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Fireworks are typically best viewed in person on July 4th, preferably while you lay on a blanket in the middle of a grassy park. But that's not always an option — maybe you don't live near a fireworks display, you're too sick to leave the house, or the weather has proved challenging. If that's the case, you can watch the a firework display online.
The most famous firework show to stream online is the Macy's fireworks over the Hudson River. Former Mayor Bill de Blasio started the tradition a decade ago and, now, you can watch it without ever having to leave your home. The show will include 60,000 shells of 30 different colors at 1,000 feet high.
SEE ALSO: Should you sign up for Peacock?NBC will be live streaming it at 8 p.m. ET, hosted by country singer Mickey Guyton and Access Hollywood’s Zuri Hall. Just like other Macy's holiday events, there's more on the docket than just the fireworks — come for the explosions but stay for musical performances by Lainey Wilson, Luis Fonsi, Tanner Adell, Bell Biv DeVoe, Shaboozey, and more.
"Whether you’re at home or on the go, catch every dazzling display, guest appearance, live performance & incredible moment of America’s favorite fireworks spectacular," Macy's said on its site.
If you don't have cable, you can watch it on Peacock, NBC's streaming service. If you don't have cable or Peacock, you can download a free trial on the streaming service or do the same for a live-TV streaming service like Hulu with Live TV, YouTube TV, and Sling.
TL;DR: Watch Washington Mystics vs. Las Vegas Aces in the WNBA for free with a 30-day trial of Prime Video. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
It's tine for the next fixture of the WNBA, and last season's champs Las Vegas Aces meet the Washington Mystics. It's set to be a great game, and not one basketball fans are going to want to miss.
If you want to watch the Washington Mystics vs. Las Vegas Aces in the WNBA for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
When is Washington Mystics vs. Las Vegas Aces?Washington Mystics vs. Las Vegas Aces in the WNBA starts at 7 p.m. ET on July 4. This fixture takes place at the Michelob ULTRA Arena in Paradise, Nevada.
How to watch Washington Mystics vs. Las Vegas Aces for freeWashington Mystics vs. Las Vegas Aces is available to live stream on Prime Video in the U.S., but you don't need to be subscribed to tune in. You can watch the WNBA for free by using a 30-day trial of Prime Video in the U.S.
Fans from outside the U.S. will need to use a VPN to watch the WNBA for free on Prime Video. However, this process is straightforward:
Sign up for a 30-day Amazon Prime trial (if you're not already a member)
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in the U.S.
Watch Washington Mystics vs. Las Vegas Aces for free from anywhere in the world on Prime Video
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch the WNBA on Prime Video without committing with your cash. This isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream select WNBA fixtures before recovering your investment.
What is the best VPN for Prime Video?ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on Prime Video, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries including the U.S.
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure
Fast connection speeds free from throttling
Up to eight simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.
Stream Washington Mystics vs. Las Vegas Aces in the WNBA for free with ExpressVPN.
TL;DR: Watch Connecticut Sun vs. Minnesota Lynx in the WNBA for free with a 30-day trial of Prime Video. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
The next WNBA fixture is coming up, and Connecticut Sun and Minnesota Lynx will go head-to-head.
If you want to watch Connecticut Sun vs. Minnesota Lynx in the WNBA for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
When is Connecticut Sun vs. Minnesota Lynx?Connecticut Sun vs. Minnesota Lynx in the WNBA starts at 8 p.m. ET on July 4. This fixture takes place at the Target Center in Minneapolis.
How to watch Connecticut Sun vs. Minnesota Lynx for freeConnecticut Sun vs. Minnesota Lynx is available to live stream on Prime Video in the U.S., but you don't need to be subscribed to catch this latest WNBA fixture. Anyone can watch the WNBA for free with a 30-day trial of Prime Video in the U.S.
Basketball fans from outside the U.S. will need to use a VPN to watch the WNBA for free on Prime Video. However, this couldn't be more simple:
Sign up for a 30-day Amazon Prime trial (if you're not already a member)
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in the U.S.
Watch Connecticut Sun vs. Minnesota Lynx for free from anywhere in the world on Prime Video
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch the WNBA on Prime Video without committing with your cash. This isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream Connecticut Sun vs. Minnesota Lynx before recovering your investment.
What is the best VPN for Prime Video?ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on Prime Video, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries including the U.S.
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure
Fast connection speeds free from throttling
Up to eight simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.
Stream Connecticut Sun vs. Minnesota Lynx in the WNBA for free with ExpressVPN.
TL;DR: Live stream Swiatek vs. Martic in Wimbledon 2024 for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
For tennis fans there's nothing more exciting than Wimbledon — especially when the top seeded players take to the court. Even in these early rounds, it's a thrill to see the best in the world.
Iga Swiatek is currently the world No. 1, though the Polish star has never advanced beyond the quarter finals at Wimbledon. Swiatek is coming off a big win at the French Open, however, after beating Jasmine Paolini in the final.
Today Swiatek faces competition from Croatian veteran Petra Martic. Will it be plain sailing for Swiatek? Or can Martic cause an upset on the grand stage of Wimbledon?
If you want to watch Swiatek vs. Martic in Wimbledon 2024 for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
When is Swiatek vs. Martic?Swiatek vs. Martic will meet in the second round of Wimbledon 2024 on July 4.
