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Timothée Chalamet stars in unhinged Grandmas Birthday SNL sketch

Mashable - 4 hours 14 min ago

There was a time when I was a more innocent person until a group of Saturday Night Live writers decided to ruin my morning.

SEE ALSO: 'SNL': What if Timothée Chalamet was a dumb dog that did human things?

The sketch reads like a logline straight out of Hell: "Hot twink BF farts on grandma to bring her back to life." That’s the premise of this wildly absurd bit, starring host and musical guest Timothée Chalamet as the aforementioned "hot twink BF."

It was five minutes of pure madness I’ll never get back, but watching Kenan Thompson’s character flat-out refuse Chalamet’s unorthodox "help" during his own heart attack was comedy gold. "Just puppet me around like Weekend at Bernie’s until he’s out of here."

Unhinged. Iconic. Horrifying. There’s nothing else to say.

SNL: What if Timothée Chalamet was a dumb dog that did human things?

Mashable - 4 hours 42 min ago

The premise of this Saturday Night Live sketch, with Timothée Chalamet pulling double duty as host and musical guest, is simple: "What if a pack of dumb little dogs talked and acted like humans?"

SEE ALSO: Timothée Chalamet jokes about Dune popcorn bucket, constantly losing at award shows in SNL open

Let’s be real — not every SNL sketch can be a home run. But at least this one had the cast fully committing to the absurdity.

From random moments of staring into space to full-on tongue kissing and some, uh, enthusiastic humping, it’s clear the cast had a blast both writing and performing this. And honestly? Sometimes that's all that matters.

Timothée Chalamet jokes about Dune popcorn bucket, constantly losing at award shows in SNL open

Mashable - 5 hours 14 min ago

Timothée Chalamet was the guest host for the first Saturday Night Live since Donald Trump was inaugurated as president (again). Chalamet was also the first musical guest as well. 

While Chalamet didn't mention Trump, being both host and musical guest was something he made sure to joke about in his opening monologue on this weekend's Saturday Night Live.

SEE ALSO: 'SNL': AI Timothée Chalamet can't hurt you

Chalamet hosted SNL for the third time, but as he pointed out, it was the first with his much-talked-about facial hair or lack thereof. He also brought up his role as Willy Wonka and his most recent work in A Complete Unknown as Bob Dylan.

Chalamet also poked fun at how many times he's been nominated for Academy Awards – and how he's lost each time. Clips played of his expressions at previous Oscars ceremonies as they announced the winners.

"Just another lonely night with my Dune popcorn bucket," Chalamet joked before asking the SNL crowd to allow him to give the speech he'd like to give if he did win an Academy Award.

Chalamet tried to set the mood by having an audience member announce a "winner." However, even in this fictitious scenario, Chalamet lost to SNL cast member Kenan Thompson.

SNL: AI Timothée Chalamet cant hurt you

Mashable - 5 hours 22 min ago

In this Saturday Night Live sketch, host Timothée Chalamet and cast member Bowen Yang play AI-generated podcast hosts designed to make school more engaging for kids. The only problem? The AI hosts are hilariously dysfunctional.

SEE ALSO: 'SNL' barista Timothée Chalamet is funnier than you

Their "educational" facts are completely off the mark, and their dynamic feels more like gossipy brunch besties than professional co-hosts. As the skit continues, the AI duo spirals into an existential crisis, questioning their own purpose.

On top of the absurdity, Chalamet breaks character a few times, adding to the hilarity.

SNL barista Timothée Chalamet is funnier than you

Mashable - 5 hours 46 min ago

If there’s one thing to know about Timothée Chalamet hosting Saturday Night Live, it’s that the Dune star always commits to the bit — no matter how bizarre.

SEE ALSO: Timothée Chalamet is a bungee instructor in this 'SNL' skit

Take this sketch, for example. Chalamet plays a shy new barista-in-training tasked with brainstorming coffee puns for the shop’s chalkboard. While his coworkers toss out solid, punny ideas, Chalamet veers completely off-script, launching into a Chris Rock-style impromptu standup routine that has nothing to do with coffee.

And because subtlety isn’t his style here, his routine is paired with full-on musical cues and dance breaks, leaving his increasingly baffled managers (Mikey Day and Heidi Gardner) wondering how they got here.

With moments like this, it’s only a matter of time before Chalamet’s rocking a Five-Timers Club jacket.

Will Oracle take over TikTok? Trump says hell make a decision in 30 days

Mashable - 5 hours 47 min ago

TikTok has less than 75 days before facing another ban after President Donald Trump signed an executive order granting the viral video app an extension to find a buyer.

With the clock ticking, the Trump administration is facilitating talks between potential U.S. buyers and TikTok's China-based parent company, ByteDance.

According to a new report from NPR, the current deal in the works features the business-oriented software company Oracle taking over and overseeing "the app’s algorithm, data collection and software updates." Other U.S. investors, such as Microsoft, are also involved in the acquisition process, according to a source close to the discussions.

However, ByteDance wouldn't be completely out of the picture. The current deal in the works would allow the company to hold a minority stake in TikTok.

President Trump has since denied the report, saying that "numerous people are talking to me, very substantial people, about buying it" and that he will make his decision within the next 30 days.

Obviously, things could change at this point, but Trump has previously shared his preferences for an Oracle takeover of TikTok.

Time is ticking for TikTok

The latest TikTok deal talks come just one week after TikTok went dark after being removed from Apple and Google's mobile app stores. The removal came in response to a law, passed by a bipartisan Congress and signed into law by then-president Joe Biden, requiring that TikTok cut ties with its China-based owner over national security concerns pertaining to China's government.

Trump, who previously spearheaded the original plan for the U.S. government to ban TikTok, had a sudden change of heart this time around. Citing his own usage of the platform in his successful 2024 election campaign, Trump vowed to make a deal to "save" TikTok. Shortly after his inauguration, Trump signed an executive order granting TikTok a 75-day extension.

With a nod to Trump, TikTok has since restored its service for U.S. users. However, Apple and Google have yet to restore the app on app stores due to potential fines they can receive as a result of the TikTok ban law. TikTok cannot push updates or fixes for the app to U.S. users as a result of the removal. Users who want to reinstall the TikTok app or install it on a new device are currently unable to do so.

