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NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for October 31

Mashable - Thu, 10/31/2024 - 05:05

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 31 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.

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

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

  • Yellow: If you're not this, you're last

  • Green: Ground game

  • Blue: Bracket terms

  • Purple: Funny sports fiction

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 - In No. 1 position

  • Green - Football running plays

  • Blue - Starts of NCAA Tournament rounds

  • Purple - Abbott and Costello's baseball lineup

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 #38 is...

What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition today
  • In No. 1 position: FIRST, FRONT, LEAD POLE

  • Football running plays: DRAW, SNEAK, SWEEP, TOSS

  • Starts of NCAA Tournament rounds: ELITE, FINAL, SECOND, SWEET

  • Abbott and Costello's baseball lineup: BECAUSE, I DON'T KNOW, WHAT, WHO

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 31

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.

'Over the Garden Wall' turns 10 this year, so there's no better time to rewatch

Mashable - Thu, 10/31/2024 - 05:05

As the leaves turn and the crisp autumn chill seeps into the air, one thing becomes crystal clear: It's Over the Garden Wall season.

That's true every year, but especially in 2024, which marks the 10th anniversary of Patrick McHale's beloved Cartoon Network miniseries. So whether you're new to the series or are a devoted re-watcher, consider this your reminder to tune in. Plus, on Nov. 3, you can celebrate further with the release of a brand-new stop-motion Over the Garden Wall special, courtesy of Aardman!

SEE ALSO: 'Wallace and Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl' review: A delightful romp with an anti-AI streak

In 2015, Over the Garden Wall won the Emmy for Outstanding Animated Program, and for good reason. Throughout its 10 stunning episodes, the series captivates you with two brothers' odyssey through the strangely beautiful (and beautifully strange) land known as the Unknown. There, they discover curious communities, solve pressing mysteries, and ally themselves with the most unexpected of friends. The only thing they can't seem to find is their way home.

What makes Over the Garden Wall the ideal fall watch? Ain't that just the way. Credit: Cartoon Network

You can definitely enjoy Over the Garden Wall at any point in the year, but its palette of orange-hued trees, golden sunsets, and dark nights just hits harder in the fall. Plus, the show is the perfect combination of autumn's coziest and spookiest elements. Falling leaves, piping hot comfort food, and a whole slew of seasonal pumpkins appear alongside treacherous spirits, witches, and an encroaching entity known simply as the Beast (voiced by Samuel Ramey). When you're in the Unknown, you don't know if you're about to be comforted or creeped out — or some strange fusion of the two.

SEE ALSO: What to Watch: Best Scary Movies

Our entry points into the Unknown are teenager Wirt (voiced by Elijah Wood) and his younger stepbrother Greg (voiced by Collin Dean). They're lost in this new world and haven't a clue how to get out. Luckily for them, the denizens of the Unknown are happy to help. Well, most of them are, anyway. A mysterious Woodsman (voiced by Christopher Lloyd) provides Wirt and Greg with shelter, while a talking bluebird named Beatrice (voiced by Melanie Lynskey) offers to take them to a wise woman named Adelaide who could bring them home. Among the rest of the Unknown's charming ensemble are a town of pumpkin people, a schoolteacher dedicated to educating animals, and a pub full of character archetypes like the Tavern Keeper, the Tailor, and the Highwayman.

While these characters know exactly where they fit into the Unknown's ecosystem, Greg and Wirt are outliers. Greg, with his cheerful disposition, is endlessly excited about discovering more of the Unknown. He'll talk to anybody, try anything. He's got a teapot on his head, a pet rock that spouts Rock Facts, and pants full of candy — he's like walking childhood whimsy.

By contrast, Wirt is a bundle of teenage angst and fried nerves. He approaches every situation with a heaping amount of trepidation. Pair that with his annoyance with Greg, and you're looking at two main characters who are excellent foils for each other. Both Greg and Wirt's reactions to being somewhere as new and bizarre as the Unknown are valid — yet neither quite understands where the other is coming from. Their resulting journey brings them together in masterful yet surprising ways. In fact, the same could be said of the rest of Over the Garden Wall.

You may think you know where a certain plot is going, but the series often plays with your expectations: A sinister old woman may not be as evil as you'd think, or a beautiful ghost may be something else entirely. What you think you see is never the full picture.

Over the Garden Wall is a beautiful, nostalgic ride with dark undertones The Woodsman and his lantern. Credit: Screenshot: HBO Max

Even though Over the Garden Wall came out in 2014, it has a timeless quality to it. You know you're watching something produced in the 21st century, but it could just as easily fit into the landscape of mid-20th-century animation.

That timelessness is due in large part to the show's gorgeous animation, which evokes hand-drawn, hand-painted styles that we rarely see in modern animation. Visual inspirations range from vintage Halloween postcards to the work of animator Max Fleischer to the 1890s board game "Game of Frog Pond." The Unknown is a beautifully crafted world that you'll want to get lost in again and again, just so you can catch all the show's lovely visual details.

Adding to Over the Garden Wall's charm is its soundtrack, a collection of folksy, jazzy songs by McHale and The Blasting Company. "Potatoes and Molasses" is a delightful earworm, while "Over the Garden Wall," performed by the late Jack Jones, who voiced a frog in the show, has the feel of a classic love song.

The standout number is the show's title theme, "Into the Unknown," also sung by Jones. A lone piano accompanies him as he croons about the arrival of autumn and pretending dreams can come true. Like Over the Garden Wall, "Into the Unknown" is haunting yet beautiful. In listening to it, you've gained something special. But at the same time the song acknowledges a loss — of spring, of memories, of simpler times.

Much of Over the Garden Wall concerns itself with these kinds of loss. For both Greg and Wirt, this is a coming-of-age story, and therefore, involves a loss of innocence. For many of the characters they meet, this is a story about overcoming grief. The cause of much of that grief, as well as a large part of Greg and Wirt's emotional journey, is the Beast.

Antlered, wreathed in darkness, and sporting a deep, operatic voice, the Beast looms large over the woods of the Unknown. Encounters with him — and with several of the Unknown's spookier citizens — are genuinely frightening. From demonic dogs to hungry ghosts, Over the Garden Wall doesn't pull its punches with its scares. Nor does it shy away from any of the existential dread such explorations of loss can evoke. The series balances this darker, more mature content with lighthearted moments and musical bangers, ensuring that people of all ages and entertainment preferences will find something to love here.

Over the Garden Wall clocks in at ten 11-minute-long episodes, so you can binge it all the way through or spread it out and savor it. Whichever option you choose, you'll feel like you've stepped out of time and into some long-lost Halloween special.

I recommend bundling up in a blanket, grabbing a mug of tea or apple cider, and jumping right into the Unknown alongside Greg and Wirt. There's no better way to spend your fall. And that's a Rock Fact!

Over the Garden Wall is now streaming on Hulu.

UPDATE: Nov. 1, 2024, 5:00 a.m. EDT This article was originally published on Oct. 21, 2022. It has been republished and updated to include references to "Over the Garden Wall"s 10th anniversary and the upcoming short film spinoff.

Election Falsehoods Take Off on YouTube as It Looks the Other Way

NYT Technology - Thu, 10/31/2024 - 05:00
The video site removed 2020 misinformation, fearing real-world harm. Now it’s amplifying and profiting from 2024 falsehoods, researchers said.

Let AI compose your next smash hit with Supermusic’s lifetime plan

Mashable - Thu, 10/31/2024 - 05:00

TL;DR: Hurry and get lifetime access to Supermusic AI for $39.97 by November 3 and start creating professional-grade music in minutes.

Have you ever thought, I wish I could write a song about [x]? The introduction of artificial intelligence into our world may spark caution, but its ability to create music is pretty darn cool. Supermusic AI takes the complexity out of composing and puts the power of music creation right in your hands, with no training required. Get lifetime access to this AI songwriting tool for only $39.97 (reg. $319) if you act quickly and purchase by 11:59 p.m. PT on Nov. 3.

Whether you’re a hobbyist looking to experiment with different genres or a content creator in need of original tracks, Supermusic AI’s innovative “prompt-to-song” feature lets you craft unique songs in minutes. You choose the style, input your ideas, and watch as AI transforms them into studio-quality tracks.

It doesn’t matter if you’re into pop, jazz, electronic, or something more niche — this tool is designed to handle it all. Want to create a high-energy dance track or even a mellow, jazzy background for a video project? The AI behind Supermusic is powered by cutting-edge models, ensuring that the music generated isn’t just passable, it’s professional-grade. You can use it to produce tracks that sound like they’ve been crafted in a studio.

