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The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.

With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.

So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.

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

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Wednesday, October 30, 2024:

AcrossSubculture with dyed black hair and black lipstick

• The answer is Goth.

Grade boost after a tough test

• The answer is Curve.

"___ the Horrible" (classic comic strip)

• The answer is Hagar.

Sidestep

• The answer is Evade.

Ceiling spinners

• The answer is Fans.

SEE ALSO: Hurdle hints and answers for October 30 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for October 30 DownGreen-and-pink tropical fruit

• The answer is Guava.

"Take Me Out to the Ballgame" instrument

• The answer is Organ.

Commercials during shows

• The answer is TVAds.

"Take this"

• The answer is Here.

"I refer to everybody as '___' because it's a sign of respect" (line from "The Bear")

• The answer is Chef.

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

Featured Video For You The Wordle Strategy used by the New York Times' Head of Games

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

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

If you're reading this, you're looking for a little help playing Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game.

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

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for October 30 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for October 30 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: How sweet!

These words are buddies.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

Words that refer to friendships. 

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is vertical.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is CandyStore.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for October 30

• Toffee

• Gumdrop

• CandyStore

• Chocolate

• Lollipop

• Licorice

SEE ALSO: Hurdle hints and answers for October 30 SEE ALSO: Mini crossword answers for October 30

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

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

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

TL;DR: Study IT at your own pace with the Complete 2025 Developer and IT Skills Bundle for $59.99 (reg. $936). 

So, you’re thinking about getting into the IT industry, but you're wondering where to start. With so many paths —from network security to ethical hacking — it can feel overwhelming. But it's a whole lot easier with help, and the Complete 2025 Cybersecurity Developer and IT Super Skills Bundle is where to get it. 

This 24-course bundle isn’t just about certifications; it’s about building a strong foundation to launch your career in tech. Whether you’re brand-new to the field or pivoting from another industry, this collection of 24 courses gives you the tools to break into IT with confidence, and it's on sale for $59.99 (reg. $936) at the Mashable Shop. 

300 hours of comprehensive IT courses

This bundle gets you started right away. You'll dive into beginner-friendly courses that teach you core concepts like system security, networking, and risk management. If you're aiming for your first IT role, certification prep courses like SSCP and CompTIA Security+ are great ways to stand out — and this bundle helps you prepare for them step-by-step. The SSCP course walks you through creating secure systems and managing access controls, key skills employers look for when hiring entry-level IT talent.

What makes this bundle even better? It covers advanced topics too. There are lessons on ethical hacking and NIST’s Risk Management Framework, so you’ll build both practical and theoretical knowledge.

That means whether you’re interested in working as a systems analyst, cybersecurity consultant, or security operations specialist, you’ll be ready to take on the challenge. Plus, every course is accessible on both desktop and mobile, so you can study at your own pace, whether you’re squeezing in lessons during lunch breaks or diving deep over the weekend.

Don't wait to start your IT education. 

Get the Complete 2025 Cybersecurity Developer and IT Super Skills Bundle on sale for $59.99. 

StackSocial prices subject to change. 

Opens in a new window Credit: CommerceNova The Complete 2025 Cybersecurity Developer & IT Super Skills Bundle $59.99 at the Mashable Shop
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TL;DR: Get 18 bottles of wine shipped to your door for $79 (reg. $270) plus $39.95 for shipping. Choose from red, white or mixed bottles.

The holidays are around the corner, and that means gathering with friends and family, planning special dinners, and pulling out your favorite recipes. But if you’ve ever hosted a party or attended an event only to realize halfway through that you didn’t have the right wine on hand, you know how quickly the mood can fall flat. A well-stocked wine rack makes all the difference, and you don't even have to leave home to make that happen. 

Swirl Wine Shop has a limited-time offer for 18 bottles of wine in a beautifully curated collection, and they ship them right to your door. Sounds expensive? It's only $79 plus shipping, a big discount from the regular $270 price. 

