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I have something to admit upfront before we get into this. And don't come for me in the comments, please.

I've only seen the first Twilight film, so I can't really say that I'm a true fan. For what it's worth, I really enjoyed that movie. Especially that scene where Bella struggles to use a ketchup bottle.

"Well, then, why'd you spend $220 on the Twilight Cullen House Lego set, Dylan?" you're probably saying to yourself. It's simple: My wife is a Twilight superfan, and I thought it'd be a lot of fun for the both of us to undertake the massive, 2,000-plus-piece replica of the Cullen's modern forest mansion that Lego released in mid-February. Now, that's quite the chunk of change for a box of plastic bricks, but as we constructed the three-story behemoth, we quickly realized that we were getting way more out of the experience than just our money's worth.

SEE ALSO: Why Pharrell Williams made his biopic ‘Piece by Piece’ a Lego movie

After almost a month of waiting since we placed our preorder, our long-awaited shipment arrived at our door. I shook the box just to be sure, and from the sound of it, there were definitely Lego pieces in there. We cut open the package and marveled at the set in all its glory, albeit feeling somewhat nervous. Were we ready to take on a project like this? How long would it take? Would Jacob's minifigure come with a pair of ripped denim shorts? We were going to find out. We waited until the following weekend so we'd have as much time as we needed, and then began our pre-build preparations.

The box that the set came in was, not surprisingly, quite large. For scale, here's a photo of my dog sitting next to it:

Unfortunately, Stevie couldn't help us build the set. Credit: Dylan Haas / Mashable

As you can see, the box itself is almost exactly one Stevie tall, which is pretty damn big. Upon opening the box, we were greeted with a whole lot of Lego pieces (also not surprising). Thankfully, the over-2,000-piece set was neatly portioned out into 18 separate bags, all numbered to coincide with the included booklet's step-by-step instructions. That was a huge relief to the two of us — we'd never tackled a Lego set of this size before, so we didn't know what to expect when it came to the actual process of putting everything together. But, it seemed like our hands were going to be held all the way to the finish line. Splitting each section up into manageable and understandable chunks kept us from feeling overwhelmed by the sea of colored plastic that was strewn across our kitchen table.

The workspace. Credit: Dylan Haas / Mashable A few hours later... Credit: Dylan Haas / Mashable

We carefully opened the first bag that Lego kindly meal-prepped for us, which included a brick removal tool in case we made any mistakes and a sheet of stickers that would be used on specific pieces throughout the process. We emptied out the pieces from the first group and started making our way through the instructions, which kicked things off with Charlie Swan's truck. It was a breeze to put together, thanks to the easy-to-follow instructions, and looked great when it was done. It even has working wheels!

Then, it was time to move on to the house, which got a bit more complicated. The instructions were still just as simple, but our method of dumping all the bricks from each bag onto the table wasn't working anymore. Too many of them looked alike, and it would take us minutes just to find the one part we needed. The small moments of panic that would set in whenever it seemed like we were missing a piece weren't fun, either. We never were, and each bag had some extras in it just in case something did vanish into the void.

Something tells me that a lot of people will be happy with the inclusion of Bella's dad. Credit: Dylan Haas / Mashable

So, we changed our plan of attack. Going forward, every time we opened a new bag, we'd carefully sift and sort through each plastic piece, grouping them with their identical cohorts. This way, we'd know exactly where everything was and how many of each piece we had at all times. Once we got the hang of our new game plan, we started zooming through the rest of the set. (Well, relatively zooming. It still took us about eight hours to complete from start to finish.)

We were a well-oiled machine, quickly glancing back and forth between the instruction booklet and the miniature Cullen household, adding to it each time. We worked on different sections simultaneously and with finesse as if we'd been doing it our whole lives. We were officially in The Flow State™. Is this what Lego hobbyists felt like all the time?

Brick by brick, floor by floor. Credit: Dylan Haas / Mashable

We constructed the compound literally from the ground up, starting from the foundation all the way to the third floor. As we built, we were constantly impressed by the sheer detail that went into the items on each floor of the house — stuff you wouldn't see unless you opened the whole thing up and inspected it closely, like the Cullen's wall of graduation caps or their grand piano. Those items require you to be a bit more surgical while building due to their small pieces, but the result is super rewarding.

A part of the building experience that I personally loved was the tension of not always knowing what you were building right away. The instructions are careful not to spoil the end product before you get there yourself, so a lot of times, you're staring at a strange grouping of bricks, wondering if it is, in fact, anything at all. It's a great exercise in relinquishing control and trusting the process, which can get especially challenging when it seems like whatever you're building just isn't coming together. It always came together, though. I feel like there's a life lesson somewhere in that.