Oracle's TikTok?

Oracle is no stranger to these TikTok takeover talks.

The software company was originally floated as the lead buyer for TikTok during Trump's last presidency when he required that ByteDance sell off the app. While an acquisition deal never went through, a result of the talks saw Oracle partnering with TikTok to provide cloud services for its U.S. data. 

In fact, TikTok has become such a major customer of Oracle's, that the latter said a ban on the former would hurt its business. Other U.S. investors are also involved in the TikTok takeover talks.

Microsoft, which was one of the leading interested parties alongside Oracle last time around, is said to be one of those companies.  One major party that was involved in talks last time around that is missing from this round of discussions is Walmart. The big box retailer is said to be sitting out of this one due to TikTok's estimated asking price.

While these talks can change, it does appear that Oracle is at least President Trump's preference for taking over TikTok. A few days ago, Trump was asked by a reporter if he was open to Elon Musk buying TikTok.

While Trump said he was fine with that arrangement, he offered up his own suggestion for a buyer.

“I’d like Larry to buy it, too," Trump said, referring to Oracle's billionaire founder Larry Ellison.

It looks like we'll know more about TikTok's future sometime in the next 30 days.

Timothée Chalamet is a bungee instructor in this SNL skit

Mashable - 6 hours 6 min ago

Who knew Timothée Chalamet could pull off Douchebag Bungee Instructor Energy? Apparently, the answer is Saturday Night Live.

In his latest hosting gig, Chalamet dives into chaotic comedy as a hilariously smug bungee class instructor, and yes, it’s every bit as absurd as it sounds. The sketch feels like one of those “let the cast cook” situations, with the vibes teetering between unhinged and weirdly relatable.

Chalamet’s character radiates douchey workout bro energy, immediately throwing shade at a member (played by Heidi Gardner) who dared to bring her boyfriend (Michael Longfellow) to class. What follows is a petty, ego-fueled showdown disguised as fitness instruction.

It’s chaotic, it’s messy, and somehow, it’s perfect.

Elon Musk, Video Game King? Well, Maybe Not.

NYT Technology - 10 hours 37 min ago
Gaming is a big part of the billionaire’s public persona. But other players are questioning whether he has the time or the skill to be as accomplished as he claims.

Smaller smartphones are making a comeback, and this ones only $99.97

Mashable - 10 hours 38 min ago

TL;DR: Replace your smartphone with the NanoPhone, a mini smartphone with a mini price, now only $99.97 (reg. $199.99) through Feb. 2 at the Mashable Shop.

Sometimes, it's nice to go back to simpler things. Modern smartphones are good for a lot of things, but unnecessary apps and bulky designs make them way too big to fit into your pockets. If you want a simpler alternative, check out the NanoPhone. Downsize your screentime in the most literal way possible: by downsizing your screen. 

These tiny phones look like mini iPhones but run Android, and they're on sale for $99.97 (reg. $199.99) for a limited time for Mashable readers. 

What can this miniature phone do?

This credit-card-sized phone handles the essentials without the distractions. It supports Dual SIMs, so you can easily manage two numbers. And it works with 4G and Wi-Fi for calls, browsing, and apps like WhatsApp, Instagram, and YouTube. The 3-inch touchscreen is clear and responsive, but it's also small enough to actually fit in your pocket. Remember when phones could fit in your pocket with room to spare?

The NanoPhone comes equipped with front and rear cameras, so you can snap photos or hop on a video call just as easily as a regular smartphone. The 2000mAh battery keeps you connected for quite a while, and it doesn't have all those draining bloatware apps. 

Traveling? This little phone can help you find your way with GPS navigation. And if you need more storage, it supports Micro-SD cards for extra space.

You only have until Feb. 2 at 11:59 p.m. PT to get the NanoPhone on sale for $99.97. 

StackSocial prices subject to change. 

Opens in a new window Credit: Mutant Design Lab NanoPhone - A Miniaturized Smartphone Packed with Mega Features $99.97 at the Mashable Shop
$199.99 Save $100.02 Get Deal

Grab Windows 11 Pro for life for just $20

Mashable - 10 hours 38 min ago

TL;DR: Upgrade to Windows 11 Pro for life for $20 (reg. $199) through Feb. 2. Each code works for two PCs.

Opens in a new window Credit: Retail King Microsoft Windows 11 Pro $19.97
$199.00 Save $179.03 Each code works for two PCs Get Deal

Still using Windows 10? Leaving a trusted favorite is hard, but Microsoft is ending support for your favorite operating system later this year. Our limited-time sale on a lifetime license to Windows 11 Pro for just $20 makes this the perfect time to switch and explore new features.

Here are our top five reasons to get Windows 11 Pro:
  1. It gives your computer a modern look — almost making you feel like you got a whole new device.

  2. There are new productivity features, like snap layouts, desktops, and widgets, so that you can use your computer more efficiently.

  3. You’ll unlock the AI assistant, Windows Copilot. Ask it questions, generate images, have it summarize web pages, and so much more.

  4. Gamers will appreciate DirectX 12 Ultimate, a feature that helps maximize your hardware for the best graphics.

  5. With the Pro version of Windows 11, you also get BitLocker device encryption, remote desktop access, Windows Sandbox, Hyper-V, and Azure AD.

Don’t miss this Windows 11 Pro deal: $20 until February 2 at 11:59 p.m. PT (reg. $199). No coupon is needed to get this price.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Touch Bar MacBooks are back, and this ones only $378

Mashable - 10 hours 38 min ago

TL;DR: This MacBook Pro with a Touch Bar is on sale for $377.97 (reg. $1,499) until February 2 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

Sometimes, you just need a MacBook. Whether it's to run specific software or because that's just what everyone at work uses and it'd be really inconvenient to switch, a Mac is on the menu, but don't worry. Your budget can handle it. 

Macs may have earned their expensive reputation, but there are a few affordable options left. This MacBook Pro would normally cost $1,499, but now it's only $377.97. Take a look. 