Pairs well with in-laws

Not everyone loves a bold merlot or a sweet riesling, but don't worry. You can choose from three collections: 18 bottles of red wine, 18 bottles of white wine, or a mixed selection with reds, whites, and a few summery rosés. Each collection includes 750ml standard bottles from regions across the globe, such as Spain, Chile, and South Africa.

The Red Favorites collection is excellent if you prefer wine that pairs well with hearty meals and grilled foods. With notes of dark cherries and cocoa, these bottles complement braised meats or barbecue, creating a perfect pairing for cooler weather dinners.

The White Wine collection offers a range of light, refreshing wines that bring a bit of sunshine into your glass. Think porch nights, spring gatherings, or brunches where chardonnay and white blends take center stage. For those who want the best of both worlds, the mixed collection balances red, white, and rosé, ensuring you’re ready for everything from summer cookouts to cozy evenings by the fire.

Some highlights include Apt, a Garnacha Tempranillo blend from Spain, known for its vibrant raspberry notes with subtle hints of vanilla. Cachetón, a fruit-forward Cabernet Sauvignon from Chile, offers smooth textures with cranberry undertones, making it ideal for cheese boards and casual dinners. Each bottle feels carefully selected for quality and flavor, with some even winning awards in blind-tasting competitions.

While the shipping fee of $39.95 isn’t included in the $79 price, it's hard to argue with 18 bottles of wine delivered to your door.

Go ahead — put some mileage on your corkscrew. 

Get a Swirl Wine Shop set of 18 Wines for $79 (reg. $270). 

StackSocial prices subject to change. 

Opens in a new window Credit: Swirl Wine Shop Swirl Wine Shop - 18 Bottles of Red, White or Mixed Wines for just $79 plus shipping $79.00 at the Mashable Shop
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TL;DR: A license to Microsoft Office 2024 is available for a one-time price of $159.97 through November 3, giving you lifetime access to key productivity tools.

Why deal with subscription fees when you can own your productivity tools for life? Microsoft Office 2024 Home & Business offers lifetime access with a one-time purchase of $159.97 (reg. $249), letting you unlock the full suite with no recurring payments: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote. Whether you’re managing projects for work, school, or personal life, this edition provides all the tools you need to stay productive.

What’s new in Office 2024? For starters, Excel now allows you to handle larger datasets and multiple workbooks at once, making it easier to work on complex projects and analysis. PowerPoint ups your presentation game with new features for recording presentations, including integrated voice narration and live camera feeds, which can help add a personal touch, especially during virtual meetings or remote work settings. Outlook now comes with an upgraded accessibility checker that ensures your emails are clear, readable, and meet accessibility standards, helping you communicate more effectively.

Office 2024’s streamlined interface is designed to be intuitive, with a unified look across apps, making it easier to jump between tasks and stay organized. Whether you're preparing financial reports, creating presentations, or simply managing everyday tasks, this suite works seamlessly across both Macs and PCs.

This one-time payment guarantees lifetime access to all of these tools.

Say goodbye to monthly fees and hello to a better way to work — score a lifetime license to Microsoft Office 2024 Home & Business for Mac or PC for $159.97 until November 3 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Retail King Microsoft Office 2024 Home & Business for Mac or PC Lifetime License $159.97
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TL;DR: Score this 4-piece Moissanite jewelry gift set for $79.99 (reg. $154) and add some serious sparkle to her holiday stocking.

Looking for a gift that’s bound to outshine the holiday lights? This 4-piece Moissanite jewelry gift set for $79.99 is the answer to all your gifting worries. Forget scrambling for something last minute — this set has got all the bling without the price tag, so you can impress without emptying your wallet. 

This set includes an adjustable ring, earrings, necklace, and bracelet, all featuring lab-created Moissanite stones that sparkle brighter than your aunt’s holiday decorations. These ethically crafted stones are known for their superior brilliance and fire, offering the allure of diamonds without the high price. It's been crafted from premium sterling silver, ensuring both timeless beauty and lasting durability.