“You better hold on tight, spider monkey.” Credit: Dylan Haas / Mashable Another one of my favorite details is the Cullen's grand piano. Credit: Dylan Haas / Mashable

We kept progressing through the set, eventually hitting autopilot. Now, we were well-versed enough to multitask — 50 percent building, and the other 50 percent just yapping. My wife would talk me through all the Twilight movie references I didn't understand, and perk up with excitement whenever I was able to call one out myself. It was a joy to connect with her over what Lego detractors would refer to as a children's toy. It felt nostalgic, like we were in a simpler time. For those next few hours, I wasn't thinking cynically, which feels wild to say in 2025. I wasn't thinking about planes falling out of the sky or about the dire condition of our political landscape. I was only thinking about how each of these tiny plastic pieces would snap together, how I was enjoying quality time with my favorite person, and how, at least at this moment in time, everything felt like it was OK.

Look, I’m not saying that you should bury your head and ignore what’s going on in the world — actually, I advise heavily against that. But if the state of it all is getting to be overwhelming, maybe I am saying that you should pick up a Lego set and just see what happens. You might be surprised by how therapeutic it can be.

SEE ALSO: 33 years to read 'Twilight'? This TikTok account isn't in a hurry.

Before we knew it, we were putting the finishing touches on the set, which involved making a wolf version of Jacob and the verdant surrounding area of the Cullen abode. We also put together all of the character Minifigures, including Carlisle, Alice, Rosalie, Charlie, human-form Jacob, and, of course, Bella and Edward. The latter two even came with an extra piece that lets you attach Bella to Edward's back so you can perfectly reenact the iconic tree-climbing scene.

The final product. Credit: Dylan Haas / Mashable

Finally, our job was done. We carefully lifted the replica and placed it on our bookshelf where we could appreciate its beauty. We stepped back to enjoy the view, proud of the work we'd put into it and feeling unexpectedly reinvigorated. I'm not trying to sound dramatic — it's not like this Lego set fundamentally changed us as people. But, it was a moment of respite during a time filled with uncertainty, and that was enough.

If you haven't already gleaned that I think Lego's Twilight collaboration is absolutely worth the money, consider this my confirmation. I'm most certainly a Lego and a Twilight guy now. So, I guess it's time for me to watch the rest of those movies.

And in case you were still wondering: No, Jacob's minifigure did not come with a pair of ripped denim shorts.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego 'Twilight' Cullen House Lego set $219.99 at Lego
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There's a lot to enjoy with an Amazon Prime membership: a plentiful streaming service full of acclaimed originals, same-day shipping, and Grubhub+. But that's just a sampling of the extensive benefits for members. Prime members who also happen to be bookworms can maximize their monthly reading with the Amazon First Reads program.

Similar to Book of the Month, every month, Amazon First Reads drops a new collection of discounted titles. However, unlike Book of the Month, these books are totally free for Prime Members. Here's everything you need to know about Amazon First Reads.

What is Amazon First Reads?

Amazon First Reads is a monthly program in which eight editor-selected books are offered free to Prime members. Members are allowed to choose one book per month, which is then added to their library. Non-Prime members can still join in on the fun, but they have to pay $1.99 per book.

Featured Amazon First Reads books are totally free at checkout for Prime members. Credit: Screenshot: Amazon / Mashable composite

Some months, like Prime Day's July and Black Friday's November, offer two free books. And in others, you can select a free short story with your one free e-book.

To select your book, visit the Amazon First Reads home page to browse the options. As a Prime Member, you'll see the option to "read now for free " when you go to purchase the titles. Once you make your selection, it'll automatically be added to your Kindle library.

Which books are featured in Amazon First Reads?

Among the eight books selected each month, the book editors at Amazon provide a variety of genres for every reader. The books are typically new or soon-to-be-released books — many of the books are published under one of Amazon's publishing imprints, so they're exclusive to Amazon's shelves.

In addition to the eight full-length books offered each month, there's typically a short story available, too, exclusive to read through the Kindle Store. You'll find familiar names in the First Reads collections. Past authors include Abby Jimenez, Rebecca Yarros, Lee Child, Fredrik Backman, Alice Hoffman, and Dean Koontz.

Kindle Unlimited members are able to read most of the previous First Reads picks for free, so if there are multiple each month that you want to add to your digital bookshelf, consider a Kindle Unlimited membership.

Do you need a Kindle for Amazon First Reads?

All of the books selected are technically purchased through the Kindle Store. But does that mean you need a Kindle to read them?

Nope! No Kindle e-reader is necessary to read books collected through First Reads. All books purchased through the Kindle Store are available in the Kindle app, which can be read on a smartphone, tablet, or computer.

However, if you're asking if you should get a Kindle, that's a different question. While a Kindle is not required to enjoy the bounty of the Kindle store, it is our favorite e-reader brand if you're in the market.

Kindle Paperwhite $159.99 at Amazon
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While social platforms like Instagram and TikTok seem to rule the internet, some prefer quieter sites.

"I get very burnt out from social media a lot," 19-year-old Lauren told Mashable. Lauren prefers to chat with her long-distance boyfriend, Charlie, on Discord, but they met on another non-major social site: Quotev.