And while the AI does a lot of the heavy lifting, you’re still in the driver’s seat. With Supermusic AI, you’re not just pressing a button and hoping for the best. You have the ability to adjust tempo, tweak melodies, and fine-tune every aspect of the track. This ensures that every piece of music you create is tailored to your exact specifications.

Forget about monthly fees or expensive software — this one-time purchase gives you all the tools you need to keep making music for years to come.

Turn your musical ideas into a reality and secure your lifetime access to Supermusic AI today for just $39.97 through Nov. 3 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Supermusic Supermusic AI: Lifetime Subscription $39.97 at the Mashable Shop
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A 2TB cloud storage lifetime subscription is only $89

Mashable - Thu, 10/31/2024 - 05:00

TL;DR: Give your files a forever home with a 2TB FileJump Lifetime Cloud Storage Subscription, now on sale for 80% off at just $89 (reg. $467). 

With everyone working, studying, and collaborating online, having secure, accessible cloud storage is no longer optional — it’s essential. But not all storage solutions offer the same level of reliability, ease, and cost savings. FileJump delivers on all three counts with its lifetime 2TB cloud storage plan, and it's only $89 (reg. $467) at the Mashable Shop. 

A lifetime of cloud storage for a one-time fee

Some cloud storage services have the space, but the UI is so frustrating that it's hardly worth it. FileJump’s drag-and-drop interface makes it easy to upload files directly from your computer or phone. Whether it’s high-resolution photos, videos, or large presentations, the platform can handle it all with a 15GB limit per file.

Built-in previews for images, videos, and PDFs allow you to view your content without needing to download anything, saving you time when working on the go.

Security is a must, especially if all your files are under one roof. With FileJump, your data is encrypted with AES technology, meaning only you and the people you trust can access your files. Whether you’re using the service for personal photo backups or professional projects, your files remain protected. Plus, with its lifetime access plan, you won’t need to worry about running out of storage space or losing access when your subscription ends.

FileJump platform supports mobile, too. So you can upload or manage files from your smartphone or tablet with no problem.

No subscription fees ever

One place and one purchase is all it takes to store your files for life. There's still time to get a FileJump 2TB Lifetime Subscription for $89. 

StackSocial prices subject to change. 

Opens in a new window Credit: FileJump FileJump 2TB Cloud Storage: Lifetime Subscription $89.00 at the Mashable Shop
$467.00 Save $378.00 Get Deal

New to streaming, ranked (Oct. 31, 2024)

Mashable - Thu, 10/31/2024 - 05:00

When it comes to streaming options, the list goes on and on: Hulu, Netflix, Max, Disney+, Apple TV+, Prime Video, Shudder, Paramount+, Peacock, and more. And that's before you even look at their vast libraries of movies and television within each one!

It can be overwhelming. So Mashable offers watch guides for all of the above, broken down by genre: comedy, thriller, horror, documentary, animation, and more. But maybe you don't know what you want beyond something new and entertaining. No worries. 

SEE ALSO: The best Netflix TV shows of 2024 (so far)

Mashable's Entertainment Team has scoured the streaming services to highlight the most buzzed-about releases of this week and ranked them from worst to best — or least to most watchable. Whether you want rocking concert films, heartwarming comedies, or juicy political thrillers, we've got you. 

7. The Manhattan Alien Abduction

Tales of alien abduction are often set in areas rural and remote, meaning there are few witnesses who might corroborate a self-proclaimed abductee's story. But, incredibly, in November of 1989, a Manhattan woman named Linda Napolitano claimed she'd been plucked right out of her apartment by a beam of light, which lifted her body into the sky and up to a spacecraft. Numerous witnesses shared accounts of seeing strange things that night, which inspired devoted UFOlogist Budd Hopkins to write the book Witnessed: The True Story of the Brooklyn Bridge UFO Abductions, focusing on Napolitano's abduction and her subsequent run-ins with otherworldly creatures. But was it all a hoax?

Two sides of this story face off in The Manhattan Alien Abduction. Directors Daniel Vernon and Vivienne Perry sit down with believers, including Napolitano and her son — now grown — who also claims to have had close encounters. They also give space to outspoken skeptic Carol Rainey, the late Hopkins' ex-wife who once worked closely with him as he interviewed alleged abductees. But as Rainey examined his tactics — which included hypnotism and some dubious deductions — she began to become skeptical of his evidence, and especially of the charismatic Napolitano. While life beyond Earth is all but certain, whether or not this supernatural story is true is still a matter of debate. With fresh interviews and never-before-seen footage, this three-part documentary invites audiences to play Mulder and Scully themselves. But be warned; this is not one of the better Netflix documentaries. Like too many of the streaming platform's doc series, it feels overlong, as if there was studio pressure to add filler. Ultimately, The Manhattan Alien Abduction is an easy binge-watch, but it's not a satisfying one. — Kristy Puchko, Entertainment Editor

How to watch: The Manhattan Alien Abduction is now streaming on Netflix.

6. Despicable Me 4

The Despicable Me franchise keeps chugging along. This time around, Gru (Steve Carell) must face off against supervillain Maxime Le Mal (voiced by Will Ferrell), who's busted out of prison and is hellbent on taking Gru down. The escape sends Gru and his family (including new baby, Gru Jr.) into witness protection program in a sleepy little town, but it's not long before the pressure of new identities and Gru Jr.'s hijinks get to Gru.

Despicable Me 4 is fine enough, with a rollicking heist set piece and a twist that sees the Minions getting superpowers. But after a while, the barrage of bits fades together, leaving you exhausted. Ultimately, Despicable Me 4 may be fun for the youngest of viewers to let off steam this weekend, but when it comes to 2024's animated offerings, you could certainly do better. After all, The Wild Robot and Inside Out 2 are out on digital and streaming. — B.E.

Starring: Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig, Will Ferrell, Joey King, Sofia Vergara, Stephen Colbert, Chloe Fineman, Miranda Cosgrove, Steve Coogan, Pierre Coffin, Dana Gaier, Madison Polan, and Chris Renaud

How to watch: Despicable Me 4 is now streaming on Peacock.

5. Olivia Rodrigo: GUTS World Tour

If you're wondering, "Watching GUTS tonight, it's a good idea right?" the answer is a resounding "Yes!" Olivia Rodrigo continues to cement her status as a pop superstar with her concert special — and fans are in for a treat. Rodrigo invites viewers to sing along, spill their guts, and quite literally scream about their feelings, all set to a soundtrack of her biggest ballads and bangers.

GUTS classics on display include "all-american bitch," "bad idea right?," "get him back!," and "vampire." And don't worry, there are a ton of SOUR songs in the mix, including "drivers license," the hit that catapulted Rodrigo into a household name status. Plus, get ready to dance your socks off when Chappell Roan cameos for a rousing rendition of "HOT TO GO!" — B.E.

Starring: Olivia Rodrigo

How to watch: Olivia Rodrigo: GUTS World Tour is now streaming on Netflix.

4. The Diplomat Season 2

One of Netflix's most addictive political dramas of 2023 is back for Season 2, and after that finale we're ready to dive into more diplomatic tension, secret workplace romances, and Keri Russell generally kickin' ass. Created by Debora Cahn (The West Wing, Homeland), this wildly popular series returns with Russell in the lead as Kate Wyler, the U.S. ambassador to the UK amid an international crisis. In the finale, the real villain was unmasked as a very influential caller from inside the house, and an explosion left some of the main characters' fates uncertain. Who survived the blast? And how will Kate figure out who's behind it, especially when she's distracted by the dishy UK foreign secretary, Austin Dennison (David Gyasi), and the arrival of U.S. Vice President Grace Penn (Allison Janney)?* — Shannon Connellan, UK Editor

Starring: Keri Russell, Allison Janney, Rory Kinnear, David Gyasi, Rufus Sewell, Ato Essandoh, Ali Ahn, Nana Mensah, Miguel Sandoval, Michael McKean, Celia Imrie, and T'Nia Miller

How to watch: The Diplomat Season 2 is now streaming on Netflix.