With a total carat weight of 3 carats, the set includes a 1-carat ring, 0.5-carat earrings (each), and a 1-carat pendant. The adjustable ring fits sizes 5 to 12, making it a versatile gift, while the hypoallergenic materials ensure it’s safe for sensitive skin. Plus, Moissanite is scratch-resistant, so these pieces will maintain their sparkle for years to come, complementing both modern and classic styles. So, if you want to win the holidays without stressing, a little shine goes a long way.

For a limited time, save 48% (reg. $154) and get this 4-piece Moissanite jewelry gift set on sale for $79.99.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

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NASA's car-sized Perseverance rover is making a hard slog.

The space agency's robot is fighting both steep and slippery terrain as it ascends the wall of Mars' Jezero Crater, the site of once vigorously flowing water. The Mars rover is headed to more sites that may reveal whether the Red Planet ever hosted microbial life. It took advantage of the elevation to capture an expansive vista of its 3.5-year-journey.

"The image not only shows our past and present, but also shows the biggest challenge to getting where we want to be in the future," Rick Welch, Perseverance’s deputy project manager, said in a statement. "If you look at the right side of the mosaic, you begin to get an idea what we’re dealing with. Mars didn’t want to make it easy for anyone to get to the top of this ridge."

SEE ALSO: Aliens haven't contacted us. Scientists found a compelling reason why.

The mosaic below shows dozens of sites of exploration significance (as well as other Mars landmarks) as Perseverance and its six metallic tires rumbled across the Martian desert — a place now 1,000 times drier than the driest desert on Earth. The labels can be tough to read, so the broad vista is followed up by two close-ups: An area showing where NASA's experimental and record-breaking Ingenuity helicopter crashed, and the region where the rover dramatically landed in 2021.

An annotated image from the Perseverance rover showing significant spots on the robot's journey through the Jezero Crater. Credit: NASA / JPL-Caltech / ASU / MSSS At center-right, the "Ingenuity" label shows where the small robotic helicopter rests in the desert after 72 successful flights. Credit: NASA / JPL-Caltech / ASU / MSSS At center, the location of the Perseverance rover's landing site in 2021. Credit: NASA / JPL-Caltech / ASU / MSSS

Along its journey through Jezero Crater this year, the rover discovered a curious leopard-spotted rock that incited profound scientific interest. The unique white splotches may have been created by microbial organisms. "The rock exhibits chemical signatures and structures that could possibly have been formed by life billions of years ago when the area being explored by the rover contained running water," NASA said in a statement. But, crucially, much more research, over many years, is needed to confirm this possibility. The sample collected by the rover must be brought back to Earth — a highly complex and costly Mars Sample Return mission the agency is currently assessing.

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Ascending the crater's edge has proven daunting. The sand is loose, and the heavy rover slips. "For every two steps forward Perseverance takes, we were taking at least one step back," Camden Miller, the rover's remote driver, explained. The team has tried driving backwards up the steep terrain, and has crisscrossed back and forth across the slope, "switchbacking" like hikers traveling up a mountain.

Once the rover completes its ascent, it will sleuth out more sites that may hold clues to Mars' past climate and habitability. In the future, Martian missions will also search the planet's subsurface for hints of life: Life may have teemed, or even currently teem, in subsurface areas protected from the planet's extreme radiation and cold.

Seeking kid-friendly entertainment that is sure to satisfy? Netflix has a ton of options, but frankly, they can be overwhelming. We've made things simple by highlighting 15 excellent films that'll delight children — or those who are still children at heart.

Whether you want a stellar movie musical, a madcap adventure, a spooky treat, or something to get you in the holiday spirit, we've got you covered.

Here are the 15 best kids' movies now streaming on Netflix.

