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SAVE $30: As of Oct. 30, the Apple Watch 10 is on sale for $399 at Amazon. That's a saving of 7% on list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch 10 $399.00 at Amazon
$429.00 Save $30.00 Get Deal

In September this year, Apple released the latest edition of the Apple Watch, the Series 10. It's a fantastic fitness wearable, with some notable upgrades on the previous model. Just check out our recent review to see what we thought.

And as of Oct. 30, you can find it reduced to $399 at Amazon, saving you $30. It's not a huge discount, but so soon after its release, we'll take what we can get. This deal is specific to the 46mm case and S/M size in the color jet black.

Style-wise, the Series 10 is the thinnest Apple Watch so far but also has the biggest and most readable display. It also introduces Apple's first-ever wide-angle OLED display. A wide-angle display means it's much more readable for quick glances and when looking at the watch from different angles.

SEE ALSO: Apple Watch Series 10 review: Buy it for the faster charging

The real selling point is its health and fitness stats, which are top tier. Advanced health tracking includes ECG readings, heart rate notifications, and ovulation estimates. In the Vitals app, you can find even more detailed metrics such as overnight readings, heart and respiratory rates, and sleep tracking. It even includes alerts for possible sleep apnea.

For fitness enthusiasts, the Workout app lets you track a whole load of activities, along with tools to monitor workout intensity and aquatic tracking with depth and water temperature sensors. And with 18 hours of normal use (and fast charging that gives you 80% in 30 minutes), the watch is perfect for all lengths of activity.

Head to Amazon to snag this great deal.

SAVE $300: As of Oct. 30, the 2023 MacBook Pro with M3 chip (14.2-inch, 512GB SSD) is on sale for $1,299 at Amazon. That's 19% off its usual $1,599 list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / Apple MacBook Pro M3 $1,299.00 at Amazon
$1,599.00 Save $300.00 Get Deal

Apple’s 2023 MacBook Pro packs some serious brainpower with its new M3 chip, combining an 8-core CPU and 10-core GPU that zip through daily tasks and pro-level projects like editing video, designing graphics, or finally cleaning up your photo library. This MacBook is as efficient as it is powerful thanks to a battery life of up to 22 hours. No need to scramble for an outlet mid-project (or mid-binge) with this bad boy.

The 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display isn’t just sharp; it’s downright dazzling. With 1000 nits of sustained brightness for HDR content and 600 nits for SDR, it gives everything from your spreadsheets to your movies that extra pop.

SEE ALSO: How to use Apple Intelligence

Ready to play nice with pro apps like Adobe Creative Cloud and Microsoft 365, the M3 chip also lets you run some of your favorite iPhone and iPad apps. It's ideal for when you need a break to scroll TikTok on the big screen. The newly launched Apple Intelligence will make life even easier too by helping you work faster and smarter, all with Apple’s top-notch privacy features.

With a 1080p FaceTime HD camera, three-mic array, and six-speaker sound system with Spatial Audio, your video calls will look and sound so clear you might even forget they’re happening on a laptop. And since this MacBook Pro has all the ports you could need (Thunderbolt to MagSafe to an HDMI and SDXC card slot), setting up your workstation is practically plug-and-play.

Available in space gray, this MacBook Pro is built to last with a durable aluminum body and regular software updates. At $300 off, it’s a great deal for snagging some of the latest Apple tech. Check out the offer on Amazon and get ready to level up your work (and play) setup.

SAVE $80: As of Oct. 30, the Ninja DZ201 Foodi 8 Air Fryer is down to $119.99 at Amazon. That's 40% off the usual price of $199.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / Ninja Ninja DZ201 Foodi 8 Air Fryer $119.99 at Amazon
$199.99 Save $80.00 Get Deal

If you’re tired of playing air fryer Tetris with a single basket, this Ninja DualZone Air Fryer is a game-changer. With two 4-quart baskets, you can cook two different foods at two different temperatures in one go. No more waiting for one dish to finish so you can start the next; just toss in both and let the Smart Finish feature work its magic. Users can also sync up the cook times so everything is ready simultaneously. Or, use Match Cook to apply the same settings to both baskets, maximizing that roomy 8-quart capacity for one big batch.