SEE ALSO: 'The Diplomat's Eidra and Stuart embody the practical puzzle of secret work romances 3. The Gutter

Seeking a side-splitting comedy that's perfect for a movie night with friends? We recommend audacious and hilarious new release The Gutter. This outrageous from directing brothers Isaiah Lester and Yassir Lester delivers a tale of lovable losers that's wacky, heart-warming, and will bowl you over with jaw-dropping jokes. Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse's Shameik Moore stars as a bowling prodigy whose drunken mentor (The Good Place's D'Arcy Carden) hopes to roll him to victory over a vicious long-standing champion (Susan Sarandon). But between handling the pressure of the game, dubious advertisers, and psychological warfare of fame, the path to success is anything but smooth.

SEE ALSO: 'The Gutter' review: The right kind of stupid

In my review out of SXSW, I proclaimed The Gutter "absolutely hysterical," praising its proudly stupid silliness and comparing it to such comedy classics as Dumb and Dumber, Cabin Boy, and The Big Lebowski. (Some of my personal favorites!) Simply put, "The Lesters have strategically stuffed so many goofy gags and such cleverly cast comedic performers, that from the first frame to the last The Gutter is a winner." — K.P.

Starring: Shameik Moore, D'Arcy Carden, Paul Reiser, and Susan Sarandon

How to watch: The Gutter opens in theaters and on Video On Demand on Nov. 1.

2. Janet Planet

Pulitzer Prize–winning playwright Annie Baker makes her directorial debut with the quietly affecting Janet Planet. The film examines the relationship between rising sixth grader Lacy (Zoe Ziegler) and her mother, the eponymous Janet (Julianne Nicholson), who are almost inseparable. Told in three acts, each named after a new friend or partner who arrives in Janet's life, Janet Planet positions Lacy as a mostly reserved observer trying to understand the intricacies of adulthood from afar.

SEE ALSO: 'Janet Planet' review: Annie Baker's mother-daughter story is a quiet marvel

The result is one of the most moving films of the year, and an impressive first directorial outing from Baker. As I wrote in my review, "Every line, every beat of Ziegler and Nicholson's performances — and yes, every silence — contributes to this thoroughly grounded, thoroughly in-the-moment portrait of Janet and Lacy's lives. This is a film that washes over you in a wave of quiet subtleties, marking a profoundly striking debut." — B.E.

Starring: Zoe Ziegler, Julianne Nicholson, Elias Koteas, Sophie Okonedo, and Will Patton

How to watch: Janet Planet hits Max Nov. 1.

1. Somebody Somewhere Season 3

Looking for a great comedy to get into? Look no further than Somebody Somewhere, which just kicked off its phenomenal third (and tragically final) season. An understated slice-of-life series that only gets better over time, Somebody Somewhere tells the story of Kansas native Sam (Bridget Everett), who's all but given up on herself in the wake of her sister's death. In Season 1, she finds new friends and a new community in Joel (Jeff Hiller) and Fred Rococo (drag legend Murray Hill). By Season 3, that community has blossomed — but Sam can't help but feel she's been left behind. Can she grow against all odds?

As I wrote in my review of Season 3, Somebody Somewhere is "a show that takes all of life's ups and downs in stride. In any other show, a big development like a successful business pitch, a disheartening trip to the doctor, or an encounter with a homophobic high school bully would cause a commotion and take up an entire episode. That's not a bad thing in itself, but Somebody Somewhere simply plays by a different set of rules, taking these developments and weaving them quietly into these characters' lives to inform their actions. It feels as true to life as TV can get, and it's an absolute gift we've gotten to experience it." — B.E.

Starring: Bridget Everett, Jeff Hiller, Mary Catherine Garrison, Tim Bagley, Murray Hill, Jennifer Mudge, Mercedes White, Meighan Gerachis, and Ólafur Darri Ólafsson

How to watch: Somebody Somewhere is now streaming on Max, with new episodes premiering Sundays at 10:30 p.m. ET on HBO and Max.

(*) denotes a blurb has been lifted or modified from a prior TV preview.

Get 5 years of privacy on 10 devices for only $35 with this VPN

Mashable - Thu, 10/31/2024 - 05:00

TL;DR: Protect your privacy with a 5-year AdGuard VPN subscription for $34.97 (reg. $359.40). This VPN deal is only available at the Mashable Shop for a few more days.

Ever been frustrated by region-locked content when traveling? Or maybe you're more concerned about leaving your digital footprint all over the internet? With geo-restrictions tightening and privacy concerns growing, a solid VPN is no longer just a nice-to-have luxury; it’s a necessity. The good news is that doesn't mean you have another big expense to worry about. 

AdGuard VPN is a powerful privacy solution that combines security, speed, and convenience to protect your online activities. Whether you’re working remotely, streaming shows abroad, or simply browsing from home, AdGuard makes sure your data stays encrypted and your privacy intact, and it's only $34.97 for a 5-year subscription, at least, if you buy during this limited-time sale. You don't need a coupon code to save 90% on the usual $359.40 price; just make your purchase at the Mashable Shop before this sale ends.

A VPN for families

AdGuard VPN gives you access to more than 60 global locations, letting you bypass regional content blocks and enjoy unrestricted browsing from anywhere. Unlike other VPNs, AdGuard uses its own custom security protocol, offering faster, more reliable connections. Whether you’re downloading large files or streaming in HD, you won’t need to worry about slow speeds or interruptions.

Privacy-conscious users will appreciate AdGuard’s strict no-logging policy, ensuring that your internet activities remain private, with no personal data stored or shared. With this VPN deal, a single subscription lets you cover up to 10 devices at once with AdGuard VPN, making it a great fit for families or professionals who need protection across multiple devices. AdGuard also updates its software regularly, so you’re always ahead of new security threats.

The service is compatible with a range of platforms, including iOS, Android, and desktop browsers like Chrome. Whether you’re catching up on shows during your commute or working on public Wi-Fi, AdGuard offers uninterrupted protection. While it may not work optimally in China, its performance elsewhere makes it a standout choice.

Only on sale for a few more days

Protect your privacy the easy way. 

You only have until Nov. 3 at 11:59 p.m. PT to get a 5-year AdGuard VPN Subscription on sale for $34.97. 

StackSocial prices subject to change. 

Opens in a new window Credit: AdGuard AdGuard VPN: 5-Year Subscription $34.97 at the Mashable Shop
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Scientists witness stunning, unprecedented carnage in the ocean

Mashable - Thu, 10/31/2024 - 05:00

On an unassuming morning off the Norwegian coast, millions of small fish called capelin began to gather in the ocean. Soon enough, they amassed to 23 million individuals, forming a group over 6 miles long.

Nearby predators, Atlantic cod, took notice.

Over just a few hours, marine researchers, using a sonar imaging system, observed a colossal congregation of cod consume over 10 million capelin. It was the largest predation event ever documented in the ocean.

"It’s the first time seeing predator-prey interaction on a huge scale, and it’s a coherent battle of survival," Nicholas Makris, a professor of mechanical and ocean engineering at MIT and one of the study's authors, said in an MIT statement.

SEE ALSO: A dominant shark lurks in the deep, dark ocean. Meet the sixgill.

This research from the Barents Sea was published in the peer-reviewed science journal Nature Communications Biology. The observations are from February 2014, but new techniques have illuminated the predation event by allowing scientists to clearly differentiate the cod from the capelin.

To our species, the event appears extraordinary or violent. But nature is commonly ruthless. In the dark deep sea, home to sprawling groups of animals, such natural happenings certainly impact a certain population, but don't necessarily spell doom for the greater species, like the capelin. The 2014 fish gathering, called a shoal, makes up just 0.1 percent of capelin in this ocean region.

"In our work we are seeing that natural catastrophic predation events can change the local predator prey balance in a matter of hours," Makris explained. "That’s not an issue for a healthy population with many spatially distributed population centers or ecological hotspots."

Yet, crucially, as marine ecosystems are threatened and the oceans warm relentlessly, not all populations will always be able to absorb such momentous losses.

"It’s been shown time and again that, when a population is on the verge of collapse, you will have that one last shoal. And when that last big, dense group is gone, there’s a collapse," Makris noted. "So you’ve got to know what’s there before it’s gone, because the pressures are not in their favor."

"It’s a coherent battle of survival"

Marine researchers couldn't be underwater to observe such an expansive, rapidly evolving predation event. But they used an acoustic instrument attached to the bottom of their vessel to beam sound waves into the water below. These acoustic signals, which are commonly used in ocean exploration and mapping, bounce off objects like fish, revealing what's down there. This specific instrument, called the Ocean Acoustic Waveguide Remote Sensing (OAWRS) system, captured the imagery below.

