Tech Clarify

The best movies on HBO right now (April 2022)

kingamit — Thu, 07 Apr 2022 12:50:00 +0000

Amazingly, there are still holdouts who only want HBO and don’t seem to care if they ever get HBO Max. It’s fair to say that the original Home Box Office has its charms, including several curated stations on cable packages. You can take your pick of genres, and HBO will always have a movie playing for all of them. There are also films that you can stream on HBO’s official site. However, there are some downsides when compared to HBO Max. For one thing, HBO has fewer films to stream. It’s also far more difficult to find a movie that you want to stream on HBO itself. Fortunately, we’ve already hunted down the links you need to get the most out of your HBO subscription. All you have to do is check out our updated list of the best movies on HBO.
Looking for more to watch on HBO? We’ve got guides to the best movies on HBO Max, the best HBO series, the best shows on HBO Max, and more.

Recently added to HBO

King Richard

pg-13

2021

Only Lovers Left Alive

2013

Man of Steel

pg-13

2013

The Incredible Hulk

pg-13

2008

King Richard (2021)
new

Trailer

76 %

7.5/10

pg-13

145m

Genre

Drama, History

Stars

Will Smith, Aunjanue Ellis, Saniyya Sidney

Directed by

Reinaldo Marcus Green

watch on HBO

Will Smith won an Oscar for Best Actor for his performance as Richard Williams in the biopic King Richard. Smith also lost his temper at the Oscars and overshadowed what should have been his crowning achievement. Regardless of the current controversy surrounding Smith, King Richard is truly one of the best films of 2021. It also happens to be based on the true story of Richard, the father of tennis legends Venus (Saniyya Sidney) and Serena Williams (Demi Singleton). It’s simply a well-crafted drama that shouldn’t be swallowed whole by something that had nothing to do with the film itself.

Read less

Only Lovers Left Alive (2013)
new

Trailer

79 %

7.2/10

123m

Genre

Drama, Romance

Stars

Tom Hiddleston, Tilda Swinton, Mia Wasikowska

Directed by

Jim Jarmusch

watch on HBO

Adam (Tom Hiddleston) wants to die in Only Lovers Left Alive. Naturally, Adam’s increasingly suicidal behavior alarms his wife, Eve (Tilda Swinton). From her perspective, Adam already has a lot to live for … especially since he already died once when he became a vampire. Eve is also a vampire, and she desperately tries to get Adam to remember how good their lives together can be. Unfortunately, Eve’s younger sister, Ava (Mia Wasikowska), rolls into town like a hurricane and threatens to undo Eve’s attempt to bring Adam back from the edge of despair.

Read less

Man of Steel (2013)
new

Trailer

55 %

7.1/10

pg-13

143m

Genre

Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Science Fiction

Stars

Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Michael Shannon

Directed by

Zack Snyder

watch on HBO

It’s hard to believe that it’s been almost 10 years since we’ve had a truly solo Superman movie. Man of Steel kicked off the DC Extended Universe with Clark Kent (Henry Cavill) trying to find his way in the world long before he even thinks about becoming Superman. Amy Adams plays a thoroughly modern Lois Lane who figures out Clark’s secret right away. But before Clark and Lois can define their relationship, renegade Kryptonians led by General Zod (Michael Shannon) come to Earth to neutralize Superman and transform the planet into their new home.

Read less

The Incredible Hulk (2008)
new

Trailer

61 %

6.7/10

pg-13

114m

Genre

Science Fiction, Action, Adventure

Stars

Edward Norton, Liv Tyler, Tim Roth

Directed by

Louis Leterrier

watch on HBO

Now here’s something you don’t see everyday. Incredible Hulk is a Marvel Studios movie on HBO because the film was distributed by Universal Pictures, one of the few studios not owned by Disney. And yet it’s still MCU canon despite Edward Norton’s one and only appearance as Bruce Banner/Hulk. After hiding out in South America, Bruce returns to the United States and reunites with his ex-girlfriend, Betty Ross (Liv Tyler). All Bruce wants is a cure for his condition, but Betty’s father, General Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross (William Hurt), basically wants to dissect Bruce’s body so he can create a new generation of super soldiers. And the prospect of gaining superhuman strength is a little bit too appealing to the General’s top operative, Emil Blonsky (Tim Roth).

Read less

A Shot in the Dark (1964)

Trailer

70 %

7.4/10

102m

Genre

Comedy, Crime, Mystery

Stars

Peter Sellers, Elke Sommer, George Sanders

Directed by

Blake Edwards

watch on HBO

A Shot in the Dark is the second film in the Pink Panther series, but don’t worry. All you really need to know going in is that Inspector Jacques Clouseau (Peter Sellers) is one of the most comically inept detectives of all time and that the opening animated sequence (complete with the actual Pink Panther) is absolutely hilarious. In this film, there’s been a murder at the home of millionaire Benjamin Ballon (George Sanders). All of the evidence points to a maid, Maria Gambrelli (Elke Sommer). However, Jacques is so smitten with Maria that he keeps getting her off the hook, even as the bodies start to pile up.

Read less

Darkest Hour (2017)

Trailer

75 %

7.4/10

pg-13

125m

Genre

Drama, History

Stars

Gary Oldman, Kristin Scott Thomas, Lily James

Directed by

Joe Wright

watch on HBO

Gary Oldman gives a powerhouse performance as Winston Churchill in Darkest Hour, a dramatization of Britain’s early days in World War II after most of Europe fell to Germany. Churchill correctly predicted the threat of the Nazis, but he doesn’t always know how to handle them. As Neville Chamberlain (Ronald Pickup) and Viscount Halifax (Stephen Dillane) pressure Churchill to make peace with Germany, the prime minister has to find a way to rally a nation for war before the Nazi onslaught becomes unstoppable.

Read less

Changeling (2008)

Trailer

63 %

7.7/10

141m

Genre

Crime, Drama, Mystery

Stars

Angelina Jolie, John Malkovich, Jeffrey Donovan

Directed by

Clint Eastwood

watch on HBO

Changeling is the horrifying real life story of Christine Collins (Angelina Jolie), a single mother whose son, Walter (Gattlin Griffith), went missing in 1928. With the police facing withering criticism for failing to find Walter, they present Christine with another boy who claims that he is her son. And when Christine presents evidence that “Walter” is not the genuine one, police captain J.J. Jones (Jeffrey Donovan) has her institutionalized. Regardless, Christine refuses to give in as long as there is hope that the real Walter may be alive.

Read less

Capturing the Friedmans (2003)

Trailer

90 %

7.7/10

107m

Genre

Documentary

Stars

Arnold Friedman, Elaine Friedman, Jesse Friedman

Directed by

Andrew Jarecki

watch on HBO

Andrew Jarecki’s HBO original documentary Capturing the Friedmans is nearly two decades old. However, it has lost none of its power. In the mid-80s, Arnold Friedman and his son, Jesse, were accused of sexually abusing students in Arnold’s computer tutoring sessions. This documentary incorporates home movies filmed by Jesse’s brother, David, which show the mundane moments with the family as well as heated arguments between Arnold and his wife, Elaine, about his possible guilt and whether he should take a deal to spare his son a prison sentence. There are no easy answers here, as the Friedman family gives contradictory info to outsiders and to themselves.

Read less

Introducing Dorothy Dandridge (1999)

7.1/10

115m

Genre

Drama

Stars

Halle Berry, Brent Spiner, Klaus Maria Brandauer

Directed by

Martha Coolidge

watch on HBO

Do you know who Dorothy Dandridge was? She was the first African American actress to be nominated for Best Actress in the Oscars, and a true superstar at a time when racism was rampant in both Hollywood and America. In the HBO original movie Introducing Dorthy Dandridge, Halle Berry seamlessly steps into the role of a screen icon in this unflinching look at her life and struggles. Because as successful as Dandridge was for the time, she should have been an even bigger star given her talent, her beauty, and her untimely demise at only 42 years old. This film helps keep Dandridge’s legacy alive, and it’s one of Berry’s best performances.

Read less

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (1988)

Trailer

68 %

7.4/10

110m

Genre

Crime, Comedy

Stars

Steve Martin, Michael Caine, Glenne Headly

Directed by

Frank Oz

watch on HBO

It’s almost impossible for a film to miss the mark when Michael Caine and Steve Martin are in the leading roles. And Dirty Rotten Scoundrels utilizes its leading men to great comedic effect by making them rival con artists: Freddy Benson (Martin) and Lawrence Jamieson (Michael Caine). Although Lawrence is somewhat disgusted by Freddy’s over-the-top cons, he briefly takes him on as a partner. When their partnership comes to a bitter end, they make a bet to determine who will leave town. Toward that end, they both target Janet Colgate (Glenne Headly) and try to be the first to con her out of $50,000. However, Janet has secrets of her own …

Read less

Orange County (2002)

Trailer

48 %

6.2/10

pg-13

82m

Genre

Comedy, Drama

Stars

Colin Hanks, Jack Black, Schuyler Fisk

Directed by

Jake Kasdan

watch on HBO

Believe it or not, 2022 is the 20th anniversary of Orange County, the offbeat comedy starring Colin Hanks and Jack Black. In the film, Hanks plays Shaun Brumder, with Black as his older brother, Lance. After losing one of his friends to a tragic accident, perpetual slacker Shaun reinvents himself as an academic achiever. However, his hopes of attending Stanford are dashed due to a mixup, which inspires Lance to take his brother on an impromptu mission to get him into college even if it completely humiliates Shaun along the way.

Read less

Robots (2005)

Trailer

64 %

6.4/10

91m

Genre

Animation, Comedy, Family, Science Fiction

Stars

Ewan McGregor, Robin Williams, Halle Berry

Directed by

Chris Wedge

watch on HBO

HBO doesn’t have many animated family comedies, but Robots helps fill the gap with a gleeful vocal performance by the late Robin Williams. In the film, Williams voices Fender Pinwheeler, an aging robot who befriends Rodney Copperbottom (Ewan McGregor), a young robot who has dreams of becoming an inventor. In this robot-filled world, Rodney and Fender discover that Phineas T. Ratchet (Greg Kinnear) has plans to eliminate obsolete robots and transform them into spare parts for newer models. That’s why Rodney has to find the hero within and rally “the Rusties” to stand up for themselves.