This Ninja model is a multi-tasking dream. With six cooking functions — air fry, air broil, roast, bake, reheat, and dehydrate — it handles anything from crispy chicken wings to roasted veggies to homemade beef jerky. The XL capacity means you can make mains and sides simultaneously or prepare enough fries to keep everyone happy.

SEE ALSO: TikTok execs know exactly how many videos it takes to get addicted to its platform

The Ninja DZ201’s nonstick baskets and dishwasher-safe crisper plates make cleanup a breeze, and the air fryer’s design reduces fat by up to 75% compared to traditional frying methods. Whether you’re cooking up a storm for game day or just want a quick meal without all the oil, this air fryer delivers crispy, delicious results every time.

Available in sleek grey, this 8-quart powerhouse is built for fast, easy meals with minimal mess. At 40% off, this is one of the best deals we’ve seen, so head over to Amazon and grab it while it’s still hot (and ready to cook things hot, too).

SAVE $180: As of Oct. 30, Beats Studio Pro are on sale for $169.99 at Amazon. This deal saves you 51% on list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / Beats Beats Studio Pro $169.99 at Amazon
$349.99 Save $180.00 Get Deal

If you've been waiting for a deal on Beats headphones, now's your moment. Beats Studio Pro brings that classic, bass-thumping sound Beats is famous for — but this time, it's even more refined and feature-packed. With a custom acoustic platform, these headphones deliver rich, immersive audio, whether jamming to your favorite playlist or trying to hear your mom on the phone.

Beats Studio Pro headphones aren't just about sound; they're packed with convenience features for daily life. You get two distinct listening modes — Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) and Transparency mode — so you can either block out the world or stay aware of your surroundings (like when the barista calls your name). Enhanced Bluetooth Class 1 connectivity means fewer dropouts, making them great for long listening sessions when you're out and about.

SEE ALSO: How to use Apple Intelligence

These over-ear headphones are all about comfort, with soft ear cushions and an ergonomic fit that'll have you forgetting they're even there. Battery anxiety? Not here. With up to 40 hours of playtime on a full charge, they'll easily outlast your playlist. And in a pinch, a quick 10-minute charge with Fast Fuel tech gets you four more hours — perfect for powering through a long commute or last-minute workout.

The Studio Pro plays nice with Apple and Android, offering one-touch pairing and platform-native features. Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking adds that "you are here" feel to your favorite tracks. USB-C connectivity brings lossless audio for a pure, wired experience.

Available in black and a mix of earthy hues like dune, moon, and navy, these headphones bring style as much as sound. And at 51% off, this is one of the best prices we've seen — grab them on Amazon while they're still hot and enjoy top-tier sound without breaking the bank.

Tom Hanks appeared on "The Late Show" and starred opposite Stephen Colbert in a Halloween skit.

The Daily Mini Crossword is one of the many popular daily word games available on Mashable. Powered by Arkadium, the mini crossword offers a speed round of puzzle fun with clues that are sure to challenge experienced crossword enthusiasts.

But there's no need to let the challenge get in the way of your enjoyment! If moments are turning to minutes after getting stuck on a clue, find the answers you need to progress right here.

And when you're done, check out the many other word games you can play on Mashable, including a full-size crossword.

Also, if you get stuck on any other daily word games, such as Wordle, Connections, or Strands — we have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Hurdle hints and answers for October 30 SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable

Here are the clues and answers to Daily Mini Crossword for Wednesday, October 30, 2024:

Across____ canal

• The answer is Root.

Seniormost

• The answer is Oldest.

Pasta preference

• The answer is Aldente.

Mom's specialty, for short

• The answer is TLC.

God of the wild

• The answer is Pan.

Coffee shop counterparts

• The answer is Teabars.

Take into custody

• The answer is Arrest.

Exercise units

• The answer is Sets.

DownWord with blade or coaster

• The answer is Roller.

Antiquated automobiles

• The answer is Oldcars.

Poem of praise

• The answer is Ode.

Not quite a quarter after

• The answer is TenPast.

Pitches the first inning

• The answer is Starts.

Change for a twenty

• The answer is Tens.