How to watch Swiatek vs. Martic in Wimbledon 2024 for freeThe BBC will broadcast the action from Wimbledon daily on BBC One and BBC Two, with free live streaming available on BBC iPlayer.
BBC iPlayer is free streaming platform based in the UK. That means it's geo-locked to UK viewers only, but anyone can still access this platform from overseas with a VPN. A VPN can hide your real IP address (digital location) and then connect you to a secure server in another country, in this case the UK, allowing you to sidestep restrictions and watch from anywhere in the world.
Live stream Wimbledon 2024 for free by following this simple process:
Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK
Visit BBC iPlayer
Live stream Wimbledon 2024 from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not technically free, but leading VPN services usually have incentives like free trial periods or money-back guarantees. Make the most of these offers to get access to BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world — all without committing any cash. Though not a long-term solution, it will give you plenty of time to stream Wimbledon 2024 before recovering your investment.
What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?ExpressVPN is the best service for streaming live sport on BBC iPlayer, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries including the UK
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure
Fast connection speeds free from throttling
Up to eight simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free. That's a total of 49% off the regular price. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Don't miss it – the deal's available for a limited time only.
Live stream Swiatek vs. Martic in Wimbledon 2024 for free with ExpressVPN.
TL;DR: Live stream Giron vs. Zverev in Wimbledon 2024 for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
Alexander Zverev is yet to win Wimbledon, but you can be sure the German 27-year-old will come out literally swinging in this second round match. He reached the semi-final of the Australian Open and narrowly missed out in the final of the French Open.
The No. 4 seed will certainly prove tough competition for his opponent, the 30-year-old American Marcos Giron.
Giron has never made it past the second round at Wimbledon. What an upset it would be if the unseeded Giron eliminated Zverev at this early stage.
If you want to watch Giron vs. Zverevc in Wimbledon 2024 for free from anywhere in the world, here's the information you need.
When is Giron vs. Zverev?Giron vs. Zverev will meet in the second round of Wimbledon 2024 on July 4.
How to watch Giron vs. Zverev in Wimbledon 2024 for freeWimbledon 2024 is available to live stream for free on BBC iPlayer, including the second round matchup between Giron and Zverev.
BBC iPlayer is a free streaming platform that's geo-restricted to the UK. But you can access it from anywhere around the globe by using a VPN. A VPN is a brilliant online tool that can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in another country, in this case the UK, allowing you to unblock free streaming sites like BBC iPlayer now matter where you are in the world.
Live stream Wimbledon 2024 for free by following this simple process:
Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK
Visit BBC iPlayer
Live stream Wimbledon 2024 from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming aren't free to use, but the leading VPN providers tend to offer incentive deals such as free trial periods or money-back guarantees. You can take advantage of these offers to bypass geo-restrictions to BBC iPlayer without spending any cash in the long run. The trial period will give you enough time to stream all of Wimbledon 2024 before you claim back any initial investment.
What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?ExpressVPN is the best service for streaming live sport on BBC iPlayer, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries including the UK
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure
Fast connection speeds free from throttling
Up to eight simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for a limited time for just $99.95, which includes an extra three months for free. That's an impressive 49% off while the offer's available. This plan also includes a year of unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.
Live stream Giron vs. Zverev in Wimbledon 2024 for free with ExpressVPN.
TL;DR: Live stream Fearnley vs. Djokovic in Wimbledon 2024 for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
Novak Djokovic is back to win Wimbledon once again. He fell to Alcaraz in the last year's final and more recently he lost in semi-final of the Australian Open then pulled out of the French Open due to injury.
The Serb may be the world No. 2 but he's still got something to prove. The first round saw him bounce back from knee surgery and beat Vit Kopriva in straight sets.
Next up for Djokovic is 22-year-old Brit, Jacob Fearnley. It's hard to believe that Djokovic won't advance. But don't count young Fearnley out.
If you want to watch Fearnley vs. Djokovic in Wimbledon 2024 for free from anywhere in the world, here's the information you need.
When is Fearnley vs. Djokovic?Fearnley vs. Djokovic will meet in the second round of Wimbledon 2024 at 1.30 p.m. BST / 8.30 p.m. EST on July 4.
How to watch Fearnley vs. Djokovic in Wimbledon 2024 for freeWimbledon 2024 is available to live stream for free on BBC iPlayer, including the second round matchup between Fearnley and Djokovic.
BBC iPlayer is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming platform, and from anywhere in the world, with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in another country, such as the UK, meaning you can unblock free streaming sites like BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world.
Live stream Wimbledon 2024 for free by following this simple process:
Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK
Visit BBC iPlayer
Live stream Wimbledon 2024 from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but top VPNs do tend to offer incentives such as free trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can unblock BBC iPlayer without committing with your cash in the long run. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it gives you time to stream Wimbledon 2024 before recovering any initial investment.
What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?ExpressVPN is the best service for streaming live sport on BBC iPlayer, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries including the UK
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure
Fast connection speeds free from throttling
Up to eight simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale at the discount price of $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — that's an impressive 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.
Live stream Fearnley vs. Djokovic in Wimbledon 2024 for free with ExpressVPN.
Samsung's upcoming Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6 are likely to be officially unveiled on July 10, during Samsung's Galaxy Unpacked event. But a new leak pretty much laid out all there is to know about the two phones.
Shortly after sharing official-looking images of the two devices, leaker Evan Blass shared official-looking promo sheets for both devices on his Substack newsletter.
