In under three years, Apple TV+ has established itself as an essential service for movie fans. Launching in late 2019, the multinational-tech-company-turned-streaming service has slowly become the talk of the town, offering a wide library of content with no shortage of movies.
Boasting big-budget action films, gripping dramas, romantic movies, and hilarious comedies, there’s something for everyone on Apple TV+. In addition to its large catalog of features, Apple TV+ is also constantly dropping new, original content, aptly titled Apple Originals. The company has committed itself to amplifying the voices of rising visionaries, advocating films for underserved audiences, and championing movies that disrupt mindless consumption.
10 Cherry (2021) Explores A Soldier’s Experiences
Based on Nico Walker’s autobiographical novel of the same name, Cherry is directed by Anthony and Joe Russo. The film follows Tom Holland in the titular role of Cherry, a fictionalized character based on Walker who recounts his life from a college student to a veteran. In his homecoming from the war, Cherry fuels his drug addiction by robbing banks.
After carving out the modern notion of heroism with Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame, the Russo Brothers cement their status as great directors with Cherry. Deconstructing the contents of male identity, Joe and Anthony direct a hard-hitting story about trauma and addiction, anchored by brilliant performances from Ciara Bravo and Tom Holland.
9 Greyhound (2020) Is A Gripping War Film
Based on the 1955 novel The Good Shepherd by C. S. Forester, Greyhound was adaptively written by Tom Hanks and directed by Aaron Schnieder. The film follows Tom Hanks’ Commander Ernest Krause, a commanding officer of the USS Keeling, codenamed Greyhound. While on an assignment defending Allied ships, Cdr. Krause’s convoy comes under attack by German submarines in early 1942, mere months after the United States officially entered the Second World War.
Greyhound finds victory through Tom Hanks’ performance and patient screenplay; his presence at the helm of the film lets audiences know that nothing will torpedo its tale of exemplary team heroism. The craftsmanship of the naval battles is astounding and tension takes hold within the first ten minutes, only letting up in the film’s final frames.
8 Palmer (2021) Is Pleasant And Poignant
Directed by Fisher Stevens, Palmer stars Justin Timberlake as Eddie Palmer, a former college football star and ex-convict who spent twelve years incarcerated for armed robbery and attempted murder. Moving in with his grandmother (June Squibb), Palmer develops an unlikely friendship with the next-door neighbor’s son, a young boy named Sam who struggles at home.
Palmer proceeds with care and compassion, using a well-written screenplay and excellent performances to craft a movie with a touching message of acceptance. Fisher Stevens directs with a level of sophistication and honesty, exceeding audience expectations. Palmer never aims to surprise, it simply wants to make tear ducts swell and hearts soar.
7 Finch (2021) Is Winsomely Eccentric
Directed by Miguel Sapochnik, Finch stars Tom Hanks in the titular role of Finch Weinberg, a robotics engineer surviving the apocalypse after a massive solar flare destroyed the ozone layer, turning Earth into an uninhabitable wasteland. Finch also features a supporting performance from Caleb Laundry Jones as Jeff, an advanced humanoid robot companion.
Finch is a surprisingly tender film that plays like a charming road trip. Director Miguel Sapochnik and writers Craig Luck and Ivor Powell craft a moving exploration of what it means to be human, anchored by yet another incredible performance from Tom Hanks. His weary expression and sad eyes sell the years of pain and miserable existence that his character has lived.
6 On The Rocks (2020) Examines A Father/Daughter Dynamic
Written and directed by Sofia Coppola, On the Rocks follows the story of a father and daughter, played by Bill Murray and Rashida Jones, as they harbor suspicions regarding the fidelity of her husband. On the Rocks also features supporting performances from Jessica Henwick, Jenny Slate, Liyanna Muscat, Barbara Bain, Juliana Canfield, and Alva Chinn.
Jones and Murray’s marvelous chemistry elevates On the Rocks into an endearing tale that examines the dynamics of the father/daughter and husband/wife relationship. Sophia Coppola directs a dryly funny film, piling up a respectable amount of dramatic weight about a family of well-off New Yorkers living charmed lives in modern times.
5 The Banker (2020) Is An Old-Fashioned Thriller
Directed and co-written by George Nolfi, The Banker follows the story of Anthony Mackie’s Bernard Garrett and Samuel L. Jackson’s Joe Morris, two of the first African-American bankers in the United States. The film also features supporting performances from Nicholas Hoult, Nia Long, and Jessie T. Usher.
In a solid adaptation of a remarkable true story, The Banker succeeds in shining a light on economic subjugation. Anthony Mackie’s performance elevates the film into something that feels fresh and rich, crafting a character-driven story that unfolds the history of American inequality and its racist practices.
4 Wolfwalkers (2020) Is Wonderfully Whimsical
Directed by Tomm Moore and Ross Stewart, Wolfwalkers is the third and final installment in Moore’s Irish Folklore Trilogy, succeeding The Secret of Kells (2009) and Song of the Sea (2014). Wolfwalkers follows the story of Robyn Goodfellowe, an apprentice hunter who arrives in Ireland with her father to wipe out the last wolf pack.
Epic, ethereal, and emotionally engaging, Wolfwalkers builds a Celtic fantasy through its lush, hand-drawn animation and stellar voice work. Wolfwalkers captures the wonderment and warmth of magic better than the majority of other animated features. The film is capable of captivating viewers from beginning to end.
3 Cha Cha Real Smooth (2022) Is Charming And Sweet
Written, directed, edited, produced by, and starring Cooper Raiff, Cha Cha Real Smooth follows fresh-out-of-college Andrew (Raiff) who decides to move back home over the summer while his girlfriend travels to Barcelona. Landing a job as a party starter for bar mitzvahs, Andrew meets Domino, played by Dakota Johnson, and her teenage daughter Lola, played by Vanessa Burghardt.
Cha Cha Real Smooth plays like a parable for the power of kindness. It’s more serious-minded than the usual coming-of-age film but sees its characters through to a fully felt emotional resolution. Cha Cha Real Smooth paints a very funny, tender-hearted portrait of how people come to better know themselves as they age.
2 The Tragedy Of Macbeth (2021) Leads With Stellar Performances And Gorgeous Cinematography
Based on the play by William Shakespeare, The Tragedy Of Macbeth was directed and adaptively written by Joel Coen. Starring Frances McDormand as Lady Macbeth and Denzel Washington as Lord Macbeth, the film also features performances from Bertie Carvel, Alex Hassell, Corey Hawkins, Harry Melling, Kathryn Hunter, and Brendan Gleeson.
Led by stellar performances from Washington and McDormand, The Tragedy of Macbeth accomplishes a cold, abstract beauty that sits somewhere between a stage play and a classic cinematic experience. Joel Coen’s first time directing without his brother proves impactful; he retains the dark sensibilities of their previous works while simultaneously showcasing his own virtuosic style.
1 CODA (2021) Comes-Of-Age With Heart
Written and directed by Sian Heder, CODA stars Emilia Jones as Ruby, the titular child of deaf adults (CODA) who is also the only hearing member of her family. Ruby’s life revolves around helping her family’s fishing business and acting as an interpreter for her parents, played by Marlee Matlin and Troy Kotsur. Encouraged by an enthusiastic choirmaster, Ruby then decides to pursue her aspirations of being a singer.
CODA possesses no pretentiousness, theatrics, or gimmicks; it’s a wonderful coming-of-age story with plenty of heart. Sian Heder directs a film with near-flawless execution, telling a tale of intergenerational conflict and a culture clash between communities.
