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SECURE YOUR WATERBLOCK RTX 5080: The Gigabyte RTX 5080 XTREME WATERFORCE WB 16GB GDDR7 GPU is now available at Best Buy for $1,349.99. This waterblock-exclusive graphics card requires a custom liquid cooling system, so make sure your setup is ready before grabbing one. Stock won’t last, so sign in to your Best Buy account, confirm your pickup location, and check out within 10 minutes once added to your cart.

Opens in a new window Credit: Gigabyte Gigabyte RTX 5080 XTREME WATERFORCE WB 16GB GDDR7 GPU Shop Now

The Gigabyte RTX 5080 XTREME WATERFORCE WB isn’t your standard plug-and-play GPU. It’s built for enthusiasts who want maximum performance with a liquid cooling setup. If your rig isn’t waterblock-ready, this card is not for you. But if you’ve got the cooling hardware in place, you’re in for a serious performance boost. With 16GB of GDDR7 memory, DLSS 4 AI upscaling, and NVIDIA’s Blackwell architecture, this GPU is designed to easily crush 4K gaming and handle demanding creative workloads.

The 2.805GHz base and boost clock speeds make this one of the fastest GPUs in its class. With PCIe Gen 5 support, expect blazing-fast data transfer speeds to keep frame rates smooth. For multi-monitor setups, the three DisplayPort 2.1 and one HDMI 2.1 output let you run up to four displays simultaneously, making this a great choice for ultra-high refresh rate gaming or professional editing rigs. Remember, this card has no built-in fans — it depends entirely on your liquid cooling system to stay frosty.

SEE ALSO: Where to preorder Samsung's new Galaxy S25, S25+, and S25 Ultra smartphones

Stock at Best Buy will move fast, so make sure you’re prepared. Sign in, confirm your location, and add to your cart quickly; you have only 10 minutes to check out before your item is released to other buyers. If you don’t have the cash upfront, Best Buy offers 12-month financing at $112.50 monthly to make the purchase more manageable. Using an American Express credit card? You’ll get 5% cashback (up to $125), making this deal even sweeter.

This Gigabyte RTX 5080 WATERFORCE WB is a beast for liquid-cooled builds, and stock won’t last. If your rig is ready, lock in your order before it’s gone.

The Daily Show has watched RFK Jr.'s Health Security Confirmation hearing so you don't have to.

In the clip above host Michael Kosta goes through some of the more memorable moments, from Sen. Michael Bennett giving RFK Jr. a grilling on his litany of disturbing past statements to Bernie Sanders questioning him over anti-vax baby clothing.

On the subject of vaccination, Kosta shares a clip from 2020 of RFJ Jr. expressing regret over his decision to vaccinate his own children.

"What would I do if I could go back in time?" says RFK in the footage. "And I could avoid giving my children the vaccines that I gave them? I would do anything for that. I would pay anything to be able to do that."

"That is the worst answer to 'What would you do with a time machine?' that I have ever heard," says Kosta in response. "You can't think of anyone else, in your family, that you would go back in time and try to prevent a shot from happening? Robert F. Kennedy Jr., no-one else?"

SAVE $1,200: As of Jan. 30, the 100-inch Hisense QD7 QLED 4K UHD Smart Google TV is on sale for $1,799.99 at Best Buy. That's $1,200 off its list price of $2,999.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense Hisense 100-Inch Class QD7 Series QLED 4K UHD Smart Google TV (2024) $1,799.99 at Best Buy
$2,999.99 Save $1,200.00 Get Deal

For football fans, the big game is coming up soon and it's important that you've got a high-quality TV ready to go for the day. If you're on the hunt for an upgrade, Best Buy's a great place to look as they're offering some fantastic discounts at the moment on a wide variety of TVs. If you want to go big on a purchase this year, check out this discount on the massive 100-inch Hisense QD7 QLED 4K Smart TV.

A $1,200 discount has dropped its price from $2,999.99 to $1,799.99. This is an excellent deal for such a massive TV, and Best Buy also offers a free install to the value of $399. That's a great way to save and set you up for success with your new screen right away.

SEE ALSO: Rate your favorite smart home gear for a chance to win a $250 Amazon gift card

This TV is worth every cent, too. Alongside its huge 100-inch size that truly immerses you in the action on screen, it offers a high-quality picture thanks to its 4K resolution and QLED technology. With this, you'll get a clear and vibrant color on your screen that brings every detail to life. Not to mention, this TV features Dolby Atmos that brings cinematic sound right into your living space.

On top of that, this Hisense TV is a smart TV that can keep all of your favorite streaming apps in one convenient location. So no matter if you're settling in for a movie night or looking for a new TV show to binge, it's all just a click away.

This massive TV is well worth it if you're looking for an upgrade. Don't miss out on $1,200 off the 100-inch Hisense QD7 QLED 4K UHD Smart Google TV at Best Buy.

Looking for even more TV deals? There are plenty to check out right now across a variety of retailers. Also at Best Buy you can save on a 48-inch LG B4 OLED 4K TV, and if you want to see another discounted big TV, check out this 98-inch TCL QM7 4K TV on sale.

SAVE $1,500: As of Jan. 30, the 98-inch TCL Q6 4K UHD HDR QLED Smart Google TV is on sale at Best Buy for $1,499.99. This is $1,500 off its list price of $2,999.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: TCL TCL 98-Inch Class Q6-Series 4K UHD HDR QLED Smart Google TV (2024) $1,499.99 at Best Buy
$2,999.99 Save $1,500.00 Get Deal

The big game is right around the corner, and if you're a football fan looking to get a TV upgrade before then, look no further than Best Buy. The retailer is offering some excellent discounts on a variety of TVs at the moment, including on some massive models like this 98-inch TCL Q6 4K QLED Smart TV. If you want the game to look even bigger and better this year, this TV will set you up for success.

The 98-inch TCL Q6 4K QLED Smart TV is currently on sale at Best Buy for $1,499.99. This is a whopping $1,500 off its list price of $2,999.99.

SEE ALSO: Rate your favorite smart home gear for a chance to win a $250 Amazon gift card

Alongside its massive 98-inch size that creates a mini movie theater in your own home, this TV boasts a high-quality display as well with 4K resolution and QLED PRO technology. This makes the images on your screen pop with crisp, vibrant color so you can catch every little detail. It's also built with excellent sound in mind, complete with Dolby Atmos Audio, an Onkyo 2.1 60W speaker system, and a built-in subwoofer that immerses you in the action on screen.

Enjoy the big game this year in style with this massive 98-inch TCL Q6 4K QLED Smart TV on sale at Best Buy.

This TV deal just scratches the surface of what's out there, though. Also at Best Buy, you can save on a 48-inch LG B4 OLED 4K TV, and if you want to see another massive TV deal, have a look at this discount on the Hisense U8 Series 85-inch 4K Smart TV at Amazon.

TL;DR: Live stream Los Angeles Lakers vs. Washington Wizards in the NBA with FuboTV, Sling TV, or YouTube TV.

The Los Angeles Lakers head to Capital One Arena to face the Washington Wizards in a non-conference matchup. The Lakers are 26-19, which puts the team in fifth place in the Western Conference. The Wizards are 6-39, which puts the team in last place in the Eastern Conference.