Read less

A Mighty Wind (2003)

Trailer

81 %

7.2/10

pg-13

91m

Genre

Comedy, Music

Stars

Bob Balaban, Christopher Guest, John Michael Higgins

Directed by

Christopher Guest

watch on HBO

A Mighty Wind has a lot in common with This Is Spinal Tap, including director Christopher Guest and several of the main performers. But instead of spoofing heavy metal in a mockumentary format, this film dives into the genre of folk music. After breaking apart decades earlier, The Folksmen — Mark Shubb (Harry Shearer), Jerry Palter (Michael McKean), and Alan Barrows (Guest) — are reunited for a benefit concert in memory of their late manager. While The Folksmen struggle with their insecurity, another musical duo and former lovers, Mickey Crabbe (Catherine O’Hara) and Mitch Cohen (Eugene Levy), must overcome their personal issues and deliver the performance of a lifetime.

Read less

Firestarter (1984)

Trailer

50 %

6.1/10

114m

Genre

Horror, Thriller, Science Fiction

Stars

David Keith, Drew Barrymore, Freddie Jones

Directed by

Mark L. Lester

watch on HBO

At some point in the near future, there’s going to be a remake of Stephen King’s Firestarter, but the original still holds up well decades later. Within the movie, Andrew McGee (David Keith) and his wife Vicky (Heather Locklear), gained low-level psychic abilities during government experiments while they were in college. However, their daughter, Charlie McGee (Drew Barrymore), is an immensely powerful pyrokinetic who can control fire. The black ops organization The Shop murders Vicky in a bid to claim Charlie’s power for themselves. Andrew takes Charlie on the run to avoid that fate, but they can only hide for so long.

Read less

Bowfinger (1999)

Trailer

71 %

6.4/10

pg-13

97m

Genre

Comedy

Stars

Steve Martin, Eddie Murphy, Heather Graham

Directed by

Frank Oz

watch on HBO

Steve Martin may play the title character in Bowfinger, but this is Eddie Murphy’s movie to shine. Murphy has a double role as action star Kit Ramsey and his dorky doppelganger, Jiff. Martin’s Robert “Bobby” K. Bowfinger is a would-be director who simply won’t take no for an answer, so when Kit turns down the leading role in his picture, Bobby uses actors to convince Kit that he’s at the center of an alien invasion. When Kit goes into hiding, Bobby hires the naive Jiff to take his place so he can finish the movie — even if it kills Jiff.

Read less

Rosewater (2014)

Trailer

67 %

6.6/10

103m

Genre

Drama

Stars

Gael García Bernal, Shohreh Aghdashloo, Jason Jones

Directed by

Jon Stewart

watch on HBO

Comedian and talk show host Jon Stewart felt so strongly about Rosewater that he took a leave of absence from The Daily Show to write and direct the adaptation of Maziar Bahari’s novel. The real-life Bahari appeared on The Daily Show while covering the Iranian elections in 2009, which earned him some very unwanted attention. The film casts Gael García Bernal as Maziar and follows his subsequent harrowing ordeal at the hands of the Iranian government. While enduring torture for months, a blindfolded Maziar recognizes his main interogator by the rosewater fragrance that he uses. This all too real monster pushes Maziar to his limits in order to extract a false confession.

Read less

Collateral (2004)

Trailer

71 %

7.5/10

120m

Genre

Drama, Crime, Thriller

Stars

Tom Cruise, Jamie Foxx, Jada Pinkett Smith

Directed by

Michael Mann

watch on HBO

Tom Cruise really doesn’t play villains that often, but Collateral is a rare exception. In director Michael Mann’s stylish thriller, Cruise plays Vincent, an apparently affluent man who hires a taxi driver, Max Durocher (Jamie Foxx), to take him to several locations in Los Angeles during a single night. But after the first stop, Max learns that Vincent is a deadly contract killer who is using him to get to his intended victims. Physically, Max poses little threat to Vincent, which is why he will have to call upon all of his skills to survive the night and stop Vincent’s rampage. If he can.

Read less

Jurassic Park (1993)

Trailer

68 %

8.1/10

pg-13

127m

Genre

Adventure, Science Fiction

Stars

Sam Neill, Laura Dern, Jeff Goldblum

Directed by

Steven Spielberg

watch on HBO

Jurassic Park is one of the rare blockbusters that holds up decades after its release. In director Steven Spielberg’s adaptation of Michael Crichton’s novel, Dr. John Hammond (Richard Attenborough) and his scientists have achieved the impossible. They have successfully cloned and revived several dinosaur species. But Dr. Hammond doesn’t want to be known for his scientific feat, he wants to be Walt Disney and turn the whole thing into a literal theme park. Dr. Alan Grant (Sam Neill), Dr. Ellie Sattler (Laura Dern), and Dr. Ian Malcolm (Jeff Goldblum) are brought in to visit the isolated island park shortly before the inevitable dino mayhem begins.

Read less

One Hour Photo (2002)

Trailer

64 %

6.8/10

96m

Genre

Drama, Thriller

Stars

Robin Williams, Connie Nielsen, Michael Vartan

Directed by

Mark Romanek

watch on HBO

Writer and director Mark Romanek couldn’t have guessed that One Hour Photo would be so hopelessly dated less than two decades after its release. That said, this movie is worth rewatching for Robin Williams’ quietly terrifying performance as Seymour “Sy” Parrish. On the surface, Sy is a harmless older man who becomes attached to the Yorkin family because he has developed their photos for years. So much so that Sy imagines himself as a member of the family. But when Sy discovers that Will Yorkin (Michael Vartan) is cheating on his wife, Nina (Connie Nielsen), he takes extreme steps to protect “his” family regardless of the consequences.

Read less

American Splendor (2003)

90 %

7.4/10

101m

Genre

Comedy, Drama

Stars

Paul Giamatti, Hope Davis, Judah Friedlander

Directed by

Shari Springer Berman, Robert Pulcini

watch on HBO

Get ready for a comic book movie like no other. American Splendor is inspired by the autobiographical comic by Harvey Pekar (Paul Giamatti), an unassuming file clerk who channeled his unhappiness with his existence into stories that resonate with people from all walks of life. The real Harvey Pekar periodically appears to comment on the story of his life, as Harvey meets his future wife and collaborator, Joyce Barbner (Hope Davis), before they face his cancer diagnosis together. The movie is a true story, and a number of Harvey’s other friends and family appear as themselves in addition to the actors who play them on screen. It’s also a very endearing look at a comic book icon.

Read less

Gods and Monsters (1998)

Trailer

74 %

7.4/10

105m

Genre

Drama

Stars

Ian McKellen, Brendan Fraser, Lynn Redgrave

Directed by

Bill Condon

watch on HBO

Gods and Monsters tells the story of James Whale (Ian McKellen), the acclaimed Universal Pictures horror director who helmed Frankenstein, Bride of Frankenstein, The Invisible Man, and more. James is also an openly homosexual man whose star has faded by this time in his life. With his health in decline, James forms an odd friendship with a gardener named Clayton Boone (Brendan Fraser). While Clayton seems to have genuine affection for James, he is staunchly heterosexual and he is unable to give James what he wants. But their emotional bond is the reason why this film is a classic.

Read less

The 40 Year Old Virgin (2005)

Trailer

73 %

7.1/10

116m

Genre

Comedy, Romance

Stars

Steve Carell, Catherine Keener, Paul Rudd

Directed by

Judd Apatow

watch on HBO

Who is The 40-Year-Old Virgin? That would be Andy Stitzer (Steve Carell), a very shy guy who has given up on ever finding love or sex after several bad experiences. David (Paul Rudd), Cal (Seth Rogen), and Jay (Romany Malco), take it upon themselves to help Andy solve his relationship problems by finding Andy a suitable woman. However, Andy finds his best prospect is Trish Piedmont (Catherine Keener), a woman who already has three kids and a grandchild. Both Andy and Trish want certain things out of their relationship, even if they can’t always articulate the things that will make them happy.

Read less

It: Chapter One (2017)

Trailer

69 %

7.3/10

135m

Genre

Horror, Fantasy

Stars

Bill Skarsgård, Jaeden Lieberher, Sophia Lillis, Jeremy Ray Taylor, Finn Wolfhard, Jack Dylan Grazer

Directed by

Andy Muschietti

watch on HBO

When it comes to evil clowns, few can match the malevolent intensity of Pennywise the Clown. Bill Skarsgård is absolutely terrifying as Pennywise in the newest adaptation of Stephen King’s It. Director Andy Muschietti wisely decided to split the novel’s twin narratives into two separate movies, with It: Chapter One tackling the story in 1988. Following the brutal death of his younger brother, Bill Denbrough (Jaeden Lieberher) realizes that Pennywise is hunting the town’s children. Ben Hanscom (Jeremy Ray Taylor), Beverly Marsh (Sophia Lillis), Richie Tozier (Finn Wolfhard), Stanley Uris (Wyatt Oleff), Eddie Kaspbrak (Jack Dylan Grazer), and Mike Hanlon (Chosen Jacobs) join Bill in The Losers’ Club as they take it upon themselves to confront Pennywise.

Read less

Cinderella Man (2005)

Trailer

69 %

8.0/10

pg-13

144m

Genre

Romance, Drama, History

Stars

Russell Crowe, Renée Zellweger, Paul Giamatti

Directed by

Ron Howard

watch on HBO

This may come as a surprise, but there really was a Cinderella Man. That was the nickname that the press gave to James J. Braddock (Russell Crowe), a boxer whose fall from the ring and his return to prominence was an inspirational story during the Great Depression. Cinderella Man follows James through the hard years after his first exit from the ring. After his manager, Joe Gould (Paul Giamatti), books James in a last-minute match, his victory propels him on an unlikely winning streak. Much to the horror of James’ wife, Mae Braddock (Renée Zellweger), James’ comeback leads straight to the world champion, Max Baer (Craig Bierko), a brutal man who suggests that Jake will not survive their fight.

Read less

The Dark Knight Rises (2012)

Trailer

78 %

8.4/10

pg-13

165m

Genre

Action, Crime, Drama, Thriller

Stars

Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Gary Oldman

Directed by

Christopher Nolan

watch on HBO

The Dark Knight Rises is not generally considered the best of Christopher Nolan’s Batman movies. But it’s still a great superhero flick in its own right and the swansong of Christian Bale’s Dark Knight. Eight years after the Joker’s defeat, Batman is gone, and Gotham City is a very different place. However, the arrival of Bane (Tom Hardy) forces Bruce Wayne to come out of retirement, as a sinister plan uses the Wayne family fortune to finance the utter destruction of Gotham itself. And unlike Batman’s previous villains, Bane is a more formidable physical fighter than Bruce is. He’s the only one who can break the Bat. In the aftermath, Bruce has to claw his way back to save Gotham and himself.