Importantly, the acoustic signals pinging off each type of fish are distinct, allowing the marine researchers to see both the congregation and predation event.

"Fish have swim bladders that resonate like bells," Makris said. "Cod have large swim bladders that have a low resonance, like a Big Ben bell, whereas capelin have tiny swim bladders that resonate like the highest notes on a piano."

Here's what you're seeing below:

- Row (i): Both species are seen spread out and randomly moving about the Barents Sea.

- Row (ii): In the early morning, both species create miles-long dense shoals.

- Row (iii): On left (a) is the surviving prey capelin; on right is the "vast engulfing cod shoal," the researchers wrote.

The acoustic maps show quickly forming and evolving shoals of both capelin and Atlantic cod. Credit: Courtesy of the researchers / MIT Two capelin fish. A fish is about the size of an anchovy. Credit: Craig F. Walker / The Boston Globe via Getty Images

Scientists estimate that the larger cod rapidly consumed over half of this giant capelin shoal, numbered at 23 million. Why might the capelin have formed such a massive, conspicuous group? Biologists suggest it allows the migrating animals to save energy as they cruise on the motion created by millions of traveling fish.

And in doing so, they attracted some 2.5 million Atlantic cod — a species commonly eaten by humans.

Such happenings below the surface are often unseen to us, but with these modern expeditions, it's growing evermore clear that Earth's seas are profoundly biodiverse and active.

Pay once, use forever — get all the Microsoft Office tools you need in one $65 package

Mashable - Thu, 10/31/2024 - 05:00

TL;DR: Leave recurring costs behind and get a lifetime license to Microsoft Office 2021 for just $69.97 (reg. $219.99) through Nov. 3.

With this limited-time offer from the Mashable Shop, you can get an unlimited device license for Microsoft Office Pro Plus 2021 for Windows with a one-time purchase. Once it's set up on your device, the license will never expire.

Here's what's included with purchase:

  • Lifetime access to essential Office apps: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams (free version only), OneNote, Publisher, and Access for all your work and personal projects

  • Access these productivity tools without recurring subscription fees

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20 best comedies streaming on Netflix right now

Mashable - Thu, 10/31/2024 - 05:00

Nothing feels as good as a deep, genuine laugh. It's an expression of joy! It's a workout. It's a sign that you're having a good time.

Netflix has a dazzling selection of comedy movies that put that good-time feeling on demand. Whether you're craving action-spiked shenanigans, quirky coming-of-age adventures, awkward humor, stranger-than-fiction silliness, madcap musical numbers, or crime with a spree of laughs, there's a perfect pick for you. And we've made singling it out all the easier by highlighting the most hilarious below.

Here are the 20 funniest movies now streaming on Netflix.

20. Logan Lucky Adam Driver, Channing Tatum, and Daniel Craig are mid-heist in "Logan Lucky." Credit: Trans-Radial Pictures / Kobal / Shutterstock.com

Returning to his love of a wacky heist, Ocean's Eleven helmer Steven Soderbergh delivers fresh thrills and laughs with this 2017 gem, which is absolutely stacked with a dazzling cast.

Channing Tatum and Adam Driver star as the Logan brothers, who come from a family supposedly cursed to baffling misfortune. But could their fate be turning when older brother Jimmy (Tatum) concocts a convoluted scheme to steal millions from a bustling race speedway during their biggest event of the year? Younger, one-armed brother Clyde (Driver) will be his right-hand man. Their spunky hair-stylist sister Mellie (Riley Keough) will be their getaway driver. Now all they need is to break out the infamous safecracker Joe Bang (Daniel Craig with a daffily entertaining Southern accent), and bring on his Bible-thumping brothers (Brian Gleeson and Jack Quaid) as backup. Also starring are Katie Holmes, Dwight Yoakam, Sebastian Stan, Seth MacFarlane, and Hilary Swank. Divulging anything more about this Southern-fried romp would be to spoil the fun. — Kristy Puchko, Entertainment Editor

How to watch: Logan Lucky is now streaming on Netflix.

19. Two Weeks Notice Hugh Grant and Sandra Bullock walk in Manhattan in "Two Weeks Notice." Credit: Eli Reed / Warner Bros / Kobal / Shutterstock

This 2002 romantic comedy united the forces of America's Sweetheart, Sandra Bullock, and England's Brat Prince, post-Bridget Jones's Diary Hugh Grant. Written and directed by Marc Lawrence, Two Weeks Notice follows a Spencer-Hepburn approach to love and humor, introducing an enemies-to-lovers arc that's timelessly charming.

Bullock stars as an intelligent and altruistic lawyer who wants to devote her skills to the betterment of mankind. Unfortunately, she's fallen into a tireless job as the chief legal counsel for an arrogant, obnoxious, and deeply selfish real-estate developer (Grant). Finally fed up, she gives notice, but leaving isn't as easy as she'd like. Sparks fly, punchlines land, and we still swoon over this charming laffer. — K.P.

How to watch: Two Weeks Notice is now streaming on Netflix.

18. Midnight Run Robert De Niro smirks in "Midnight Run." Credit: Universal / Kobal / Shutterstock

Craving old-school laughs? Then you'll appreciate this 1988 hit, which has Robert De Niro and Charles Grodin in their comfort zones and irritating each other for our amusement.

Following the success of Beverly Hills Cop, director Martin Brest delivered another cracking action-comedy. De Niro stars as Jack Walsh, a gruff (but lovable) ex-cop turned bounty hunter whose latest assignment is tracking down Jonathan "The Duke" Mardukas (Grodin), a mob boss's accountant who embezzled millions and jumped bail. Catching the pencil-pusher is supposed to be quick and easy money — a "midnight run," if you will. But not only must Jack get his quarry across the U.S. without being killed by gangsters or collared by feds, he must also resist the urge to strangle the grousing, neurotic accountant himself. Make no mistake; there's a distinct delight in beholding De Niro's surly façade get ruffled by a snarking Grodin. — K.P.

How to watch: Midnight Run is now streaming on Netflix.

17. Pain & Gain Dwayne Johnson, Mark Wahlberg, and Anthony Mackie star in "Pain & Gain." Credit: Platinum Dunes / Kobal / Shutterstock

Darkly funny and brilliantly savage, Pain & Gain brings together one of the U.S.'s wildest true crime stories with Michael Bay's eye for outlandish spectacle. Set amid the sweaty gyms, shady sex shops, and glistening mansions of 1994 Miami, this action-comedy stars Mark Wahlberg, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, and Anthony Mackie as three muscle-bound meatheads who'll do anything to get their American Dream — even if that means abduction, fraud, and murder. Along the way, they'll collide with muscle cars, hard drugs, enormous dildos, and the long arm of the law, as portrayed by a steely Ed Harris.

By fueling the film with a pumped-up soundtrack and almost obscenely high-contrast colors, Bay manages to keep even the grimmest parts of this stranger-than-fiction story light. An ensemble cast — which includes Tony Shalhoub, Rob Corddry, and Rebel Wilson — bolsters this bright but bonkers tone with larger-than-life performances. That, plus the crackling wit in a script from Captain America: Civil War writers Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely, makes for a movie that is in turn exciting, shocking, and thought-provoking, but overall a laugh riot. — K.P.

How to watch: Pain & Gain is now streaming on Netflix.

16. Bridesmaids Maya Rudolph and Kristen Wiig work out in "Bridesmaids." Credit: Suzanne Hanover / Universal / Kobal / Shutterstock

Raunchy, hilarious, and ultimately heart-warming, Bridesmaids is a terrific comedy even when the crush of wedding season has come to an end. Kristen Wiig stars as a down-on-her-luck baker who feels her longest-lasting relationship with her soon-to-be-married best friend (Maya Rudolph) is threatened when a picture-perfect bridesmaid (Rose Byrne) muscles in on maid-of-honor duties.

Co-starring Melissa McCarthy, Ellie Kemper, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Jon Hamm, and Chris O'Dowd, this Paul Feig-directed comedy about female friendship offers everything from Saturday Night Live-style silliness to outrageous improvisations and an explosive poop joke that results in a hysterical sequence impossible to forget. Get ready to party with the bad girls of comedy. You won't regret it. — K.P.

How to watch: Bridesmaids is now streaming on Netflix.

15. Plus One

Ben (Jack Quaid) and Alice (Maya Erskine) are old college friends who, in their late twenties, find themselves two of the few people in their circles left without partners. With a summer of endless weddings and awkward singles tables ahead of them, Ben and Alice decide to team up as each other’s plus-ones for the nuptial marathon, accidentally falling for each other along the way. 

