When it comes to originals, Netflix and Amazon have the deepest libraries of prestige movies. But ever since CODA won the Best Picture Oscar, it’s become clear that some of the best movies are on Apple TV.
As with any streaming service, not every film on the roster is a winner, but from the Billie Eilish documentary to Sundance darlings, Apple’s streaming service is building up a strong catalog to run alongside its growing slate of beloved TV shows.
Below are WIRED’s picks for flicks you should prioritize in your queue. Once you’re done, hop over to our list of the best movies on Netflix and the best movies on Disney+. If you’re feeling a little more episodic, our guide for the best shows on Amazon might be just the ticket.
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Come See Me in the Good Light
When poet Andrea Gibson found out they were facing an incurable cancer diagnosis, they wrote a new bucket list of things to do in the time remaining. Director Ryan White’s Come See Me in the Good Light chronicles Gibson’s life during that time: the moments spent with partner and fellow poet Megan Falley; performances of their life's work; and “happiness being easier to find once we realize we do not have forever to find it.” An audience favorite at the Sundance Film Festival, White's documentary may be heart-wrenching, but it's also funny—and full of joy.
The Lost Bus
Set during the Camp Fire in Paradise, California, in 2018, The Lost Bus tells the story of a school bus driver (played by Matthew McConaughey) who manages to get 22 children to safety as their community goes up in flames. Directed by Academy Award nominee Paul Greengrass, the movie is about the heroism of average people and the possibility of second chances. You know, all the good stuff.
Highest 2 Lowest
Director Spike Lee's latest teams him up once again with longtime collaborator Denzel Washington to tell the story of David King, a music mogul who believes his son has been kidnapped and must figure out how to get him back. Also starring A$AP Rocky, this reimagining of Akira Kurosawa's 1960s classic High and Low is both a tense thriller and—like many of Lee’s best movies—a love letter to New York City and the music it makes. The film opened in theaters this summer and hit Apple's streaming service in September.
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