Read less

Maria Full of Grace (2004)

87 %

7.4/10

101m

Genre

Drama, Thriller, Crime

Stars

Catalina Sandino Moreno, Guilied Lopez, Yenny Paola Vega

Directed by

Joshua Marston

watch on HBO

There’s not much hope for Maria Álvarez (Catalina Sandino Moreno) in Maria Full of Grace. Maria is a 17-year old girl living in Colombia who is essentially stuck working in a sweatshop to support her family. When Maria leaves her job and becomes pregnant, she and her friend Bianca (Yenny Paola Vega) become drug mules in order to make their way to the United States. However, both women soon have reason to fear for their lives before fleeing from the drug traffickers. And without the drug money, neither Maria nor Bianca know where to turn.

Read less

Reservoir Dogs (1992)

Trailer

79 %

8.3/10

99m

Genre

Crime, Thriller

Stars

Harvey Keitel, Tim Roth, Chris Penn, Steve Buscemi, Lawrence Tierney, Michael Madsen

Directed by

Quentin Tarantino

watch on HBO

Reservoir Dogs was the movie that made Quentin Tarantino, and he even co-starred in a minor role as Mr. Brown. Local crime boss Joe Cabot (Lawrence Tierney) and his son, Nice Guy Eddie (Chris Penn), assemble a team of crooks for a jewelry heist. Among the group are Mr. White (Harvey Keitel), Mr. Orange (Tim Roth), Mr. Pink (Steve Buscemi), and the psychopathic Mr. Blonde (Michael Madsen). However, one of their number is an undercover cop who gets in way over his head once the heist goes horribly wrong.

Read less

Digital Trends Streaming Roundup

Best HBO series

Best movies on Netflix

Best movies on Amazon

Best movies on Disney+

Best movies on Hulu

Brubaker (1980)

54 %

7.2/10

125m

Genre

Crime, Drama

Stars

Robert Redford, Yaphet Kotto, Jane Alexander

Directed by

Stuart Rosenberg

watch on HBO

Here’s a good rule of thumb for movies: If Robert Redford is starring in a film, it’s usually good. Brubaker is somewhat overlooked, given the strength of Redford’s other movies. But this dramatization of a real story features a powerhouse performance by Redford as Henry Brubaker, the new warden of Wakefield State Prison. Henry even goes undercover in his own prison to get a better look at the rampant abuses and corruption within. Henry is like a force of nature who refuses to look away from the graft and the horrific conditions. Unfortunately for Henry, the men who profit from the prison system have no interest in allowing his reforms to cut into their illicit gains.

Read less

The Good Lie (2014)

Trailer

65 %

7.4/10

pg-13

110m

Genre

Drama

Stars

Reese Witherspoon, Corey Stoll, Thad Luckinbill

Directed by

Philippe Falardeau

watch on HBO

You’re going to have to wait until nearly the end of the movie to discover what “the good lie” is in this film. But The Good Lie isn’t built around that mystery. Instead, it’s the story of Jeremiah (Ger Duany), Mamere (Arnold Oceng), Paul (Emmanuel Jal), Abital (Kuoth Wiel), and Theo (Femi Oguns), a family of siblings who are desperate to survive the Second Sudanese Civil War. Theo is the only one who doesn’t get to escape with his family. The rest attempt to rebuild their lives in the United States with the help of Carrie Davis (Reese Witherspoon). But Mamere won’t be satisfied until Theo is safe as well.

Read less

The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy (2005)

63 %

6.7/10

109m

Genre

Adventure, Comedy, Family, Science Fiction

Stars

Martin Freeman, Sam Rockwell, Mos Def, Zooey Deschanel, Bill Nighy

Directed by

Garth Jennings

watch on HBO

The late Douglas Adams co-wrote the adaptation of his amazingly funny sci-fi novel The Hitchhiker’s Guide To the Galaxy. In this very underrated flick, Arthur Dent (Martin Freeman) narrowly survives the destruction of Earth thanks to his friendship with Ford Prefect (Mos Def), an alien who looks very human. Once out in space, the unlikely duo end up on a quest to find the “Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe, and Everything” alongside President of the Galaxy, Zaphod Beeblebrox (Sam Rockwell), as well as Trillian (Zooey Deschanel) and a very depressed android named Marvin (Alan Rickman). This is a joyfully silly story that never takes itself too seriously. And that’s why we love it.

Read less

8 Mile (2002)

Trailer

77 %

7.1/10

110m

Genre

Music, Drama

Stars

Eminem, Mekhi Phifer, Brittany Murphy

Directed by

Curtis Hanson

watch on HBO

Did you know that Eminem is an Oscar winner for 8 Mile? His original song, “Lose Yourself,” was the winner that year in the 2002 Academy Awards. The film it belongs to is pretty good too. 8 Mile is very loosely based on Eminem’s actual life, but if you’re expecting a biopic full of triumphant moments, this isn’t it. Instead, Eminem plays Jimmy “B-Rabbit” Smith Jr., a would-be rapper who is desperate to make ends meet after moving back in with his mother, Stephanie (Kim Basinger). Jimmy struggles with his confidence after freezing on stage during a rap battle. Regardless, Jimmy doesn’t give up on his dreams, even when he feels pressure from all aspects of his life.

Read less

Adventureland (2009)

Trailer

76 %

7.8/10

107m

Genre

Comedy

Stars

Jesse Eisenberg, Kristen Stewart, Martin Starr

Directed by

Greg Mottola

watch on HBO

Director Greg Mottola beat Disney to the punch by making an Adventureland movie before the corporate giant could. However, the theme park in this movie has nothing to do with Disneyland. Instead, it’s the name of a fictional theme park in the late ‘80s, where James Brennan (Jesse Eisenberg) is forced to get a job in order to pay his college education. While working at the park, James falls hard for Emily “Em” Lewin (Kristen Stewart). Em returns James’ feelings even though she’s having an affair with another co-worker, Mike Connell (Ryan Reynolds). The revelation of that relationship threatens to tear James and Em apart before they can truly explore what they can do together.

Read less

The Debt (2010)

Trailer

65 %

6.8/10

113m

Genre

Drama, Thriller

Stars

Helen Mirren, Tom Wilkinson, Sam Worthington

Directed by

John Madden

watch on HBO

The incomparable Helen Mirren and Jessica Chastain share the lead role in The Debt as they play Israeli operative Rachel Singer in the ‘90s and in the late ‘60s, respectively. Within the present timeline, Rachel (Mirren) is haunted by the outcome of a mission that she undertook decades earlier. That mission plays out in the past as Rachel (Chastain), David Peretz (Sam Worthington), and Stefan Gold (Tom Wilkinson) hunt for a Nazi war criminal, Dieter Vogel (Jesper Christensen). They soon discover that Dieter is very elusive prey, and he keeps finding ways to get under their skin even when they close in on him.

Read less

Mississippi Burning (1988)

Trailer

65 %

7.8/10

128m

Genre

Thriller, Crime, Drama

Stars

Gene Hackman, Willem Dafoe, Frances McDormand

Directed by

Alan Parker

watch on HBO

Mississippi Burning is not directly based on real events, but it does take some of its influence from things that actually happened. After three civil rights workers go missing in Jessup County, FBI agents Rupert Anderson (Gene Hackman) and Alan Ward (Willem Dafoe) are sent to unravel the mystery. While the agents quickly determine that the missing men were murdered, they also discover that the town is caught in the grip of the Ku Klux Klan. Even Sheriff Clinton Pell (Brad Dourif) is a part of the racist group. With their investigation at a standstill, Rupert and Alan decide to try some legally questionable tactics to break the conspiracy and expose the murderers.

Read less

The Mummy (1999)

Trailer

48 %

7.0/10

pg-13

124m

Genre

Adventure, Action, Fantasy

Stars

Brendan Fraser, Rachel Weisz, John Hannah, Arnold Vosloo, Jonathan Hyde

Directed by

Stephen Sommers

watch on HBO

It’s hard to reboot The Mummy, as the producers of Universal Pictures’ Dark Universe discovered a few years ago. However, the 1999 incarnation worked really well by borrowing a few things from the Indiana Jones movies, and because it had a very appealing cast. Brendan Fraser stars as Rick O’Connell, an adventurer whose life is saved by Evelyn Carnahan (Rachel Weisz) and her brother, Jonathan (John Hannah). While on an expedition to a lost Egyptian city, Evelyn accidentally unleashes Imhotep (Arnold Vosloo), a high priest who has been reborn as a mummy. To escape Imhotep and his growing power, Rick, Evelyn, and Jonathan must find a way to kill him once again.

Read less

The Purple Rose of Cairo (1985)

75 %

7.7/10

82m

Genre

Fantasy, Comedy, Romance

Stars

Mia Farrow, Jeff Daniels, Danny Aiello

Directed by

Woody Allen

watch on HBO

The Purple Rose of Cairo is actually the name of a film within the film. It’s also the favorite escape of Cecilia (Mia Farrow), a woman trapped in a loveless marriage with Monk (Danny Aiello). She is so enamored with the leading man of the film, Tom Baxter (Jeff Daniels), that he somehow comes to life and escapes from the movie to woo her. Tom even takes Cecilia into the world of the film to experience a romance unlike anything she ever thought possible. However, this soon draws the attention of Gil Shepherd (Daniels), the actor who portrays Tom in the movie. This leaves Cecillia stuck between two versions of the same man: one real, and one a fantasy.

Read less

Three Days of the Condor (1975)

Trailer

63 %

7.4/10

117m

Genre

Thriller, Mystery

Stars

Robert Redford, Faye Dunaway, Cliff Robertson

Directed by

Sydney Pollack

watch on HBO

Three Days of the Condor is one of the greatest paranoid thrillers from the ‘70s. Robert Redford stars as Joseph Turner, a CIA analyst with the “Condor” codename. After making a report about a strange novel that has been translated and sold worldwide, Joseph is stunned to discover that his entire department has been slaughtered, and he’s next on the hit list. Even Joseph’s superiors in the CIA appear to want him dead. Without anywhere else to turn, Joseph kidnaps a stranger, Kathy Hale (Faye Dunaway), and hides in her apartment. But with few other options, Kathy may be the only real ally that Joseph has left.

Read less

All Is Lost (2013)

Trailer

97 %

6.9/10

pg-13

106m

Genre

Action, Adventure, Drama

Stars

Robert Redford

Directed by

J.C. Chandor

watch on HBO

There is only one person on-screen for the vast majority of All Is Lost, and we never learn his name. Robert Redford plays the sailor who discovers that his ship has been badly damaged in a collision. As he tries to repair the ship, the man is thrust into an escalating series of complications that threaten his survival. He battles the elements as well as his own overpowering despair while the odds seem insurmountable. It’s an incredibly gripping story even though there is barely a word spoken in the entire film. Trust us, you won’t be bothered by the relative silence.

