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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CODA
For those who don’t know, the movie’s title is an acronym for “child of deaf adults.” It’s the story of Ruby, the only hearing person in a family that includes two deaf parents and one deaf sibling. When Ruby discovers a love of music, she's forced to reconcile her own aspirations with those of her family, who run a small fishing business and often need her to help communicate. Warm and gripping, CODA is the kind of movie that will have you cheering and crying at the same time. This is the one that put Apple TV’s filmic offerings on the map—and it’s as good now as it was when it was making its way to Oscar glory.
F1: The Movie
It may feel a little on-the-nose but in F1: The Movie, Brad Pitt plays an aging Formula One driver trying to make a comeback when an old friend pulls him back onto the track. Problem is, there’s a hot new driver on the scene (Damson Idris) looking to take all the glory for himself. Sure, it sounds like a lot of movies you’ve seen before, but in the hands of writer-director Joseph Kosinski (Top Gun: Maverick) the drama is palpable and the action is thrilling—even if you’re just watching at home on your couch.
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.
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