With a cast full of indie comedy darlings and a funny, grounded script, Plus One is a top-notch rom-com for the modern era. For outrageous hijinks and convenient romance, look elsewhere. This is a sweet, relatable winner that feels about as real as a rom-com can get.* — Kristina Grosspietsch, Contributing Writer

How to watch: Plus One is now streaming on Netflix.

SEE ALSO: 'Plus One': A perfect rom-com for when you're a bit over love 15. Easy A Emma Stone wears a scarlet A in "Easy A." Credit: Olive Bridge / Kobal / Shutterstock

Want a raunchy teen comedy that's surprisingly smart? Then revisit 2010's winsome rom-com Easy A. Emma Stone stars as Olive, a modern-day Hester Prynne, which in this context means a high school girl who's trading fictional sexcapades for gift cards. The boys get high fives for their sexual prowess, while — double standards being what they are — Olive gets slut-shamed and shunned. But don't worry, she's got a plan.

Will Gluck directs a star-studded cast that includes You's Penn Badgley as a lovable crush, Amanda Bynes as a judgmental mean girl, Thomas Haden Church as a confounded mentor, and Patricia Clarkson and Stanley Tucci as Olive's parents; they're funny, outrageous, and the definition of couple goals. They've got a pocketful (pocketful pocketful) of sunshine, and all you have to do to enjoy is hit play. — K.P.

How to watch: Easy A is now streaming on Netflix.

14. Zombieland

Horror-comedy got a double-tap of greatness with this 2009 romp, which imagines the zombie apocalypse as an amusement park packed with action, gore, and punchlines galore. Jesse Eisenberg stars as the meek yet wise Columbus, whose rules to survival have kept him safe since outbreak day went from potential hookup to self-defensive homicide. Joining him on a rowdy road trip through a ravaged USA are hard-hitting Tallahassee (Woody Harrelson), sassy Little Rock (Abigail Breslin), and snarling but scorching-hot Wichita (Emma Stone).

Can love and friendship blossom in this hopeless place? Does Bill Murray pop up for a kooky cameo? Find out by hitting play. — K.P.

How to watch: Zombieland is now streaming on Netflix.

13. Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F Eddie Murphy is back as Axel Foley. Credit: Netflix

Eddie Murphy returns as wise-cracking Detroit police officer Axel Foley. 30 years after Beverly Hills Cop III, this sensational sequel sees Foley returning to Los Angeles to fight a new foe, reunite with old friends, and reconnect with his estranged daughter.

SEE ALSO: 'Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F' review: Netflix's sequel shouldn't work and yet...

Reprising their supporting roles are Beverly Hills Cop co-stars John Ashton, Judge Reinhold, Paul Reiser, and Bronson Pinchot. New to the crew is Taylour Paige as Axel's hard-headed daughter, Joseph Gordon-Levitt as a local ally, Nasim Pedrad as a flustered real estate agent, and Kevin Bacon as a smirking antagonist. The sparks will fly. The punchlines hit powerfully. The soundtrack is fire. And just like that, the heat is back on! — K.P.

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

12. Between Two Ferns: The Movie Credit: Adam Rose / Netflix

Zach Galifianakis' awkward celebrity interview web series Between Two Ferns might not seem like fodder for a full-length movie, but Between Two Ferns: The Movie goes double meta by presenting his success on Funny or Die as an insult to the actor's intention to host a "serious" interview show. Galifianakis the character sets off to correct the assumption that his original show is a joke by interviewing even more celebrities, like John Cho, Keanu Reeves, Gal Gadot, Tiffany Haddish, and more. — Alexis Nedd, Senior Entertainment Reporter

How to watch: Between Two Ferns: The Movie is now streaming on Netflix.

11. Do Revenge Credit: Netflix

Looking for a revenge flick that pays tribute to teen classics like Mean Girls, Heathers, Cruel Intentions, and more? Then check out Do Revenge, a dark comedy sure to join the canon of iconic high school movies. Students Drea (Camila Mendes) and Eleanor (Maya Hawke) couldn't be more different... apart from the fact that both have major bones to pick with people who ruined their reputations. They decide to team up and execute one another's revenge plans, which leads down a winding road of morally dubious choices, snappy one-liners, and excellent outfits.

Mendes and Hawke have great chemistry, but it's Sophie Turner who damn near steals the show in a bit part that simply must be seen to be believed.*Belen Edwards, Entertainment Reporter

How to watch: Do Revenge is now streaming on Netflix.

SEE ALSO: Sophie Turner steals Netflix's 'Do Revenge' in 5 outrageous minutes 10. Always Be My Maybe Credit: Netflix

What if the one who got away got a second chance? Back in the day, Sasha and Marcus were tight as a slap bracelet. But one fumbled night in a sweaty backseat seemed to shatter their future together.

Fifteen years later, she's a world-renowned chef and he's — well — he's working for his dad's HVAC business and playing with his band on the side. Still, fate arranges for them to reconnect, which could mean Marcus (Randall Park) has a shot to show Sasha (Ali Wong) how he feels. Comedy ensues as the stakes get high when Keanu Reeves crashes the party, being all weird and hot and having the audacity to be Keanu Reeves! This Nahnatchka Khan-helmed laffer also boasts appearances by James Saito, Charlyne Yi, Karan Soni, Daniel Dae Kim, and Michelle Buteau.*K.P.

How to watch: Always Be My Maybe is now streaming on Netflix.

SEE ALSO: 20 best romantic comedies to fall in love with on Netflix

9. Dolemite Is My Name Credit: François Duhamel / Netflix

Chronicling the true story of late comedian Rudy Ray Moore — also known as Dolemite — this Eddie Murphy vehicle is worth every minute of viewing.

An outrageous showbiz comedy, Dolemite Is My Name is at once a poignant look at the life of an underdog and an unbelievably good time. With supporting performances by Da'Vine Joy Randolph, Wesley Snipes, Craig Robinson, and more, this biopic offers more beat-for-beat joy than many of its fictional counterparts. Sensational, aspirational, and electric: You'll love it. — Alison Foreman, Entertainment Reporter

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

8. The Polka King Credit: Netflix

Sometimes true crime can lead to some pitch-perfect dark comedy. This is the case for this outrageous offering, which stars Jack Black as infamous scammer/local celebrity Jan Lewan. Black brings all the rock star panache you need to understand how Lewan could be so beguiling to the Pennsylvanian retirees who surrendered their savings to the self-proclaimed Polka King.

Screenwriters Maya Forbes and Wallace Wolodarsky gave this story of fraud and showmanship shape. But they wisely trusted in the local flair of the terrific 2009 documentary The Man Who Would Be Polka King to provide some of the wildest lines of dialogue. Plucking directly from interviews with the friends, family, and victims of Jan Lewan, this comedy feels stranger than fiction but is jaw-droppingly real. Salty supporting turns from Jenny Slate, Jacki Weaver, and Jason Schwartzman bring added fun.* — K.P.

How to watch: The Polka King is now streaming on Netflix.

SEE ALSO: Love me like a Polka King 7. The Mitchells vs. The Machines 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 wall-eyed pug named Monchi (voiced by social media icon Doug the Pug).

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

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

6. Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery Credit: Netflix

Writer/director Rian Johnson follows up his critically heralded whodunnit with a sequel that's even more explosive than Knives Out. Southern gentleman/detective Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) is back, drawling deductions and whipping out witticisms, much to the chagrin of a group of wealthy and conniving friends.

It was supposed to be a murder mystery weekend where homicide was just a game. But when tech scion Miles Bron (Edward Norton) brings together his closest friends and worst enemy, real blood will be spilled, and the game is afoot! Joining in on the comically chaotic fun are Kate Hudson, Janelle Monáe, Dave Bautista, Kathryn Hahn, Leslie Odom Jr., and Jessica Henwick. — K.P.

How to watch: Glass Onion is now streaming on Netflix.

SEE ALSO: All those 'Glass Onion' cameos, ranked 5. The Forty-Year-Old Version Credit: Jeong Park / Netflix © 2020

The Forty-Year-Old Version isn’t just any film about a struggling New York artist, but one about a Black female playwright who’s continually held back from creating something authentic to her perspective. Radha Blank's autobiographical directorial debut, which she also wrote, produced, and stars in, is a searing, funny, and unabashedly honest look at the compromises Black creatives are pushed to make in a world dominated by whiteness.