Read less

Antwone Fisher (2002)

62 %

7.3/10

pg-13

120m

Genre

Drama, Romance

Stars

Derek Luke, Malcolm David Kelley, Cory Hodges

Directed by

Denzel Washington

watch on HBO

Denzel Washington moved into the director’s chair for Antowne Fisher, but the script was written by the real Fisher as a biography that explored his troubled life. Derek Luke portrays Antwone in the film, and he suffers from terrible psychological issues stemming from being abandoned by his mother and abused by his foster family. Enlisting in the Navy does little to curb Antowne’s fiery temper, so he is ordered to see Dr. Jerome Davenport (Washington) for treatment. However, this is an inner battle that Antowne must ultimately face alone, even with the emotional support of his girlfriend, Petty Officer Second Class Cheryl Smolley (Joy Bryant).

Read less

Beautiful Girls (1996)

Trailer

64 %

7.1/10

112m

Genre

Comedy, Drama, Romance

Stars

Matt Dillon, Noah Emmerich, Annabeth Gish, Lauren Holly, Timothy Hutton, Rosie O’Donnell

Directed by

Ted Demme

watch on HBO

According to a character in this film, “beautiful girls represent hope and promise.” But it’s not quite that simple in Beautiful Girls. When Willie Conway (Timothy Hutton) and his friends return to their hometown for a high school reunion, their respective relationship dramas come to the forefront. While Willie has a girlfriend named Tracy (Annabeth Gish), he also forms a bond with Marty (Natalie Portman), a girl who is way too young for him. Willie and his buddies have a lot of growing up to do because their collective romantic entanglements threaten to disrupt everything good about their lives. And if they aren’t careful, they will lose the women that they truly love.

Read less

Broadcast News (1987)

Trailer

8 %

133m

Genre

Comedy, Romance

Stars

William Hurt, Albert Brooks, Holly Hunter

Directed by

James L. Brooks

watch on HBO

Director James L. Brooks deftly mixed romance, drama, and comedy in Broadcast News. Holly Hunter leads the cast as Jane Craig, a gifted and ambitious news producer. Albert Brooks co-stars as Aaron Altman, a reporter who carries a torch for Jane and has on-air ambitions of his own. When sportscaster Tom Grunick (William Hurt) joins the outlet, it creates professional and romantic tension between Jane and Aaron. And although Tom represents everything she dislikes about news as entertainment, her attraction for him is impossible to ignore. And in the newsroom, no relationship is sacred.

Read less

My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002)

62 %

6.6/10

95m

Genre

Comedy, Drama, Romance

Stars

Nia Vardalos, John Corbett, Lainie Kazan

Directed by

Joel Zwick

watch on HBO

The inspirational story of how Nia Vardalos wrote and starred in My Big Fat Greek Wedding could make a pretty good movie just by itself. But even two decades after its initial release, the film holds up as a charming romantic comedy. Vardalos plays Fotoula “Toula” Portokalos, a 30-year-old woman who works at her family’s Greek restaurant. After attracting the attention of Ian Miller (John Corbett), Toula is inspired to reinvent herself and pursue her own career and love life. While Toula and Ian decide to get married, the involvement of her Greek family puts some unexpected tension on the wedding plans.

Read less

Speed (1994)

Trailer

73 %

7.2/10

116m

Genre

Action, Adventure, Crime

Stars

Keanu Reeves, Sandra Bullock, Dennis Hopper

Directed by

Jan de Bont

watch on HBO

Pop quiz, hotshot. What high-concept action film made Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock into big-time Hollywood stars? Why, it’s Speed, of course. A madman named Howard Payne (Dennis Hopper) issues a ransom demand with a threat that a bomb will soon explode on a bus. Officer Jack Traven (Reeves) manages to get on the bus, but it falls to passenger Annie Porter (Bullock) to keep the bus going over 50 mph or else the bomb will immediately explode. This may sound silly, but it’s a really terrific action flick. The romantic tension between Jack and Annie is also delicious, even in life-or-death situations.

Read less

The Witches of Eastwick (1987)

Trailer

67 %

6.6/10

118m

Genre

Comedy, Fantasy, Horror

Stars

Jack Nicholson, Cher, Susan Sarandon

Directed by

George Miller

watch on HBO

Jack Nicholson as the devil? Talk about perfect casting! In The Witches of Eastwick, Nicholson plays the demonic Daryl Van Horne, a mysterious man who goes out of his way to seduce three friends: Alexandra Medford (Cher), Jane Spofford (Susan Sarandon), and Sukie Ridgemont (Michelle Pfeiffer). The three women don’t initially realize that they are witches, but they soon come into their power after their encounters with Daryl. However, the price of Daryl’s favor is far too high for any of the women to accept. Fortunately, they still have each other in the battle of their lives.

Read less

The Aviator (2004)

Trailer

77 %

7.5/10

pg-13

170m

Genre

Drama

Stars

Leonardo DiCaprio, Cate Blanchett, Kate Beckinsale

Directed by

Martin Scorsese

watch on HBO

The real Howard Hughes has been gone for nearly five decades, but he left behind an eclectic legacy as a pilot, an aviation magnate, an engineer, and even a film director. Martin Scorsese’s The Aviator examines two decades in Howard’s life, with Leonardo DiCaprio in the title role. Howard’s whirlwind affair with Katharine Hepburn (Cate Blanchett) is chronicled, as is his intimate connection with Ava Gardner (Kate Beckinsale). The film doesn’t shy away from depicting Howard’s severe obsessive-compulsive disorder, which threatens to destroy his empire and his relationships. For better or worse, Howard’s real life was complex and messy. That’s also why his story makes for a very compelling film.

Read less

Backdraft (1991)

Trailer

38 %

6.7/10

137m

Genre

Crime, Drama, Thriller

Stars

Kurt Russell, William Baldwin, Robert De Niro

Directed by

Ron Howard

watch on HBO

Backdraft is a special effects marvel, thanks to its masterful depiction of the beautiful and destructive nature of fire. Kurt Russell and William Baldwin star as Stephen “Bull” McCaffrey and his brother, Brian. Bull is the senior firefighter, and he is often at odds with his younger brother. But as a series of deadly fires rock Chicago, Brian and his mentor, Captain Donald “Shadow” Rimgale (Robert De Niro), suspect arson as the cause. More specifically, they come to believe that only a firefighter would have the skill to create the targeted blazes. Brian even briefly suspects that his brother is to blame before the truth surprises them all.

Read less

Blade Runner 2049 (2017)

Trailer

81 %

8.0/10

164m

Genre

Science Fiction, Drama

Stars

Ryan Gosling, Harrison Ford, Ana de Armas

Directed by

Denis Villeneuve

watch on HBO

Ridley Scott’s Blade Runner wasn’t a huge hit, but it was an incredibly influential sci-fi film. Denis Villeneuve’s sequel, Blade Runner 2049, appears to be on the same trajectory. This visually stunning follow-up takes place a few decades after the original movie, as a Blade Runner known as K (Ryan Gosling) discovers evidence that replicants can biologically reproduce. Because of gaps in his own history, K comes to believe that he is the replicant child in question. To get answers, K takes it upon himself to track down Rick Deckard (Harrison Ford), the titular Blade Runner from the original film. However, a corrupt executive, Niander Wallace (Jared Leto), wants to catch Rick first and use his knowledge to exploit the replicant secrets for his own gain.

Read less

Chasing Amy (1997)

Trailer

71 %

7.2/10

114m

Genre

Comedy, Drama, Romance

Stars

Ben Affleck, Joey Lauren Adams, Jason Lee

Directed by

Kevin Smith

watch on Hulu

Chasing Amy remains director Kevin Smith’s best film to date, thanks to its frank depiction of sex, romance, and the ensuing emotional blowback. Ben Affleck stars as comic book illustrator Holden McNeil, a young man who becomes instantly infatuated with Alyssa Jones (Joey Lauren Adams). Despite his initial surprise that Alyssa is a lesbian, Holden’s feelings for her continue unabated. When Alyssa begins to reciprocate those feelings, Holden’s friend and partner, Banky Edwards (Jason Lee), is openly threatened by their burgeoning romance. Regardless, Holden proves to be his own worst enemy when his insecurity threatens his emotional bonds to both Alyssa and Banky.

Read less

Clueless (1995)

Trailer

68 %

6.9/10

pg-13

97m

Genre

Comedy, Romance

Stars

Alicia Silverstone, Stacey Dash, Brittany Murphy

Directed by

Amy Heckerling

watch on HBO

Clueless is one of the seminal comedies of the ‘90s and the film that solidified Alicia Silverstone as a star. Within the film, Silverstone plays Cher Horowitz, a teenager among the most popular girls in her school. Cher has a somewhat contentious relationship with her step-brother, Josh Lucas (Paul Rudd). According to Josh, Cher has no purpose in her life. To rectify that, Cher commits to performing good deeds and takes an unpopular girl, Tai Frasier (Brittany Murphy), under her wing. But when Tai competes with her for the affections of the same guy, Cher is once again forced to reassess her life.

Read less

Kajillionaire (2020)

Trailer

78 %

6.4/10

105m

Genre

Crime, Drama, Comedy

Stars

Evan Rachel Wood, Debra Winger, Gina Rodriguez

Directed by

Miranda July

watch on HBO

Despite its strange title, Kajillionaire is not about a ridiculously wealthy family. Instead, it’s about a family of grifters and con artists. Evan Rachel Wood stars as Old Dolio, the daughter of Robert (Richard Jenkins) and Theresa Dyne (Debra Winger). The problem is that Old Dollo’s parents don’t treat her like their child. Instead, she’s simply their convenient accomplice. While trying to run a con, Robert and Theresa recruit Melanie Whitacre (Gina Rodriguez) into their schemes and begin treating her as their daughter. Much to Old Dollo’s surprise, Melanie is the only one who offers her any emotional support. This leads Old Dollo to openly question whether her parents care for her at all.

Read less

The English Patient (1996)

Trailer

87 %

7.4/10

162m

Genre

Drama, Romance, War

Stars

Ralph Fiennes, Juliette Binoche, Willem Dafoe

Directed by

Anthony Minghella

watch on HBO

The English Patient made audiences swoon in 1996, thanks to its epic romance set against the backdrop of World War II. Ralph Fiennes stars as Almásy, a badly-burned man facing the end of his life in the war’s final days. While a nurse named Hana (Juliette Binoche) cares for him, Almásy puts together the pieces of his past. That includes Almásy’s torrid affair with Katharine Clifton (Kristin Scott Thomas), a married woman. Hana has a tentative romance of her own with Kip (Naveen Andrews), a soldier in the British army. Willem Dafoe also stars in the movie as a Canadian intelligence officer named Caravaggio, a man who holds a dangerous grudge against Almásy.