The Lakers have won four of their last five games, but are coming off a loss to the Philadelphia 76ers. The Wizards have lost 14 consecutive games. The team's last win came against the Chicago Bulls on Jan. 1. Washington's longest losing streak this season is 16 games.

When is Los Angeles Lakers vs. Washington Wizards?

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Washington Wizards in the NBA starts at 7 p.m. ET on Jan. 30. This game takes place at Capital One Arena in Washington DC.

How to watch Los Angeles Lakers vs. Washington Wizards

You need to choose a streaming service to watch the NBA without cable or satellite TV. We've found some of the best streaming services to consider for the Lakers vs. Wizards basketball game.

Best for single game: FuboTV Opens in a new window Credit: Fubo TV FuboTV Pro Plan Get Deal

FuboTV offers you more than 250 channels of live TV and the option to watch on 10 screens at once. You can try FuboTV with a seven-day free trial period. 

FuboTV’s sports channel offerings include ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNews, FOX, FS1, FS2, Golf Network, Marquee Sports Network, Monumental Sports, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network. 

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

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 NBA TV.

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

Sling TV suggests the streamer's Orange Plan for the game, which costs $20 for the first month and $40 monthly after that.

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

How to watch Lakers vs. Wizards from anywhere in the world

If you're traveling outside of the U.S. during this game, you might need to use a VPN to unblock this live stream. VPNs can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server, meaning you can unblock live streams of the NBA from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Los Angeles Lakers vs. Washington Wizards for free by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

4. Sign in to your favorite streaming app

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

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to live streams of the NBA without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to live stream Los Angeles Lakers vs. Washington Wizards before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for the NBA?

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

• Servers in 105 countries

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

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

Live stream Los Angeles Lakers vs. Washington Wizards in the NBA with ExpressVPN.

SECURE YOUR LIQUID COOLED RTX 5090: The MSI RTX 5090 SUPRIM LIQUID 32GB GDDR7 GPU is now available at Best Buy for $2,499.99. This liquid-cooled powerhouse delivers next-gen performance, but its built-in liquid cooling system requires room for its radiator inside your case. Stock is limited, so sign in to your Best Buy account, confirm your location, and check out within 10 minutes once added to your cart.

Opens in a new window Credit: MSI MSI RTX 5090 SUPRIM LIQUID 32GB GDDR7 GPU Shop Now

The MSI RTX 5090 SUPREM LIQUID is built for serious gamers, hardcore creators, and anyone who refuses to compromise on performance. It runs on NVIDIA’s latest Blackwell architecture, packing 32GB of GDDR7 memory and DLSS 4 AI upscaling for stunning visuals and ultra-smooth frame rates. The liquid cooling system is the key here, ensuring stable performance under extreme loads. It also means you must have a compatible liquid cooling setup before buying.

With a 2.5GHz base clock and 2.58GHz boost clock, this card is designed to crush 4K and even 8K gaming, handle heavy-duty 3D rendering, and easily power multi-monitor workstations. The PCIe Gen 5 interface ensures blazing-fast data transfer, while three DisplayPort 2.1 and one HDMI 2.1 ports let you connect up to four high-refresh-rate displays. Whether you’re diving into cinematic AAA gaming, pushing the limits of Blender and Unreal Engine, or running high-performance AI workloads, the RTX 5090 SUPRIM LIQUID won’t break a sweat.

SEE ALSO: Where to preorder Samsung's new Galaxy S25, S25+, and S25 Ultra smartphones

Stock at Best Buy won’t last, so make sure you’re ready. Sign in, confirm your location, and add it to your cart ASAP. You only have 10 minutes to check out once it’s in your cart, or it’ll be released to someone else. If you don’t want to drop $2,499.99 upfront, Best Buy offers 12-month financing at $208.34 monthly. On top of that, American Express cardholders can score 5% cashback (up to $125), which softens the blow of that hefty price tag.

If your PC is ready for liquid cooling and you’re after the best GPU on the market, this MSI RTX 5090 SUPRIM LIQUID is as good as it gets. Get yours before they disappear.

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 Thursday, January 30, 2025:

AcrossSoft rock

• The answer is Talc.

First-string squad

• The answer is ATeam.

Soft rock?

• The answer is Magma.

Tissue layers, e.g.

• The answer is Plies.

Fiona Apple and Tracy Chapman, vocally

• The answer is Altos.

DownFlorida's so-called "Cigar City"

• The answer is Tampa.

To any degree

• The answer is AtAll.

Not sketchy, colloquially

• The answer is Legit.

Brief role in a movie

• The answer is Cameo.

Midnight ___ (Christmas service)

• The answer is Mass.

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.

Tesla will have to replace HW3 computers with the newer, HW4 version, for Tesla owners who purchased the company's Full Self-Driving (FSD) package.

The news comes from CEO Elon Musk, who finally admitted it during Wednesday's Tesla earnings call (via Electrek). "The truth is that we will need to replace all HW3 computers in vehicles where FSD was purchased," said Musk after Tesla's head of FSD, Ashok Elluswamy, said the company is "not giving up on it."

SEE ALSO: EU faces legal action from Tesla, BMW over tariffs on Chinese-made EVs

For years, Musk claimed that Tesla cars with HW3 hardware are future-proof, meaning they'll be capable of running FSD once it truly becomes what Musk wants it to be: a feature package offering unsupervised, autonomous driving in Tesla cars.

This likely prompted many owners to dish out the money for FSD, which is not an insignificant amount (Tesla added a $99 per month FSD subscription option last year). The pricing for FSD changed over the years, but it currently stands at $8,000 in the U.S.

Tesla started shipping cars with HW3 in April 2019, and HW4 came in January 2023 (later for some models). This means that all Tesla cars sold from mid-2019 to early 2023 have HW3 installed; all owners of such vehicles that purchased the FSD package will need to have the HW3 computers replaced with HW4 to enjoy its full benefits.

Tweet may have been deleted

This is going to be a monumental task for Tesla. "We are going to have to upgrade Hardware 3 for people who bought FSD. That’s the honest answer. It's going to be painful and difficult but that’s what we're going to have to do," Musk said during the call.

Tesla already had to do this once, albeit on a smaller scale. In 2019, the company started replacing the older, HW2.5 computer with HW3 for owners who purchased the FSD package.

As Electrek noted, this might not sit well with Tesla owners who did not purchase FSD, as Musk claimed (repeatedly, for years), that all cars since 2016 are capable of Full Self-Driving. The company already lost one court case over a HW3 retrofit, with the judge calling out Tesla for "false advertising."

During the call Musk also promised that Tesla will launch a paid robotaxi service in Austin, Texas. This will require the unsupervised version of FSD, which hasn't been released yet. As it stands, FSD is still a set of features which give Tesla cars some partial autonomy, but does not enable the cars to drive themselves without user supervision.

SECURE YOUR RTX 5080: The MSI RTX 5080 16GB GDDR7 GPU is listed at Best Buy for $1,249.99. Stock is expected to disappear fast, so follow Best Buy’s purchasing guidance: Create an account, confirm your location, and check out within 10 minutes once the item is in your cart. Financing options, 5% cashback with American Express (up to $125), and gift card balances can help manage the cost.