These contain Samsung's highlights for the new phones, as well as a full list of specs, down to pretty much every detail. Here are the highlights.
Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 6 has a 7.6-inch inner display and a 6.3-inch outer display, 12GB of RAM, 512GB of storage, and a 4,400mAh battery. It's powered by an octa-core processor, and has a 50/12/10-megapixel main camera system on the outside, with 3x optical zoom, and a 10-megapixel selfie front camera on the inside, coupled with a 4-megapixel under display camera.
Perhaps the most interesting part, besides the specs themselves, is Samsung's comparison between the new phone and the previous Z Fold models. It highlights how light the Galaxy Z Fold 6, weighing only 239 grams vs 253 grams on the Z Fold 5. The outer display is 0.1-inch bigger than before, and the phone is a hair smaller than previous models (it's just 12.1mm thick when folded, compared with Z Fold 5's 13.4 mm), with Samsung achieving this without reducing the battery capacity.
Other details of note include the new slim flex hinge, the improved Armor Aluminum frame, and IP48 water resistance.
SEE ALSO: Samsung Galaxy Ring leak: 5 reported health-tracking features, including snore detectionThe Galaxy Z Flip 6, based on the specs in the promo sheet, is a different kind of upgrade. Just like the Z Flip 5, it has a 3.4-inch outer display and a 6.7-inch inner display, and it's only a hair slimmer when folded (14.9 mm vs 15.1 mm on its predecessor).
But the Z Flip 6 has a larger, 4,000mAh battery, and an upgraded main camera with a 50-megapixel main sensor, coupled with a 12-megapixel telephoto camera with a 2x optical zoom. It's also powered by an octa-core processor, and it comes with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage.
We'll find out if Samsung has anything left to reveal about these phones on July 10. The company is also likely to launch new watches and other gadgets, so stay tuned for more news (and leaks?) in the week to come.
A giant NASA radar in the remote Mojave Desert imaged some formidable asteroids — including a 1-mile-wide behemoth — as they passed through our planet's neighborhood.
Fortunately, there are no known asteroids that might potentially hit Earth for over a century, and the likelihood of an impact from the biggest class of asteroids (like the one below) in the next thousand years is exceedingly low. Yet the imagery provides planetary scientists valuable information on what's out there and how to prepare should a truly menacing space rock come our way.
"Pics or it didn't happen!" NASA posted on X, formerly Twitter.
SEE ALSO: NASA scientist viewed first Voyager images. What he saw gave him chills.The first image below shows the mile-wide (1.5-kilometer) asteroid 2011 UL21 as it passed 4.1 million miles (6.6 million kilometers) away on June 27. It certainly didn't graze Earth, but in space terms, that's pretty close — 17 times the distance from the moon.
And it turns out this asteroid wasn't alone. A smaller moonlet orbits it 1.9 miles (3 kilometers) away.
"It is thought that about two-thirds of asteroids of this size are binary systems, and their discovery is particularly important because we can use measurements of their relative positions to estimate their mutual orbits, masses, and densities, which provide key information about how they may have formed," Lance Benner, a principal scientist at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, said in a statement.
Asteroid 2011 UL21 and its moonlet, as captured by the Goldstone Solar System Radar. Credit: NASA / JPL-CaltechThe next image reveals an impressively detailed view of the 500-foot-wide (150-meter-wide) asteroid 2024 MK, which zipped some 184,000 miles (295,000 kilometers) from Earth two days later, on June 29 (that's closer than the moon, which is some 238,900 miles away). "This was an extraordinary opportunity to investigate the physical properties and obtain detailed images of a near-Earth asteroid," Benner said.
"This was an extraordinary opportunity to investigate the physical properties and obtain detailed images of a near-Earth asteroid." Vivid views of asteroid 2024 MK, viewed from just 184,000 miles (295,000 kilometers) away. Credit: NASA / JPL-CaltechA 500-foot-wide asteroid would pose a serious risk to Earthlings if it landed in a populated area. A considerably smaller rock, some 100 to 170 feet across, could create a blast big enough to destroy Kansas City. That's why NASA is proactively preparing to deflect such a threat, whenever one might come our way.
All three asteroids were captured by NASA's Goldstone Solar System Radar, a 230-foot-wide (70-meter) radio antenna near Barstow, California. NASA scientists beamed radio waves at the objects, and the reflected signals bounced back.
Tweet may have been deleted The risks of an asteroid impactHere are today's general risks from asteroids or comets both tiny and very large. Importantly, even relatively small rocks are still threatening, as the surprise 56-foot (17-meter) rock that exploded over Russia and blew out people's windows in 2013 proved.
Every single day about 100 tons of dust and sand-sized particles fall through Earth's atmosphere and promptly burn up.
Every year, on average, an "automobile-sized asteroid" plummets through our sky and explodes, explains NASA.
Impacts by objects around 460 feet (140 meters wide) in diameter occur every 10,000 to 20,000 years.
A "dinosaur-killing" impact from a rock perhaps a half-mile across or larger happens on 100-million-year timescales.
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: NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for July 4 SEE ALSO: 'Wordle' today: Here's the answer hints for July 4Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Thursday, July 4, 2024:
AcrossFireworks show exclamationsThe answer is oohs.
The answer is boot.
The answer is Samoa.
The answer is empty.
The answer is aahs.
The answer is Obama.
The answer is oomph.
The answer is hoots.
The answer is stay.