SEE ALSO: They met on Tumblr, and their relationship outlasted their accounts

Quotev, formerly Quizazz, is a quiz-making and fan fiction website aimed at teens. Lauren and Charlie met there nearly five years ago, when they were both 15, and they've been together ever since.

Bonding over a passion for writing

Lauren and Charlie's relationship started when she noticed his writing on Quotev.

"This was before I even knew I wanted to go into journalism," said Lauren, who's since published work in publications like The Nation and Teen Vogue. "I was still very impressed with his writing. I was like, 'I need to keep in touch with this person. Like, this person is really cool. I want to be this person's friend,'" and that's how it started.

They chatted on Quotev for a while (the site used to have more social functions that no longer exist), but eventually moved to Discord and texting as they built more trust. Now, they talk every day for hours about school, their lives, and their fandoms — even though their interests don't always align.

"We do both love writing, and we both focus on that," she said. She discovered she wanted to go into journalism when she was 16. "We obviously have that to kind of bond us together."

"We talk every day for hours so we share a certain type of mundaneness," she said, "which is really nice. And I kind of prefer that over the interests part of it."

Lauren didn't tell her parents about Charlie due to the nature of how they met.

"We met really young, and when you're really young, you can't exactly come up to your parents and be like, 'Hey, I found this guy online that I'm dating now,' because there's a lot of safety concerns in that," she said. The concerns are valid and should be considered, Lauren said, but when she was 15, she wasn't thinking about that.

Lauren still hasn't told her parents about the relationship, however, because they're both queer and trans. Lauren uses both she and they pronouns.

"I'm very open about it anywhere else," like the internet, "but, yeah, it's still a bridge that I have to cross, that I will have to," Lauren said. 

That's also part of the reason Lauren and Charlie haven't met in person yet. They both live in the American South, but because of circumstances, they haven't taken their relationship offline.

That's going to change this year, however.

Meeting in person for the first time

"We do have plans to meet this year," Lauren said. She's graduating from community college in May, and Charlie plans to attend the ceremony. Once Lauren transfers to a four-year college, they will look into moving in together as she'll be living off-campus. 

"Hopefully, exciting things will be happening," she said.

While she's excited to finally meet Charlie in person, she's also nervous because he's a secret from her parents.

"I will need to figure out some sort of solution," Lauren said. She said she could lie and say Charlie is just a friend, but lying all this time has been exhausting. 

"I've always hidden this anyway, so it's not just the five years," she said. "Hiding my queerness has been a lifelong thing for me that I'm getting very frustrated and tired of doing, but at the same time, that fear is just still so high."

This is, unfortunately, not entirely uncommon. According to research gathered by The Trevor Project, an LGBTQ youth advocacy organization, one-third of LGBTQ young people face parental rejection, while another one-third don't come out until they're adults.

"The truth will come out eventually, but I don't know how I feel about that," Lauren said.

Lauren also calls the prospect of meeting Charlie surreal, as they've been together but apart for so long. "We are so used to being online and so we both always wanted to be together in person, but it's just like we're so close now, after talking about this since forever," she said.

While some might gawk at an online-only relationship, Lauren feels very lucky to have met her boyfriend. 

"Being almost 20 years old, people will see a relationship like mine, almost five years entirely online, high school sweethearts, something like that, and they'll kind of be like, 'Um, how did you do this?'" she said. 

But she doesn't regret meeting Charlie on Quotev. "Even though we haven't met in person, it's very hard, if anything happened to us, would I try to find someone else online? No, I wouldn't. But that doesn't mean that I regret how things are now. I just hope for a future where we're together in person, and we're still comfortable."

TL;DR: Get a refurbished 13.3-inch Apple MacBook Air (1.8GHz i5, 8GB RAM, 128GB SSD) on sale for just $229.97. Act fast, because we have fewer than 50 available.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Refurbished 13.3-inch Apple MacBook Air (1.8GHz i5, 8GB RAM, 128GB SSD) $229.97
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MacBooks rarely come cheap, so this is a deal you don’t want to miss.

Get a refurbished 13.3-inch Apple MacBook Air (1.8GHz i5, 8GB RAM, 128GB SSD) that was originally $999 laptop for just $230, plus free shipping.

This MacBook received a grade “A” rating — the highest possible. Plus, on the off chance you run into any issues, your purchase is backed by a 90-day warranty.

Let’s talk about your new-to-you laptop

You arrived just in time to grab this MacBook Air deal, but you don’t have much time to grab it before they’re gone. So here’s what you need to know before you check out:

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Hurry — get your MacBook at a steep discount of $230 with free shipping before they’re all gone (reg. $999).

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TL;DR: Use code GUARD20 to grab AdGuard's ad-blocker, malware protection, and more for nine devices for only $15.97.

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The AdGuard Family Plan could be your permanent solution for banishing ads — as well as a smart addition that protects your devices and prevents malware and online trackers from ruining your digital experience. Grab lifetime access for only $15.97 (down from $39.99) with code GUARD20 at checkout.