Read less

He Got Game (1998)

64 %

6.9/10

136m

Genre

Drama

Stars

Denzel Washington, Ray Allen, Rosario Dawson

Directed by

Spike Lee

watch on HBO

Spike Lee cast NBA superstar Ray Allen in his film He Got Game. That gave a lot of credibility to Allen’s role as Jesus Shuttlesworth, the top basketball prospect in the nation. Jesus is so highly coveted that the governor temporarily paroles his father, Jacob “Jake” Shuttlesworth (Denzel Washington). If Jake can get his son to commit to the governor’s alma mater, then he can go free. However, the lingering hostility between Jesus and Jake means that the son isn’t exactly eager to do his father any favors. Not even a one-on-one basketball game can settle their issues. Instead, the father and son will have to look within for resolution and reconciliation.

Read less

Insomnia (2002)

Trailer

78 %

7.2/10

118m

Genre

Crime, Mystery, Thriller

Stars

Al Pacino, Robin Williams, Hilary Swank

Directed by

Christopher Nolan

watch on HBO

For his third feature film, Insomnia, Christopher Nolan turned to a stellar cast for this psychological thriller. Al Pacino stars as Will Dormer, a police detective plagued by guilt and insomnia while on a special case in Alaska. After Will’s partner, Detective Hap Eckhart (Martin Donovan), threatens to testify against him to Internal Affairs, Will shoots Hap while in pursuit of a killer, Walter Finch (Robin Williams). Walter takes the opportunity to blackmail Will into helping him escape the charges, while a young detective, Ellie Burr (Hilary Swank), gets closer to the truth.

Read less

Life of Pi (2012)

Trailer

7.9/10

127m

Genre

Adventure, Drama, Action

Stars

Suraj Sharma, Irrfan Khan, Ayush Tandon

Directed by

Ang Lee

watch on HBO

Ang Lee’s adaptation of Life of Pi is a visual masterpiece and a modern fairy tale as well. Piscine Molitor “Pi” Patel (Suraj Sharma) shares the story of his life, from his younger years to a horrific accident at sea when he was a teenager (Irrfan Khan). Young Pi is trapped on a lifeboat with an intimidating Bengal tiger named Richard Parker. While Richard Parker could easily kill Pi, the teenager finds a way for both of them to co-exist as they fight the elements for their lives.

Read less

Pitch Perfect (2012)

Trailer

66 %

7.1/10

pg-13

112m

Genre

Comedy, Music, Romance

Stars

Anna Kendrick, Brittany Snow, Anna Camp

Directed by

Jason Moore

watch on HBO

Pitch Perfect may be one of the most unlikely franchises of the last two decades, but it won over audiences with its initial installment. Anna Kendrick stars as Beca Mitchell, a young first-year student at Barden University. Beca’s singing ability quickly draws the attention of the Barden Bellas, the university’s female a cappella group. However, Beca butts heads with the Bellas’ leader, Aubrey Posen (Anna Camp), which jeopardizes the group’s national championship hopes.

Read less

Dunkirk (2017)

Trailer

94 %

7.8/10

pg-13

107m

Genre

War, Action, Drama

Stars

Fionn Whitehead, Damien Bonnard, Tom Hardy, Aneurin Barnard, Harry Styles

Directed by

Christopher Nolan

watch on HBO

Christopher Nolan’s Dunkirk is based on a true World War II story. In the aftermath of the Battle of France, thousands of British soldiers were stranded on Dunkirk as German troops advanced. The film follows the rescue effort by sea and by air. But back in Dunkirk itself, soldiers Tommy (Fionn Whitehead) and Alex (Harry Styles) find danger at every turn. The first few rescue attempts are disastrous, and even the rescuers are in danger. Not everyone is going to come home from this mission.

Read less

Independence Day (1996)

Trailer

59 %

7.0/10

pg-13

145m

Genre

Action, Adventure, Science Fiction

Stars

Will Smith, Bill Pullman, Jeff Goldblum

Directed by

Roland Emmerich

watch on HBO

Independence Day is not necessarily great cinema, but it excels as a popcorn action flick that took theaters by storm in 1996. Arguably, it was the film that made Will Smith a movie star, thanks to his turn as ace fighter pilot Captain Steven Hiller. But the real stars of this movie are the aliens themselves and the destruction that they leave in their wake. This is a disaster film dialed up to 11, and we still get goosebumps from President Thomas J. Whitmore (Bill Pullman) as he delivers a speech for the ages.

Read less

High Fidelity (2000)

Trailer

79 %

7.5/10

113m

Genre

Comedy, Drama, Romance, Music

Stars

John Cusack, Iben Hjejle, Jack Black, Tim Robbins

Directed by

Stephen Frears

watch on HBO

Pop quiz: What are your top five favorite John Cusack movies? Chances are good that High Fidelity is on that list. That’s fitting because Cusack’s Rob Gordon loves making top five lists all throughout the movie. Poor Rob also loves Laura (Iben Hjejle), but not as much as he loves music. With his relationship on the rocks, Rob tries to figure out how he can improve himself. Regardless, the real joy in the movie comes during the moments when Rob just can’t help embracing his inner music geek. The man’s got good taste!

Read less

Tour de Pharmacy (2017)

Trailer

71 %

7.1/10

tv-ma

Genre

Comedy, TV Movie

Cast

Andy Samberg, Orlando Bloom, Freddie Highmore, John Cena

watch on HBO

After the success of 7 Days in Hell, a mockumentary about a legendary tennis match between two fictional idiots, the Andy Samberg-led team earned a second go-round via HBO. The result? Tour de Pharmacy, a story that spoofs the Tour de France by focusing on competitors’ use of performance-enhancing substances in the early 1980s. Samberg returns to play Nigerian rider Marty Hass, while Orlando Bloom, Freddie Highmore, Daveed Diggs, and John Cena appear as the other made-up competitors. Tour de Pharmacy is filled with classic slapstick comedy, and the concept is bolstered by the inclusion of several veteran actors — we won’t spoil the hilarious surprises here — who play the “modern-day” versions of the film’s protagonists. Lance Armstrong’s cameo doesn’t hurt, either.

Read less

Clerks (1994)

Trailer

70 %

7.7/10

92m

Genre

Comedy

Stars

Brian O’Halloran, Jeff Anderson, Jason Mewes

Directed by

Kevin Smith

watch on HBO

Clerks was the film that famously launched the career of writer and director Kevin Smith, who also co-stars in the movie as Silent Bob alongside Jason Mewes’ Jay. While Jay and Silent Bob became staples of Smith’s later films, Clerks belongs to Brian O’Halloran’s Dante Hicks and Jeff Anderson’s Randal Graves. Dante and Randal’s banter showed off Smith’s gift for dialogue, but it also allowed them to be more than just Smith’s pop culture sounding board. The duo justifiably have contempt for their dead-end jobs, but they don’t necessarily appreciate the good things they do have. It’s a hard lesson for Dante to learn, but he does get the point in the end.

Read less

Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) (2020)

Trailer

60 %

6.1/10

109m

Genre

Action, Crime

Stars

Margot Robbie, Ewan McGregor, Rosie Perez, Mary Elizabeth Winstead

Directed by

Cathy Yan

watch on HBO

Introduced to the role in 2016’s critical bomb, but commercial home run, Suicide Squad, Margot Robbie gets another turn as fan-favorite Harley Quinn in Birds of Prey. Told from Harley’s smart but certifiable point of view, Birds of Prey shows us how Harley goes from being the spurned lover of Gotham’s Clown Prince of Crime, to forgetting her “puddin’” and becoming her own gun-toting, butt-kicking self. Along the way, she gathers a team of former cops, killers, and super-powered singers to help her face down the endless criminal hordes of Roman Sionis (Ewan McGregor), aka Black Mask. McGregor is perfect as the brutal Sionis, who’s just as twisted as Harley or her ex-boyfriend, and Mary Elizabeth Winstead is another standout as the lethal vigilante Huntress.

Image: https://www.hbo.com/movies/birds-of-prey-and-the-fantabulous-emancipation-of-one-harley-quinn

Read less

Editors’ Recommendations

The best thrillers on Amazon Prime Video (April 2022)

The best sci-fi movies on Netflix right now (April 2022)

The best rom-coms on Amazon Prime right now (April 2022)

The 47 best HBO series streaming right now (April 2022)

Best alternate reality movies you can stream right now

The post The best movies on HBO right now (April 2022) first appeared on Tech Clarify.

The best animated movies on Netflix right now (April 2022)

kingamit — Fri, 01 Apr 2022 06:00:00 +0000

Netflix truly has something for everybody, including a host of family-friendly movies covering a wide range of options. So even though the streamer’s animated selection is comparatively thin, there are still a number of great choices in the library. Whether you’re looking for something for the kids or you want to indulge your inner kid, Netflix has some good animated films at any given time. But if you’re not sure what you’re looking for exactly, we’ve taken the time to pull together the best animated movies on Netflix right now.
Looking for something else? We’ve also rounded up the best movies on Netflix, the best shows on Hulu, the best shows on Amazon Prime, and the best shows on Disney+.

New movies to stream at a glance

How to Train Your Dragon

2010

Puss in Boots

2011

How to Train Your Dragon (2010)
new

75 %

8.1/10

98m

Genre

Fantasy, Adventure, Animation, Family

Stars

Jay Baruchel, Gerard Butler, Craig Ferguson

Directed by

Chris Sanders, Dean DeBlois

watch on Netflix

The Vikings in the village of Berk pride themselves on their dragon-slaying abilities. The chieftain’s son Hiccup (Jay Baruchel) isn’t quite as keen on the barbaric activities, preferring science and engineering instead. When Hiccup stumbles across an injured dragon in the forest, his special talents come in handy as he helps the dragon recover. But this newfound friendship will not be looked on kindly by the village.

Read less

Puss in Boots (2011)
new

65 %

6.6/10

90m

Genre

Animation, Adventure, Comedy, Family

Stars

Antonio Banderas, Salma Hayek, Zach Galifianakis

Directed by

Chris Miller

watch on Netflix

The Shrek universe expands a little on Netflix with this spinoff starring everybody’s favorite feline foilist. This prequel tells the bold, daring tale of Puss’ rise from ordinary kitty cat to the legendary Puss in Boots. With help from mastermind Humpty Dumpty and the savvy Kitty, Puss sets out to steal the famed goose that lays Golden Eggs.