Opens in a new window Credit: MSI MSI RTX 5080 16GB GDDR7 GPU Shop Now

The MSI RTX 5080 is here, bringing NVIDIA’s Blackwell architecture to gamers, creators, and power users. This 16GB GDDR7 GPU offers DLSS 4 AI-powered upscaling, real-time ray tracing, and a max resolution of 8K. With a 2.7GHz base and boost clock speeds, it delivers buttery smooth gameplay in 4K while efficiently handling demanding tasks like 3D rendering and AI workloads. Three DisplayPort 2.1 outputs and one HDMI 2.1 port let you run up to four displays, making it perfect for multi-monitor setups or ultra-wide gaming rigs.

MSI has seriously upgraded cooling with its Hyper Frozr Thermal Design, ensuring the card stays calm under pressure while keeping noise levels low. The 3.5-slot design and large fin array work alongside triple axial fans, optimizing airflow for maximum heat dissipation. The PCIe Gen 5 interface ensures top-tier performance, with support for DirectX 12 Ultimate, Vulkan RT, and OpenGL 4.6 for a future-proofed gaming experience.

SEE ALSO: Where to preorder Samsung's new Galaxy S25, S25+, and S25 Ultra smartphones

Best Buy isn’t making this an easy grab, so sign in or create an account beforehand. Confirm your preferred pickup or shipping location, add the GPU to your cart, and check out within 10 minutes before your spot is lost. If stock runs out, keep refreshing, as Best Buy releases inventory in small waves.

If you’re worried about the price tag, Best Buy offers financing plans with 12-month payments of $104.17 per month. Plus, you can get 5% cashback (up to $125) if you have an American Express credit card. Another smart move is to use gift cards to lower the upfront cost.

This MSI RTX 5080 is a serious upgrade for any gaming or creative setup. With demand expected to be sky-high, act fast or risk missing out. Good luck, and may your checkout speed be faster than the bots.

SECURE YOUR RTX 5090: The ASUS TUF Gaming RTX 5090 32GB GDDR7 GPU is set to go live at Best Buy for $1,999.99. Given the hype and limited stock, you'll need to follow Best Buy’s buying guidance closely: Create an account, confirm your location, and be quick at checkout. Financing options, cashback deals, and using gift card balances can help soften the blow of this beastly GPU’s price too.

Opens in a new window Credit: ASUS ASUS TUF Gaming RTX 5090 32GB GDDR7 Shop Now

Let's not sugarcoat it; the ASUS RTX 5090 is an absolute unit of a graphics card. Built with NVIDIA's Blackwell architecture, it comes packed with 32GB of next-gen GDDR7 memory, an 8K resolution cap, and DLSS 4 AI-powered upscaling, making everything look smoother, sharper, and more detailed.

It has a 2.4GHz base clock and a 2.43GHz boost clock, giving it an edge in high-FPS gaming, 3D rendering, and AI-based workloads. If you plan on running Cyberpunk 2077 maxed out in 4K or pushing real-time ray tracing to the absolute limit, this GPU will make it all buttery smooth.

SEE ALSO: Where to preorder Samsung's new Galaxy S25, S25+, and S25 Ultra smartphones

Cooling has been completely overhauled, and ASUS isn't messing around. The 3.5-slot design is backed by three Axial-tech fans, a massive fin array, and a phase-change GPU thermal pad, which lasts longer and performs better than standard thermal paste. The military-grade components ensure durability, while the ASUS protective PCB coating protects against dust and moisture. It's a beast in size and power, so make sure your case and power supply (1000W recommended) are ready to handle it.

Best Buy expects these to fly off the shelves, so sign in or create an account before launch. Confirm your preferred pick-up or shipping location, add the GPU to your cart, and complete checkout within 10 minutes — otherwise, you'll lose your spot. If stock vanishes, keep refreshing because Best Buy releases inventory in waves.

There are ways to soften the financial blow for payment options. Best Buy offers financing plans through its Best Buy Credit Card, and if you've got an American Express card, you can get 5% cashback (up to $125) on your purchase. Gift cards? Now's the time to use them to cut down that hefty upfront cost.

This ASUS RTX 5090 is the GPU to get, and if you're serious about snagging one, you'll need speed, strategy, and a bit of luck. Good luck. May your checkout button be faster than the scalpers'.

The Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist is taking a break from the future to examine his past — and mulling where the billionaires now fit in.

On Dec. 27, 2024, NASA's Juno spacecraft swooped by the volcanic world Io. It witnessed a giant eruption.

As the space agency's basketball court-sized craft orbits Jupiter, it swings near the gas giant's intriguing moons, which allowed Juno to observe "a massive hot spot" near Io's south pole. Juno's JIRAM instrument, which can detect heat, observed a number of closely spaced hot spots, pointing to a giant eruption of lava from a vast underground chamber.

"The data supports that this is the most intense volcanic eruption ever recorded on Io," Alessandro Mura, a Juno scientist from the National Institute for Astrophysics in Rome, said in a statement.

SEE ALSO: Scientists discover a super-Earth. Something about it is strange.

But that's not all. Io, a realm about the size of Earth's moon but blanketed in hundreds of active volcanoes, is no normal place.

"This is the most powerful volcanic event ever recorded on the most volcanic world in our solar system — so that’s really saying something," said Scott Bolton, who leads the Juno mission.

This newly found volcanic feature covers an area of some 40,000 square miles, or 100,000 square kilometers. That smashes the previous record-holder, a feature called Loki Patera — considered the most active and persistent hot spot on Io — that hosts a lava lake spanning some 7,700 square miles (20,000 square kilometers).

The hot spot, which NASA notes is bigger than Lake Superior, is visible below.

The massive hot spot on Io viewed to the right of the moon's south pole. Credit: NASA / JPL-Caltech / SwRI / ASI / INAF / JIRAM Surface changes seen in the location of the detected hot spot between April 9, 2024, and Dec. 27, 2024. Credit: NASA / JPL-Caltech / SwRI / MSSS / Image processing by Jason Perry

Io is blanketed in erupting volcanoes because it's relentlessly locked in a tug-of-war between nearby objects, including the colossal Jupiter. "Not only is the biggest planet in the solar system forever pulling at it gravitationally, but so are Io’s Galilean siblings — Europa and the biggest moon in the solar system, Ganymede," NASA explained in a statement. "The result is that Io is continuously stretched and squeezed, actions linked to the creation of the lava seen erupting from its many volcanoes."

NASA's recent flybys of Io, however, have revealed that it likely doesn't contain a global magma ocean beneath its surface, as determined by new observations of the moon's gravity. Instead, each of Io's 400 or so volcanoes may harbor their own chamber of magma.

And NASA intends to further investigate this new site of prodigious volcanism. Juno will again fly by Io on March 3. Its cameras will be tuned to this compelling region of the moon, located some 484 million miles beyond Earth.

DeepSeek, this week's hit AI app out of China, won't replace teachers in the classroom anytime soon. As with any of its American rivals, the hallucination problem is still strong with this one.

But make no mistake, it is a teacher. With its significantly cheaper price, and a model that is comparable on benchmark tests to its smartest rivals, DeepSeek is already taking Silicon Valley giants to school.

No matter where Nvidia stock ends up after its current rollercoaster ride, the AI landscape beneath it has been permanently altered by DeepSeek. The wisest tech firms are the ones who will make adjustments while they still can.

Here are five main lessons that the rise of DeepSeek has already taught us.

American exceptionalism isn't a thing ...