A teacher approaching her 40th birthday, Radha (Blank) gets the chance to produce one of her plays — only after she refuses to write a slave musical. But forced to change her vision to appease white audiences, Radha considers a totally different medium to express herself: becoming a rapper. The Forty-Year-Old Version may be one of the most slept-on Netflix originals, and it’s a shame we've yet to see another film from Blank since, itself an indictment of an industry that fails to continually platform raw and honest Black storytelling.* — Oliver Whitney, Freelance Contributor

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

4. Vampires vs. the Bronx Credit: Netflix

Want a movie that's got excitement, comedy, a scorching message about the evils of gentrification, and is a kid-friendly romp? Then take a bite out of Vampires vs. the Bronx.

Oz Rodriguez's PG-13 horror-comedy centers on Afro-Latino teens who recognize that a flurry of missing person posters and an influx of rich white folks with tote bags means bad news for the neighborhood. Together, they team up Monster Squad-style to take down the bloodsuckers and save their community. With a sharp wit, a warm heart, a rich sense of atmosphere, and an equal appreciation for the Blade movies and '80s Amblin, Vampires vs. the Bronx is an easy watch full of rewards.*K.P.

How to watch: Vampires vs. the Bronx is now streaming on Netflix.

3. The Breaker Upperers

This hidden gem comes from New Zealand, the fertile comedy ground that gave us Taika Waititi, Flight of the Conchords, and What We Do in the ShadowsWaititi collaborators Jackie van Beek, James Rolleston, and Jemaine Clement team up for a deeply quirky buddy comedy about two long-time besties with a bonkers — but brilliant — business model.

Need someone to dump your partner so you can avoid a messy confrontation? Call on Jen and Mel (co-writers/co-directors/co-leads van Beek and Madeleine Sami). For a reasonable fee, these fearless Breaker Upperers will impersonate police officers, play pregnant, or even fake your death to help you ghost an ex. Whatever the shenanigans, van Beek and Sami sparkle. Booming with wild humor and big heart, this comedy is guaranteed to leave you cackling.* — K.P.

Where to watch: The Breaker Upperers is now streaming on Netflix.

2. Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga Credit: John Wilson / Netflix

With its reputation for wacky musical numbers, the Eurovision Song Contest is ripe for parody. Luckily for Eurovision lovers, the contest gets the send-up it deserves in this gloriously goofy flick starring Will Ferrell and Rachel McAdams. They play the Icelandic musical duo Fire Saga, who find themselves in the Eurovision spotlight. There, they discover that the famed competition is a world of cutthroat competitors, glitzy costumes, and many, many bops.

Eurovision Song Contest is full of larger-than-life characters and ridiculous humor, but it's also teeming with Eurovision references that will have fans laughing and cheering. For every "Jaja Ding Dong," there's a joyful Song-A-Long — and both are great! Pair all that with pitch-perfect comedic performances from Ferrell and McAdams, and you have a comedy that will both have you in stitches and win your heart. (Best of all, if you weren't a Eurovision fanatic before seeing this movie, you'll definitely be one by the time it ends.)*B.E.

How to watch: Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga is now streaming on Netflix.

1. Monty Python and the Holy Grail Credit: FilmPublicityArchive / United Arch

Made up of Graham Chapman, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, John Cleese, Michael Palin, and Terry Gilliam, the comedy troupe Monty Python are the uncontested kings of comedy. So it's only fitting that we raise a glass to their most popular film, Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Sure, Life of Brian has iconoclastic fun with Bible stories — and a toe-tapping sound number to boot! But many of the crew's most memorable characters tumble forth in this parody of Arthurian lore.

From the Knights Who Say "Ni!" to the dreaded Rabbit of Caerbannog to a taunting Frenchman to the Black Knight who'll never say die, Holy Grail is overflowing with madcap comedy. It's endlessly quotable, stupidly funny, and captures everything that made this comedy team spectacular. Not to mention, it forever changed how we see coconuts, swallows, hamsters, and elderberries. — K.P. & A.F.

How to watch: Monty Python and the Holy Grail is now streaming on Netflix.

Opens in a new window Credit: Netflix Netflix Get Deal

* denotes that this blurb appeared in a previous Mashable list. 

UPDATE: Oct. 8, 2024, 2:21 p.m. EDT This list was originally published on March 26, 2020. It has been updated to reflect the current selection on Netflix.

The 20 best action movies on Netflix right now

Mashable - Thu, 10/31/2024 - 05:00

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

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

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

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

Here are the 20 best action movies on Netflix, streaming right now.

20. Jaws

In 1975, Steven Spielberg gave rise to the blockbuster with this iconic creature feature. Roy Scheider, Robert Shaw, and Richard Dreyfuss star as an unlikely trio of sheriff, sea captain, and shark expert. Together, they brave the waters off Amity Island to do battle with a man-eating great white shark. Though not as action-packed as today's blockbusters, this nerve-rattling adaptation of Peter Benchley's beach read was scary enough to drive audiences wild and turn the tide of shark sentiment against the sea beast for decades.

Yet nothing in the fear-mongering Shark Week can compete with the man-versus-sea-beast action that goes down here. And every time, you'll be tempted to cheer when Brody snarls, "Smile, you sonovabitch!" —Kristy Puchko, Entertainment Editor

How to watch: Jaws is now streaming on Netflix.

19. 21 Jump Street Credit: Moviestore / Shutterstock

It seemed highly unlikely that anyone could update a ludicrous TV show where grown-ass adult cops go fight crime in high schools into anything resembling a good movie. Yet, somehow Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs helmers Phil Lord and Christopher Miller's live-action debut was equal parts hilarious, smart, bro-ishly sweet (as all Channing Tatum flicks should be), and packed full of action.

With a goofily propulsive script by co-star Jonah Hill — back when he was still getting typecast as that Superbad dork — and Michael Bacall, and strong supporting performances by Dave Franco, Rob Riggle, Brie Larson, Holly Robinson Peete, and yes, Ice Cube, 21 Jump Street had its very own mid-aughts moment worth revisiting. And keep your eyes peeled for a now-controversial cameo. — Jenni Miller, Contributing Writer

How to watch: 21 Jump Street is now streaming on Netflix.

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

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

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

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

17. Zombieland Credit: Pariah / Kobal / Shutterstock

Horror-comedy got a double-tap of greatness with this 2009 romp, which imagines the zombie apocalypse as an amusement park packed with action, gore, and punchlines galore. Jesse Eisenberg stars as the meek yet wise Columbus, whose rules to survival have kept him safe since outbreak day went from potential hookup to self-defensive homicide. Joining him on a rowdy road trip through a ravaged USA are hard-hitting Tallahassee (Woody Harrelson), sassy Little Rock (Abigail Breslin), and snarling but scorching-hot Wichita (Emma Stone).

Can love and friendship blossom in this hopeless place? Does Bill Murray pop up for a kooky cameo? Find out by hitting play. — K.P.

How to watch: Zombieland is now streaming on Netflix.

16. Damsel Credit: John Wilson / Netflix

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

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

How to watch: Damsel is now streaming on Netflix.

SEE ALSO: Netflix's 'Damsel' trailer will put you in distress 15. Cold Pursuit

Patron saint of action Liam Neeson headlines this icy thriller that's an English-language remake of 2014 Norwegian film In Order of Disappearance (Kraftidioten). Here, Neeson plays Nels Coxman, a snowplow driver whose job in his Colorado community is so key that he's been awarded Citizen of the Year. But when his beloved son dies of a drug overdose, Nels readies to clear away more than snow. With a thirst for vengeance and a sawed off shotgun, he hunts down the cartel that's corrupted his community — and its bloody thrilling to witness. Edged with a dark sense of humor, Cold Pursuit is wicked fun. — K.P.

How to watch: Cold Pursuit is now streaming on Netflix.

14. RRR

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

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

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

How to watch: RRR is now streaming on Netflix.

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

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

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

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

12. Enola Holmes Credit: Netflix

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

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

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

11. 65 Credit: Patti Perret / Sony Pictures Entertainment

Sometimes, you get the urge to watch an Oscar-nominated actor blast a bunch of dinosaurs with a laser gun. And when that urge sneaks up on you, the only cure is 65.