All-in-one ad-blocking and privacy protection

AdGuard handily eliminates ads from your devices, so it's no surprise that it boasts 1,400+ five-star ratings. It's designed to remove distracting banners, intrusive pop-ups, or irritating YouTube ads for pet food, but you can also create filters to customize your experience on different platforms and manually block any missed ads.

In addition to streamlining your browsing, streaming, and gaming, AdGuard acts as a digital bodyguard, shielding your digital activity from trackers and analyzers. It even protects your devices from harmful malware and phishing scams, keeping your digital world safe and secure.

Since this AdGuard plan works on up to nine Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices simultaneously, it's perfect for anyone with an entire Apple or PC ecosystem—and families. Those with children will appreciate this ad-blocker's parental controls. You'll be able to restrict content that is inappropriate for your kids, ensuring they can only watch Peppa Pig and Bluey or access other child-friendly content.

Ditch the ads and protect your browsing by grabbing this AdGuard Family Plan lifetime subscription for nine devices, now just $15.97 when you use code GUARD20 at checkout. Act while supplies last.

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Opens in a new window Credit: AdGuard Software AdGuard Family Plan: Lifetime Subscription $39.99
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TL;DR: Through March 30, grab a lifetime of cloud storage from Koofr on sale for $119.97 with coupon code KOOFR.

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Koofr takes your privacy seriously with top-notch encryption for your files, both when they're being transferred and while they're stored. They also don’t track your activity, so you can rest easy knowing your data is secure and private.

What really stands out about Koofr is how flexible and user-friendly Koofr is. Whether you're on your smartphone, desktop, or using WebDAV, you can easily access and manage your files from anywhere. The interface is straightforward, so even if you're new to cloud storage, you’ll find it easy to use.

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

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

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

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

Here are the 25 best action movies on Netflix, streaming right now.

25. Mad Max: Fury Road Credit: Village Roadshow / Kobal / Shutterstock

Reports of a chaotic, sprawling shoot in the desert that drove everybody involved (including co-stars Tom Hardy and Charlize Theron) to the brink, Fury Road dispelled worries of a disaster the second people that actually laid their eyeballs on the black magic George Miller had crafted. A world-expanding mash-up of his earlier trilogy starring Mel Gibson, Fury Road is also a streamlined dream of propulsive action. It's just a single chase scene, really, one that doubles back on itself, ending where it started. And it's pure cinema, total sound and fury, like a riff shredded by the Doof Warrior himself. — Jason Adams, Entertainment Reporter

How to watch: Mad Max: Fury Road is now streaming on Netflix.

24. Upgrade

The always-welcome Logan Marshall-Green stars here as Grey, an auto mechanic who gets sucked into a nefarious world of cyber-horror when a car crash leaves him paralyzed and his wife dead. Implanted with an untested computer chip that can control his limbs and "fix" his paralysis, Grey's mind starts communicating with the technology, which in turns starts egging him on. After all, why just walk when you can be a kick-ass super-soldier? Needless to say, as in any good RoboCop spin, the corporations are not to be trusted when it comes to our best interests. — J.A.   

How to watch: Upgrade is now streaming on Netflix.

23. Spider-Man 2

Landing two years after the first flick with Peter Parker (Tobey Maguire), his spider bite, his twisty romance with Mary-Jane (Kirsten Dunst), and all that good stuff, Sam Raimi's sequel found itself with dramatically higher stakes and a most excellent new villain in Dr. Otto Octavius, played with operatic gusto by Alfred Molina.

The vertiginous battles between our hero and his multi-armed antagonist across the New York skyline remain a thrill today because yes, they still look super cool. (Raimi kept them bright and cartoony enough that they look timeless.) Spider-Man 2 is also a classic also because Raimi and his actors made us really feel for the characters and their messed-up relationships, all tangled up in a destructive web of their own spinning. — J.A.

How to watch: Spider-Man 2 is now streaming on Netflix.

22. Land of Bad

On paper, Land of Bad seems fairly generic at first glance. A ragtag group of soldiers (portrayed by both Liam Hemsworth and Luke Hemsworth, American Gods star Ricky Whittle, and former Gilmore guy Milo Ventimiglia) find themselves stranded behind enemy territory in the Philippines and they must, you know, get the heck out of there. Russell Crowe plays "Reaper," a drone pilot who provides air support to the group on the ground by yelling into a telephone a lot. This is nothing we've not seen before!

And yet the movie's actually a solid B-movie slice of old-fashioned action movie entertainment. The film is directed and co-written by William Eubank, whose previous credits include one of the most underrated action-thrillers of recent times, 2020's Underwater with Kristen Stewart. Like that film, Land of Bad doesn't rewrite its genre, but it does bring the action and thrills efficiently and well. — J.A.

How to watch: Land of Bad is now streaming on Netflix.