Under the hood

This MacBook Pro is ready for work, creative projects, or just managing those little everyday tasks that pile up. It features a 3.1GHz Intel Core i5 processor with Turbo Boost up to 3.5GHz, so it’s fast enough to handle multitasking, basic video editing, or running demanding software. You've got 8GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD, which means you'll have plenty of speed and storage.

The 13.3-inch Retina display shines with a 2560x1600 resolution and 500 nits brightness. Visuals are sharp and colors look vibrant, which is nice if you're using your MacBook for art or streaming.

Notice something different about this model? It has a Touch Bar instead of function keys. The Touch Bar automatically adapts to whatever app you're using, so it can manage basic computer functions and media controls or even become a color picker. It also has Touch ID for that extra security. 

The Grade "A" refurbished rating means the only noticeable sign that this is a refurb is the price. The computer itself is in near-mint condition. 

Don't miss your chance. 

February 2 at 11:59 p.m. PT is the cutoff to get a MacBook Pro on sale for $377.97. 

StackSocial prices subject to change. 

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Pro 13" Touchbar (2017) 3.1GHz i5 8GB RAM 512GB SSD Space Gray (Refurbished) $377.97
$1,499.00 Save $1,121.03 Get Deal

How to watch Kansas City Chiefs vs. Buffalo Bills online

Mashable - 10 hours 38 min ago

TL;DR: Live stream Kansas City Chiefs vs. Buffalo Bills on YouTube TV or Paramount+.

The NFL's Conference Championships wrap up this weekend with the Kansas City Chiefs playing the Buffalo Bills.

The Chiefs are a seriously strong team, with only two losses in AFC West, keeping them atop their division. The Bills are also atop their division, AFC East, where they've only lost four games. The Chiefs probably have a greater chance of making it to the Super Bowl, but we'll find out for sure this Sunday.

Want to discover how to watch Kansas City Chiefs vs. Buffalo Bills no matter where you are located in the world? Here is all the information you need.

When is the Chiefs vs. Bills?

Kansas City Chiefs vs. Buffalo Bills takes place at 6:30 p.m. ET on Jan. 26. The two teams will face off at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri.

The game will air on CBS, where Jim Nantz is expected to do the play-by-play. Tony Romo will join him in the booth. Tracy Wolfson will be the sideline reporter.

How to stream Chiefs vs. Bills

We've found some of the best streaming services to consider for Chiefs vs. Bills:

Most live sport: YouTube TV Opens in a new window Credit: YouTube TV YouTube TV $49.99/month for your first two months (save $46) Watch Now

The Kansas City Chiefs vs. Buffalo Bills is available to live stream via YouTube TV or the NFL Sunday Ticket on YouTube TV, as well as other NFL fixtures.

YouTube TV's base plan is $49.99 per month for two months for new subscribers ($72.99 per month regularly). The base plan includes over 100 live TV channels, including ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, Fox Sports 1, and the NFL Network.

The NFL Sunday Ticket is an add-on for $209 per year, or four non-cancellable payments of $52.99. Sunday Ticket provides access to all NFL games, including out-of-market games and split-screen viewing.

Most affordable: Paramount+ Essential Opens in a new window Credit: Paramount+ Essential Paramount+ Essential $7.99/month or $79.99/year Watch Now

Paramount+ offers its essential plan that comes with over 40,000 episodes and movies at just $7.99 per month. This plan would serve your needs for locally available NFL games. Sign up to enjoy a first-month discounted rate of $2.99.

Paramount+ Essential's sports channels feature BET, CBS, CBS News, CBS Sports, Comedy Central, Crime & Justice, ET, Nickelodeon, and more.

How to watch Chiefs vs. Bills from anywhere in the world

If you're abroad for this fixture, you might need to use a VPN to unblock your favorite streaming service. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the U.S., meaning you can unblock live streams of the NFL from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Chiefs vs. Bills from anywhere in the world 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 U.S.

  4. Sign in to your favorite streaming service

  5. Watch Chiefs vs. Bills from anywhere in the world

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport, 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 includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

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

How to watch Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Commanders online

Mashable - 10 hours 38 min ago

TL;DR: Live stream Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Commanders on YouTube TV or Sling TV.

The Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Commanders meet this weekend in a huge battle for a spot in the Super Bowl. Both teams are a part of NFC East. The Eagles are atop the division, at 14-3, while the Commanders sit right below them, at 12-5.

The last time these two teams played one another was on Dec. 22, 2024. The Commanders took the win with a final score of 36-33.

When is Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Commanders?

The Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Commanders takes place at 3 p.m. ET on Jan. 26. The two teams will face off at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

The game will air on FOX. As for the announcers, Kevin Burkhardt is expected to do the play-by-play, retired NFL quarterback Tom Brady will be the commander, and Tom Rinaldi and Erin Andrews will be sideline reporters for the game.

How to stream Eagles vs. Commanders?

We've found some of the best streaming services to consider for Eagles vs. Commanders:

Most live sport: YouTube TV Opens in a new window Credit: YouTube TV YouTube TV $49.99/month for your first two months (save $46) Get Deal

The Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Commanders is available to live stream via YouTube TV or the NFL Sunday Ticket on YouTube TV (not to mention other NFL fixtures).

YouTube TV's base plan is $49.99 per month for two months for new subscribers ($72.99 per month regularly). The base plan includes over 100 live TV channels, including ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, Fox Sports 1, and the NFL Network.

The NFL Sunday Ticket is an add-on for $209 per year, or four non-cancellable payments of $52.99. Sunday Ticket provides access to all NFL games, including out-of-market games and split-screen viewing.

Most affordable: Sling TV Opens in a new window Credit: Sling Sling TV Sports Plan Get Deal

Sling TV offers its Orange & Blue package of 48 channels at $55 per month that would serve your needs for locally available NFL games. Sign up to enjoy a first-month discounted rate of $27.50.

Sling TV’s sports channels feature ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, ESPNews, ESPNU, FOX, FS1, FS2, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network.

How to watch Eagles vs. Commanders from anywhere in the world

If you're abroad for this fixture, you might need to use a VPN to unblock your favorite streaming service. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the U.S., meaning you can unblock live streams of the NFL from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Eagles vs. Commanders from anywhere in the world 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 U.S.