Read less

Shrek (2001)

84 %

7.9/10

90m

Genre

Animation, Comedy, Fantasy, Adventure, Family

Stars

Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz

Directed by

Andrew Adamson, Vicky Jenson

watch on Netflix

Dreamworks has long been an animation stalwart, but Shrek may be its ultimate calling card. The twisted take on common fairy tales brings us to a kingdom ruled by the evil Lord Farquaad (John Lithgow). Disturbed by the fairy tale creatures in his realm, he banishes them, only for them to all find refuge on the swamp of an ogre named Shrek (Mike Myers). Determined to get the creatures off his land and regain his solitude, Shrek cuts a deal with Farquaad to save the beautiful Princess Fiona (Cameron Diaz) from a fire-breathing dragon so that Farquaad can marry her. But Fiona’s got a secret up her sleeve.

Read less

The Willoughbys (2020)

68 %

6.4/10

92m

Genre

Animation, Comedy, Family

Stars

Will Forte, Maya Rudolph, Alessia Cara

Directed by

Kris Pearn

watch on Netflix

A family tale made for those who wish they could get away from their family, The Willoughbys is a Netflix original that has gone somewhat under the radar. When the four Willoughby children are abandoned by their selfish parents, they must adapt to a contemporary world. Their old family was very old-fashioned, and now they have one mission in life: Become the ultimate modern family.

Read less

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs (2009)

66 %

6.9/10

90m

Genre

Animation, Comedy, Family

Stars

Bill Hader, Anna Faris, James Caan

Directed by

Phil Lord, Christopher Miller

watch on Netflix

A Seussian kind of tale, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs takes us to Swallow Falls, an island town experiencing such hard times that everybody can only afford to eat sardines. Fortunately, inventor Flint Lockwood soon builds a machine that can convert water into food, resulting in tasty delights literally raining from the heavens. But when his machine spins out of control, all that falling food threatens to bury the town.

Read less

Monster House (2006)

68 %

6.6/10

91m

Genre

Animation, Comedy, Family, Fantasy

Stars

Mitchel Musso, Sam Lerner, Spencer Locke

Directed by

Gil Kenan

watch on Netflix

Everybody has a childhood story about the scariest house in the neighborhood, but DJ Harvard’s is probably better than yours. The house across the street from DJ’s is actually a monster. Or, rather, it’s possessed by a malevolent entity that needs to feed on the energy of the living. As Halloween draws near and the house looks forward to feasting on all of the neighborhood children, it’s up to DJ and his friends Chowder and Jenny to discover the source of the house’s power and defeat it before it’s too late. More of a comedy with some spooky animated elements, Monster House is a fun film that will engage viewers of all ages.

Read less

Lupin the Third: The Castle of Cagliostro (1979)

72 %

7.6/10

102m

Genre

Family, Animation, Adventure, Comedy, Crime

Stars

Yasuo Yamada, Eiko Masuyama, Kiyoshi Kobayashi

Directed by

Hayao Miyazaki

watch on Netflix

The Castle of Cagliostro is the debut film of animation legend Hayao Miyazaki, and an entry in the Lupin III franchise. For those not familiar with the franchise, The Castle of Cagliostro follows the thief Arsène Lupin III, grandson of Maurice Leblanc’s iconic gentleman thief. After Lupin and his partner, Jigen, rob a casino, they discover that the cash they stole is counterfeit. They trace the money to the country of Cagliostro, whose ruler, Count Cagliostro, is planning to marry Princess Clarisse to consolidate absolute power over the country and its hidden treasure. The action dances smoothly along scene to scene with Miyazaki’s characteristically ebullient touch and stands as an enjoyable watch for fans of Studio Ghibli and its founder.

Read less

Klaus (2019)

65 %

8.2/10

96m

Genre

Animation, Family, Adventure, Comedy

Stars

Jason Schwartzman, J.K. Simmons, Rashida Jones

Directed by

Sergio Pablos

watch on Netflix

Netflix’s first original animated feature film, Klaus is an alternative and entertaining Santa Claus origin story. When a selfish young postman is assigned to a remote Scandinavian town, his unlikely friendship with a recluse leads to the accidental creation of an incredible (and familiar) toymaker. Klaus features the voice talent of Jason Schwartzman (who really carries the film), J.K. Simmons, Rashida Jones, Norm MacDonald, and Joan Cusack. The film earned a 2020 Oscar nomination for Best Animated Feature.

Read less

A Silent Voice: The Movie (2016)

78 %

8.2/10

pg-13

130m

Genre

Animation, Drama

Stars

Miyu Irino, Saori Hayami, Aoi Yuki

Directed by

Naoko Yamada

watch on Netflix

Not all animated movies are for children and A Silent Voice is certainly one anime film geared toward an older audience. The film follows Shoya, a young man haunted by the guilt of bullying a deaf student named Shoko Nishiyima until she changed schools. Although he didn’t act alone, the other bullies turn on Shoya, marking him as an outcast and putting a target on his back. Years later, Shoya is overwhelmed by a need to make things right, so he learns sign language and seeks out Shoko to atone for his past sins. Through honest, painful communication, the two form a strong friendship as well as a community around them. With lush animation, deeply complicated themes, and flawed-yet-relatable characters, A Silent Voice is a riveting, soul-searching, and provocative film.

Read less

In This Corner of the World (2016)

73 %

7.8/10

pg-13

130m

Genre

Drama, Animation, Romance, War, History

Stars

Non, Daisuke Ono, Mayumi Shintani

Directed by

Sunao Katabuchi

watch on Netflix

While Netflix rightfully gets a lot of praise for its original content, it has also been remarkably deft with acquisitions, especially on the foreign film market. In This Corner of the World is a great example. This award-winning anime film was released in the U.S. in 2017 through Funimation Films and, after acquisition, it’s now available to stream on Netflix. It follows Suzu Urano, a young woman who moves to Hiroshima in 1944 to live with her husband’s family. When her town is hit by the atomic bomb, Suzu rises to the call to protect her family and rebuild her country, as much as any individual can after such unseen atrocity. A horrifying yet poignant tale that shows the Japanese perspective of World War II and depicts the challenges of overcoming overwhelming tragedy, In This Corner of the World is deeply illuminating.

Read less

The Little Prince (2015)

70 %

7.7/10

108m

Genre

Adventure, Animation, Fantasy, Family

Stars

Jeff Bridges, Mackenzie Foy, Rachel McAdams

Directed by

Mark Osborne

watch on Netflix

Another beneficiary of Netflix’s acquisition arm, The Little Prince received a limited release before Netflix snatched up the streaming rights, making it available for an even broader audience. Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s famous novella comes to life with breathtaking animation and a faithful retelling of the classic tale in Mark Osborne’s 2015 adaptation. Classic characters like The Fox, The Snake, and The Rose all make appearances in different, contrasting animation styles that juxtapose the original drawings and computer-generated graphics. This visual technique helps frame the adapted story of the famous prince, which itself exists within a story of The Little Girl (Mackenzie Foy) and her uptight Mother (Rachel McAdams). Widely considered one of the best film adaptations of The Little Prince, this film is a joy for fans of the novella as well as newcomers.

Read less

Editors’ Recommendations

The 105 best shows on Hulu right now (April 2022)

The 50 best movies on Netflix right now (April 2022)

The best TV shows on Amazon Prime right now (April 2022)

The 100 best movies on HBO Max right now (April 2022)

The 65 best movies on Hulu right now (April 2022)

The post The best animated movies on Netflix right now (April 2022) first appeared on Tech Clarify.

The best Android phones for 2022

kingamit — Sun, 13 Mar 2022 11:23:00 +0000

We test all of the best smartphones at Digital Trends to find out exactly what they’re capable of, and we look for all of the best models available. To find the best Android phones, we divided this list into categories based on different budgets. For each budget level, we offer our top pick and any alternatives we think are worth mentioning. We chose the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra as the best Android phone since it has a superb camera, a beautiful screen display, and impressive battery life.

Contents
Samsung Galaxy S22 UltraOnePlus 9 Pro 5GSamsung Galaxy A52 5GMoto G Power (2021)Google Pixel 5a 5GFrequently Asked QuestionsShow 1 more item

Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra

Best Android flagship

Jump to details

OnePlus 9 Pro 5G

Best Android phone for $1,000

Jump to details

Samsung Galaxy A52 5G

Best stylish Android phone

Jump to details

Moto G Power (2021)

Best cheap Android phone

Jump to details

Samsung Galaxy S21

Best value Android phone

Google Pixel 5a 5G

Best midrange phone

Jump to details

Show 3 more items

Andy Boxall/Digital Trends
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra

Best Android flagship

Read our in-depth review

Pros

S Pen is convenient and highly accurate

Versatile camera takes great photos

The latest processor for power

Long software support

Beautiful high refresh rate screen

Cons

Not very fast battery charging

Large and heavy

Why you should buy this: The Galaxy S22 Ultra is a gorgeous hunk of phone with every panel and line perfect in fit and finish.

Who is it for?: Buyers who seek the safest, most forward-looking tech purchase available.

Why we picked the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra:

The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra is a tough phone that will last for years. It’s all business with flat end caps, sharp lines, and squared-off corners — not the friendliest design, and not the easiest to handle, but solid. At 228 grams, it’s one of the heaviest smartphones out there. But there’s a real beauty in the brutalism, and it’s stylish and sleek despite all that.

The Galaxy S22 Ultra’s huge screen is arresting with beautiful colors, deep blacks, and features like HDR10+ and Dolby Atmos for multimedia. The same Armor Aluminum metal used on the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Z Flip 3 constructs the chassis, paired with Gorilla Glass Victus+. Its 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED screen has a 120Hz refresh rate and a maximum resolution of 3088 x 1440 pixels. It supports HDR10+ and is covered in Gorilla Glass Victus+, with peak brightness at 1,750 nits. Samsung promises four Android version updates and five years of security updates for superlative longevity.

The Galaxy S22 Ultra comes with an S Pen stylus nestled within a storage slot on the bottom of the phone, letting you take neat, hand-written notes using the stylus and the screen naturally. The camera lenses are individually set in the back panel in an attractive, minimalist design — not integrated, as in the previous model. The camera takes beautiful photos with vibrant colors and balance, with an updated, customizable portrait mode, and otherwise gets the job done with a variety of versatile high-quality optical zoom modes plus the main and wide cameras.