The answer is sea.
Are you trying to learn how to use the Walkie Talkie feature on Apple Watch? You've come to the right place.
The Walkie Talkie feature lets users communicate with each other — right from their wrists. However, you and the other user must own Apple Watch devices to use the fun, push-to-talk perk.
SEE ALSO: Apple Watch feature becomes first digital health tech to receive this FDA approval How to Use ‘Walkie Talkie’ on Apple WatchBefore you can get start using the Walkie Talkie feature, you'll need invite a friend or loved one first. Here's how to do it:
Open the Walkie Talkie app.
Scroll through your contacts and tap the name of the friend you want to invite.
Make sure your contact accepts the invitation.
Repeat steps 1 to 3 with as many friends as you want, but if you want to remove a contact, just swipe left and press "X."
How to start a Walkie Talkie sessionOpen the Walkie Talkie app.
Launch your Walkie Talkie convo by tapping on your friend’s name.
Press and hold the "Talk" button to speak or talk.
For accessibility, if you can't push to talk, you can tap to talk instead by going to Settings > Accessibility > Walkie Talkie before hitting "Tap to Talk.
Keep in mind that you have control over whether your friends and loved ones have access to you via Walkie Talkie. You can change your status to "Unavailable" by opening the Walkie Talkie app and turning off the feature, clicking on the Walkie Talkie symbol in the control center or by turning on theater mode.
Apple Watch Nike Series 6 $0.00 at AmazonNo summer is complete without a soundtrack. But even if you max out your device's volume, you'll be left disappointed. In order to really crank the songs of the summer wherever you go, you need a Bluetooth speaker.
Fortunately, Amazon Prime Day falls in the dog days of summer (formally July 16 and 17) and serves as a great time to shop for Bluetooth speakers. The mega retailer is known for dropping prices on top audio brands like Bose, Sony, JBL, Sonos, Soundcore, and more.
Though we're still a couple weeks out from the official savings event, things are already heating up at Amazon. We've already started tracking the best Bluetooth speaker deals, with some standouts from Sony and Soundcore. Some of our top picks, like the JBL Clip 4 and UE Wonderboom 3 are on sale as well, though we expect their prices to drop even further.
We'll be updating this page regularly with the latest deals on Bluetooth speakers as Prime Day nears. If you don't see anything that catches your eye just yet, check back soon.
Early Prime Day Bluetooth speaker deals Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Our pick: Sony SRS-XE200 X-Series $79.55 at AmazonFrom the beach to the campsite, Sony's SRS-XE200 X-Series Bluetooth speaker can stand up to the elements and bump out booming sound. It's IP67 water- and dust-proof, lasts up to 16 hours on a single charge, and features X-balanced speakers to increase sound pressure for distinctive audio and powerful bass. Sony's unique line-shape diffuser also helps distribute sound evenly, while its Echo Cancelling technology allows you to take crystal clear calls. Regularly $129.99 and recently on sale for $98, you can pick up the XE200 in gray for only $79.55 at Amazon. That's 39% in savings and its lowest price to date. The other color varieties are still sitting at $98.
Sony dealsSony SRS-XB100 — $48 $59.99 (save $11.99)
Sony ULT FIELD 1 — $98 $129.99 (save $31.99)
Sony SRS-XG300 X-Series — $198 $349.99 (save $151.99)
Sony ULT FIELD 7 — $398 $499.99 (save $101.99)
Soundcore Motion 100 — $44.95 $59.99 (save $15.04)
Soundcore Boost — $53.99 $59.99 (save $6)
Soundcore Motion Boom Plus — $139.99 $179.99 (save $40 with on-page coupon)
JBL Clip 4 — $49.95 $79.95 (save $30)
JBL Xtreme 3 — $229.95 $379.95 (save $150)
JBL PartyBox On-The-Go Essential — $249.95 $349.95 (save $100)
JBL Boombox 3 — $399.95 $499.95 (save $100)
Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3 — $63.99 $99.99 (save $36)
Marshall Emberton II — $119.99 $169.99 (save $50)
Marshall Acton III — $229.99 $279.99 (save $50)
TL;DR: Make scanning a breeze with a lifetime subscription to SwiftScanVIP, yours for only $47.99 through July 21 with code SAVENOW.
Opens in a new window Credit: Maple Media SwiftScan VIP: Lifetime Subscription $59.99 at The Mashable ShopMost of us have dealt with the annoyance of being asked to scan an important document with no physical scanner in sight. Fortunately, the majority of us have smartphones, and the SwiftScan app can turn that handheld device into a bonafide scanner in seconds.
Scan almost anything from almost anywhere with help from this handy app. For a limited time, you can score a lifetime subscription to SwiftScan VIP for the lowest price currently available online — just $47.99 (reg. $199) — through July 21 with code SAVENOW.
Medical documents, handwritten notes, receipts, important school forms; there are so many documents in our daily lives. This handy app is designed to create high-quality PDF or JPG scans right on your phone, and it's compatible with both iOS and Android. Once you've scanned, it gives you tons of options — you should be able to send the document as an email, send as a fax, or upload it to iCloud, Google Docs, Dropbox, Evernote, or another cloud service.
Need to write on that PDF? SwiftScan is built to make this easy, so you can add notes, sign documents, redact or highlight sections, and more. Need to add or remove a page? It's built to do that, too. It should take all the frustration out of working with those pesky PDF files, and remove the need for a physical scanner or fax machine.