1. Over the Moon (2020) Credit: Netflix

Young Fei Fei is enchanted by the story of the moon goddess Chang'e and the legend of her lover. Still mourning the death of her mother, Fei Fei takes unkindly to her father finding new love and decides to build a rocket to the moon to find Chang'e. She finds a magical world beyond her imagining and must reconcile the fantasy of the moon with the life that awaits her on Earth. Cathy Ang, Phillipa Soo, Ken Jeong, John Cho, Ruthie Ann Miles, Margaret Cho, and Sandra Oh star, so yes, Over the Moon is a powerhouse lineup of Asian American acting talent. — Proma Khosla, Senior Entertainment Reporter

How to watch: Over the Moon is now streaming on Netflix.

SEE ALSO: Chang'e's elaborate character design is the superstar of Netflix's 'Over the Moon' 2. Mary and the Witch's Flower (2017)

After working as an animator for Japan's animation legend Hayao Miyazaki on classics like Spirited Away and Howl's Moving Castle, Hiromasa Yonebayashi decided to start directing his own features — 2017's Mary and the Witch's Flower was his third. Based on the classic 1971 novel The Little Broomstick, it tells the story of a teenager named Mary Smith who lives on the British country estate of her great aunt and who, through a random series of happenstances, finds herself flying on a magical broomstick to a great big witches academy in the clouds. (Quite the series of random happenstances, that.) Basically it feels like a Japanese spin on Harry Potter, just sans any of the transphobic J.K. Rowling baggage that weighs that franchise down now. Win win! — J.A.

How to watch: Mary and the Witch's Flower is now streaming on Netflix. 

3. Nimona (2023) Credit: Netflix

Set in a world that madly mixes the medieval with pop futurism, Nimona tells the story of the good-hearted knight named Ballister Boldheart (voiced by Riz Ahmed), who pulled himself up by his commoner bootstraps to become a valiant protector of the Kingdom. Unfortunately, somebody with old-school ideas of the class system doesn't much like the look of all that upward mobility, and Ballister finds himself framed for the murder of the realm's much beloved Queen Vaerlin (Lorraine Toussaint). 

Enter Nimona (Chloë Grace Moretz), a rascally teenage outcast with the magical ability to shape-shift, who's embraced everyone's fear of her powers to play at being the bad-ass. Seeing Ballister's downfall, Nimona thinks she's found a partner in her little league of villainy. Claiming his innocence, Ballister vehemently disagrees. But he needs her help, and the two end up hitting it off despite their differences as they dodge the law. 

Queer as all get out — Ballister's got himself a boyfriend, and Nimona's shape-shifting is Trans Representation 101 – this wondrously exciting and funny adventure from directors Nick Bruno and Troy Quane (based on ND Stevenson's 2015 graphic novel) had a tortured path to the screen, all because of its big, beautiful rainbow-colored heart. But this is one that will withstand the test of time and bigotry, because it's simply a rippingly awesome yarn, told with masterful panache and deep wells of emotion. — Jason Adams, Entertainment Reporter

How to watch: Nimona is now streaming on Netflix.

4. Ella Enchanted (2004)

A year before she put on that bleached blonde wig to play Jack Twist's beard in Brokeback Mountain, Anne Hathaway was still making her transition to adult roles, having gained fame thanks to her winning turn in the Princess Diaries films. 2004's Ella Enchanted represents the silly high point of that transition; it’s a musical satire of fairy tales that beat Amy Adams' Enchanted to the punch by three whole years.  

Cursed by a fairy upon birth with the "gift" of obedience, Ella (Hathaway) grows up being bossed around by all and in terror of somebody finding out she's literally incapable of saying no, lest they exploit her recklessly. Whisked off on an adventure with a handsome prince (Hugh Dancy), she faces down elf bigotry and murder plots all with a sweet song on her lips. I'll leave it to you to suss out whether she finds her happily ever after while singing "Don't Go Breaking My Heart" in wedding white gogo boots. — J.A.

How to watch: Ella Enchanted is now streaming on Netflix. 

5. Klaus (2019) Credit: Netflix

It might be a Christmas movie, but Netflix's own original about spoiled postman-in-training Jesper (Jason Schwartzman), who happens upon an old toymaker, is a lovely and rewatchable film year-round. He becomes the go-between for the toymaker, Klaus (J.K. Simmons), and the local children who write him letters hoping for toys. The story spins out to become the origin of Santa Claus and a humbling journey for Jesper. — P.K.