21. Sniper

A somewhat forgotten slice of 1990s action entertainment starring at-the-time B+ actors, Sniper would make for a great double feature with Land of Bad. This one stars Tom Berenger and Billy Zane as a pair of mismatched military snipers dropped into the Colombian jungle together; they're tasked with killing a drug lord, but they don't know or trust each other just yet, so everything goes wrong until they learn that old saw about team work making the dream work. A tale as old as time, really! But director Luis Llosa (who'd go on to make the also super fun flick Anaconda four years later) has created a well-oiled machine of exactly what we're here for. And the bullet shots — where Llosa's camera follows the path of a fired bullet toward its target — were considered super cool and creative at the time, setting the stage for The Matrix's revolutionary Bullet Time effects in 1999. — J.A.

How to watch: Sniper is now streaming on Netflix.

20. The Man From U.N.C.L.E. Credit: Shutterstock

Is there anything more surprising than an old TV show that everybody had forgotten about getting turned into a terrific and enormously cinematic movie experience five decades later? (Maybe a video game movie that actually works?) Guy Ritchie somehow pulled it off with this 2015 spy romp, which stars Henry Cavill as the debonair C.I.A. agent Napoleon Solo, who's forced to team up with his KGB counterpoint, Illya Kuryakin (Armie Hammer). 

The plot, as they always inevitably are in such instances, is all convoluted nonsense. But to his credit, Ritchie embraces the fun that can be had in that. Basically, the two spies are trying to rescue the daughter of a nuclear physicist (Alicia Vikander) before she falls into the hands of evil yet fabulous siblings Alexander and Victoria (Italian hunk Luca Calvani and a deliciously diabolical Elizabeth Debicki). So while Daniel Craig was off making 007 all tortured and gloomy, The Man From U.N.C.L.E. recalled the sillier Technicolor escapades of superspies in years past, only to unceremoniously flop at the box office for its efforts. It really shouldn't have. — J.A.

How to watch: The Man From U.N.C.L.E. is now streaming on Netflix.

19. The Nice Guys

Nobody's done more for the mismatched buddy action-comedy than writer-director Shane Black, whose resume includes the Lethal Weapon films (Mel & Danny!), The Last Boy Scout (Bruce & Damon!), Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (Robert & Val!), The Long Kiss Goodnight (Geena & Sam!) — heck, even The Monster Squad got those crazy kids Dracula and Frankenstein to team up with The Wolfman (and his nards!) for a wild and wacky adventure. 

The Nice Guys is a hyper-violent comedy about a pair of no-goodniks (Russell Crowe and Ryan Gosling) on a rollicking escapade through 1977 Los Angeles, all on the tail of some porn stars and hit men who've left a trail of bodies in their wake. The film didn't do great at the time, but it's gathered up a crackling cult rep in the years since, so much so that Gosling is still answering questions about a sequel. — J.A.   

How to watch: The Nice Guys is now streaming on Netflix.

18. The Karate Kid

This classic '80s film stars Ralph Macchio as the new dweeb in town, Daniel, who pretty immediately catches the eye and the wrath of the town's bullies — led by the ultimate boo-hiss figure of the age, Johnny (William Zabka) – when he gets friendly with Johnny's girlfriend Ali (Elisabeth Shue). 

After getting his ass pretty horrifically kicked to hell and back by the bad guys, Daniel seeks out the karate skills of one Mr. Miyagi (Pat Morita, nominated for an Oscar for this performance), who teaches the troubled boy inner peace on top of catching flies with chopsticks. (And if you feel like you need the story of Johnny continued decades later, look no further than the six seasons of the just-wrapped Cobra Kai series, also streaming on Netflix.)  — J.A. 

How to watch: The Karate Kid is now streaming on Netflix.   

17. Dune: Part Two

Starting up not long after where the first film left us, Dune: Part Two follows princeling on the run Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) as he traverses the twinkling spice-laden sands of the desert planet Arrakis. On one arm is his mother, the pregnant space witch Lady Jessica (Rebecca Ferguson), and on the other is warrior gal-pal-with-benefits Chani (Zendaya). Hunted by the pasty Harkonnens (now including Austin Butler's lithe madman Feyd-Rautha) Paul must learn to embrace his terrifying destiny, one worm at a time. 

While Denis Villeneuve's Oscar–nominated blockbuster sequel packs a truly awesome punch on the biggest screen you can watch it on, with the loudest bone-rattling sound system to lean into those Hans Zimmer bass notes, it remains a great watch at home on your couch too. Just proof that the French-Canadian writer-director gets just as much juice from his wide cast of stellar performers and plotting as he does from his much-lauded visuals and soundscapes. — J.A. 

How to watch: Dune: Part Two is now streaming on Netflix. 

16. Oblivion

Far and away the best film to come from the partnership between actor Tom Cruise and director Joseph Kosinski, 2013's Oblivion stars Cruise as a drone technician named Jack. He wanders the post-apocalyptic terrain of Earth 70 years after it's been destroyed by aliens — well, more precisely, after it's been destroyed by the nukes we used to kill the aliens — and reports back to his partner Victoria (the great Andrea Riseborough), who's keeping track of him from a space station up above. From there, secrets about humanity's final stand and future will be revealed that aren't worth spoiling, but Oblivion is sleek sci-fi at its best. Plus, its score from French electronica outfit M83 is tip top. — J.A.   