  4. Sign in to your favorite streaming service

  5. Watch Eagles vs. Commanders from anywhere in the world

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport, 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 includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

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

Grab a 3-pack of this AirTag alternative for just $80

Mashable - 10 hours 38 min ago

TL;DR: Get a 3-pack of the KeySmart SmartCards for $79.97 (reg. $119.97) with free shipping through Jan. 31. Single units are also available. 

Opens in a new window Credit: KeySmart KeySmart SmartCard (3-Pack) $79.97
$119.97 Save $40.00 Works with Apple Find My Get Deal

The AirTag has been the go-to wallet and key tracker for years, but there’s a new sheriff in town. When people tried putting Apple’s gadget into their wallets, it left an awkward bulge. KeySmart came up with a solution: a tracker that works with the same Find My app as the AirTag, except in the shape of a credit card. 

To make the deal even sweeter, we’re running a sale on these credit card-shaped trackers to make them cheaper than the AirTag. When you buy a 3-pack for $79.97 with free shipping, they’re less than $27 each (AirTags are $29 apiece). They’re great for wallets, luggage, and passports.

AirTag vs. SmartCard

If you don’t know how the AirTag works, it’s rather simple. They pair with an iPhone app (Find My) so you can:

  • Track your items’ real-time location on a map

  • Have them play a sound to locate them nearby

  • Get notifications when you leave them behind

The SmartCard wallet tracker works in a near-identical way, except with a few improvements. At less than 2mm thick, it fits right between your other cards and cash without leaving an awkward bulge.

Unlike the AirTag, you never have to worry about replacing a battery. The SmartCard is Qi-wireless rechargeable and only needs to be powered up about every five months. 

Another plus? The SmartCard is more water-resistant than the AirTag. With an IPX8 waterproof rating, compared to the AirTag’s IP67, the likelihood of being able to track your missing items if they’re lost in haphazard weather conditions is that much greater.

What do you say? Grab these AirTag alternatives in a 3-pack for $79.97 with free shipping (reg. $119.97) while they’re on sale until Jan. 21 at 11:59 p.m. PT. No coupon is needed to get this price.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Headway Premium is the ultimate speed reading hack — get it for 80% off now

Mashable - 10 hours 38 min ago

TL;DR: Get lifetime access to 1,500+ book summaries with Headway Premium on sale for $59.99 (reg. $299.95) for a limited time.

Life is busy, but that doesn’t mean you can’t squeeze in some personal growth. Headway Premium is here to save the day with 15-minute summaries of top nonfiction titles. Whether you’re diving into personal development, brushing up on business strategies, or exploring new ways to improve your health, this popular app delivers knowledge that fits seamlessly into your schedule.

Get a lifetime pass to more than 1,500 book summaries, with more added every month. Headway makes it easy to keep up with the latest big ideas without dedicating endless hours to reading or audiobooks. The app personalizes recommendations based on your goals, giving you exactly what you need to succeed. It even adds a touch of fun with gamified features that track your progress and reward your learning milestones.

If you prefer listening on the go, every summary is professionally narrated, so you can turn commutes, workouts, or downtime into learning opportunities. And because this is a lifetime deal, you’ll never have to worry about recurring fees — just pay $59.99 once and grow endlessly.

Headway makes learning efficient, enjoyable, and accessible. With its curated insights and user-friendly features, you’ll have all the tools you need to achieve your goals in no time.

The Headway Premium plan is sale for $59.99 at the Mashable Shop, so go ahead and make an investment in your success.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: GTHW App Limited Headway Premium: Lifetime Subscription $59.99
$299.95 Save $239.96 Get Deal

How to watch Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Commanders online for free

Mashable - 10 hours 38 min ago

TL;DR: Live stream Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Commanders for free on TVNZ+. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The Super Bowl is fast approaching, and the Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Commanders will be dreaming of going all the way this year. These two strong sides will be doing everything they can to progress, and you can watch all the action from this matchup without spending anything.

Looking for the best way to watch Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Commanders for free from anywhere in the world? We have all the information you need.

When is Eagles vs. Commanders?

Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Commanders starts at 3 p.m. ET on Jan. 26. This fixture takes place at Lincoln Financial Field.

How to watch Eagles vs. Commanders for free

Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Commanders is available to live stream for free on TVNZ+.

TVNZ+ is geo-restricted to New Zealand, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These helpful tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server based in New Zealand. This process bypasses geo-restrictions to unblock TVNZ+ from anywhere in the world.

Access free live streams of the NFL 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 New Zealand

  4. Visit TVNZ+

  5. Live stream Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Commanders 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 services do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. Sign up for these deals to access free live streams of the NFL, and it won't cost you anything in the long run. This is obviously a short-term fix, but it's possible to live stream Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Commanders before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for the NFL?

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

  • Servers in 105 countries including New Zealand

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

  • Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure

  • Fast connection speeds

  • Up to eight simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95, saving you 49% on list price. As part of this deal, you also get three bonus months of coverage plus a whole year of unlimited data backup via the cloud and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Live stream Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Commanders for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

How to watch Kansas City Chiefs vs. Buffalo Bills online for free

Mashable - 10 hours 38 min ago

TL;DR: Live stream Kansas City Chiefs vs. Buffalo Bills for free on TVNZ+. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

We're so close to the Super Bowl that remaining teams will be starting to dream of winning. Of course, the Kansas City Chiefs are used to that winning feeling, and they'll be confident of claiming a massive victory over the Buffalo Bills in the NFL Conference Championships.

Looking for the best way to watch Kansas City Chiefs vs. Buffalo Bills for free from anywhere in the world? We have all the information you need.

When is Chiefs vs. Bills?

Kansas City Chiefs vs. Buffalo Bills starts at 6:30 p.m. ET on Jan. 26. This fixture takes place at Arrowhead Stadium.

How to watch Chiefs vs. Bills for free

Kansas City Chiefs vs. Buffalo Bills is available to live stream for free on TVNZ+.

TVNZ+ is geo-restricted to New Zealand, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These helpful tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server based in New Zealand. This process bypasses geo-restrictions to unblock TVNZ+ from anywhere in the world.