Here was perhaps the biggest blind spot in Silicon Valley: Just because American companies have traditionally been at the head of the class when it comes to tech innovation, it was generally assumed that things would always stay that way.

SEE ALSO: What DeepSeek knows about you — and why it matters

China was a manufacturing powerhouse, and software engineers are increasingly in high demand there, but America has the design know-how and the entrepreneurial spirit that will win out every time, so no major changes are needed. Right?

Maybe someone in the U.S. AI industry should have asked someone in the U.S. auto industry how this complacent attitude to nimble overseas competitors worked out for them.

The U.S. may still have the world's largest GDP, but China's is still growing faster, and has been since 2020. The U.S. may be the investment capital of the world, but it seems Chinese hedge funds — like the one that bankrolled DeepSeek — can be just as disruptive.

DeepSeek "certainly isn't the end of the story of U.S. exceptionalism," one analyst told Yahoo Finance's Morning Brief on Monday. Perhaps not, but it could well be the beginning of the end. No American tech giant that hopes to survive the 21st century can afford to act like America is the greatest country on Earth just because it's America.

American protectionism shouldn't be a thing either.

The second lesson is also the result of misguided patriotism. DeepSeek is the kind of foreign leap forward that the U.S. government has been trying to avoid for years, no matter which president was in charge. The CHIPS act pushed by the Biden administration sought to keep powerful processor technology from companies like Nvidia out of Chinese hands; Chinese companies had built a massive stockpile of them already.

SEE ALSO: Meet Alibaba's Qwen 2.5, an AI model claiming to beat both DeepSeek and OpenAI's ChatGPT

Here's the thing about protectionism: most economists and tech experts have been telling us for years that it just doesn't work. If anything, the protectionist attitude of CHIPS seems to have woken a sleeping giant in China's homegrown AI infrastructure development; DeepSeek needed to work on fewer and less elaborate chipsets. Necessity is the mother of invention, no matter the country. Chinese companies have been looking for every edge possible — including making AI models open source, a key advantage to DeepSeek.

American companies can't even control how their own products are used abroad. Early versions of DeepSeek were reportedly built using Llama, the open-source Large Language Model created by Mark Zuckerberg's Meta. The internet, and all the information sharing it represents, keep on flattening the playing field for business. American tech giants don't exactly get an exemption for having built out the internet in the first place.

Building bigger isn't better.

Why did the sudden appearance of DeepSeek cause the stock market to hammer Nvidia? Because Nvidia chips are the centerpiece of a data center surge planned, at great environmental cost, by just about all the major tech companies (except Apple).

The main reason for this surge was to slake the thirst of increasingly popular AI models for processing power (not to mention literal thirst for a still unknown amount of water).

But the big surprise of DeepSeek is that it is, as they say in Silicon Valley, hella efficient. This suggest that there are still major innovations to be found on the software side, not the data center hardware side. LLMs can learn to work smarter, not harder.

This increases the likelihood that in the future, every company might get away with using its own homebrew AI model. Or even that open-source AI models might eventually get small enough to fit on a smartphone. (In which case: Nice one, Apple.)

In other words, U.S. AI companies assumed the answer was to build the tech equivalent of SUVs. China just built an electric motorbike that can go as fast as an SUV. And on these metaphorical roads, the lightest vehicle wins.

AI marketing means next to nothing.

Poor OpenAI. With much of its tech leadership quitting, the company doubled down on marketing; witness the slick "12 days of OpenAI" production, where Sora and a lot of incremental product tweaks were given a friendly, fun, multi-day online keynote sheen by Sam Altman and friends. At the holidays! Who doesn't love holidays? Who doesn't want their product in the marketplace for the holidays?

And which brainbox would be dumb enough to launch their hot new product at the dead end of January, with absolutely zilch in the way of marketing beyond a weird-looking dolphin logo? DeepSeek, that's who.

The app arrived with little fanfare during the inauguration; days later came its surprise benchmark results as reported by researchers. This made for eye-opening headlines, which in turn sent curious users to their respective app stores, which drove the stock market wild, which created more stories. That's the mysterious force called buzz, and DeepSeek has it like no product we've seen since ChatGPT in 2022.

At time of writing, DeepSeek leads both the Google Play chart and the App Store, as it has all week. In the latter, it has pushed ChatGPT and Google Gemini into silver and bronze medal positions respectively. The 1,400 reviews on the App Store are led by one where the user has given DeepSeek four stars out of five, calling the model "mind-blowing" but docking it one star because "it would be really helpful if it had a landscape mode."

In other words, we're already at the "this is so great I'm annoyed it isn't perfect in its first iteration" stage of DeepSeek fandom. There is no such thing as brand loyalty in AI consumer world. The level playing field of app stores reward the app that is the least hassle (including the hassle of paying for it) while performing at a level comparable to the industry leader.

We might distrust DeepSeek for its terms and conditions, but it's not like we trusted ChatGPT in the first place. In both cases, we're mesmerized by the way the thing itself can answer most of our questions. The wrapper matters little. And if that's the AI landscape going forward, what use is American-style marketing?

Superstar CEOs are getting in the way.

You might also ask: What use is treating Silicon Valley CEOs like rock stars, or vengeful gods, if DeepSeek was brought into existence by one of the most obscure, self-effacing guys on the face of the planet?

In the U.S., tech leaders have to work really hard not to get high on their own supply of hype. They see themselves on magazine covers constantly; they get really respectfully interviewed on amped-up business news shows. Readers and viewers tend to assume they have all the answers. Biographers encourage this view.

The myth of the Steve Jobs-like tech celebrity genius is everywhere; just don't look too closely at the details.

SEE ALSO: Genius or manchild? Reconsidering Steve Jobs after his daughter's book

But DeepSeek just shone a spotlight on this myth. While it was quietly gathering steam in the past week, what was U.S. AI leadership doing? Making empty announcements and bickering like children.

Trump and OpenAI's Project Stargate is still unclear about what it is, exactly, and where its supposed $500 million funding is coming from. The administration needed someone who looked like they knew what they were doing with AI, so they called in Sam Altman. But that upset fellow mercurial celebrity Elon Musk, who started feuding with Altman on social media.

Great job counteracting DeepSeek, guys, no notes. But seriously, if the little dolphin-logo app can help end the era where Silicon Valley followed the pronouncements of the latest cults of personality, that may be its hardest and best lesson of all.

Every way to watch 'Babygirl' at home: WATCH NOW Buy or rent 'Babygirl' on Prime Video $24.99 to buy, $19.99 to rent Get Deal WATCH NOW Buy or rent 'Babygirl' at Apple TV+ $24.99 to buy, $19.99 to rent Get Deal WATCH LATER Max (With Ads) annual subscription $99.99 per year (save 16%) Get Deal WATCH LATER Max Ad-Free annual subscription $169.99/year (save 16%) Get Deal WATCH LATER Max (With Ads) for Cricket customers Free for Cricket customers on the $60/month unlimited plan (save $9.99/month) Get Deal WATCH LATER Max Student $4.99 per month for 12 months (save 50%) Get Deal WATCH LATER Disney+, Hulu, and Max $16.99 per month (with ads), $29.99 per month (no ads) (save up to 38%) Get Deal

2024 was the year sex returned to cinema. There was the neo-noir thriller Love Lies Bleeding, the mega-viral love-triangle drama Challengers, the sex-worker-centered Cinderella story Anora, and finally — just hitting theaters with a week left in the year — Nicole Kidman and A24's Babygirl. And they might've saved the best for last. As Mashable Film Editor Kristy Puchko puts it, "Amid stiff competition, [Kidman] delivers one of the sexiest, most thrilling films of the year."