"____ boy!"

• The answer is Atta.

Busy bug

• The answer is Bee.

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

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

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

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

SAVE $100: As of Oct. 30, Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones are marked down to $299.99 at Amazon. That’s 25% off their original price of $399.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / Sony Sony WH-1000XM5 Headphones $299.99 at Amazon
$399.99 Save $100.00 Get Deal

Sony's WH-1000XM5 is a fan favorite for good reason when it comes to noise-canceling headphones. This model takes Sony's renowned noise-canceling technology up a notch, featuring two processors and eight microphones designed to block out everything from subway screeches to airplane roars. Whether you're looking to focus at work or just tune out the world, these headphones will create a bubble of uninterrupted sound around you.

The WH-1000XM5 isn't just about silencing the outside world. It also has features to keep you connected, like four beamforming microphones for crystal-clear calls, even in a noisy café or airport terminal. With Alexa built-in, you can also ask it to play music, get directions, or control smart home devices, making multitasking a breeze.

SEE ALSO: Google's Android 15 uses AI to lock your phone when someone grabs it

Designed with soft-fit synthetic leather, these over-ear headphones are lightweight and cozy enough for extended wear. If you wear headphones all day, this model's 30-hour battery life will keep up, sparing you from constant charging. In a pinch, the quick-charge function gives you an impressive three hours of playback with just a three-minute charge, perfect for those "I forgot to charge them last night" moments.

With touch controls built right into the ear cups, these headphones make it easy to manage your music and calls without reaching for your phone. A few swipes let you adjust volume, skip tracks, and even answer calls — super handy whether you're on the move or just want to keep your phone tucked away.

Available in classic black, smoky pink, midnight blue, and silver, these headphones are as stylish as they are functional. At 25% off, they're a solid pick if you've been waiting to snag a premium pair of noise-canceling headphones. Check out the deal at Amazon, and get ready to enjoy your own personal sound sanctuary.

SAVE $400: As of Oct. 30, the Sony 75-inch Bravia 7 is available for $1,798 at Amazon. This deal cuts 18% off its typical price of $2,198.

Opens in a new window Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / Sony Sony 75-Inch Mini LED QLED 4K Ultra HD TV $1,798.00 at Amazon
$2,198.00 Save $400.00 Get Deal

If your living room could use a screen that’s practically a theater, the Sony Bravia 7 is worth a spot on the wall. This 75-inch powerhouse packs in Mini LED backlighting with Sony’s XR Backlight Master Drive, so scenes are punchy, bright, and full of contrast — even in daylight. And thanks to QLED with XR Triluminos Pro, you’ll get a ridiculously wide color range. Translation? Everything from explosions to cozy fall scenes will look stunningly accurate.

Love your PlayStation 5? Sony’s tossed in some gamer-friendly features here, like Auto HDR Tone Mapping and Auto Genre Picture Mode, which tweak the display settings automatically to match your game (or movie) of choice. The new Game Menu is also a nice touch, letting you access gaming-specific picture settings quickly. So when you’re in an intense boss fight, you won’t have to dive deep into menus for tweaks — just do it on the fly.

SEE ALSO: 'Xenoblade Chronicles X' got announced — why it could be great for Switch gamers who are new to the franchise

Aside from gaming, this Bravia model is a streaming aficionado’s dream. Google TV lets you hop between Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, and more. And Sony’s exclusive streaming platform gives you high-bitrate 4K content, so your screen gets a workout. And if you’re in the mood for some voice commands, Google Assistant has you covered, with AirPlay 2 compatibility, making it easy to share your phone’s screen for that spontaneous video session.

For a 2024 model with these specs and Sony-exclusive PS5 perks, it’s a steal at this price. And if you’d rather break it up, Amazon’s interest-free monthly plan brings it down to $149.83 for 12 months for eligible Amazon Visa cardholders.

Don’t let this rare price drop pass — grab this deal at Amazon, kick back, and finally give your PlayStation (and popcorn supply) the TV they deserve.

If you like playing daily word games like Wordle, then Hurdle is a great game to add to your routine.