Access free live streams of the NFL 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 New Zealand

  4. Visit TVNZ+

  5. Live stream Kansas City Chiefs vs. Buffalo Bills 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 services do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. Sign up for these deals to access free live streams of the NFL, and it won't cost you anything in the long run. This is obviously a short-term fix, but it's possible to live stream Kansas City Chiefs vs. Buffalo Bills before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for the NFL?

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

  • Servers in 105 countries including New Zealand

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

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A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95, saving you 49% on list price. As part of this deal, you also get three bonus months of coverage plus a whole year of unlimited data backup via the cloud and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Live stream Kansas City Chiefs vs. Buffalo Bills for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Get all the essential Microsoft apps for a one-time fee of $40

Mashable - 10 hours 38 min ago

TL;DR: Skip the monthly fees for your favorite productivity apps and get lifetime access to Microsoft Office for just $39.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Retail King Microsoft Office Home & Business 2019 for Mac $39.99
$229.00 Save $189.01 Get Deal What apps are included in this Microsoft Office package?

You’ll get access to all the core tools, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Access, Publisher, and OneNote — everything needed for productivity, whether at work or home.

Can the apps be used without an internet connection?

Yes, once installed, you can use the apps offline without worrying about connectivity. This is especially useful for anyone working in places with limited internet access.

What’s the advantage of a lifetime license?

A one-time purchase gives you permanent access to all the tools without monthly fees. It's a cost-effective solution for those who prefer owning their software outright. This version comes with regular security updates to keep your software running smoothly and securely over time, ensuring your tools stay current.

Who would benefit most from this 2021 license?

It’s great for students, remote workers, and home users who need reliable, offline access to essential Office apps without the hassle of recurring payments.

How many devices can I install Office on?

This package allows you to install Microsoft Office on one device and is compatible with Windows 10 and Windows 11 systems.

Ready to own your Office tools for life? For $39.99, you can skip the subscriptions and enjoy a lifetime of productivity with Microsoft Office 2019.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

5 best dating apps for single parents, and 1 to avoid

Mashable - 10 hours 38 min ago

Parenting is arguably the most difficult job of them all. Today's parents navigate tablet-fueled tantrums and teens using AI programs — and everything in between. 

For single parents, these responsibilities compound. If you're a single parent, you're certainly not alone: There were an estimated 9.8 million one-parent households in the U.S. in 2023, according to the Census Bureau. 

SEE ALSO: STEM, gender, and the stereotypes that hold girls back

Single parents who want to find love may find themselves dealing with technology totally separate from tablets and ChatGPT: dating apps

Do single parents use dating apps?

Yes! Given the ease of finding a potential partner on one's phone, apps may be easier than in-person dating for single parents who don't have a lot of time to invest in dating. Plus, single parents can look for other parents using filters, or easily express in their bio that they have kids. There are even dating apps specifically for single parents, like Stir, where you can meet someone who shares your experience.

Dating apps specifically for single parents "take the pressure off the 'should I disclose?' question," said sexologist and single parent Kaamna Bhojwani. "You're also likely to find someone who understands the complexity of dating with kids, which is a huge plus."

What's the best dating site for single parents?

"The best dating app for single parents partly depends on the reason for dating," said Dr. Alissa Beuerlein, a therapist to single parents using dating apps who has been a single parent on dating apps herself. Some parents are looking for more fun, casual connections — while others are looking for something more serious. This will impact what app to choose (and Mashable has roundups for those specific aims, too).

"In order to find what you're looking for, you want to join the apps that have the largest reach," Beuerlein continued, "unless you’re looking for someone in a hyper-specific group that you’re not finding on the more popular apps (like Feeld — kink positive, HER — for queer women, etc)." 

Major dating apps, like Hinge and OkCupid, will have a large user base and allow for "meeting" (through matching) a range of people. 

"Given how many single people these days are parents, many of the most popular dating apps allow you to state whether you have kids, are open to dating a parent, and want kids of your own," Bhojwani agreed.

SEE ALSO: Cuffing for love? Here are the best dating apps for serious relationships

Bhojwani said, however, that single parents should be extremely discerning when deciding which dating apps to get on. "As a single parent myself, I know that time and energy are at a premium and it's important to realize that all apps aren't the same in terms of their value propositions and outcomes. You're better off deciding up front where you are on the casual to serious spectrum and picking your apps accordingly," she said.

Bhojwani has found like-minded people on more "general" dating apps, where she declares she has kids. Beuerlein also said she and her clients are on general apps as opposed to ones focused on single parents, but there is one on our list that is specifically for single parents.

Neither of them cautioned against any specific app. Mashable, however, has found that users should avoid Zoosk. As Mashable's Leah Stodart and Bethany Allard found in their Zoosk review, the app is outdated and confusing. That being said, here are the dating apps for single parents we do recommend:

25 of the best movies by Black creators to watch on Netflix now

Mashable - 10 hours 38 min ago

Actors get all the attention, but to make a movie truly great, you need a winning combination of writers, directors, and producers, as well as onscreen talent. To make a strong film that authentically portrays its Black characters, you need Black creatives in those decision-making positions. It's a very simple concept, people!

To shed a little more light on the incredible writers, directors, and producers that put their hearts and souls into crafting our favorite flicks, we’ve put together a list of must-see movies on Netflix made by Black creators — and we've done the same for TV shows. Time to load up that queue.

1. Mudbound Credit: Steve Dietl

Based on the novel of the same name, Mudbound follows two American soldiers (Garrett Hedlund and Jason Mitchell) who return from WWII changed men. Their rural Mississippi town, however, has not evolved with them. 

Director Dee Rees became the first Black woman ever nominated for an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay for the exceptional script, which she wrote alongside Virgil Williams. Mary J. Blige also garnered both a Best Supporting Actress and a Best Original Song nomination — the first time in history someone has been nominated for an acting and song award in the same year. Mudbound is a riveting and deeply affecting historical drama about two intertwined families navigating an era of intense social change.

How to watch: Mudbound is now streaming on Netflix.