How to watch: Oblivion is now streaming on Netflix.

15. Inception

Christopher Nolan's 2010 sci-fi stunner Inception stars Leonardo DiCaprio as Dom Cobb, the world's best "extractor" — a person who uses advanced dream technology to infiltrate people's minds and steal information that's useful to the person who is paying the extractor. Basically, they're thieves of the subconscious, and they manufacture dreams that they can enter into to perform their surreal heists within. 

This being a Christopher Nolan movie, there are all sorts of rules to these dreams within dreams, including multiple levels of consciousness; he's as keen on building architecture to house his imagination as his characters are. The real fun comes from the trippy visuals and the sprawling wildly talented cast, which includes Cillian Murphy, Ken Watanabe, Michael Caine, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Marion Cotillard, Elliot Page, and an incredibly fun star-making turn from Tom Hardy. — J.A. 

How to watch: Inception is now streaming on Netflix.

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

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

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

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

13. Damsel Credit: John Wilson / Netflix

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

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

How to watch: Damsel is now streaming on Netflix.

SEE ALSO: Netflix's 'Damsel' trailer will put you in distress 12. RRR

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

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

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

How to watch: RRR is now streaming on Netflix.

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

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

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

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

10. Enola Holmes Credit: Netflix

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

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

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

9. They Cloned Tyrone Credit: Netflix

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

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

SEE ALSO: We need to talk about 'They Cloned Tyrone's ending 8. Kill Boksoon Credit: No Ju-han / Netflix

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

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

7. Triple Frontier Credit: Netflix

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

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

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

6. Okja Credit: Netflix

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

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

How to watch: Okja is now streaming on Netflix.

5. Da 5 Bloods Credit: Netflix

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

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

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

4. Army of the Dead Credit: Netflix

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

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

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

3. The Old Guard Credit: Netflix

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Opens in a new window Credit: Netflix Netflix Get Deal

* denotes the entry comes from a previous Mashable list.

UPDATE: Feb. 26, 2025, 12:00 p.m. EST This list was first published on May 24, 2020. It has since been updated to reflect the current selection on Netflix.

TL;DR: Get a lifetime license to PDF Converter Pro for £19.07 (reg. £79.49) through 30 March at the Mashable Shop and alleviate your PDF headaches.

Opens in a new window Credit: Acethinker PDF Converter Pro: Lifetime License £19.07 at the Mashable Shop
£79.49 Save £60.42 Get Deal

If you’re tired of clunky online converters and endless subscription fees, PDF Converter Pro is your one-stop solution for all things PDF. For just £19.07 (until 30 March), you’ll get a lifetime license to this powerful desktop software that lets you convert, edit, and protect your PDFs without relying on the internet.

Need to convert PDFs to Word, Excel, PowerPoint, or even JPG and PNG images? Easy. Want to create PDFs from other file formats? You can do that, too. Thanks to built-in OCR technology, you can even extract text from scanned PDFs while preserving the original layout and graphics.

PDF Converter Pro doesn’t stop at simple conversions. You can merge multiple PDFs into one document, split files into individual pages, or compress large PDFs to free up space. Need to protect sensitive information? Add password protection with a click — or unlock PDFs just as easily. Plus, you can extract images from any PDF in a single step.

Designed for both Windows and macOS, the software offers batch processing for handling multiple documents at once, and it’s been updated with editing features like annotations, text changes, and image adjustments (editing features available on Windows only).

Stop relying on slow online tools. 

Manage your PDFs with ease with a lifetime license to PDF Converter Pro for just £19.07 (reg. £79.49) until 30 March at 11:59 p.m. PT.

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TL;DR: You can get an Internxt 10TB cloud storage lifetime subscription for £222.60 (reg. £2,384.16) when you use the code STORAGE20 at checkout through 30 March. 

Opens in a new window Credit: Internxt Internxt Cloud Storage Lifetime Subscription: 10TB Plan £222.60
£2,384.16 Save £2,161.56 Use code 'STORAGE20' Get Deal

Are you doing a ‘low-buy year,’ like half the internet? Even if you're not, you’re probably looking for ways to save as much money as possible. Many people are canceling subscriptions, and the first one to go could be Dropbox or Google Drive. Instead, store your files with this lifetime cloud storage deal.

You’ll no longer be chained to annoying monthly payments — just pay once and be set for life. Mashable readers can get 10TB of storage with Internxt for £222.60 by using the code STORAGE20 at checkout. That's 92% off. And if you don’t need that much space, 2TB and 5TB plans are also available.

Cloud storage without fees

With Internxt, you may be paying more upfront, but your cloud storage plan will pay for itself in time, saving you money in the long run.