If you've been looking for a portable solution for scanning documents, this deal is for you.
Get a lifetime subscription to SwiftScan VIP, compatible with both Android and iOS, yours for only $47.99 (reg. $199) with code SAVENOW through July 21 at 11:59 p.m. PT.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
TL;DR: Get a new, open-box Samsung soundbar with wireless subwoofer for $109.99 (reg. $199.99).
Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 170W 2.1ch Soundbar with Wireless Subwoofer HW-T415/ZA $109.99 at The Mashable ShopWhether you're planning on hosting outdoor shindigs or mellow movie nights indoors this summer, most get-togethers have one thing in common: good sound. From music to blockbuster flicks, you should set the mood, and to do that you would need a good soundbar.
Fortunately, a good soundbar doesn't have to break the bank. Get a new, open-box Samsung soundbar with wireless subwoofer for $109.99 (reg. $199.99). That's $90, or 45%, off the usual price.
This soundbar could elevate your entertainment system because it's built to offer impressive sound and deep bass that can bring your favorite playlists and films to life. Plus, it pairs wirelessly with Bluetooth-capable TVs and other devices. Need to liven up a party with hip-hop? That thumping bass should help take things to the next level.
This model hails from 2021 and comes brand-new, but in an open box. That means it's likely excess inventory from store shelves, so the packaging will probably show some signs of wear or have extra stickers on it. It has been verified to be in new condition and can be offered at a lower price.
You can upgrade your summer's soundtrack with the new, open-box Samsung 170W 2.1ch soundbar with wireless subwoofer, now $109.99 (reg. $199).
StackSocial prices subject to change.
TL;DR: Double-check your surroundings with this hidden camera, bug, GPS, and RF detector, and it’s only $39.99 (reg. $59) or 33% off.
Opens in a new window Credit: RochasDivineMart Hidden Camera-, Bug-, GPS- & RF-Detector $39.99 at The Mashable ShopPeace of mind while you're staying in a hotel, rental, or anywhere else is important. A hidden camera-, bug-, GPS-, and RF-detector can help you stay in control of your privacy, and there's one on sale right now for under $40.
Double-check your surroundings with a hidden camera-detector on sale for $39.99 (reg. $59), or 33% off.
This device is trending on TikTok and other social media platforms as personal safety has become more prevalent. It uses advanced technology to sweep for a wide range of hidden threats including wireless cameras, audio bugs, GPS trackers, etc. The accurate detection has a strong anti-interference range, and a built-in camera finder to identify hidden lenses and magnetic fields commonly used by GPS trackers.
When you arrive at your destination, scan the rooms for bugs and cameras. This multi-functional detector has an alarm mode feature and buzzer detection to alert you when it finds a threat. The LED light intensity detector helps spot magnetic fields and signals that aren’t supposed to be there.
With this simple tool, you can rest easy when staying in an Airbnb, hotel, or anywhere that’s not your home. Weighing only about five ounces, this portable device makes the perfect travel companion anywhere you go.
Get this hidden camera-, bug-, GPS-, and RF-detector for just $39.99 (reg. $59), or 33% off.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
TL;DR: Stay powered up with a new, open-box Apple 67W USB-C power adapter on sale for $39.99 (reg. $59).
Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple 67W USB-C Power Adapter MKU63AM/A $39.99 at The Mashable ShopWe all know that sinking feeling when you get a "low battery" alert and you are nowhere near your charger. If you're hoping to avoid that, but don't want to break the bank by purchasing another charging block, an Apple 67W USB-C power adapter is on sale for $19 off right now.
Get a new, open-box Apple 67W USB-C power adapter on sale for $39.99 (reg. $59).
This power adapter is designed to juice up MacBooks and USB-C devices. The "open box" designation means this item was likely excess inventory from store shelves that has been returned to the warehouse. This power adapter has gone through verification that it is in new condition. While the packaging may show signs of wear from handling or extra stickers, it's as good as new for less.
This Apple power adapter can help keep you charged up all summer long and beyond. It's compatible with a wide range of MacBooks, including many MacBook Air models ranging from 2018 to 2023, MacBook Pro models ranging from 2016 to 2023, and MacBooks created between 2015 and 2017. (You'll want to check your model before purchasing.) It also works with various USB-C devices and charging cables.
With 67W of power, it's built to offer powerful and fast charging. You can power a MacBook up to a 50% charge in just 30 minutes.
Charge up with this new, open-box Apple 67W USB-C power adapter, on sale for $39.99 (reg. $59).
StackSocial prices subject to change.
NASA's Juno spacecraft zipped just 930 miles (1,500 kilometers) above the volcanic world Io this year. The extraterrestrial vistas, including a view of the most powerful volcano known to humanity, didn't disappoint.
"It's absolutely stunning, stunning imagery," Ashley Davies, a planetary scientist at the space agency's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, told Mashable.
Other space missions have captured intriguing views of Mars, the moon, and beyond. Here are many of the impressive cosmic scenes from 2024, so far.
SEE ALSO: NASA scientist viewed first Voyager images. What he saw gave him chills. NASA craft snaps close images of volcano-covered world NASA's Juno spacecraft captured this detailed view of Io on Feb. 3, 2024. Credit: NASA / JPL-Caltech / SwRI / MSSS / Jason PerryAfter swooping by Jupiter's tortured moon on Feb. 3, NASA's Juno spacecraft beamed back some of the closest-ever images of this unique world. The agency's deep space probe came within just 930 miles of Io, following a similar pass in December. Planetary scientists hope these much-anticipated flybys will answer fundamental questions about the mysterious, lava-spewing moon.