2. Atlantics

Ada and Souleiman are lovers living in a suburb of Dakar who must say goodbye when Soulemain boards a boat to Spain in search of reliable work. Souleiman is joined by his fellow construction workers, all of whom have not been paid for months of work on a mysterious new building looming over their neighborhoods. But when the boat is lost at sea, the ghosts of these abused laborers return to Dakar, possess the women left waiting for them, and seek revenge on the employers who did them wrong. 

2019’s Cannes Festival Grand Prix-winning film, Atlantics is a stunning supernatural romantic drama from French-Senegalese director Mati Diop in her feature-length debut. This is a ghost story rooted in class conflict, effortlessly linking its fantastical elements with the deeply human inequality that created them. It is romantic, spooky, and thought-provoking all at once, a breathtaking metaphor for migration and the grief that haunts those left behind. 

How to watch: Atlantics is now streaming on Netflix.

3. The Harder They Fall Do not mess with Treacherous Trudy. Credit: David Lee / Netflix

Directed by Jeymes Samuel, The Harder They Fall not only boasts an incredible cast — Jonathan Majors, Idris Elba, Regina King, Zazie Beetz, LaKeith Stanfield, and Delroy Lindo — but also defiantly reclaims the Western, even before the opening credits roll. A tale of heroes and villains, the film follows Nat Love (Majors), on a 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).

As Mashable's Kristy Puchko writes in her review, "Bursting with dazzling Black stars, the Netflix-made Western introduces some of the fascinating Black cowpokes who made their mark on the Wild West. Co-writer/director Jeymes Samuel resurrects their legends with style, attitude, and an opening title card that teases, 'While the events of this story are fictional...These. People. Existed.'" — Shannon Connellan, UK Editor.

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

4. The Piano Lesson

In 1936, Boy Willie (Denzel's son John David Washington) plans to sell a family piano so he can buy some farmland. But his sister, Berniece (Danielle Deadwyler), refuses to allow the piano to be sold. The faces of their ancestors are carved into its wood panels, and their father died stealing it back from the family’s enslavers. The debate divides the family as the two siblings implore each other to see things from their point of view. 

Based on a 1987 August Wilson play, The Piano Lesson is a stirring meditation on legacy and sacrifice. With crackling dialogue and a distinct visual style, director Malcolm Washington (another of Denzel’s sons!) ensures that this film never feels static like many stage-to-screen adaptations. It’s energetic. It’s alive. And it’s beautifully cathartic.

How to watch: The Piano Lesson is now streaming on Netflix.

5. Daughters

This heartfelt documentary from directors Angela Patton and Natalie Rae explores the father-daughter relationships between four young Black girls and their incarcerated dads. More specifically, Daughters shows both sides of this bond as dads and daughters prepare for a dance held within prison facilities to aid fathers in nurturing their connection while incarcerated. At this lovely event, the girls will wear finery and their fathers don suits; all get to share a dance and make treasured memories.

In Mashable's review, critic Monica Castillo cheered, "Daughters is easily one of the best documentaries you'll see all year. It's enlightening, it's moving, and it's stunning to watch. Patton and Rae focus on the experience of four little girls to illustrate such a specific loss that's often overlooked in conversations about the criminal justice system. The documentary leaves you with more to think about, some tears to dry, and perhaps the feeling you should call your dad to tell him you love him."*Kristy Puchko, Film Editor

How to watch: Daughters is now streaming on Netflix.

6. See You Yesterday C.J. Walker (Eden Duncan-Smith) tinkering on her time machine. Credit: Netflix

Eden Duncan-Smith is C.J. Walker, a gifted high school science prodigy who ventures to build a time machine after her brother is killed by the police. With the help of her best friend, she tries to save her brother's life — but she'll soon learn that changing the past doesn’t come without consequences. 

SEE ALSO: 12 of the best time travel movies you can watch right now

Written by Fredrica Bailey and Stefon Bristol, and directed by Bristol, this science-fiction adventure is the perfect combination of teenage hijinks and emotional depth. We’re on one hell of a ride, but we never forget the stakes these young characters are facing. It’s captivating, fun, and a much-needed fresh take on a classic genre. Science-fiction films that center Black lives and Black stories have long been a rarity, but with more A+ entries like See You Yesterday, they'll hopefully become the norm. 

How to watch: See You Yesterday is now streaming on Netflix.

7. Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom

Based on a 1982 August Wilson play, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom vividly tells the story of a single, tempestuous recording session in 1927 Chicago. Viola Davis is a powerhouse as Ma Rainey, the legendary Blues singer, frustrated with her white producers. Chadwick Boseman is electric as the hot-headed, ambitious Levee, a trumpeter trying to inject his original music into one of Ma’s tracks. Their argument about ownership and which version of a song is better escalates and transforms into a blistering dialogue about racism. Directed by George C. Wolfe and written by Ruben Santiago-Hudson, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom is both an exhilarating tribute to a jazz icon and an indictment of the music industry’s treatment of Black artists. It's as relevant then as it is today. 

It also, heartbreakingly, features Chadwick Boseman’s final performance — and perhaps his finest, most exuberant work. 

How to watch: Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom is now streaming on Netflix.

8. She's Gotta Have It Spike Lee at New York's Greenwich Village Theater in 1986. Credit: Ted Dully / The Boston Globe via Getty Images

​​Thirty-one years before it was a Netflix series, She’s Gotta Have It was the daring comedy that launched Spike Lee's career and became a landmark in America's emerging independent film scene. Filmed on a tight budget on black-and-white stock, this Lee joint centers on Nola Darling (Tracy Camilla Johns), a charming Brooklyn-based graphic artist who is juggling three lovers. When these jealous men demand she choose just one of them, Nola is pushed to consider what she wants from love, sex, and relationships. Critics championed how Lee captured a side of Black experience rarely shown in mainstream movies. The prestigious Cannes Film Festival honored him with the Award of the Youth, while the Independent Spirit Awards gave him the award for best first feature, and Johns best female lead.*Kristy Puchko, Entertainment Editor 

How to watch: She’s Gotta Have It is now streaming on Netflix.

9. Entergalactic

When street artist Jabari (Kid Cudi) moves into his new Manhattan apartment for a major job opportunity, he knows his life is about to change. But what he doesn’t anticipate is how mesmerized he will be by his charming photographer neighbor, Meadow (Jessica Williams). 