The Oscars may have snubbed the movie, but Kidman's performance earned her the Volpi Cup for Best Actress award at the Venice Film Festival. Now, just a little over a month after its theatrical debut, Babygirl is officially available to watch at home. We're still unsure when it will make its streaming debut, but you can now rent or purchase the film at digital retailers as of Jan. 28, 2025. Here's everything you need to know to watch Babygirl at home.

What is Babygirl about?

In Babygirl, Nicole Kidman stars as Romy, a powerful CEO trying to balance a demanding professional life with her personal life, which includes a loving husband (Antonio Banderas) and two teenage daughters (Vaughan Reilly and nepo baby Esther McGregor). When cocky intern Samuel (Triangle of Sadness' Harris Dickinson) starts inappropriately flirting with her, she's both shocked and aroused. What follows is a lusty affair exploring dominance and submission that threatens to break her entire world apart.

Get a sneak peek at the erotic thriller in the official trailer:

Is Babygirl worth watching?

Interestingly, while critics have been loving Dutch writer/director Halina Reijn's latest flick, audiences are a bit more conflicted. Babygirl currently holds a 77 percent critic rating on Rotten Tomatoes, but just a 48 percent audience rating. This is likely to change now that the film is available to a wider audience, but the conflicting numbers are definitely curious.

Puchko raved about the erotic thriller in her review out of TIFF. She wrote, "Altogether, the cast makes Babygirl a stunner, landing silly moments as well as sexy ones. Emotionally naked, unapologetically provocative, and defiantly playful, Reijn's film joyfully explores the complicated ties that bind. Amid stiff competition, she delivers one of the sexiest, most thrilling films of the year."

Babygirl even made the top 10 in our list of the best movies of 2024. We expected it to be a contender this awards season, but were surprised to see it snubbed in all Oscar categories.

Read our full review of Babygirl.

How to watch Babygirl at home Nicole Kidman and Harris Dickinson in 'Babygirl' pool scene Credit: A24

Thankfully, A24 didn't tease us for long. Just a little over a month after the sexually charged thriller made its theatrical debut, it became available to watch at home via video-on-demand platforms like Prime Video, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home (Vudu). You can either purchase the film for your digital collection or rent it for 30 days. If you'd rather stream Babygirl instead, scroll on to learn more.

You can purchase and rent the film at the following retailers as of Jan. 28:

• Prime Video — buy for $24.99, rent for $19.99

• Apple TV — buy for $24.99, rent for $19.99

• Fandango at Home (Vudu) — buy for $24.99, rent for $19.99

• Google Play — buy for $24.99, rent for $19.99

Note: Renting a film gives you 30 days to watch and just 48 hours to finish once you begin.

Opens in a new window Credit: Prime Video Rent or buy 'Babygirl' at Prime Video $19.99 or $24.99 Watch Now Is Babygirl streaming?

There's no official streaming date yet for Babygirl, but as an A24 film, we know it will eventually make its streaming debut on Max alongside other recent A24 theatrical hits like Civil War and MaXXXine, thanks to a multi-year output deal. If you want to be prepared for when the film does eventually land on the streamer — or want to catch up on previous A24 films — you can sign up for a Max subscription ahead of time. Subscriptions start at $9.99 per month, but there are a few ways to save money on your plan.

Check out the best Max streaming deals below.

The best Max streaming dealsBest for most people: Save 16% on Max with ads annual subscription Opens in a new window Credit: Max Max (with ads) yearly subscription $99.99 per year (save 16%) Watch Now

The cheapest Max subscription is $9.99 per month, but only if you don't mind a few ads here and there. You can wait until Babygirl starts streaming and sign up for a single month of service, then cancel before you're charged for another. Or, you could stick around for the long haul and save some money on your subscription. An annual plan with ads will cost you $99.99 per year, which breaks down to just $8.33 per month. Of course, you'll have to pay upfront, but that'll keep 16% in your pocket as opposed to a monthly plan.

Best Max deal with no ads: Save 16% on a Max Ad-Free annual subscription Opens in a new window Credit: Max Max (No Ads) annual subscription $169.99 per year (save 16%) Watch Now

Similarly, you can save an extra 16% by committing to a yearly plan of the Max ad-free tiers. If ads are a total deal breaker for you, you have two tiers to choose from: Max Ad-Free and Max Ultimate Ad-Free. The basic ad-free tier costs either $16.99 per month or $169.99 per year (about $14.17 per month), while the Ultimate tier costs either $20.99 per month or $209.99 per year (about $17.50 per month).

Note: Both tiers offer an ad-free viewing experience, but the Ultimate tier comes with 4K Ultra HD video quality and Dolby Atmos immersive audio.

Best Max deal for Cricket customers: Free Max with ads for customers on the $60/month unlimited plan Opens in a new window Credit: Cricket / Max Max (with ads) Free for Cricket customers on the $60/month plan Watch Now

If you have a Cricket wireless plan, you may be able to access Max for free. Cricket customers on the $60 per month unlimited plan get a free Max with ads subscription. That's a $99.99 per year value for zero dollars. Just head over to the Max app, choose Cricket as your provider, then enter your Cricket credentials to log in. Boom — you're free to watch whatever you want, whenever you want — including Babygirl once it's released.

Check out the terms and conditions on Cricket's website to learn more. If you want to watch Babygirl for free, this will be your only option (once it's released on Max).

Best Max deal for students: Save 50% on Max with ads Opens in a new window Credit: Max Max Student $4.99 per month for 12 months Get Deal

College students can get an entire year of Max with ads for just $4.99 per month instead of $9.99. That's 50% in savings. You'll just have to verify your student status with UNiDAYS to retrieve the unique discount code that will drop the price.

Best bundle deal: Get Max, Disney+, and Hulu for up to 38% off Opens in a new window Credit: Disney / Hulu / Max Disney+, Hulu, and Max $16.99 per month (with ads), $29.99 per month (no ads) Get Deal

It won't be your cheapest option for watching Babygirl, but you can get a lot of bang for your buck if you opt for a streaming bundle deal — especially if you already subscribe to Hulu or Disney+. For only $16.99 per month (reg. $25.97), you can sign up for Max, Hulu, and Disney+ with ads or $29.99 per month (reg. $48.97) without ads. That's up to 38% in savings for access to three full streaming libraries.

TL;DR: Ditch the bulk of AirTags and get the KeySmart SmartCard that fits in your wallet and works with Apple’s Find My app while it's just $29.97 (reg. $39.99) with free shipping through Jan. 31.

Opens in a new window Credit: KeySmart KeySmart SmartCard $29.97
$39.99 Save $10.02 Thinnest Card Tracker & Works with Apple Find My Get Deal

Tired of misplacing your wallet or ID and wishing for a sleeker solution than the AirTag? Meet the KeySmart SmartCard — the slimmest tracker on the market that combines style, durability, and tracking technology.

