You's Penn Badgley as a lovable crush, Amanda Bynes as a judgmental mean girl, Thomas Haden Church as a confounded mentor, and Patricia Clarkson and Stanley Tucci as Olive's parents; they're funny, outrageous, and the definition of couple goals. They've got a pocketful (pocketful pocketful) of sunshine, and all you have to do to enjoy is hit play. — K.P.

How to watch: Easy A is now streaming on Netflix.

14. Zombieland

Horror-comedy got a double-tap of greatness with this 2009 romp, which imagines the zombie apocalypse as an amusement park packed with action, gore, and punchlines galore. Jesse Eisenberg stars as the meek yet wise Columbus, whose rules to survival have kept him safe since outbreak day went from potential hookup to self-defensive homicide. Joining him on a rowdy road trip through a ravaged USA are hard-hitting Tallahassee (Woody Harrelson), sassy Little Rock (Abigail Breslin), and snarling but scorching-hot Wichita (Emma Stone).

Can love and friendship blossom in this hopeless place? Does Bill Murray pop up for a kooky cameo? Find out by hitting play. — K.P.

How to watch: Zombieland is now streaming on Netflix.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

11. Do Revenge Credit: Netflix

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: Sophie Turner steals Netflix's 'Do Revenge' in 5 outrageous minutes 10. Always Be My Maybe Credit: Netflix

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: 20 best romantic comedies to fall in love with on Netflix

9. Dolemite Is My Name Credit: François Duhamel / Netflix

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

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

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

8. The Polka King Credit: Netflix

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: Love me like a Polka King 7. The Mitchells vs. The Machines Credit: Netflix

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: All those 'Glass Onion' cameos, ranked 5. The Forty-Year-Old Version Credit: Jeong Park / Netflix © 2020

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

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

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

4. Vampires vs. the Bronx Credit: Netflix

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

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

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

3. The Breaker Upperers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1. Hit Man

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

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

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

Opens in a new window Credit: Netflix Netflix Get Deal

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

UPDATE: Nov. 20, 2024, 2:21 p.m. EST This list was originally published on March 26, 2020. It has been updated to reflect the current selection on Netflix.

Categories: IT General, Technology
Syndicate content

eXTReMe Tracker