How to watch: Klaus is now streaming on Netflix.

6. Pee-wee's Big Holiday (2016)

Speaking as a person whose sense of humor and entire life outlook were profoundly shaped in childhood by Paul Reubens (RIP king) via his iconic character of Pee-wee Herman in the 1980s, I pray that parents are still gifting their children with the same unfettered joy and madcap lunacy that I got. And while Reubens' last spin in the gray suit and red bow-tie isn't quite as universally beloved as his earlier Big Adventure or Playhouse antics, 2016's Pee-wee's Big Holiday is way underrated and a heaping helping of fun.

A road-trip movie much in the vein of Pee-wee's first transcontinental outing in search of his stolen bicycle, Pee-wee's Big Holiday sends our favorite boy-man on a much happier kind of adventure — he's got to get to his new best friend Joe Manganiello's birthday party in New York City! Yes, Joe Manganiello of True Blood and the Magic Mike movies, here playing a world-class goofball version of himself. And the big muscly lunk is a natural comedian. Who knew? 

Along the way, Pee-wee must overcome all sorts of madcap roadblocks, including Farmer Brown and his nine daughters, a trio of Russ-Meyer-flavored bad-girl car-thieves, and a layover in an Amish community that involves the world's most hilarious balloon gag ever. It's the silliest bunch of nonsense and an absolute blast for kids of all ages. — J.A.

How to watch: Pee-wee's Big Holiday is now streaming on Netflix.

7. The Willoughbys (2020) Credit: Netflix

Based on an outlandish book by Lois Lowry, this Netflix original centers on a deeply dysfunctional family in need of some wild changes. Mr. and Mrs. Willoughby have four adorable, eager, and talented children, whom they utterly despise. Thus, life is very hard for eldest Tim (Will Forte), dreamer Jane (Alessia Cara), and oddball twins Barnaby A and Barnaby B (Seán Cullen). That is, until they concoct a wacky scheme that sends their parents off on a perilous vacation, from which they may not return! However, the siblings' deadly plan for independence is challenged when a plucky nanny (Maya Rudolph) arrives at their door. Soon, agonies and antics give way to the jubilant adventure of a lifetime.

Director Kris Pearn's sharp design style and a snarling narration from Ricky Gervais pairs with Lowry's dark plot line to give this outrageous animated feature a cheeky yet charming edge.* — Kristy Puchko, Deputy Entertainment Editor

How to watch: The Willoughbys is streaming on Netflix.

8. Matilda (1996)

Based on the Roald Dahl novel, this 1996 movie (not the 2022 musical, although that is also streaming on Netflix) directed by Danny Devito stars ‘90s kid icon Mara Wilson as Matilda, a telekinetic brainiac who grapples with awful parents, awful teachers … it's a Roald Dahl story, so you know 95% of the adults are awful. Matilda's parents (played by Devito and his real-life wife Rhea Perlman) are abusive crooks, so it's left up to the little girl herself to see to her own education. 

Once she does finally make it into the Crunchem Hall Elementary School, she fares hardly any better, since the headmistress there is just as terrible as her folks. Thankfully there's one goodhearted teacher named Miss Honey (Embeth Davidtz) who recognizes Matilda's myriad gifts, and they work together to topple the power-mad monsters in charge. Break the system, Matilda — it's Anarchy for Kids! — J.A.  

How to watch: Matilda is now streaming on Netflix.

9. The Mitchells vs. The Machines (2021) 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 walleyed 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. Director Mike Rianda infuses 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 streaming on Netflix.

10. Kubo and the Two Strings (2016)

This 2016 stop-motion-animated masterpiece from Laika, the animation house behind Coraline and ParaNorman, tells the story of Kubo, a 12-year-old boy who takes care of his sickly mother in a small mountain village in feudal Japan. He makes money to survive by telling appreciative audiences tall tales about his missing samurai father, using super cool origami and music tricks. It turns out the tales weren't so tall after all when he finds himself hunted by the very Moon King that his mother says was responsible for his father's disappearance. 