At less than 2mm thick, it’s designed to fit snugly into your wallet, luggage, or anywhere AirTags just won’t fit. It also has a range of 200 feet. And with free shipping, it’s yours for only $29.97 — if you act fast and purchase by Jan. 31 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

This tracking device is a game-changer for the organized (and not-so-organized) among us. The KeySmart SmartCard works flawlessly with Apple’s Find My network, giving you access to a global network to track your essentials.

Misplaced your wallet at a coffee shop? Play a sound to locate it nearby, or check its last known location on a map. Forget your card somewhere? You’ll get a notification before you even realize it’s missing.

But it’s not just smart — it’s tough. Thanks to an IPX8 waterproof rating, the SmartCard can handle outdoor adventures and accidental spills alike. It lasts up to five months on a single charge and recharges wirelessly with any Qi-enabled charger (goodbye disposable batteries). Whether you’re a traveler, commuter, outdoor enthusiast, or someone who wants peace of mind, the KeySmart SmartCard is worth a closer look.

It's on sale for just $29.97 (with free shipping) through Jan. 31 at 11:59 p.m. PT, so don't wait to get your KeySmart SmartCard.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Get Microsoft Office 2024 Home for Mac or PC — a one-time purchase for $119.97 (reg. $149) through February 2, no subscription required.

Opens in a new window Credit: Retail King Microsoft Office 2024 Home for Mac or PC: One-Time Purchase $119.97 at Mashable Shop
$149.99 Save $30.02 Get Deal What you can expect from your one-time purchase of Microsoft Office 2024 Home for Mac or PC:

• Includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote for essential productivity

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Boost your productivity with a lifetime license to Microsoft Office 2024 Home for Mac or PC, now $119.97 until Feb. 2 at 11:59 p.m. PT — no monthly fees, just essential tools you can count on.

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TL;DR: Create innovative diagrams and more with lifetime access to Microsoft Visio 2021 Professional for $19.97 through Feb. 2.

Opens in a new window Credit: Retail King Microsoft Visio 2021 Professional: Lifetime License for Windows $19.97 at Mashable Shop
$249.99 Save $230.02 Get Deal What you'll get with your lifetime license to Microsoft Visio 2021 Professional for Windows:

• Craft flowcharts, org charts, floor plans, and more with dozens of templates and 250,000+ customizable shapes

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Make sense of your data with a lifetime license to Microsoft Visio 2021 Professional on sale for $19.97 until Feb. 2 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

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TL;DR: Explore total darkness with 4K night-vision digital binoculars on sale for $84.97 through Feb. 23.

Opens in a new window Credit: Mesay 4K Night Vision Digital Binoculars with 8x Digital Zoom $84.97 at Mashable Shop
$169.99 Save $85.02 Get Deal

Ever wondered what you’re missing once the sun sets? These 4K night-vision digital binoculars make it possible to see the world in stunning detail — no matter how dark it gets. Perfect for wildlife observation, evening hikes, stargazing, and more, they deliver cutting-edge technology for every nocturnal explorer.

Until Feb. 23, take advantage of this 50% price reduction and get them for just $84.97 (reg. $169).

With 8X digital zoom and a 24mm objective aperture, these binoculars give you a sharp, wide view of your surroundings. The 850nm infrared illumination features seven adjustable brightness levels, allowing you to see up to 1,315 feet away in complete darkness. From subtle movements in the distance to intricate details nearby, nothing will escape your sight.

Capture and record your discoveries in crystal-clear 4K video or high-resolution 36MP photos. The large 4.5-inch TFT LCD screen ensures you can view your captures with ease and even share them instantly with others.

Built to last, these binoculars come with an IP54 water- and dust-resistant rating, a rechargeable 4000mAh lithium battery for up to five hours of continuous use, and a convenient 32GB memory card. Whether you’re exploring the outdoors or documenting nighttime adventures, you’ll have everything you need in one compact, portable device.

Illuminate your adventures with these 4K night-vision digital binoculars for $84.97 through Feb. 23.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

If you're ready to stop lugging around your hardcovers and paperbacks and ready to put your whole library in your pocket, it's time to get a Kindle. The e-reader market has grown wildly over the past few years, and I'm not saying BookTok is to blame, but I'm not not saying that.

All over the internet, you'll find TikTok users enthusiastically singing the praises of Amazon's e-readers and their hacks for finding discounted Kindle books through events like Stuff Your Kindle Day. You can even buy remote page-turners so you don't even need to hold your Kindle while reading. And in this case, I'm not afraid to go with the crowd: the best Kindles give you a whole new way to read. They're lightweight, easy to use, and compatible with Libby, so you can still support your local library (and get free books, of course).

Shopping events like Prime Day and Black Friday are the best times to buy a Kindle. Historically, we've seen great deals on Kindles pop up during these events, so if you don't need a Kindle urgently, wait for the next Prime Day. However, we're deal-hunting every day at Mashable, so keep an eye on our coverage for surprise Kindle deals.

SEE ALSO: I've read 34 books this year and these are my favorite e-readers The new generation of Kindle e-readers

A lot has changed since the Kindle first debuted in 2007. While it was released just a few months after the first iPhone, the Amazon Kindle has received fewer updates. As of 2025, we're on the 12th generation of Kindle updates; the latest arrived in October 2024. I recently got my hands on Amazon's latest models to see what they offer.

Kindle's first color e-reader arrived in late 2024, and I've yet to get my hands on it, but I'm eager to see how it compares — especially with the Kobo Libra Colour. Plus, as of Dec. 4, 2024, the redesigned Kindle Scribe is now available for the scribblers, and it has four times the storage as the past model.

The new Kindle Colorsoft is available to purchase as of Oct. 30, 2024. Credit: Amazon What's the best Kindle to buy in 2025?

If you're concerned about buying the newest tech, that's not an issue. As of December 2024, there are six updated Kindle models for sale, as well as older editions still in stock. The Kindle Scribe was the latest to get a revamp, and we'll update this guide when we get a chance to test the new model.

Can't decide between the Kindle and Kindle Paperwhite? We put them head-to-head.. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

Before you choose a Kindle, you need to ask one question first: Do you want it to be waterproof? If you prefer reading near a body of water — whether in the bath, by the pool, or at the beach — that immediately narrows down your options. Among the Kindles, your waterproof options are the Kindle Paperwhite, Paperwhite Signature Edition, Colorsoft Signature Edition, and Paperwhite Kids.

Beyond whether or not you need a waterproof device, here are a few other features to consider:

• Display size: The smallest Kindle has a 6-inch display, while the largest has a 10.2-inch display.

• Storage capacity: Kindles range from 16GB to 32GB of storage capacity.

• Battery life: The new Kindles generally have outstanding batteries. On the low end, they last up to six weeks per charge, while others last up to 12 weeks.

• Writing capability: The Kindle Scribe is the only model that allows you to write with the included stylus. 

The latest Kindles all boast a maximum brightness of 94 nits and a 300 ppi, high-resolution display with zero glare, so you can enjoy sharp text and images at any viewing angle. Kindles are also equipped with WiFi connectivity, allowing you to download all the reading material you could ever want. Plus, you can listen to audiobooks on Audible via the built-in Bluetooth connection.

Not to mention, out of all the e-readers I've tested, Kindles have the best compatibility with Libby. I love the digital platform because I can read for free and support my local library. Some other e-readers require you to download your library e-book to a computer and then upload it to an e-reader, but with Kindles, your e-books are sent straight to your device with a click.