There are five rounds to the game. The first round sees you trying to guess the word, with correct, misplaced, and incorrect letters shown in each guess. If you guess the correct answer, it'll take you to the next hurdle, providing the answer to the last hurdle as your first guess. This can give you several clues or none, depending on the words. For the final hurdle, every correct answer from previous hurdles is shown, with correct and misplaced letters clearly shown.

An important note is that the number of times a letter is highlighted from previous guesses does necessarily indicate the number of times that letter appears in the final hurdle.

If you find yourself stuck at any step of today's Hurdle, don't worry! We have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Hurdle: Everything you need to know to find the answers Hurdle Word 1 hint

To eliminate debt.

SEE ALSO: Mini crossword answers for October 30 Hurdle Word 1 answer

REPAY

Hurdle Word 2 hint

You can grade on these.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for October 30 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

CURVE

Hurdle Word 3 hint

Creature nose.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for October 30 Hurdle Word 3 answer

SNOUT

Hurdle Word 4 hint

Dishonest.

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for October 30 Hurdle Word 4 answer

LYING

Final Hurdle hint

When objectives are left unfinished, they can be described as such.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Games available on Mashable Hurdle Word 5 answer

UNMET

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

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 October 28'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 SEE ALSO: Hurdle hints and answers for October 30 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.

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for October 30 Here's a hint for today's Connections Sports Edition categories

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

• Yellow: High stakes decisions

• Green: Zippy words

• Blue: University singles

• Purple: Basketball teams

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 - Actions in poker

• Green - Speedy

• Blue - Big Ten nicknames in singular form

• Purple - Ends with a WNBA team

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 #36 is...

What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition today

• Actions in poker: CALL, CHECK, FOLD, RAISE

• Speedy: FAST, QUICK, SPRIGHTLY, SWIFT

• Big Ten nicknames in singular form: HAWKEYE, SPARTAN, TERRAPIN, WOLVERINE

• Ends with a WNBA team: DAYDREAM, HUSKY, SPACES, SWINGS

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.

SEE ALSO: Mini crossword answers for October 30

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.

Particles blasting from a supermassive black hole jet appear to be traveling at nearly the speed of light — much faster than scientists had previously clocked them, according to new research.

While most observations of black holes in space are with radio telescopes, a research team used NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory to study their jets in a new light — literally. What they found with the X-ray telescope was surprising. 

"We've shown a new approach to studying jets, and I think there's a lot of interesting work to be done," said David Bogensberger, lead author of the study, in a statement. 

SEE ALSO: Scientists found a colossal black hole near the dawn of time In a composite image of the supermassive black hole at the center of the Centaurus A galaxy, jets are seen blasting from the accretion disk in opposite directions. Credit: ESO / WFI / MPIfR / ESO / APEX / A.Weiss et al. / NASA / CXC / CfA /R.Kraft et al.

Black holes were little more than a theory 50 years ago — a kooky mathematical solution to a physics problem — and even astronomers at the top of their field weren't entirely convinced they existed. 

Today, not only are supermassive black holes accepted science, they're getting their pictures taken by a collection of enormous, synced-up radio dishes on Earth. Supermassive black holes, millions to billions of times more massive than the sun, are thought to lurk at the center of virtually all large galaxies.

What we know is this: Falling into a black hole is an automatic death sentence. Any cosmic stuff that wanders too close reaches a point of no return. But scientists have observed something weird at the edge of black holes' accretion disks, the ring of rapidly spinning material around the hole, like the swirl of water around a bathtub drain: A tiny amount of that stuff can suddenly get rerouted. 

When that happens, high-energy particles can get flung outward as a pair of jets, blasting in opposite directions, though astronomers haven't figured out exactly how they work. Jets give out prominent radio emissions, but have also been observed to be surprisingly bright in X-rays, too. 

NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory spacecraft launched in 1999. Credit: NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center illustration

So Bogensberger, a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Michigan, decided to look at the black hole at the center of Centaurus A, one of the brightest galaxies in the sky, about 12 million light-years from Earth, in X-rays. For reference, one light-year is nearly 6 trillion miles. 

Using data already captured by the space observatory between 2000 and 2022, Bogensberger developed a computer algorithm to track bright lumps within the jets that astronomers call knots. Following knots during a set timeframe is a way to measure the speed.  