Helped along by a monkey and a half-beetle half-man sidekick, Kubo sets out on a quest to recover three ancient artifacts that will help him defeat the bad guy and perhaps solve the mystery of his father. And per usual with Laika it's not just the magnificent how-did-they-do-that? visuals on display that will take your breath away, but also the big-hearted emotions and the rollicking adventure. A perfect classic. — J.A.

How to watch: Kubo and the Two Strings is now streaming on Netflix.

11. Nightbooks (2021) Credit: Netflix

From David Yarovesky, the director of Brightburn, comes a spooky tale that'll thrill on family night. Based on the horror-fantasy novel of the same name by J. A. White, Nightbooks centers on a Brooklyn bookworm (Winslow Fegley) who is kidnapped by a wicked witch (Krysten Ritter). Held captive in her magical apartment, he's forced to tell her a new scary story each night in exchange for his survival. Thankfully, he's not alone. A hard-nosed fellow prisoner (Lidya Jewett) not only helps him avoid the pitfalls of this precarious prison, but also helps him unlock the secrets that could get them both out!

Peppered with PG-level scares and plenty of style (we'd die for Ritter's witch wardrobe), Nightbooks is a rollicking good time for kiddos (and grown-ups) who appreciate a good bump in the night.* — K.P.

How to watch: Nightbooks is streaming on Netflix.

12. Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit (2005)

What happens when our favorite cheese-loving inventor accidentally swaps brains with a bunny rabbit? That's the big problem that our beloved Wallace (voiced by Peter Sallis) and his best friend the dog Gromit face down in Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit, the 2005 Oscar-winning animated film from Nick Park. A riff on classic monster movies, this bears all of the series' trademark goofy and good-natured wit, working for little and big folks alike.

Trying to rid their hometown of a rabbit plague before the annual prize vegetable competition, our twosome stumble into this hoppin' spin on Jekyll-and-Hyde instead. As Wallace finds himself turning into a bunny-monster by the light of the full moon, he's hunted down by the dastardly Lord Victor Quartermaine (Ralph Fiennes). And so it falls to his wordless beagle sidekick to rescue his friend, save the day, and maybe win the big vegetable contest in the process. All in a dog day's work! — J.A. 

How to watch: Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit is now streaming on Netflix.

13. Orion and the Dark (2024) Credit: Netflix

Charlie Kaufman, the screenwriter behind the existential crises turned movies Being John Malkovich, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, and Synedoche New York, might not be the first person who pops to mind when it comes to writing an animated kid's movie. But you totally get it within the first moments of this terrific 2024 film, as its main character Orion Mendelson (voiced by Jacob Tremblay) rattles off everything that terrifies him, which is… literally everything. 

But nothing scares him worse than the dark. So one night when a blackout occurs and the embodiment of his worst fear appears in corporeal form, Orion really flies off the deep end. Tired of listening to Orion's complaints, the Dark (Paul Walter Hauser) has decided to take him on a journey to see all of the wonders of nighttime. And it starts off real nice! Until Orion convinces all the other creatures of the night that daytime is better, anyway. From there the twosome must right what's gone wrong, and in typical Kaufman fashion, this involves stories within stories. Consider it Meta 101 for the kiddos! — J.A. 

How to watch: Orion and the Dark is now streaming on Netflix.

14. Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023)

Weirdly, Netflix only has 2023's Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse streaming and not its 2018 forebear, Into the Spider-Verse, so make sure you've watched that first one, you know, first. But once that's accomplished, you can freely dive right into this sequel, which is bigger and bolder and bonkers-ier in all the ways. It's good to have this one right on hand because it rewards multiple views tenfold, as there's so much going on in every frame you can scarcely take it all in with just one sitting.