It uses the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor. The cheapest model comes with 8GB of RAM and 128GB storage space and does not support a MicroSD card. The battery is rated at 5,000mAh, and Samsung has equipped the phone with support for 45-watt fast charging (block not included in the package).

The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra costs $1,199 for the 8GB/128GB version. For more storage, the price is $1,299 for a 12GB/256GB model, $1,399 for a 12GB/512GB model, or $1,599 for the top 12GB/1TB version. Samsung promises four Android version updates and five years of security updates for superlative longevity.

Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra

Best Android flagship

Andy Boxall/Digital Trends
OnePlus 9 Pro 5G

Best Android phone for $1,000

Read our in-depth review

Pros

All the power you could want

A stunning screen

Very fast wired and wireless charging

Reliable, smooth, and quick software

Cons

Hasselblad involvement isn’t that noticeable

At $969, it faces serious flagship competition

Why you should buy this: The most complete, no-nonsense, reliable smartphone package available.

Who it’s for: If you want the best current tech on your phone, but don’t want to spend more than $1,000.

Why we picked the OnePlus 9 Pro:

The OnePlus 9 Pro is OnePlus at its best. It puts the latest hardware specs — a Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 processor with 5G and up to 12GB of RAM, plus a big 6.7-inch AMOLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate — inside a water-resistant body made from metal and glass, then pairs it with one of the best Android 11-based user interfaces out there for a superb all-around product.

That’s before you get to the incredibly fast charging, with a wired connection taking just 28 minutes to fully recharge, or about 45 minutes using OnePlus’ own fast wireless charging stand. The battery life isn’t the longest out there, but it’ll still last you a day provided you don’t go mad on gaming.

It’s the first phone with a camera tuned by photo experts Hasselblad, and although the company has only worked on the software for now, it has improved the OnePlus 9 Pro’s camera over previous models and regularly takes stunning images.

There are two models available, an 8GB/128GB version and a 12GB/256GB model. The additional storage is welcome as the OnePlus 9 Pro doesn’t have a microSD card slot, but if you’re happy with cloud storage moving forward, save yourself some money and get the 8GB/128GB OnePlus 9 Pro.

The OnePlus 9 Pro also embodies what we’ve come to expect and love about the company’s phones — overall dependability. It’s not just the slick, easy-to-use software, but also the pretty styling, sensible size, fast charging, and maxed-out specs that make the phone an incredibly safe purchase, and one that will last you for years.

OnePlus 9 Pro 5G

Best Android phone for $1,000

Andy Boxall/Digital Trends
Samsung Galaxy A52 5G

Best stylish Android phone

Read our in-depth review

Pros

Colorful, 120Hz screen

Two-day battery life

Camera takes shareable photos

IP67 water resistance

Cons

Useless fingerprint sensor

Why you should buy this: It has all the features and abilities most people need, inside a stylish and durable case.

Who it’s for: Someone who wants a great Samsung phone, but without the S21 Ultra’s high price.

Why we picked the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G:

The Samsung Galaxy A52 5G pulls off a very clever trick: It does almost everything you need, looks good while doing it, and the price doesn’t even come close to being four figures. The plastic case has a lovely texture and looks excellent with its molded camera module, while the 6.5-inch AMOLED screen is bright, colorful, and filled with detail, plus it has a desirable 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling.

There are five cameras on the back of the phone, and the photos it takes are very good — plenty of pop, and a strong HDR effect so they’re shareable without too much editing. It uses a Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G for power, has Android 11 installed, and 5G connectivity, so it’s up-to-date, speedy, and ready for the future too. Perhaps best of all is the two-day battery life, even if you spend time playing games.

That’s before you get to the water resistance, microSD card slot, and 3.5mm headphone jack. The Galaxy A52 5G really does have everything you need, and the $500 price tag is very reasonable considering. It’s highly recommended.

Samsung Galaxy A52 5G

Best stylish Android phone

Moto G Power (2021)

Best cheap Android phone

Read our in-depth review

Pros

Excellent battery life

Stripped-back software

Solid design

Huge display

Cons

Sub-par camera

720p display

Missing NFC

Why you should buy this: It’s a solid choice if you don’t have much money to spend on a new phone.

Who it’s for: The budget-conscious buyer who still wants good software and long battery life.

Why we picked the Moto G Power:

When you spend $200 on a new smartphone, you’ll always have to make concessions, and it’ll never be as technically competent as a phone that costs more. Price aside, there are some good reasons to buy the Moto G Power, most notably the big 5,000mAh battery for two days of use before recharging. The screen is huge too, at 6.6-inches, and the software does without any annoying “features” or too much clutter, for a pleasant everyday experience. For $200 you will get the base model with 3GB of RAM and 32GB of storage. Pay $50 more and this goes up to 4GB RAM and 64GB of storage. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 processor is good enough to play most games as well.

What are you missing out on? The screen’s 720p resolution is a disappointment, and there’s no NFC for Google Pay, and the camera doesn’t take great photos either. All this can be solved by buying the $350 Pixel 4a. However, if the budget doesn’t allow for it, then the Moto G Power (2021) will still do all the normal phone-related tasks with ease.

Moto G Power (2021)

Best cheap Android phone

Ajay Kumar/Digital Trends
Google Pixel 5a 5G

Best midrange phone

Read our in-depth review

Pros

Excellent camera performance

Smooth, clean software

IP67 water and dust resistance

Affordable price for its capabilities

Cons

Standard, somewhat boring design

No high-refresh display

Why you should buy this: The Pixel 5a offers smooth performance, punchy photos, and lowlight capabilities on a budget.

Who it’s for: Anybody who wants a great camera, the definitive Android experience, and 5G.

Why we picked the Google Pixel 5a 5G:

Google’s Pixel A-Series is an affordable, pared-down version of the company’s flagship phones, with high-quality camera hardware and software performance — characteristics that also define the Google Pixel 5a 5G. The Pixel 5a 5G is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G processor with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage packaged in a standard candy-bar design with a smooth black plastic exterior and rounded sides.

The 6.34-inch, 2400 x 1080 resolution OLED screen sports a narrow bezel with a hole-punch selfie camera at the top right, a responsive fingerprint sensor on the back, and a 3.5mm audio jack up top. The screen has a 20:9 aspect ratio and a resolution of 413 pixels per inch (ppi). With a 4,680mAh cell, it’s a hefty battery, you can get around one-and-a-half to two days of regular use before needing to top up. Camera capabilities are top-notch, and one of the best we’ve ever seen. The primary sensor is a 12.2MP with a 16MP ultrawide camera featuring a 117-degree field of view. The 8MP front camera does well for selfies and video.

In terms of connectivity, the Pixel 5a 5G supports Sub-6 5G, dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, and NFC, compatible with all the major U.S. carriers, Japanese carrier SoftBank, and Google’s Project Fi.

Google Pixel 5a 5G

Best midrange phone

Frequently Asked Questions

Which brands make the best Android phones?
We’ve highlighted Samsung a lot above, and it’s true that Samsung makes some of the best phones around. But really, it depends on your chosen price range. Samsung is the king of the higher Android price bracket, but head further down, and you start to notice the Google Pixels, Motorola’s budget and midrange options, and even some great phones from Nokia. The bigger names you recognize should definitely be preferred, as quality can be an issue when you start experimenting with brands you’ve never heard of.

But really, a brand name shouldn’t be what you base your decision on. After all, any manufacturer can make a bad phone from time to time. Instead, check out individual phone reviews, and decide that way. There will likely be differences between Android skins on different brands, but they shouldn’t be big enough to ruin your experience.

How do you choose the right Android phone for your needs?
Price, screen size, camera capabilities, durability, and processing power are some of the most important factors to consider when buying a phone. If you work or game on your phone a lot, you’ll want a phone with speedy processing. If you take a lot of pictures or videos, the camera might be a make-or-break factor for you.

How do Android phones differ from iPhones?
Android phones run on Android, while iPhones run on iOS. But this is only the beginning. Android phones typically offer USB-C charging, while most Apple phones use Lightning charging. Users praise Apple for its clean interface, lack of bloatware, privacy, and ease of integration with other Apple devices. Users praise Android for its easy customization, easy integration with Windows and other devices, affordability, expansion, and innovation. When it comes to iPhone versus Android, it’s really a personal decision.

How long should an Android phone last?
Most modern smartphones should last two to three years.

Which Android Phone has the best camera?
Many Android phones offer exceptional cameras, including Google’s new Pixel 6 Pro. Samsung’s Galaxy S21 Ultra also has a stellar camera system, producing some of the best photos you can get out of a smartphone with a primary 108MP sensor, an ultrawide 12MP sensor, and two 10MP telephoto sensors.

Which Android phone has the best battery life?
A good phone’s battery should last you most of the day, but the Moto G Power has a 5,000mAh battery that lasts exceptionally long for an Android Phone in its price range.

Editors’ Recommendations

The best iPad keyboards for 2022

The best flip phones for 2022

The best Garmin watches of 2022

Best Apple deals and sales for March 2022

The best folding phones for 2022

The post The best Android phones for 2022 first appeared on Tech Clarify.

The best home theater projectors for 2022

kingamit — Sun, 13 Mar 2022 10:54:00 +0000

Achieving theater-level picture quality at home is getting closer to reality. And whether you’re looking for a projector to take your basement cinema to the next level or want to host a backyard movie night, if you’ve spent any time shopping for one, you already know the selection is ever-expanding. Luckily, our team is here to help you with your purchase.

Projectors like our top pick, the Optoma UHD50X, offer a market-leading resolution, solid refresh rates, and a variety of inputs, ensuring they can handle whatever source you can throw at them. But if picks like these aren’t for you, we also have more detailed run-downs for you on the best portable projectors and the best 4K projectors.

Contents
Optoma UHD50XBenQ CinePrime HT3550Samsung LSP9T Premiere ProjectorBenQ TK850Hisense PX1-PRO Laser CinemaOptoma HD146XAAXA P7 Pico Mini ProjectorShow 2 more items

Optoma UHD50X

Best all-round home theater projector

Jump to details

BenQ CinePrime HT3550

Best projector for darkroom cinephiles

Jump to details

Samsung LSP9T Premiere Projector

Best smart-home short-throw projector

Jump to details

BenQ TK850

Best projector for light-filled living rooms

Jump to details

Hisense PX1-PRO Laser Cinema

Best projector for accurate color

Jump to details

Optoma HD146X

Best budget projector

Jump to details

AAXA P7 Pico Mini Projector

Best portable projector

Jump to details

Show 4 more items

Optoma UHD50X

Best all-round home theater projector

Pros

4K resolution

240Hz refresh rate with gaming mode

Extra-high 3,400 lumens

Cons

Takes up some room and will need careful placement

Why you should buy this: It offers 4K resolution, a 240Hz refresh rate, and gorgeous color for the price.