"The twin flybys are designed to provide new insight into how Io’s volcanic engine works and whether a global magma ocean exists under Io’s rocky, mountainous surface terrain," mission operators wrote after the first images came back.
Io contains hundreds of volcanoes, many of which are active and hot enough for Juno to detect their heat on the moon's surface.
Two volcanic plumes rising from Io. Credit: NASA / JPL-Caltech / SwRI / MSSS / AndreaLuck / CC BY 3.0 Unported Unprecedented photo of largest volcano in our solar system Olympus Mons captured by NASA's 2001 Mars Odyssey orbiter on March 11, 2024. Credit: NASA / JPL-Caltech / ASUNASA captured an expansive view of the largest volcano known to humanity.
The space agency used its 23-year-old Mars Odyssey orbiter to capture a never-before-seen view of Olympus Mons — a vista similar to how astronauts in a hypothetical orbiting space station might view the behemoth mountain. It's 373 miles (600 kilometers) wide — about the size of Arizona — and 17 miles (27 kilometers) tall. That's over twice as high as commercial airliners fly.
"Normally we see Olympus Mons in narrow strips from above, but by turning the spacecraft toward the horizon we can see in a single image how large it looms over the landscape," NASA's Odyssey project scientist, Jeffrey Plaut, said in a statement. "Not only is the image spectacular, it also provides us with unique science data."
As you can see, it's not a sharply peaked mountain, but a gradually sloping "shield volcano," similar to the Hawaiian volcanoes. It was formed by progressive lava flows, as thick oozing lava layered upon earlier lava flows.
Tweet may have been deleted Spacecraft approaches metal object zooming around Earth, snaps footageA spacecraft carefully approached and imaged a large hunk of metal orbiting Earth in April — a step in tackling humanity's mounting space junk woes.
The delicate space mission, undertaken by the Japanese satellite technology company Astroscale, used its ADRAS-J satellite to travel within several hundred meters of an abandoned section of a noncommunicative, derelict rocket, proving it could safely observe in such close proximity.
Tweet may have been deletedThe mission is part of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's (JAXA, which is Japan's NASA counterpart) "Commercial Removal of Debris Demonstration" project, which seeks a proven way to remove problematic space junk from Earth's orbit. A collision involving a large object can create thousands more pieces of debris, stoking a domino effect of future impacts.
U.S. spacecraft snap views of auroras encircling Earth A view from above Earth showing the vibrant auroras on May 11, 2024. Credit: NOAAA parade of intense solar storms hit Earth in May 2024 — the strongest since Halloween over 20 years ago.
While these outbursts from the active sun can pose serious threats to our electrical grid and communications systems, they also stoke brilliant events in our polar skies, commonly called auroras, or the northern lights. In particular, our medium-sized star recently emitted a number of coronal mass ejections, or CMEs, which are ejections of super hot gas (plasma). "It's like scooping up a piece of the sun and ejecting it into space," Mark Miesch, a scientist with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Space Weather Prediction Center, previously told Mashable.
When they collide with Earth, solar particles can become trapped by our planet's magnetic field, traveling to the poles and colliding with the molecules and particles in our atmosphere. Then, these atmospheric particles heat up and glow. Three U.S. weather satellites captured this dramatic event from above the North Pole on May 11, showing a glowing ring around places that don't usually witness the dancing lights.
"Multiple coronal mass ejections from the sun sparked an extreme geomagnetic storm around the Earth last week, creating stunning auroras, even in places where the northern lights are rarely seen," NOAA's National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service (NESDIS) explained when it released the image above. "The Southern Hemisphere also reported remarkable auroras from the storm."
Lunar spacecraft lands on its head Japan's robotic SLIM spacecraft landed upside down on the moon in January 2024. Credit: JAXAJapan landed its SLIM spacecraft — short for Smart Lander for Investigating the Moon — on Jan. 19. About a week later, Japan's space agency (JAXA) released an image of the robotic lander (taken by a baseball-sized robot released before landing), revealing why its solar panels failed to generate electricity.
One of SLIM's thrusters malfunctioned 50 meters (around 50 yards) above the lunar surface, resulting in the mishap. Even so, the craft still demonstrated an unprecedented "pinpoint landing," wherein it touched down under 100 meters (about 110 yards) from its intended target.
"The pinpoint landing performance was evaluated to be at approximately 10m or less, possibly about 3 - 4m," JAXA said in a statement.
NASA rover finds damaged helicopter in middle of Mars desertAfter a rough landing this year, the damaged Ingenuity helicopter can't fly again. NASA's nearby Perseverance rover spotted the grounded extraterrestrial chopper sitting alone in a valley on Mars in early February 2024.
The NASA image below, processed and enhanced by the geovisual designer Simeon Schmauß, underscores the desolation of profoundly arid Mars, a desert planet that's largely lost its insulating atmosphere and is 1,000 times drier than the driest desert on Earth.
The Ingenuity helicopter is visible just below the center of this image. Credit: NASA / JPL-Caltech / ASU / Simeon SchmaußBoth the Perseverance rover and its former aerial scout, Ingenuity, had been searching for the best places to look for past evidence of Martian life — should any ever have existed. Now the car-sized rover will hunt alone.