Leaning hard into the trend of multiverse movies, Across the Spider-Verse sees Miles Morales (Shameik Moore) pulled through a series of interdimensional portals that are left behind by the villain The Spot (Jason Schwartzman), whose out-of-control powers are a side-effect of Miles' battle at the end of Into the Spider-verse. Eventually Miles must team up with an entire universe's worth of Spider-People – including his beloved Gwen Stacy (Hailee Steinfeld) – to stop The Spot's infinitely expanding destruction. Add on all of the clashing animation styles, and this sucker is infinite feasts for the eyes and brain. — J.A.  

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

15. Finding 'Ohana (2021) Credit: Netflix

If you grew up watching The Goonies, then you'll treasure sharing this gem with your kiddos. Director Jude Weng channels Spielberg's brand of awe for an exciting tale of Hawaiian legend and childhood heroics. Raised in New York City, siblings Pili (Kea Peahu) and Ioane (Alex Aiono) feel like fish out of water when their mother brings them to Oahu. But soon enough, they're making friends and setting forth on a quest for a legendary lost treasure. Along the way, there'll also be teen romance, family drama, and local lore come to life. Seeking something fun and thrilling? Look no further. — K.P.

How to watch: Finding 'Ohana is streaming on Netflix.

UPDATE: Oct. 28, 2024, 5:05 p.m. EDT This article was originally published on June 25, 2022. It has been updated to reflect the current steaming options on Netflix.

Google is celebrating Halloween with a cute new Google Doodle game, featuring the return of its magic-wielding black cat Momo.

SEE ALSO: The 9 most addictive Google Doodle games to waste an afternoon at work

The third instalment in Google Doodle's Magic Cat Academy series, 2024's Halloween game has Momo once again waving a wand to banish malevolent ghosts. This ghostbusting feline first appeared in Google's 2016 Halloween Doodle, when she fought off spectres in a Harry Potter-esque school setting. She then returned in the 2020 Halloween Google Doodle, diving into the ocean to dispatch ghouls beneath the waves. 

Now Momo is headed into the opposite direction, riding a broom to the upper atmosphere to wreck wraiths in the sky.

Credit: Mashable screenshot: Google

As in the previous Magic Cat Academy Google Doodles, players must quickly draw the symbols floating above each ghosts' heads to banish them. While simple enough, it can get trickier when each enemy has a string of different signs — and when there's an entire horde coming at you at once.

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TL;DR: Want to learn to play the piano online? Use the code SAVENOW at checkout to get 60% off the Skoove piano app and take online piano lessons for life for £92.34 (reg. £230.85).

Opens in a new window Credit: Skoove Skoove Premium Piano Lessons: Lifetime Subscription £92.34 at the Mashable Shop
£230.85 Save £138.51 Use code SAVENOW at checkout Get Deal

Ever dreamed of filling Royal Albert Hall? Okay, we can't promise you'll ever be that good, but the Skoove piano lessons app could have you channeling your inner Elton John. Instead of taking boring (and low-key intimidating) traditional lessons, learn to play the piano from home with a lifetime of online lessons.

The best part? You can save 60% on lifetime access to the Skoove piano app with this limited-time deal at the Mashable Shop. Normally £230.85, you can pay just £92.34 when you use the code SAVENOW during checkout.

You could be the next piano man

If you have a keyboard or piano, Skoove shows you how to finally master it — without making your roommates or neighbors hate your guts. You can get started with the app’s instructional videos, which teach proper hand placement, scales, and technique.

Here's how it works: Using your tablet or smartphone, you'll see a moving music score and an instructor’s hands playing along to the music, and you can simply follow along on your keyboard. Soon you'll be reading sheet music while playing your favourite songs.

Skoove also listens to you play and catches when you play a wrong note. AI technology listens to each note as you play and gives you real-time feedback, just like a real teacher. It’s like having an actual instructor, except it doesn’t judge you when you mess up “Crocodile Rock.”

Interested in learning piano at home? Get a Skoove lifetime subscription while it's on sale for £92.34 (reg. £230.85) using the code SAVENOW at checkout — for a limited time only.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

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Is it time for a new MacBook, but not sure which model is right for you? Do you need power, affordability, or something in between? We have some recommendations for the best MacBooks you can purchase today.