With a breathtaking animation style reminiscent of Into the Spiderverse and Arcane, Entergalactic is an fresh, captivating love story. Accompanied by the music of Kid Cudi’s 2022 album of the same name, the couple falls head-over-heels in a heady, breathless, unbelievably lovely sequence — it’s hard not to fall with them. With epically imaginative visuals and a star-studded supporting voice cast featuring Ty Dolla Sign, Timothée Chalamet, and Vanessa Hudgens, Entergalactic is a one-of-a-kind romance for the modern audience.*

How to watch: Entergalactic is now streaming on Netflix.

10. The Old Guard Credit: Aimee Spinks / Netflix

Charlize Theron is the hardened leader of a mysterious group of warriors who cannot die in smart blockbuster The Old Guard. Throughout their long, lonely lives, they've done what they can to influence history and nudge humanity in the right direction. And now, just as a dogged investigator is close to uncovering their secret, they've found a new member (​​KiKi Layne) who desperately needs their guidance. 

Director Gina Prince-Bythewood (Love and Basketball and The Secret Life of Bees) skillfully juggles the many moving parts of this high-concept, action-packed, superhero flick. Both emotionally intelligent and brutally violent, The Old Guard is a gripping, nonstop adventure that will leave you begging for more.

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

11. Dolemite Is My Name

Rudy Ray Moore is a struggling comedian/musician/creative/anything looking to break in. But when he comes up with a new character, Dolemite (“Dolemite is my name, and fucking up motherfuckers is my game!”), he starts to actually garner some attention — and he’s determined to make the most of it! Dolemite Is My Name tells the outrageous true story of the man (and the character) that launched a highly successful series of blaxploitation films in the '70s. Again and again, Moore finds himself up against roadblocks in an industry that caters to white audiences. Again and again, he forges ahead. His determination is infectious.

Eddie Murphy, who also produced the film, is pitch-perfect as Moore and surrounded by a simply stellar cast: Keegan-Michael Key, Craig Robinson, Da'Vine Joy Randolph, Mike Epps, Tituss Burgess, and Wesley Snipes. 

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

12. His House Rial (Wunmi Mosaku) and Bol (Ṣọpẹ Dìrísù) aren’t alone in their house it seems. Credit: Aidan Monaghan / Netflix

Written and directed by Remi Weekes, His House is a horror film for the modern era — and one of the best British films to come out of 2020. Two refugees from South Sudan arrive in London after a harrowing journey that killed their daughter. They try to move forward with their new life, but a supernatural presence in their home refuses to let them forget their past. Seamlessly blending the daily dread of the refugee experience with the horror of a paranormal visitor, His House is an impressive debut film from Weekes. It’s unique, it’s socially conscious, and it’s downright terrifying. 

How to watch: His House is now streaming on Netflix.

13. The Kitchen

Kibwe Tavares and Daniel Kaluuya's film The Kitchen is more than a sci-fi drama set in near-future London; it's a sharp commentary on privatization and oppression, police brutality, and the power of community resistance. It's also Kaluuya's directorial debut, and a hell of a watch.

Protagonists Izi (Top Boy star Kane Robinson) and Benji (Jedaiah Bannerman) live within the titular neighborhood known as The Kitchen, the last remaining bastion of independent housing in London. Plagued by brutal police raids and skint resources, the community is constantly under threat. It's a brilliantly shot, superbly acted, and all-too-real cautionary tale.*S.C.

How to watch: The Kitchen is now streaming on Netflix.

14. Strong Island

So claustrophobic in its intimacy that it becomes difficult to watch at times, director Yance Ford's personal memoir film is at its base about the killing of his brother 20 years earlier by a white mechanic who never paid for the crime, and the ways that event tore apart Ford's family in the decades that followed. That intimacy echoes outward with every step closer — into conversations about race and gender and who even gets to dream in America. Ford shoots his own face in extreme close-up as he painfully retells his family's story, from the Jim Crow South to the Long Island suburbs, letting us into a world that feels at times too private. But it's also profoundly relatable, and devastatingly sad.*Jason Adams, Freelance Writer

How to watch: Strong Island is now streaming on Netflix.

15. Da 5 Bloods Melvin (Isiah Whitlock Jr.), Eddie (Norm Lewis), Otis (Clarke Peters), Paul (Delroy Lindo), and David (Jonathan Majors). Credit: David Lee / Netflix

Mashable's Adam Rosenberg reviewed Da 5 Bloods in the summer of 2020, writing: "In the midst of widespread IRL social upheaval that many hope will finally start to undo the trauma wrought by centuries of deeply embedded prejudice, this new movie delivers a powerful sense of perspective." Spike Lee's war film, a keenly impactful meditation on systemic racism, stars Delroy Lindo, Jonathan Majors, Clarke Peters, the late Chadwick Boseman, and more.*Alison Foreman, Entertainment Reporter 

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

16. Wendell and Wild

Written by Jordan Peele and directed by Henry Selick (The Nightmare Before Christmas, James and the Giant Peach), Wendell and Wild has all the makings of a new classic. Featuring the beautiful and macabre stop-motion animation reminiscent of Selick's past masterpieces, this latest installment adds a touch of teen angst to his ghoulish canon. Kat is a hardened foster kid who blames herself for her parents' death. So when two bombastic demons (played with glee by Key and Peele themselves) promise they know how to bring her parents back, she puts her fears aside and makes a deal.*

How to watch: Wendell and Wild is now streaming on Netflix.

17. 13th Credit: Netflix

Before Brian Banks, Free Meek, and even True Justice, Ava DuVernay's groundbreaking 13th educated audiences nationwide about mass incarceration and the widespread wrongful imprisonment of Black Americans.

SEE ALSO: The 20 best documentaries on Netflix

The Emmy-winning documentary, titled to reference the 13th Amendment — the amendment that abolished slavery — not only elevates the voices of those who have fallen victim to America's broken justice system, it exposes those who made such a system possible, such as proponents of Jim Crow-era statutes and the multiple former presidents and political leaders that contributed to the Republican Party's war on drugs (which enlisted Bill Clinton as well). 13th extensively enlightens viewers on how a majority of Black Americans unfairly serve time in the prison industrial complex. *Tricia Crimmins, Entertainment Reporter  

How to watch: 13th is now streaming on Netflix.