Featured Video For You Kindle Paperwhite vs. Kobo Clara Colour: Which one is better?

In another year of outrageous cinema, 10 films made the cut in the Academy's eyes to earn spots on the Best Picture Oscar nominations list. We found narrowing the best movies of the year down to only 10 to be downright impossible, opting instead for a top 25 list, so it comes as no surprise that there are plenty of snubs this year (zero nominations for Challengers? Seriously?).

Even though we're a little disappointed a few of our favorites didn't make the list, the ones that managed to nab the nomination are certainly worth a watch.

SEE ALSO: 2025 Oscar nominations: See the full list

If you'd like to get up to date on the best films of the year (at least by the Academy's standards), we've rounded up how you can watch all 10. Queue 'em up for a movie marathon that's sure to be phenomenal. We'll update the details as more of the films make their way from the theater to the small screen.

Anora

Anora, winner of the Palme d'Or at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival and Mashable's favorite film of the year, is a Cinderella story that doesn't quite go the way you'd expect. "Anora is magnificently alive," Mashable's reviewer writes, adding that it's "as bold as it is brilliant." It's no surprise to us that not only did it nab a Best Picture nomination at the 2025 Oscars, but also five more nominations, including Best Director, Best Lead Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Film Editing.

What's it about?

"In a star-making turn, Mikey Madison (Scream 5) stars as a sex worker whose professional relationship with a young Russian client swiftly swings into a quickie wedding in Vegas. But [Sean] Baker, who's made a career out of compelling films centered on the rich inner lives of sex workers, isn't offering a sloppy retread of Pretty Woman. When cronies come banging on the mansion door, it's up to Anora to fight for the future she wants." — Kristy Puchko, Film Editor

Read Mashable's review of Anora.

How to watch it: Buy or rent on digital Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Prime Video Buy or rent "Anora" on digital $19.99 to purchase, $9.99 to rent Watch Now

Still in select theaters across the country, Anora is available to rent or purchase at online retailers like Prime Video and Apple TV+ as of Dec. 17. It will eventually be streaming on Hulu, though no date has been specified quite yet.

The Brutalist

"A towering paean to the American dream," as our reviewer wrote, The Brutalist clocked in at number 17 on our list of the best films of 2024. Directed by Brady Corbet, it's also one of the most prominently featured films this awards season, with 10 Oscar nominations, including Best Picture. It already nabbed the Golden Globe for the Best Picture - Drama category, and despite igniting fresh conversation around the use of AI, it's a favorite to take home the Academy Award as well.

What's it about?

"The film, arresting from its first frames, spends three-and-a-half engrossing hours on the tale of László Tóth (Adrien Brody), a fictitious Jewish Hungarian architect and survivor of the Holocaust, whose arrival in America yields both rigorous struggle and tempting opportunity. It embodies the kind of American epics no longer really made by Hollywood studios. All the while, the film also explores the fraught corners of post-World War II Jewish identity in the West." — Siddhant Adlakha, Film Critic

Read Mashable's review of The Brutalist.

How to watch it: See it in theaters Opens in a new window Credit: Fandango See "The Brutalist" in theaters Watch Now

Currently, the only way you can watch The Brutalist is by heading to the theater. There's no official digital or streaming release date, but we'll update this list once the date is released. As an A24 film, we do expect it to eventually make its way to Max alongside other A24 theatrical releases.

A Complete Unknown

It's hard to get excited over yet another biopic, but the reviews of A Complete Unknown — which sees Timothée Chalamet embrace his inner Bob Dylan — have been surprisingly positive. Not only has the Dylan biopic nabbed a nomination for Best Picture, but also Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Costume Design, and Best Sound. James Mangold is also nominated for Best Director, Chalamet for Best Lead Actor, and Edward Norton and Monica Barbaro for their supporting roles.

What's it about?

A Complete Unknown follows Bob Dylan's (Chalamet) rise to fame in the early '60s, charting his beginnings as a folk singer in the New York music scene. "But once Dylan hits his groove, the film launches forward several years to 1965, when he's an established megastar whose emerging interest in electric guitar threatens to outrage his fanbase at the Newport Folk Festival, and his early allies." — KP

Read Mashable's review of A Complete Unknown.

How to watch it: See it in theaters Opens in a new window Credit: Fandango See "A Complete Unknown" in theaters Watch Now

Released on Christmas Day, A Complete Unknown is still floating around in theaters and has yet to make its digital debut. We'll keep you updated on when you can purchase or rent the film online. It will eventually make its way to Hulu, alongside other Searchlight Pictures films, but the official streaming date is currently unknown.

Conclave

Directed by Edward Berger (All Quiet on the Western Front) and set amid the halls of the Vatican, the psychological thriller Conclave made our list of the best movies of 2024. Two-time Oscar nominee Ralph Fiennes leads a star-studded cast, which includes Stanley Tucci as Cardinal Bellini, John Lithgow as Cardinal Tremblay, Sergio Castellitto as Cardinal Tedesco, and Isabella Rossellini as Sister Agnes. It's no surprise to us that the Vatican-set tale earned a nod for Best Picture at this year's Oscars. It also scored nominations for Lead Actor, Supporting Actress, Adapted Screenplay, Costume Design, Original Score, Film Editing, and Production Design.

What's it about?

"In the sacred halls of the Vatican, the Catholic church's most revered leaders gather together for a series of secret votes to determine who among them will be God's representative on Earth. And as dean of the conclave, Cardinal Thomas Lawrence (Fiennes) is tasked not only with keeping things running smoothly but also sussing out what skeletons lie in the closets of the contenders." — KP

Read Mashable's review of Conclave.

How to watch: Stream it on Peacock Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Stream "Conclave" on Peacock Starting at $7.99 per month Watch Now

As a Focus Features film, Conclave made its streaming debut on Peacock back in December. A Peacock Premium subscription will run you $7.99 per month with ads or $13.99 per month without ads. Of course, you can also rent or purchase the film at digital retailers like Prime Video for as low as $5.99.

Dune: Part Two

A pop culture phenomenon, Dune: Part Two dominated the box office in 2024 with over $714 million globally. The Denis Villeneuve-directed film — which brings back Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Javier Bardem, Josh Brolin, and Stellan Skarsgård and adds Austin Butler, Florence Pugh, Christopher Walken, and Léa Seydoux — "swings bigger and often hits harder, soaring beyond even the epic highs of its predecessor," according to Mashable's Belen Edwards. It cracked the top 10 of our favorite films list of 2024 and has earned five Oscar nominations, including Best Picture.

What's it about?

"Dune: Part Two continues the story of Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet), who finds himself among the planet Arrakis' indigenous Fremen. There he becomes entangled in the impossible position of hoping to avenge the Harkonnens' attack on his house, while also trying to avoid a future in which he unleashes holy war upon the universe." — Belen Edwards, Entertainment Reporter

Read Mashable's review of Dune: Part Two.

How to watch it: Stream it on Max or Netflix Opens in a new window Credit: Max Stream "Dune: Part Two" on Max starting at $9.99 per month Watch Now Opens in a new window Credit: Netflix Stream "Dune: Part Two" on Netflix starting at $7.99 per month Watch Now

The second installment of the sci-fi franchise started streaming on Max in May of 2024, alongside Dune: Part One. Max subscriptions start at $9.99 per month with ads. As of January 2025, Part Two is also available to stream on Netflix. Subscriptions start at just $7.99 per month with ads. You can also rent or purchase the film on Prime Video and other digital retailers for as low as $3.99.