On Tuesday, Apple officially announced the new Mac mini M4 and M4 Pro. And the rumors were true: the small desktop computer is even tinier – about the size of the Apple TV box.

The Mac mini is the most affordable option for users who want a Mac computer. Since the debut of Apple's silicon chipset, and the subsequent release of the M1 Mac mini in late 2020, the Mac mini has been an incredibly affordable option for those looking for a powerful computer.

The new M4 Mac mini

First up, the Mac mini's most attractive feature: the price. The even more powerful M4 and M4 Pro Mac mini models are still going to provide the most bang for your buck. Apple is keeping the $599 starting price for the base M4 model with 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU configuration.

And even better, Apple has finally dropped the base 8GB of memory from the Mac mini M4 lineup and that starting price now gets consumers 16GB of RAM, which is upgradable to 32GB. 

As for storage, the Mac mini M4 will continue to ship with 256GB for the base model and can be upgraded with up to 2TB of disk space. 

The front of the new Mac mini M4. Credit: Apple What does the M4 Pro model offer?

The Mac mini M4 Pro model, however, can be upgraded even further. The $1,399 M4 Pro Mac mini base model starts with a 12-core CPU and 16-core GPU as well as 24GB of memory and 512GB of storage. In addition to the upgraded base model memory, the new Mac mini M4 Pros can be maxed out to 64GB of RAM, which is double the amount of the previous Mac mini model and the new Mac mini M4 base models.

Apple has fit this all into its smallest computer yet as the redesigned Mac mini measures at 5 x 5 inches (as opposed to its predecessor's 7.75 x 7.75 dimensions).

Apple says the new M4 chip has 2.5 times faster performance than the M1 Mac mini and is 20 times faster than the last Intel Mac mini, which came out in 2018.

The new M4 and M4 Pro Mac mini models replace the M2 and M2 Pro Mac mini configurations, which were released in January 2023. Apple skipped the M3 chipset for the Mac mini.

M4 Mac mini ports

The tinier form factor on the redesigned Mac mini M4 and M4 Pro does mean some changes to the ports usually found on the computer. There are no more USB-A ports found on the new Mac mini M4 and M4 Pro.

However, previous owners of the Mac mini will be happy to see that Apple has finally moved some ports, two USB-C ports and a headphone jack, to the front of the device.

The back of the Mac mini M4 has three Thunderbolt 4 ports as well as HDMI and Ethernet ports. The Mac mini M4 Pro has the same ports in the back except the three Thunderbolt ports are upgraded to Thunderbolt 5. This basically gives the new Mac mini models the ability to connect to up to three displays at once.

The back of the new Mac mini M4. Credit: Apple M4 Mac mini color

If Mac mini fans were hoping for some new color options, it appears Apple is sticking solely with the silver colorway.

Apple announced the new Mac mini one day after it kicked off its week of new Macs announcements. These new Macs coincide with the launch of Apple's own branded AI, Apple Intelligence. While previous Silicon chip-powered Macs will be able to use Apple's AI features, the M4 chipset was made for Apple Intelligence, so Apple is clearly hoping the two work in tandem to bring customers out for both. 

The new M4 iMac was unveiled by Apple to start the week off. The base model for the iMac, which comes with a built-in monitor, starts at $1,299, which makes the $599 Mac mini an alluring option for those who already have a computer screen at home.

On Monday evening, Amazon appeared to have accidentally leaked details of the new Mac mini M4 and M4 Pro when it uploaded a Mac comparison chart to its new iMac M4 product page. The image was promptly removed, but not before a number of social media users saved the image and shared it around the internet.

The new M4 and M4 Pro Mac mini models are available for pre-order now and will be available in stores on Nov. 8.

Volvo and Polestar EVs will soon be able to top off their battery packs at more than 17,600 Tesla Supercharger stations throughout North America, the company announced on Tuesday.