Before its accident, the Ingenuity craft made history. The experimental robot was the first craft to ever make a powered, controlled flight on another planet. And then, it kept flying. Ingenuity flew on Mars a whopping 72 times — engineers initially hoped it might fly five times, if at all. It flew distances as far as 2,315 feet.
And it overcame a daunting flight challenge. The Martian atmosphere is quite thin, with a volume about one percent of Earth's. This makes it difficult to generate the lift needed for flight. To take to the air, Ingenuity spun its four-foot rotor blades at a blazing 2,400 revolutions every minute.
Rough robotic U.S. moon landing The robotic Odysseus spacecraft landing on the moon on Feb. 22, 2024. Credit: Intuitive MachinesIntuitive Machines' Odysseus moon lander snapped a leg while landing on the moon in February 2024. An onboard camera caught the dusty touchdown.
While Odysseus' landing wasn't perfect, NASA, which provided $118 million for the commercial mission, hailed the challenging Feb. 22 touchdown as a success. Even in a compromised state, the lander beamed back scientific data from all of NASA's equipment, which included research into space weather and interactions between the spacecraft's plume and the moon's chalky surface.
The mission is part of the space agency's Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program, which picks companies to deliver NASA missions to the moon. This frees the agency, already burdened with an ambitious timeline to return astronauts to the moon under the Artemis program, from having to completely plan and fund missions leading up to human landings. Such a crewed mission won't happen before 2026.
The moon's eclipse shadow crossing over EarthOn April 8, 2024, millions of people in North America witnessed a rare total solar eclipse — when the moon passes in between the sun and Earth, casting a shadow on our planet.
For those in the relatively narrow path of totality, it's an experience that cannot be overhyped. "On a scale of one to 10, a partial eclipse is a seven," Terry Virts, a former NASA astronaut who experienced his first total eclipse (from down on Earth) in 2017, told Mashable. "And a total eclipse is a million." (A partial eclipse is when just a portion of the sun is blocked by the moon — an interesting experience, but nothing like totality.)
Here's how the poignant event looked from space, captured by a U.S. science satellite.
Tweet may have been deletedNothing 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. Everything Everywhere All at Once Michelle Yeoh kicks butt in "Everything Everywhere All at Once." Credit: A24Want a movie with a little bit of everything? Then you can't beat the 2023 Oscar winner for Best Picture. Academy Award–winner Michelle Yeoh stars as a disgruntled Laundromat owner who's at her wit's end between her obligations as a boss, wife, mother, and daughter. And just as she's braced to deal with a tax auditor with a surly attitude (Academy Award–winner Jamie Lee Curtis), a dashing version of her husband (Academy Award–winner Ke Huy Quan) bursts onto the scene from a parallel universe to loop her into a quest to save all existence. Packed with absolutely bonkers action, outrageous jokes, dizzying style, and performances as silly as they are deeply poignant, The Daniels' Everything Everywhere All at Once is the kind of movie that'll have you laughing, crying, gasping, and maybe even reconsidering your life up to now. — Kristy Puchko, Entertainment Editor
How to watch: Everything Everywhere All at Once is now streaming on Netflix.
SEE ALSO: How a one-hit wonder became absolutely crucial to 'Everything Everywhere All At Once' 19. The LEGO Batman Movie Batman is on the run. Credit: Warner Bros. / Courtesy Everett Collection / Shutterstock.comThe gravel-voiced scene-stealer of The LEGO Movie got his own spinoff, and it's an action-packed comedy that's fun for all ages.
Voiced by Will Arnett, Bruce Wayne/Batman is dedicated to battling the bad guys of Gotham. But his biggest challenge is opening up his heart to the orphan that he accidentally adopted. However, despite his emotional damage, Batman will team up with his Bat Family to take on the Joker and a barrage of villains from a wide array of movies and TV, including Lord of the Rings' Sauron, King Kong, the Daleks of Doctor Who, and Voldemort from the Harry Potter movies. And if the gonzo action, playful LEGO aesthetic, and barrage of other Batman movie references aren't enough for you, you can easily make a game of calling out the enormous voice cast, which includes such beloved stars as Zach Galifianakis, Eddie Izzard, Jemaine Clement, and many, many more. — K.P.
How to watch: The LEGO Batman Movie is now streaming on Netflix.
18. Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F Eddie Murphy is back as Axel Foley. Credit: NetflixEddie 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.
17. Bodies Bodies Bodies Credit: Erik Chakeen / A24Like your comedy with a side of murder? Directed by Halina Reijn, this A24 thriller boasts a playful premise and a bevy of hot stars. Amandla Stenberg, Maria Bakalova, Myha'la Herrold, Chase Sui Wonders, Rachel Sennott, Lee Pace, and Pete Davidson play a motley crew of friends who plan for a wild weekend in a remote mansion. But when a childish game of pretend murder leads to real bloodshed, these friends turn suspicious of each other faster than you can say party foul. Cleverly constructed, wickedly funny, and weirdly hot, Bodies Bodies Bodies is a demented delight. — K.P.
How to watch: Bodies Bodies Bodies is now streaming on Netflix.
SEE ALSO: Let's talk about that shocking 'Bodies Bodies Bodies' ending, with director Halina Reijn 16. Marcel the Shell with Shoes On Marcel the Shell perched on a laptop keyboard. Credit: A24Are you ready for a shell with a googly eye to make you cry? The YouTube sensation Marcel the Shell has his own movie, and while it's filled with goofy visual gags and silly jokes, it's also got a poignant undercurrent about loss.