18. Bantú Mama

Bantú Mama made a splash at its SXSW premiere, the first Dominican film ever selected by the festival. Written by Clarisse Albrecht and Ivan Herrera, and directed by Herrera, this drama follows a French woman of African descent (played by Albrecht) who gets arrested in the Dominican Republic. After escaping, she finds safe haven with a couple of kids in a dangerous Santa Domingo neighborhood, and a found family emerges. Drawing on Albrecht’s own experiences living in France, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, and the Dominican Republic, Bantú Mama is a moving, hopeful film that deftly weaves African and Caribbean cultures together. 

How to watch: Bantú Mama is now streaming on Netflix.

19. Roxanne Roxanne Chanté Adams takes on the role of Roxanne Shanté. Credit: Netflix

Written and directed by Michael Larnell, Roxanne Roxanne explores the life and early career of rapper Roxanne Shanté. In the late '80s and early '90s, a teenage Roxanne carves out a name for herself as a fierce battle MC while navigating the dangers of living in the Queensbridge Houses in Queens, New York. Chanté Adams received the Sundance Special Jury Prize for breakthrough performance for her fiery portrayal of the young rapper. With a production team that included Forest Whitaker, Pharrell Williams, and Nina Yang Bongiovi (who discovered Ryan Coogler), music by RZA, and a supporting cast that features Mahershala Ali and Nia Long, Roxanne Roxanne is a must-see biopic.

How to watch: Roxanne Roxanne is now streaming on Netflix.

20. Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F

Coming back onto the scene 30 years after Beverly Hills Cop III flopped, this fourth installment of the comedic crime-solving adventures of Detroit police officer Axel Foley has no right to be as good as it is. Not only did screenwriters Will Beall, Tom Gormican, and Kevin Etten have to manage shifting public opinion about cops who play by their own rules, but also, they had to handle the challenges of Axel's wise-cracking sense of humor, which traditionally put just about everyone in its crosshairs. Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F manages to thread the needle on both in a way that gives fresh life to the character without casting aside the fans who loved his wild ways.

As I wrote in my rave review, "Eddie Murphy is as good as ever as Axel Foley." Plus, he's got his old friends, like John Ashton, Judge Reinhold, Paul Reiser, and Bronson Pinchot back and in action. It's an absolute blast to see all these energies colliding, and yet there's room for newcomers, like the dynamic Taylour Paige and the ever-solid Joseph Gordon-Levitt, both of whom prove to be compelling foils to the always-quipping Murphy. "In the end, Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F isn't just a great sequel, or an awesome action-comedy; it might just be the most entertaining movie of the year."*K.P.

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

21. Homecoming: A Film by Beyoncé Credit: Courtesy of Parkwood Entertainment

It's not often that we get to look behind the curtain when it comes to Beyoncé, and though Homecoming is tempered, it deeply satisfies that craving.

One of the best music documentaries on Netflix, the film follows the legendary performer as she dominates Coachella 2018, but the surprise gig also happens to be her biggest since giving birth to twins Rumi and Sir. Over the course of two hours, you watch Beyoncé ascend the stage like a phoenix rising, relishing the show's homage to historically Black colleges across the country. In between, she opens up about the creative process how the overall vision comes to life. It's the closest some of us will ever get to a Beyoncé concert, and we truly feel at home.*Proma Khosla, Entertainment Reporter 

How to watch: Homecoming is now streaming on Netflix.

22. Passing

Written and directed by Rebecca Hall, and produced by Forest Whitaker, Passing is a tense exploration of identity and colorism, shot purposefully in a restrictive black and white. 

In 1920s New York, Tessa Thompson is Irene, a light-skinned woman who pretends to be white for an afternoon to escape the heat in an upscale hotel. There, she happens to run into an old friend, Claire (Ruth Negga), who is “passing” full-time as a white woman and married to a white doctor (Alexander Skarsgård) who has no clue she’s been lying to him. While Irene is fascinated and conflicted by Claire’s actions, Claire is taken by an intense desire to reconnect with the Black community she left behind — even though doing so could put her entire way of life at risk. 

Based on a Nella Larsen novel, Passing is sophisticated, captivating, and uncomfortable. A sense of doom permeates the lives of these characters, as they confront unsettling truths about the world they live in. The subject matter is intense, but Hall navigates it confidently and with care. An unforgettable watch.

How to watch: Passing is now streaming on Netflix.

23. They Cloned Tyrone 

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.

24. The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind Credit: Ilze Kitshoff / Netflix

Based on a true story and a memoir bearing the same title, The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind is a Malawi-set drama from first-time director Chiwetel Ejiofor. It stars Maxwell Simba as William Kamkwamba, a young boy who loves to tinker with science and technology but can't attend school because his family can't afford it.

SEE ALSO: TV shows by Black creators to watch on Netflix

In the mid-2000s, social and economic strife leave William's village in dire straits. He concocts a plan to save his village from a drought by building an energy-producing windmill, but there's one obstacle: His doubting father, Trywell (Ejiofor). The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind is a touching, at times heartbreaking, and ultimately uplifting story of a young boy finding his own way to triumph over adversity.*A.F. 

How to watch: The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind is now streaming on Netflix.

25. The Forty-Year-Old Version

Written, directed, and produced by Radha Blank, The Forty-Year-Old Version is a total triumph. Loosely inspired by Blank's own experiences, this engaging, energetic film follows a playwright who is nearing her 40th birthday and feels like she has nothing to show for it. Frustrated with the theatrical establishment that continually stymies her success, she finds herself increasingly drawn to rap, a solitary art form that needs no collaborators or gatekeepers.

Shot in beautiful black and white, The Forty-Year-Old Version feels wholly fresh. It's a story we've never seen before, told in a style that is completely its own.*

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

Asterisks (*) indicate the entry comes from a previous Mashable list.

UPDATE: Jan. 24, 2025, 5:28 p.m. EST This article has been updated to include current streaming options.


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