You also won’t have to worry about running out of storage space on your phone, computer, or tablet ever again with 10TB to go around. Here’s about how much that space can fit:

• 2 million photos

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Another thing you won’t have to worry about is security. All of your Internxt files are end-to-end encrypted for your peace of mind.

Imagine never worrying about cloud storage again. That’s Internxt. Use code STORAGE20 at checkout to get this affordable cloud storage plan for £222.60 (reg. £2,384.16) for a limited time.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Live stream Crystal Palace vs. Millwall in the FA Cup for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The FA Cup is all about big games between big rivals, and that's exactly what we're getting from the fifth round. Crystal Palace face off against Millwall in the fifth round. The Premier League side will be expected to win this London derby, but anything can happen in the FA Cup.

If you want to watch Crystal Palace vs. Millwall in the FA Cup for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Crystal Palace vs. Millwall?

Crystal Palace vs. Millwall in the FA Cup starts at 12:15 p.m. GMT on March 1. This fixture takes place at Selhurst Park.

How to watch Crystal Palace vs. Millwall for free

Crystal Palace vs. Millwall in the FA Cup is available to live stream for free on BBC iPlayer.

If you're abroad for this fixture, you can use a VPN to unlock BBC iPlayer. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can unblock BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world.

Access a free live stream of Crystal Palace vs. Millwall by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK

4. Visit BBC iPlayer

5. Live stream Crystal Palace vs. Millwall for free from anywhere in the world

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

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 Crystal Palace vs. Millwall without committing with your cash. This isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream this game before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream 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 — 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 Crystal Palace vs. Millwall in the FA Cup for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream Manchester City vs. Plymouth Argyle in the FA Cup for free on ITVX. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The FA Cup fifth round showcases a number of fascinating matchups, including Manchester City vs. Plymouth Argyle. The Championship side knocked out Liverpool in the last round, and they get another massive Premier League team as their reward. Sometimes life isn't fair.

If you want to watch Manchester City vs. Plymouth Argyle in the FA Cup for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Manchester City vs. Plymouth Argyle?

Manchester City vs. Plymouth Argyle in the FA Cup starts at 5:45 p.m. GMT on March 1. This fixture takes place at the Etihad Stadium.

How to watch Manchester City vs. Plymouth Argyle for free

Manchester City vs. Plymouth Argyle in the FA Cup is available to live stream for free on ITVX.

ITVX is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can unblock ITVX from anywhere in the world.

Access a free live stream of Manchester City vs. Plymouth Argyle by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK

4. Visit ITVX

5. Live stream Manchester City vs. Plymouth Argyle for free from anywhere in the world

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

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 Manchester City vs. Plymouth Argyle without committing with your cash. This isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream this game before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for ITVX?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on ITVX, 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 — 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 Manchester City vs. Plymouth Argyle in the FA Cup for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream South Africa vs. England in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

We've reached the final round of group-stage games in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. Things are seriously heating up, as places in the knockout rounds are limited. It's now or never for the likes of South Africa and England.

If you want to watch South Africa vs. England in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is South Africa vs. England?

South Africa vs. England in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy starts at 4 a.m. ET on March 1. This ODI takes place at the National Stadium.

How to watch South Africa vs. England for free

The following platforms are offering coverage of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy:

• Australia — Prime Video (free with 30-day trial)

• India — Disney+ Hotstar

• New Zealand — Sky TV NZ

• Pakistan — Tamasha (free) and PTV (free)

• UK — Sky Sports

• USA — Willow and Sling TV

The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy is available to live stream for free in Pakistan. The free streaming platforms are geo-restricted to Pakistan, but anyone can access these free live streams with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Pakistan, meaning you can unblock free live streams of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy from anywhere in the world.

Live stream the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy for free by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in Pakistan

4. Visit Tamasha or PTV

5. Live stream South Africa vs. England for free from anywhere in the world

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

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can access free live streams of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream South Africa vs. England (plus every other 2025 ICC Champions Trophy game) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for live sport?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including Pakistan

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Live stream South Africa vs. England in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy for free with ExpressVPN.

Connections: Sports Edition is a new version of the popular New York Times word game that seeks to test the knowledge of sports fans.

Like the original Connections, the game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for the latest Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections Sports Edition?

The NYT's latest daily word game has launched in association with The Athletic, the New York Times property that provides the publication's sports coverage. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

Tweet may have been deleted

Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.

If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

Tweet may have been deleted

Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

Here's a hint for today's Connections Sports Edition categories

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

• Yellow: Mistakes

• Green: Participate in events like floor routine and balance beam

• Blue: Measured from the mound

• Purple: Mascots minus a letter

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

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

• Yellow: Goofs

• Green: American gymnasts in 2024 Olympics

• Blue: Stats for a relief pitcher

• Purple: Team names, minus a "B"

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections Sports Edition #159 is...