After tracking one knot in particular, the team found it traveling at least 94 percent the speed of light. That was significantly faster than what scientists had seen in radio waves, with a knot from the same black hole jet, moving at 80 percent the speed of light. The paper has been published in The Astrophysical Journal. 

Not only did the team discover faster clumps in the X-ray band, but the data also showed that the fastest knots weren't the ones closest to the black hole, as was seen in radio waves. Instead, the fastest knots were those around the mid-region of the jets. 

What does all of that mean? The answer is a big shrug emoji right now, but Bogensberger intends to use his method to collect more data observing the jets of other supermassive black holes.

"A key to understanding what’s going on in the jet could be understanding how different wavelength bands trace different parts of the environment," he said. "Now we have that possibility."

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

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

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

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

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

AcrossSubculture with dyed black hair and black lipstick

• The answer is Goth.

Grade boost after a tough test

• The answer is Curve.

"___ the Horrible" (classic comic strip)

• The answer is Hagar.

Sidestep

• The answer is Evade.

Ceiling spinners

• The answer is Fans.

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

• The answer is Guava.

"Take Me Out to the Ballgame" instrument

• The answer is Organ.

Commercials during shows

• The answer is TVAds.

"Take this"

• The answer is Here.

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

• The answer is Chef.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

These words are buddies.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

Words that refer to friendships. 

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is vertical.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is CandyStore.

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

• Toffee

• Gumdrop

• CandyStore

• Chocolate

• Lollipop

• Licorice

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

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

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

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

The Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 just reminded me what I love about Chromebooks. As someone who is deep into the Google ecosystem in my work and personal life, as well as owning an Android phone (e.g., Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra), it's so much more convenient for me as opposed to the M2 MacBook Air that I use.

At setup, I was asked to log in with my Google credentials, and it didn't leave me floundering. (No offense to Microsoft, but since I don't use the likes of OneDrive, Teams, nor other Microsoft properties often, I can never remember my Microsoft credentials, making setting up Windows laptops a pain.)

With an attractive sub-$500 starting price tag, for a split second, I wondered whether I'd be better off with a Chromebook — but one dealbreaker slapped me right back into reality. Still, I'd argue it's one of the best Chromebooks you can buy.

Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 price and specs

The Chromebook Plus Spin 714, as of this writing, starts $499 via Best Buy and comes with the following specs:

• Intel Core i5-1335U

• 8GB of RAM

• 256GB of SSD storage

• 14-inch, 1920 x 1200-pixel display

• ChromeOS

If you want a bump in performance, you can upgrade the Chromebook Plus Spin 714 to an Intel Core Ultra 5 115U (this review is based on this configuration) — this will require an additional $200 for a price of $699.

Opens in a new window Credit: Best Buy / Acer Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 $499.99 at Best Buy
Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Best Buy / Acer Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 $699.96 at Best Buy
Get Deal Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 design

Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714's design language just speaks to me. You really can't go wrong with a gray-and-rose-gold color scheme.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon

The entire aluminum chassis comes in Steel Gray — the only color option for the Acer laptop. But what gives this laptop an edge is the rose gold touches that you can find on the hinges and the reflective trim that surrounds the touchpad.

Speaking of the hinges, as you can tell by the name "Spin," the Chromebook Plus Spin 714 would be a contortionist if it was personified as a human. It's bendable and flexible, which means it can transform into a number of different postures: tent mode, tablet mode, and more.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon

Tent mode is perfect for anyone who wants the display to take center stage, making it easy to enjoy streaming apps like Netflix and Hulu on the Chromebook Plus Spin 714.

If you want to draw and take notes, you can use tablet mode. The Chromebook Plus Spin 714 supports styli, like this one on Amazon, but it doesn't ship with one, which is unfortunate. However, the downside of tablet mode — and this is across all 2-in-1 laptops — is that you'll feel the keyboard under your fingers while using it, which always gave me the ick.

One of the top selling points of the Chromebook Plus Spin 714 is that it meets MIL-STD 810H standards, which means it has military-grade durability. In other words, you can rest assured that it can withstand everyday wear and tear. (This makes this an ideal "starter laptop" for young children who tend to have butterfingers with tech.)