65 is built around the genius premise that is "Adam Driver fights dinosaurs," and boy, does it deliver. As Mills, a pilot from a super advanced civilization from 65 million years ago, Driver crash-lands on prehistoric Earth, where he headshots a T. Rex, bludgeons a raptor, and much, much more. He also takes the time to bond with his one fellow survivor, a young girl named Koa (Barbie's Ariana Greenblatt). The result is a sweet "lone wolf and cub" movie full of dino-sized thrills, kills, and a very threatening asteroid. — B.E.

How to watch: 65 is now streaming on Netflix.

10. They Cloned Tyrone Credit: Netflix

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

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

SEE ALSO: We need to talk about 'They Cloned Tyrone's ending 9. Kill Boksoon Credit: No Ju-han / Netflix

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

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

8. Triple Frontier Credit: Netflix

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

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

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

7. Okja Credit: Netflix

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

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

How to watch: Okja is now streaming on Netflix.

6. Da 5 Bloods Credit: Netflix

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

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

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

5. The Quick and the Dead Sharon Stone raises her gun in "The Quick and the Dead." Credit: Murray Close / Tri Star / Kobal / Shutterstock.com

Sam Raimi is best known for stomach-churning horror (Evil Dead, Drag Me to Hell) or larger-than-life superhero adventures (The OG Spider-Man trilogy, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness). But between these phases of a funky filmography, the cult-adored director tried his hand at a Western with The Quick and the Dead. And it's a weird but wonderful watch.

Sharon Stone stars as a hardened wanderer known as "The Lady" who blows into the Old West town of Redemption with a dark secret and a snarl for fools. There, a fast-draw tournament spills blood and drama in the main thoroughfare, all under the piercing stare of tyrant John Herod (Gene Hackman). Rolling through like furious tumbleweeds are a cast of colorful characters, from young guns to battered pacifists to surly straight shooters, played by the likes of Leonardo DiCaprio, Russell Crowe, Keith David, Lance Henriksen, Tobin Bell, and Gary Sinise. If that cast list alone doesn't have you adding this one to your queue, then we're very different people, pardner. But maybe the promise of a string of suspenseful shoot-outs will win you over? — K.P.

How to watch: The Quick and the Dead is now streaming on Netflix.

4. Army of the Dead Credit: Netflix

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

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

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

3. The Old Guard Credit: Netflix

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Opens in a new window Credit: Netflix Netflix Get Deal

* denotes the entry comes from a previous Mashable list.

UPDATE: Oct. 29, 2024, 4:00 p.m. EDT This list was first published on May 24, 2020. It has since been updated to reflect the current selection on Netflix.

NYT's The Mini crossword answers for October 31, 2024

Mashable - Thu, 10/31/2024 - 04:23

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, October 31, 2024:

AcrossHybrid equine animal with stripes
  • The answer is Zorse.

"Fingers crossed!"
  • The answer is IHope.

Record company
  • The answer is Label.

Shoe that can be decorated with pieces called Jibbitz
  • The answer is Croc.

Wearing many ___ (versatile at work)
  • The answer is Hats.

SEE ALSO: Hurdle hints and answers for October 31 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for October 31 DownZippo, nada, nothin'
  • The answer is Zilch.

Catherine of "Beetlejuice"
  • The answer is Ohara.

Halloween costume with a cardboard box and aluminum foil
  • The answer is Robot.

Tech product details
  • The answer is Specs.

Sushi fish served cooked
  • The answer is Eel.

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.

NYT Strands hints, answers for October 31

Mashable - Thu, 10/31/2024 - 04:17

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 31 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for October 31 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Trick or Treat!

These words are spooky fits.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

Words that refer to Halloween gear. 

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Costume.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for October 31
  • Witch

  • Mummy

  • Pumpkin

  • Pirate

  • Costume

  • Clown

  • Ghost

  • Princess

SEE ALSO: Hurdle hints and answers for October 31 SEE ALSO: Mini crossword answers for October 31

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.

6 of the coolest upcoming indie games at SXSW Sydney 2024

Mashable - Thu, 10/31/2024 - 03:45

SXSW Sydney returned this month, bringing the tech, film, music, and games festival back to Australia for its second year. This time SXSW Sydney's video game showcase took place at the University of Technology, Sydney, where developers gathered to show off indie titles both from within Australia and abroad.

SEE ALSO: Crab MLMs, gay Dracula, and Pooh Bear body horror: 9 of the best upcoming games at SXSW Sydney

Times are undoubtedly tough in the video game industry, which has struggled through countless layoffs this year. Fortunately, there are still some developers continuing to work on exciting new games that the rest of us can look forward to playing soon.

In no particular order, here are some of the coolest indie games we checked out at SXSW Sydney 2024.

SEDAP! A Culinary Adventure

As a fan of food in video games, and Asian food in particular, I've been following SEDAP! A Culinary Adventure for a while. This "cooking-combat adventure" from Singapore's kopiforge features delicious Southeast Asian foods such as teh tarik, nasi lemak, ondeh ondeh, and even strays further north to include Taiwan's bubble tea.

SEDAP! has clear similarities to Overcooked, with cartoonish characters running around to prepare a variety of delectable dishes. However, rather than collect ingredients from allocated storage areas, SEDAP!'s chefs must gather them fresh from the source. This could mean plucking a pineapple, but it could also mean using your chef's knife to fight a chicken, adding the danger of combat to its culinary equation. 

You won't have to fight alone either, with SEDAP! supporting two-player co-op as well as solo play.

SEDAP! A Culinary Adventure is scheduled for release in March 2025.

Winter Burrow

Who amongst us has not wished to be a little mouse living in a tree hollow and knitting themselves jumpers out of grass? Pine Creek Games' Winter Burrow allows you to fulfil your Beatrix Potter dreams, albeit with a survival bent.

Billed as a cosy survival game, Winter Burrow positions you as a mouse restoring their childhood home after returning to discover it in ruins. You also have to search for your missing aunt, who was tasked with caring for it, as well as give the residents of your local community a helping hand.

The weather's pretty chilly though, so first you'll need to gather resources and repair your furniture, keep yourself fed, and knit yourself some warmer clothes to wear on your adventure. Winter Burrow's storybook-like illustrations give the game a distinct charm, and take the dark edge off dangers such as freezing to death.

Winter Burrow is scheduled for release in 2025.

Wabisabi Sushi Derby

Of all the games I tried at SXSW Sydney, Wabisabi Sushi Derby was the quickest to capture my heart. 

Developed by Japan's ITAMAE STUDIO, Wabisabi Sushi Derby has you play as a sushi chef creating cute little bites and entering them in races. These adorable morsels automatically run around a sushi train track, avoiding hungry customers and speeding up when you cheer for them, but will eventually lose freshness if they aren't eaten. You can even train your sushi to improve their stats, which is pretty satisfying. I would absolutely eat up a sushi raising sim.

Though the gameplay was relatively simple, Wabisabi Sushi Derby's cheerful sushi pixel art and fun concept easily held my attention — I could happily just sit and watch them run around a track for a while. I'm curious to see whether the full release will continue to keep player interest.

Wabisabi Sushi Derby is scheduled for release later this year.

Dungeon Inn

While your traditional business management sim will never get old, it's always interesting to see developers try something new. Developed by South Korean studio Cat Society, Dungeon Inn is unique in that rather than directly focusing on building and running an inn, players will spend most of their time arranging signage to direct the flow of guests.

You play as the commercially-minded proprietor of a new inn, strategically located near a popular dungeon. Said dungeon is a frequent destination for the members of two rival adventuring guilds, providing two streams of potential customers on either side of the inn. The catch is that you must serve both guilds without letting either find out that you're also playing the other side. 

While Dungeon Inn does allow you to build new facilities, the primary focus is on erecting temporary roadside installations. These can alert potential guests to your inn, sell them snacks to alter their speed of travel, or even stop them on the road, preventing opposing guilds from running into each other and catching on to your scheme.

Dungeon Inn is scheduled for early access release on Nov. 14, with the full launch expected in 2025.

Identifile

Identifile was one of the more creative games at SXSW Sydney's showcase, positioning you as an antivirus fighting off malicious intruders on a computer. Developed by Singapore's Gearbyte Games, Identifile utilises a procedural folder-based dungeon system on a replica PC desktop screen, with every file acting as a new room. Open a file, and you can find coins for upgrades, keys to open zipped subfolders, and, of course, malware.

Players' attacks depend on the cursor they choose at the beginning, with each option offering different stats. One may require you to repeatedly click on the evil pixellated representations of malware overtaking your screen, while another deals damage by circling them. Just remember to play in short bursts to prevent RSI.