What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition today

• Goofs - BLOOPERS, BLUNDERS, ERRS, FUMBLES

• American gymnasts in 2024 Olympics - BILES, CAREY, CHILES, LEE

• Stats for a relief pitcher - GAMES, HOLDS, SAVES, WINS

• Team names, minus a "B" - EARS, ILLS, RAVES, RUNS

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

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

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

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Connections.

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 March 1 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for March 1 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Let us prey

These words hunt to eat.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

The words are animals that prey on others.

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 ApexPredators.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for March 1

• Tyrannosaurus

• Crocodile

• Lion

• Human

• Orca

• ApexPredators

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 yesterday's Strands.

Connections is the one of the most popular New York Times word games that's captured the public's attention. The game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for today's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections?

The NYT's latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to create the new word game and bringing it to the publications' Games section. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

Tweet may have been deleted

Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.

If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

Tweet may have been deleted

Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for March 1 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Objects and creatures linked to fortune

• Green: Words starting with a "to" or "bo" sound

• Blue: Nicknames for famous stage plays

• Purple: Preceding words in well-known titles

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

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

• Yellow: Associated with Good Luck

• Green: To-Bo- Compound Words

• Blue: Broadway Musicals, Familiarly

• Purple: Words Before "Cowboy" in Film and Music

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections #629 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Associated with Good Luck: HORSESHOE, LADYBUG, PENNY, SHAMROCK

• To-Bo-Compound Words: TOLLBOOTH, TOMBOY, TOOLBOX, TOWBOAT

• Broadway Musicals, Familiarly: FIDDLER, MERRILY, PHANTOM, SUNSET

• Words Before "Cowboy" in Film and Music: DRUGSTORE, MIDNIGHT, RHINESTONE, SPACE

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for March 1

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

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

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Connections.

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

If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for today's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: Hints and answers for March 1 Where did Wordle come from?

Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once. 

Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.

What's the best Wordle starting word?

The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.

What happened to the Wordle archive?

The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles was originally available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it, but it was later taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times. However, the New York Times then rolled out its own Wordle Archive, available only to NYT Games subscribers.

Is Wordle getting harder?

It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for March 1, 2025 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

What a helicopter or drone does in place.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no reoccurring letters.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter H.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. The Wordle answer today is...

Get your last guesses in now, because it's your final chance to solve today's Wordle before we reveal the solution.

Drumroll please!

The solution to today's Wordle is...

HOVER.

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be a new Wordle for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for March 1

Reporting by Chance Townsend, Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.

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

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Wordle.

The Yellowjackets cast gives us a peek into what's actually going on during Ben's intense trial in Season 3, Episode 4.

The first 4 episodes ofYellowjackets Season 3 are now streaming on Paramount+ with Showtime, with new episodes weekly.

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Meta is reportedly planning to spin off Meta AI into a standalone app to compete with ChatGPT. OpenAI's Sam Altman immediately responded with a heavy dose of snark.

According to CNBC, Meta plans to make Meta AI — which currently exists as a tool embedded within Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp — into its own app in the second quarter of this year.

This is all part of CEO Mark Zuckerberg's ambition to make Meta AI the go-to AI assistant, aiming to take on competitors like ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and xAI's Grok. "This is going to be the year when a highly intelligent and personalized AI assistant reaches more than 1 billion people, and I expect Meta AI to be that leading AI assistant," said Zuckerberg in a fourth quarter earnings call in January.

In order to do that, Meta has a steep hill to climb. The world hasn't embraced Meta AI as enthusiastically as ChatGPT, which became the fastest growing app of all time shortly after its launch. When Meta hard-launched Meta AI by making it the default search bar on Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, people hated it and soon discovered you can't turn it off. That, plus the fact that it's integrated within Meta's apps, might skew data on use and engagement. Meta CFO Susan Li said in the January earnings call that Meta AI has "more than 700 million monthly actives," but that could be because it's part of the existing apps, and again, cannot be turned off.

By comparison, ChatGPT has over 300 million weekly active users. Altman took notice of the CNBC story and seemed skeptical about Meta AI's ambitious plans. "Ok fine maybe we'll do a social app," he said on X, reposting the CNBC article.

Tweet may have been deleted

Altman added in another somewhat snarky comment, "lol if [F]acebook tries to come at us and we just uno reverse them it would be so funny." Altman is referencing the Uno game card and meme that effectively boils down to beating someone at their own game.

Zuckerberg appears to see Meta AI as the company's golden goose for increasing engagement and monetizing its apps. But it has bungled past efforts to meaningfully engage with users. There was the whole confusing celebrity AI avatars, which was axed after less than a year after failing to gain traction. And then there were the made-up AI characters like Liv the "proud Black queer momma of 2 & truth-teller," that was annihilated for being "digital blackface" and has since been shut down.

On top of that, Meta has made it near impossible to opt out of scraping user data to train Meta AI, which isn't great for fostering trust. That said, Google has similar data gathering practices for Gemini, so maybe it won't be a deal breaker for Meta users.

Your move, Zuck. Hope you know how to play Uno.

Scientists tested a device that showed promise at functioning like virtual reality goggles for your mouth.