Emilia Pérez

"Jacques Audiard's gaudy, star-studded Cannes winner is stirring and surprisingly philosophical," writes Adlakha. It stars Zoe Saldaña, Karla Sofía Gascón, Selena Gomez, and Adriana Paz in a musical transgender modern cartel saga. While it didn't make our top films of 2024 list, it managed to score the most Oscar nominations of any film, including Best Picture, Director, Lead Actress, Supporting Actress, Adapted Screenplay, Cinematography, Original Score, Sound, Original Song (x2), Film Editing, International Feature Film, and Makeup and Hairstyling.

What's it about?

"Emilia Pérez centers on the intertwining stories of four women in Mexico. Chief among them is transgender cartel leader Emilia (Gascón), who asks lawyer Rita (Saldaña) to help her fake her own death so she can undergo gender-affirming surgery and live as her true self." — BE

Read Mashable's review of Emilia Pérez.

How to watch it: Stream it on Netflix Opens in a new window Credit: Netflix Stream "Emilia Pérez" on Netflix Starting at $7.99 per month Watch Now

Originally premiering at the Cannes Film Festival in June of 2024, Emilia Pérez made its streaming debut on Netflix back in November. The cheapest Netflix subscription will cost you $7.99 per month, but you'll have to endure some ads along the way. Don't want ads? The price jumps up to $17.99 per month instead.

I'm Still Here

In a surprise by the Academy, international feature I'm Still Here earned three Oscar nods, including Best Picture, after its star Fernanda Torres won the Golden Globe for her leading role. Based on Marcelo Rubens Paiva’s memoir of the same name, the Walter Salles-directed Brazilian drama has an impeccable 95 percent critic rating and 99 percent audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes. It's the underdog of the Best Picture category.

What's it about?

I'm Still Here follows the heartbreaking real-life story of Eunice Paiva (Torres), whose husband Rubens disappears at the hands of the Brazilian military dictatorship in the early 1970s. The lonely and frightening battle to learn the truth and keep her family together transforms her into an activist, lawyer, and hero.

How to watch it: See it in theaters Opens in a new window Credit: Fandango See "I'm Still Here" in theaters Watch Now

I'm Still Here just made its theatrical debut on Jan. 17, 2025. That's currently the only way to watch the film, although we're expecting it to make its digital debut soon at retailers like Apple TV and Prime Video. Stay tuned.

Nickel Boys

Cracking the top three of our best films of the year list, Nickel Boys is an "exquisite, powerful adaptation" of Colson Whitehead's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name. As Adlakha writes in his review for Mashable, the moving film about a violent reform school in 1960s Florida is truly transformative. Thus, it is no surprise that it earned nominations for both Best Picture and Best Adapted Screenplay at this year's Oscars.

What's it about?

"The film, like the novel, follows 16-year-old Elwood Curtis (Ethan Herisse), a promising teen from Tallahassee who lives with his grandmother, Hattie (Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor), and navigates the Jim Crow-era South. On his way to a technical college for advanced classes, the high schooler finds himself in the wrong place at the wrong time, leading to false charges of theft and internment at the Nickel Academy, an isolated juvenile home on a sprawling estate that presents itself as a place of hard work and reform.

A young adherent of Reverend Martin Luther King Jr., Elwood's idealism quickly clashes with Nickel's harsh reality of segregation and corporal punishment. However, he also finds guidance and companionship in Turner (Brandon Wilson), a fellow student hailing from Houston whose more upbeat demeanor and slick survival tips exist in close proximity to his own fears of the school's ruthless staff." — SA

Read Mashable's review of Nickel Boys.

How to watch it: Stream it on MGM+ beginning Feb. 28 Opens in a new window Credit: MGM+ Watch "Nickel Boys" on MGM+ starting Feb. 28 7-day free trial, then $6.99 per month Watch Now

An Amazon MGM Studios film, Nickel Boys is currently only available to watch in theaters. However, it is expected to make its streaming debut on MGM+ on Feb. 28. That gives you just enough time to watch it before the Academy Awards air on March 2. MGM+ offers a free seven-day trial, then costs $6.99 per month for subscribers. However, if you wish to watch Nickel Boys before the end of February, it will also be available to rent or purchase on digital soon — stay tuned.

The Substance

French filmmaker Coralie Fargeat's The Substance earned spot number 15 on our list of the best movies of 2024, despite our divided staff. Part body horror romp and part Hollywood ageism satire, it stars Demi Moore, Margaret Qualley, and Dennis Quaid and is one of the most surprising hits of the year. Its gruesome imagery shocked and awed critics and managed to nab not only the Best Picture nomination at the Oscars but also four others — a big feat for a horror flick.

What's it about?

"Demi Moore stars as Elisabeth Sparkle, an actress whose star is fading as she ages, and heartless Hollywood execs (exemplified by a shellfish-chomping Quaid) hunger for young beauties and fresh blood. So when a miracle drug allows her to split her life with a perky younger model of herself (Drive-Away Dolls' Qualley), she leaps at the chance. But the brutal cost it takes is ugly." — KP

Read Mashable's review of The Substance.

How to watch it: Stream it on Mubi Opens in a new window Credit: Mubi Stream "The Substance' on Mubi starting at $14.99 per month Watch Now

The Substance made its streaming debut on Mubi on Oct. 31, 2024, which is no surprise considering it's a Mubi original film. A quality streaming service built for cinephiles, Mubi's library is brimming with the best of international cinema. Subscriptions start at $14.99 per month, but you will get a seven-day free trial to test things out. You can also opt to rent or purchase The Substance from digital retailers like Prime Video and Apple TV for as low as $5.99.

Wicked

What's there to say about Wicked that hasn't already been said? It may not have made our list of the best films of 2024, but it did manage to earn the respect and admiration of the Academy with 10 nominations (including Best Picture). Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande star as the green-skinned, magically gifted Elphaba and her pink-loving polar opposite bestie Glinda in the film adaptation of the classic 2003 Broadway musical starring Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth. If the 95 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes is any indication, audiences are loving it, although our own film critic writes that it's "tainted by gray disillusionment, telegraphing the film's climactic reveals."

What's it about?

An adaptation of the Tony award-winning Broadway musical, which is an adaptation of Gregory Maguire's 1995 novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, Wicked tells the backstory of the green-skinned, misunderstood Elphaba, aka the Wicked Witch of the West, as well as the popular and privileged Glinda the Good. The witches meet as students at Shiz University in the Land of Oz and embark on a journey from loathing to unexpectedly deep friendship. Part one of the two-part saga ultimately questions, "Are people born wicked? Or do they have wickedness thrust upon them?"

Read Mashable's review of Wicked.

How to watch it: Buy it on digital Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Prime Video Buy it on digital $19.99 to purchase Watch Now

As of Dec. 31, Wicked is available to rent or purchase from digital retailers like Prime Video, Apple TV+, and Fandango at Home for $19.99 or $29.99. respectively. As a Universal Pictures film, we expect that it will eventually make its streaming debut on Peacock, but no official streaming date has been announced.