I did initially have trouble figuring out why I was losing health, as the build I played didn't make clear that you are your cursor and must dodge attacks accordingly. It's likely Identifile will be making some tweaks to address this though, with the game still under development.

Identifile has not yet announced a release date.

Demonschool

Higher education is hard enough without dealing with gangsters, demons, and "big weirdos," but at least Demonschool gives you a squad to help you through it. From California-based Necrosoft Games, Demonschool is a turn-based tactical roleplaying game that draws inspiration from Italian giallo horror as well as Shin Megami Tensei (sans collectible monsters).

Described as having a "light horror narrative," Demonschool fortunately isn't too frightening — especially since you can punch demons in the face. Facing off against supernatural denizens who have no business being anywhere near a school, Demonschool has you plan your four party members' attacks on a battlefield grid, then hit a button to execute all of them simultaneously while you sit back and watch the carnage. 

You also need to plan your school schedule to build your characters' skills, and befriend people so you can take them on your demon-punching adventures, just like real life.

Demonschool is planned for release in early 2025.

How to watch Al Ittihad vs. Al Ahli online for free

Mashable - Thu, 10/31/2024 - 01:00

TL;DR: Live stream Al Ittihad vs. Al Ahli in the Saudi Pro League for free on 10Play. Access this free streaming site from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The Saudi Pro League is a tough competition to win, especially when Al-Hilal won't stop winning. The rest of the league are trying to keep pace with the defending champions, and that challenge is being led by Karim Benzema's Al Ittihad.

Al Ittihad have won seven games out of eight this season, and take on Al Ahli in the next fixture. If you want to watch Al Ittihad vs. Al Ahli in the Saudi Pro League for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Al Ittihad vs. Al Ahli?

Al Ittihad vs. Al Ahli in the Saudi Pro League kicks off at 2 p.m. ET on Oct. 31. This fixture takes place at the King Abdullah Sports City,.

How to watch Al Ittihad vs. Al Ahli for free

Al Ittihad vs. Al Ahli in the Saudi Pro League is available to live stream for free on 10Play in Australia.

10Play is geo-restricted to Australia, so you might need to use a VPN to access this free streaming site if you're traveling abroad during this game. VPNs can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Australia, meaning you can unblock free live streams of the Saudi Pro League from anywhere in the world.

Access a free live stream of Al Ittihad vs. Al Ahli 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 Australia

  4. Visit 10Play

  5. Live stream Al Ittihad vs. Al Ahli for free from anywhere in the world

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

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Al Ittihad vs. Al Ahli in the Saudi Pro League without actually spending anything. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream select Saudi Pro League fixtures before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for 10Play?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on 10Play, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries including Australia

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

  • Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

  • Fast connection speeds free from throttling

  • Up to eight simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

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

Live stream Al Ittihad vs. Al Ahli in the Saudi Pro League for free with ExpressVPN.

Experience deep calm in seconds with this meditation app —  83% off lifetime access

Mashable - Thu, 10/31/2024 - 00:00

TL;DR: Get lifetime access to the Calmind Premium Master Plan for £38.59 (reg. £230.80) and turn your smartphone into a relaxation hub.

Between work and personal responsibilities, finding time to relax and reset can be tough. But what if your phone could be your secret weapon for stress relief, deep relaxation, and mental clarity? Calmind was designed to be your gateway to improved mental well-being, helping you to unlock new levels of mindfulness and peace within yourself.

For just £38.59, you can access lifetime benefits to a unique app that transforms your phone into a tool for focus, meditation, and better sleep — all using light.

Calmind introduces the innovative Flickering Light Stimulation (FLS) technology, which uses your phone’s flashlight to create relaxing closed-eye visuals. This scientifically backed method syncs your brainwaves to help you relax, focus, and meditate more deeply. Whether you’re looking to unwind after a long day or boost your focus during work, Calmind makes it easy to enter a calm state via your phone’s light.

With over 500 sessions across eight FLS programs, Calmind offers a personalised approach to wellness. Whether you struggle with sleep, stress relief, or mental clarity, there’s a session for you to try. And the best part? You get lifetime access to these programs without any additional costs.

Calmind's Safeplace Journal allows you to capture moments of gratitude, positivity, and reflection to help you elevate your emotional well-being. Pair this with the calming breathing exercises for an all-in-one wellness boost whenever you need it.

Check it out for yourself and see if Calmind can help you find a little more peace.

A lifetime subscription to the Calmind Premium Master Plan is on sale for just £38.59 (reg. £230.80) for a limited time.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Brainmedia Calmind Premium Master Plan: Lifetime Subscription £38.59 at the Mashable Shop
£230.80 Save £192.21 Get Deal

Wordle today: Answer, hints for October 31

Mashable - Wed, 10/30/2024 - 22:00

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

If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for October 31's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: Hints and answers for October 31 Where did Wordle come from?

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

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

What's the best Wordle starting word?

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

What happened to the Wordle archive?

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

Is Wordle getting harder?

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

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for October 30 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Giving off eerie vibes.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no reoccurring letters.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter W.

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

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

Drumroll please!

The solution to today's Wordle is...

WEIRD.

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for October 30

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

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

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

NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for October 31

Mashable - Wed, 10/30/2024 - 21:00

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

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for October 31's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

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

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

Tweet may have been deleted

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

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

Tweet may have been deleted

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

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

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

  • Yellow: Cute pet names for an SO

  • Green: Eyelid actions

  • Blue: Luxury car brands

  • Purple: Types of hunts

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

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

  • Yellow: Terms of Endearment

  • Green: Things You Can Do With Your Eyelids

  • Blue: Sports Cars

  • Purple: ___Hunt

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 #508 is...

What is the answer to Connections today
  • Terms of Endearment: DARLING, LOVE, PUMPKIN, TREASURE

  • Things You Can Do With Your Eyelids: BAT, BLINK, FLUTTER, WINK

  • Sports Cars: DIABLO, MUSTANG, SPIDER, VIPER

  • ___Hunt: EGG, JOB, SCAVENGER, WITCH

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for October 30

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

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

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

New York, L.A. spar online over baseball, transit, and AI

Mashable - Wed, 10/30/2024 - 17:19

The New York-Los Angeles rivalry may have existed before the Brooklyn Dodgers packed up and moved west in 1958, but that seismic shift certainly didn’t help. America’s two biggest cities are at it again, with baseball at the fore. The Big Apple and The City of Angels are currently going head-to-head in the World Series (with the Dodgers v. the Yankees, with game 5 tonight in New York; Dodgers lead 3-1), but they’ve also been duking it out for weeks online over stadiums, accessibility, and transit.

Los Angeles’s Metro, which operates the city’s bus and train lines, inadvertently stepped into it earlier this month when the agency tweeted an informational video on how to walk to Dodger Stadium. The stadium is disconnected from the city’s train lines and perched on a notoriously hard-to-navigate hill in the Echo Park neighborhood.

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New Yorkers guffawed at the circuitous, 25-minute walk that includes traversing past impatient drivers and stepping over cracked, narrow sidewalks before finally reaching the Chinatown A Line station. Metro fended off some criticism by pointing out its Dodger Express service, a free bus shuttle from two different city spots. The buses are popular, yet far from efficient, often getting caught in traffic out of the stadium (the buses have dedicated lanes prior to the games).   

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While there is a proposal to build a gondola (yes, a gondola) from L.A.’s Union Station to Dodger Stadium, the lack of direct rail transit is a bugaboo for Los Angeles, which has managed to build 109 miles of rail in 34 years, connecting places like Hollywood, Inglewood, Santa Monica, and Downtown L.A. (Beverly Hills will even get a subway stop next year). While many Angelenos are making the arduous walk work, according to the New York Times, Yankees fans benefit from New York’s more robust system, only having to walk a few hundred feet from the 161 St./Yankee Stadium station in the Bronx that serves the D and 4 lines.

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On Monday, shots were fired at New York by Eric Spillman, a reporter at Los Angeles’s KTLA. 

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Of course, New York had to respond. It wasn’t from the MTA, but the NYC DOT, which oversees all public transit in the metropolis. And they brought AI into it!

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We can all agree that both cities have their pluses and minuses — and it sure feels nice to have Americans arguing about something that doesn’t involve politics. In the meantime, folks can cruise over to the Bronx for Wednesday night’s game at Yankee Stadium. If the Yanks win, the Series moves back to L.A., where fans can lace up their walking shoes and dream of that gondola. 

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