It's also worth noting that the Chromebook Plus Spin 714 has quite a bit of heft. It's not heavy, but this isn't a laptop that would make me say, "Whoa! This is so thin-and-light!"

It weighs 3.21 pounds and has a slimness of 0.74 inches.

Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 display

I wasn't expecting the Chromebook Plus Spin 714's display to blow me away. Remember: it costs less than $700.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon

It sports a 14-inch. 1920 x 1200-pixel resolution display with a 16:10 aspect ratio. This aspect ratio is growing more popular among laptops (16:9 used to be the traditional option), and I'm happy about it. It provides more vertical screen space, so you can enjoy more display real estate for scrolling through the web, reading documents, and more.

However, the Chromebook Plus Spin 714's display performed a lot better than I expected. I watched a couple of trailers, including Snow White (2025), and the screen perfectly captured Rachel Zegler's warm ivory skin tone. The textures are so vivid, I could practically feel the yellow tulle of the dress Zegler twirled in during one whimsical scene.

One thing to be aware of, however, is that the brightness is quite low, clocking in at about 340 nits. As such, you'll likely have a bit of trouble seeing the screen in sunny environments.

But if you plan on using the Chromebook Plus Spin 714 indoors, it's got an above-average display for a Chromebook.

Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 ports

The Chromebook Plus Spin 714 comes with a decent variety of ports.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

On the left side, you'll find the following:

• USB-C/Thunderbolt 4 (2)

• HDMI 2.0

On the right side:

• USB-A (3.2 Gen 1)

• Headset jack

On the left side, you'll find the power button, but the volume rocker lives on the right side. The Chromebook Plus Spin 714 supports Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.1.

Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 audio

The worst aspect of the Chromebook Plus Spin 714 is its audio quality. You can't win 'em all, right?

The upward-firing speakers flank the keyboard, but I'm not a fan of the sound quality. I fired up Sabrina Carpenter's hit song "Espresso" via Apple Music (downloaded from the Google Play Store), and while it could get sufficiently loud at max volume, the tune sounded a bit tinny, metallic, and flat.

Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 keyboard and trackpad

I'm a keyboard snob, and I can't get enough of the Chromebook Plus Spin 714's satisfying keyboard. The minute the keys actuate, they springboard you to the next letter, creating a seamless, rhythmic typing experience.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

The keys are clicky and snappy, but they're also not loud enough to earn side-eyes from annoyed co-workers and classmates.

Bonus points for the keyboard's high visibility between with the well-contrasted white-and-dark gray keys. Plus, you can adjust the white backlight on the keyboard by pressing the ALT and brightness key (next to the mute button) in the function row.

The trackpad isn't half bad either. It was responsive while I pushed it to the edge with my erratic actions.

Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 benchmarks and performance

On Geekbench 6, which tests how well a laptop can handle real-world applications (e.g., PDF rendering, ray tracing, image editing, and file compression) Chromebook Plus Spin 714 delivered a score of 5,223.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

This score is OK. But I'm not too concerned with this performance figure because ChromeOS is designed to lightweight tasks that run through cloud-passed applications (rather than relying on local processing power).

Most Chromebook tasks (e.g., using Google Docs, streaming videos, web browsing) happen online, meaning these laptops rely on cloud servers for heavy processing, minimizing the need for powerful hardware.

Even while pushing Google Chrome to its limit with about 40 tabs, I didn't notice any slowdowns nor laggy behavior.

Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 battery life

The Chromebook Plus Spin 714, packed with a 53 watt-hour battery, is advertised as having up to 10 hours of battery life.

According to our video rundown test, which involves a nonstop video loop of a 1080p video, the Chromebook Plus Spin 714 lasted about 9 hours on a single charge — 8 hours and 57 minutes to be exact. This is a bit of a dealbreaker for me. Ten-hour battery life, at minimum, is a must.

Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 Google AI

AI isn't everyone's cup of tea, but it's definitely mine. I'm cautiously optimistic about the sudden resurgence artificial intelligence.