Jenny Slate and Dean Fleischer-Camp reunite for Marcel the Shell with Shoes On, an A24 outing that has the eponymous hero (voiced by Slate) befriending a human documentarian (Fleischer-Camp). Together, they search for Marcel's long-lost family. As with the YouTube shorts, the feature-length film showcases Marcel's adorable meanderings around household objects that tower over him, like a potted plant, a stand mixer, or a tennis ball, as well as his eccentric musings. But there's a sophisticated meta commentary on the highs and lows of internet fame.
As I wrote in Mashable's review, "Slate and Fleischer-Camp might lure us in with the familiar hook of a cuddly mollusk who muses about lint balls and coos about a 'sad type of idiot.' But beyond that familiarity, they delve into troubling waters of what growing up and growing old brings on. Troubles we can't predict. Losses we can't control. Grief we can't escape, even if you happen to be a plucky shell with shoes on." — K.P.
How to watch: Marcel the Shell with Shoes On is now streaming on Netflix.
15. Between Two Ferns: The Movie Credit: Adam Rose / NetflixZach 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.
14. Do Revenge Credit: NetflixLooking 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 13. Hunt for the Wilderpeople Credit: Piki Films / Kobal / ShutterstockThis 2016 adventure about bad egg Ricky Baker (Julian Dennison) and his curmudgeonly foster father Hec (Sam Neill) is the kind of eccentric delight that writer/director Taika Waititi specializes in (this time co-writing with Barry Crump, who wrote the original book).
After losing his foster mother, Ricky flees into the forests of New Zealand; Hec pursues him, only to realize he doesn't feel the need to return to civilization either. Together, they become the wilderpeople, living off the land and evading capture from authorities, including Thor: Ragnarok's Rachel House. Wilderpeople is equal parts stirring, hilarious, and absurd — a silly yet sentimental story of found family and adventure that can be loved by all. — Proma Khosla, Senior Entertainment Reporter
How to watch: Hunt for the Wilderpeople is now streaming on Netflix.
12. Always Be My Maybe Credit: NetflixWhat 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 11. Back to the FutureThere's no way you haven't heard of 1985's Back to the Future, the comedy science-fiction romp — and honest-to-god American classic — that made the world fall in love with Michael J. Fox. Fox is Marty McFly, a bored teenager who befriends an eccentric scientist (Christopher Lloyd) and finds himself transported to the 1950s, where his presence threatens to wreak havoc on the future. Marty has to make sure his parents still fall in love, or he'll be wiped from history forever. It's a fantastic premise that somehow never feels absurd thanks to the Fox's aching humanity and Lloyd's charisma. From the very first utterance of "Great Scott!" we're along for the ride on a journey where we won’t need roads.* — Kristina Grosspietsch, Freelance Contributing Writer
How to watch: Back to the Future is now streaming on Netflix.
10. Dolemite Is My Name Credit: François Duhamel / NetflixChronicling 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.
9. The Polka King Credit: NetflixSometimes 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 8. The Mitchells vs. The Machines Credit: NetflixSony 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. 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 now streaming on Netflix.
7. Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery Credit: NetflixWriter/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 6. The Forty-Year-Old Version Credit: Jeong Park / Netflix © 2020The 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.
5. Vampires vs. the Bronx Credit: NetflixWant 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 Perkins'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.
4. Paddington Paddington Bear holds a small white dog. Credit: Moviestore / Shutterstock.comInspired by Michael Bond's beloved children's books, Paddington is a critically heralded romp that blends a crackerjack live-action cast (Hugh Bonneville! Sally Hawkins! Julie Walters! Peter Capaldi!) with an adorable CGI bear (voiced by Ben Whishaw) who wears a blue coat and cherishes marmalade. Traveling from the jungles of Peru to London, the titular bear is reluctantly taken in by the Brown family. But as cultures collide, Paddington's freedom —indeed, his very life! — are threatened by an overzealous taxidermist (a gamely over-the-top Nicole Kidman), who is ruthlessly determined to make him her next specimen! Full of whimsy, wit, and warmth, Paddington is a jolly delight that demands rewatching.* — K.P.
How to watch: Paddington is streaming on Netflix.
3. The Breaker UpperersThis 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 / NetflixWith 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. Monty Python and the Holy Grail Credit: FilmPublicityArchive / United ArchMade up of Graham Chapman, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, John Cleese, Michael Palin, and Terry Gilliam, the comedy troupe Monty Python are the uncontested kings of comedy. So it's only fitting that we raise a glass to their most popular film, Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Sure, Life of Brian has iconoclastic fun with Bible stories — and a toe-tapping sound number to boot! But many of the crew's most memorable characters tumble forth in this parody of Arthurian lore.
From the knights Who Say "Ni!" to the dreaded Rabbit of Caerbannog to a taunting Frenchman to the Black Knight who'll never say die, Holy Grail is overflowing with madcap comedy. It's endlessly quotable, stupidly funny, and captures everything that made this comedy team spectacular. Not to mention, it forever changed how we see coconuts, swallows, hamsters, and elderberries. — K.P. & A.F.
How to watch: Monty Python and the Holy Grail 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: Jul. 3, 2024, 2:21 p.m. EDT This story has been updated to reflect the current selection on Netflix.
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