Google Gemini on Chromebook Plus Spin 714 Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

While you can experience Google Gemini on any laptop or phone, this suite of Google-based AI practically lives inside this ChromeOS laptop, allowing you to right click anywhere in the screen to get summaries on webpages, companionship for writing, and even creating high-res backgrounds for your video calls.

Creating summaries is quick and easy, and it worked like a charm. For example, on Mashable, I asked Gemini to give me a straightforward answer to why, exactly, iPhone 16 Pro batteries are more expensive to replace (as the headline suggested) — and it "read" the article and spat back the answer to me in a quick and concise response.

I asked Gemini to help me summarize a story on Mashable Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

And I didn't even have to read a single word.

The one issue I have with Gemini is that, at times, it can be painfully slow. For example, I tried to create a background image for my Google Meet call, and it took so long to generate (over 9 minutes), I eventually gave up and closed the laptop.

It took almost a lifetime to generate an AI background. Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 comes with 12 months of the Google One AI Premium Plan (this plan includes access to Gemini Advanced and 2TB of storage, and Gemini in Docs, Sheets, Gmail, and more).

Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 webcam

The Chromebook Plus Spin 714 has a 1440p webcam, and as much as I dislike using this trite phrase, there really isn't much to write home about.

Webcam picture with Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

It's not the crispest, clearest webcam, as one would expect from a sub-$700 webcam, but it does the job. It still was able to accurately capture my complexion and my burgundy top.

Is the Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 worth it?

The Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 has a better-than-expected display, an excellent keyboard, a sophisticated design, and military-tested durability. However, the screen brightness isn't that great, the sound quality is mid, and the battery life could be better.

If it weren't for the battery life, I'd consider giving the Chromebook Plus Spin 714 a spot in our best cheap laptops list.

On the plus side, there's a laptop for everyone. I'd recommend the Chromebook Plus Spin 714 for budget-conscious users who are looking for a laptop that can be stationed on a desk at home. I'd also suggest this Chromebook for a tween who doesn't need a high-powered, long-lasting work station — they'll be happy with a laptop with a great display and decent performance.

Opens in a new window Credit: Best Buy / Acer Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 $699.99 at Best Buy
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TL;DR: Study IT at your own pace with the Complete 2025 Developer and IT Skills Bundle for $59.99 (reg. $936). 

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

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TL;DR: Get 18 bottles of wine shipped to your door for $79 (reg. $270) plus $39.95 for shipping. Choose from red, white or mixed bottles.

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

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Pairs well with in-laws

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1. Over the Moon (2020) Credit: Netflix

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

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

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

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

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

3. Nimona (2023) Credit: Netflix

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

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

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

How to watch: Nimona is now streaming on Netflix.

4. Ella Enchanted (2004)

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

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

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

5. Klaus (2019) Credit: Netflix

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

How to watch: Klaus is now streaming on Netflix.

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

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

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

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

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

7. The Willoughbys (2020) Credit: Netflix

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

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

How to watch: The Willoughbys is streaming on Netflix.

8. Matilda (1996)

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

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

How to watch: Matilda is now streaming on Netflix.

9. The Mitchells vs. The Machines (2021) Credit: Netflix

Sony Pictures Animation has given audiences such daring and dynamic animated movies as Surf's Up, Hotel Transylvania, and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. This zany 2021 release centers on a family who's battling back the robo-apocalypse with togetherness, internet savviness, and a walleyed pug named Monchi (voiced by social media icon Doug the Pug).

The Mitchells’ adventure into chaos begins when daughter Katie (Abbi Jacobson) is poised to go off to college. Desperate for one last family-unifying road trip, her dad (Danny McBride) piles the whole family into his beater of a vehicle, unknowingly charting a fateful route into heroics. Director Mike Rianda infuses Katie's excitable perspective throughout the film by working in internet memes, social media-style reactions, and blitz of bonkers visuals. It’s a bold move that might alienate some viewers but has largely won the acclaim of critics and kiddos.* — K.P.

How to watch: The Mitchells vs. the Machines is streaming on Netflix.

10. Kubo and the Two Strings (2016)

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

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

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

11. Nightbooks (2021) Credit: Netflix

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

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

How to watch: Nightbooks is streaming on Netflix.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

15. Finding 'Ohana (2021) Credit: Netflix

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

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

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