Who it’s for: Gamers and film enthusiasts who want the best possible image quality for the money.

Why we picked the Optoma UHD50X:

If you want to experience insane refresh rates while gaming and theater-like quality in your living room at an affordable price, there is no better option than the Optoma UHD50X, in our opinion. With 4K resolution and astonishing color, the UHD50X takes your favorite films and TV shows and projects them in optimal 120-plus-inch glory (to a maximum of 302 inches).

With 3,400 lumens of brightness and a contrast ratio of up to 500,000:1 — plus support for HDR 10 and HLG — the UHD50X will take anything you throw at it and reproduce it with breathtaking clarity, especially games. PC gamers, in particular, will be treated to the UHD50X’s Enhanced Gaming Mode, which delivers a 240Hz refresh rate and low latency 16 milliseconds response time when playing at 1080p resolution. Playing at 4K isn’t too shabby either, with 60Hz refresh and 26 ms response time, allowing gamers to choose their priority — speed or gobsmacking resolution.

Two HDMI ports (HDMI 2.0 and HDMI 1.4), VGA, and optical connections mean that you’ll be able to easily connect the projector to everything under the sun, including older computers and modern streaming devices. It even has a USB power port, which provides juice for players and phones alike.

The UHD50X comes with a vast array of color modes out of the box, including hyper-accurate Cinema and Bright modes, each of which is catered toward a different type of content. With a stated lamp life of 15,000 hours, this projector will also last through years of daily use before you’ll need to consider a replacement bulb — making this one of the best projectors for the money.

Optoma UHD50X

Best all-round home theater projector

BenQ CinePrime HT3550

Best projector for darkroom cinephiles

Pros

Excellent color accuracy

Automatic angle correction

Contrast optimization

Cons

Not portable

Short lamp life

Why you should buy this: It sports 4K UHD resolution, HDR support, and 2,000 lumens of brightness.

Who it’s for: Film fanatics who want a well-priced projector with color accuracy that’s as close as possible to film industry standards.

Why we picked the BenQ CinePrime HT3550:

Great picture quality is at the heart of the HT3550, which delivers 4K resolution, vivid 2,000-lumen brightness, and BenQ’s HDR-Pro technology, allowing it to dish out brightness and color balance that rivals HDR 10. But where cinephiles might be most interested is in the projector’s DCI-P3 color gamut and CinematicColor tech, which is designed to closely reproduce the colors of the Hollywood film industry. Additionally, this dynamic color and contrast make the HT3550 ideal for authentic viewing in dark rooms, allowing for that true movie theater experience. The HT3550 also boasts automatic vertical keystone correction to true up the image when the projector is placed at less-than-optimal heights, and a 1.3x optical zoom helps you fit the picture to a screen. The HT3550 will throw a 120-inch image from up to 12.8 feet away.

Though the HT3550 isn’t designed to be portable, it is lightweight enough to do the job, should you want to put together pop-up viewing events, and a quick and easy setup process makes it equally agile if you plan on toting it between locations every so often. Furthermore, a well-backlit remote helps keep the projector easy to adjust in darkened rooms, and hotkeys help you deal with commonly needed adjustments quickly.

With a lamp that should last 4,000 hours at normal use (15,000 in SmartEco mode), the BenQ CinePrime HT3550 should last through years of playback, and with an image quality this good, you won’t be thinking about an upgrade for a very long time.

BenQ CinePrime HT3550

Best projector for darkroom cinephiles

Samsung LSP9T Premiere Projector

Best smart-home short-throw projector

Pros

Compatibility with voice assistants

Compact, short-throw design

30W speakers and subwoofer built in

Cons

No HDR features

Why you should buy this: It offers a bright, vivid image plus smart home features.

Who it’s for: Those who use voice assistants in their smart home, and those who prefer a compact image.

Why we picked the Samsung LSP9T Premiere Projector:

Samsung’s projector comes ready for the modern smart home thanks to its Tizen platform, which supports Alexa, Google Assistant, and Bixby, allowing you to give voice commands to control playback, search for shows, or operate other smart devices in your home. With 2,200 lumens and a laser engine designed for brightness, you won’t have to worry about watching during the day, either.

This model offers 4K resolution at 120 inches, and the ultra-short-throw design means you can place it only inches away and still get excellent results.

Like some of our other picks, the Samsung projector also includes a filmmaker mode for authentic projection. And while all projectors benefit from external speakers, this model’s 30W speakers and subwoofer can do a fine job on their own — and give you the freedom to take the LSP9T Premiere anywhere.

Samsung LSP9T Premiere Projector

Best smart-home short-throw projector

BenQ TK850

Best projector for light-filled living rooms

Pros

3,000 lumens

Sports mode

HDR10 and HLG support

Cons

Clunky operating system

Lackluster audio

Why you should buy this: It produces a bright, high-quality image that is ideal for watching during any time of day.

Who it’s for: Anyone hoping to incorporate a theater-sized display into their bright living room.

Why we picked the BenQ TK850:

While the CinePrime HT3550 excels in light-controlled environments where you can hit the lights and settle in for movie night, BenQ didn’t forget about folks who don’t have the ability to darken their rooms at will. That’s where the BenQ TK850 comes in.

The TK850 is a 4K projector packing 3,000 lumens of brightness to help it display a great image during any time of day, which is an increasingly important feature for those of us now working from home and consuming far more daytime content. From our experiences, everything from binge-watching on Netflix during work hours to streaming NFL football on Sunday afternoons had plenty of brightness to enjoy our content, as well as the added benefits of a 1.3x zoom ratio and 98% Rec.709 color accuracy.

Speaking of football, the TK850 has a dedicated Sports Mode to get the most out of watching your favorite team. When paired with BenQ’s HDR-Pro technology, support for HDR10 and HLG, and a 3840×2160 resolution featuring 8.3 million pixels, the TK850 is especially well equipped to create a quality picture.

In the interest of full disclosure, the BenQ TK850 doesn’t have the greatest operating system for onboard streaming, and it doesn’t produce the kind of audio that you’d want to match this big of a picture. But if you add a capable streaming device and a soundbar or speaker setup to the mix, your living room — and everyone sitting in it — will thank you for a cinematic experience without having to sit in the dark.

BenQ TK850

Best projector for light-filled living rooms

Hisense PX1-PRO Laser Cinema

Best projector for accurate color

Pros

Excellent short-throw design

Great color coverage

eARC support

Dolby atmos support

Android TV platform

Cons

Not as useful if you don’t use Google apps

Why you should buy this: It offers great color accuracy and easy setup.

Who it’s for: Those who hate washed-out projections and buyers who want a simple setup.

Why we picked the Hisense PX1-PRO:

This slim projector uses Hisense’s TriChroma engine to produce amazingly accurate colors, covering 107% of the BT.2020 color gamut with its RGB lasers. That makes it a great pick for those who are used to a vivid image and don’t want to give up any color accuracy on a projector. Peak brightness can reach 2200 lumens, and at 90 x 130 inches, you’re guaranteed support for a 4K image. The useful short throw of this projector also means that it only needs to sit inches away from your screen or panel.

The model also comes with HDMI eARC, which we love to see for easy setup and speaker passthrough without losing any audio quality or image optimization that your content may support. Dolby Atmos compatibility is also built-in for audio improvements, a feature many projectors miss out on. It also works very well with a variety of devices thanks to its Android TV platform, which supports casting via Chromecast so you can project shows and videos from all kinds of apps in seconds.

Hisense’s projector also comes with a few different modes to help out certain activities, including a gaming mode that enables automatic low latency, and a filmmaker mode that disables motion processing so you get the most authentic projection images possible.

Hisense PX1-PRO Laser Cinema

Best projector for accurate color

Optoma HD146X

Best budget projector

Pros

Affordable

Good color accuracy

Light enough to be portable

Cons

No 4K

Why you should buy this: You want a high-res, 1080p picture and 16 ms response time at a great price.

Who it’s for: Budget-conscious buyers who want a beautiful HD picture, long-lasting lamp, and easy setup and use.

Why we picked the Optoma HD146X:

The updated version of the much-loved HD142X, the HD146X is a value-prop beast, perfect for those that don’t want to spend major dough on a projector for the occasional big game, movie night, or Mario Kart showdown. The affordable projector provides a full 1080p (1920 x 1080) image, 3,600 lumens of brightness (up from the HD142X’s 3,000), and 15,000-hour lamp life (10,000 on Eco mode and 4,000 on Bright mode) — enough to last for years of heavy use.

Colors are vivid, especially in Cinema mode, which cuts the projector’s overall brightness in half to provide better shadow detail in dark rooms. Gamers wanting to throw their latest conquests on the big screen will like the 16 ms response time of the Enhanced Gaming mode, too, which reduces lag and motion blur.

At just over 6 pounds, the HD146X is easy to take with you to backyard movie nights or sporting events. And while it doesn’t have the automatic setup features of higher-tiered projectors, adjusting the image to fit your screen (from 28 to 302 inches) with the manual lever is quick and easy.

As a simple projector solution, the Optoma HD146X is the perfect option for the vast majority of everyday viewers. Let’s face it, most of us aren’t looking to fill out the perfect home theater — we’re just looking to watch a movie after a family barbecue, have a home cinema night, or watch the big game.

Optoma HD146X

Best budget projector

AAXA P7 Pico Mini Projector

Best portable projector

Pros

Can carry it anywhere

Great battery life

Last-lasting LED light

Cons

Limited use outside of presentations

Why you should buy this: Tiny size, big pixels, and long battery life.

Who it’s for: The on-the-go business people who want full HD visuals and don’t want to lug around a huge monitor for presentations.

Why we picked the AAXA P7:

If you often find yourself wishing that you had a big screen in your backpack, you’ll want to check out the AAXA P7 Mini HD projector. With up to 90 minutes of battery life per charge, 600 LED lumens of brightness when plugged in (450 lumens on battery power), and full 1080p resolution that can project an image up to 120-inches in low light, this projector is a bit of a dynamo in a tiny package.

And while you likely won’t be using this in your home theater, you wouldn’t be left in the dark with the P7 if you were having friends over to watch a game or movie in a pinch.

The AAXA P7 Pico Mini Projector will last you a while, too. The LED lamp inside the projector is good for 30,000 hours, which means you’d have to use it for hours a day for decades before you need to replace it. If you’re looking for a tiny little projector to take with you anywhere, this is the one we’d pick.

AAXA P7 Pico Mini Projector

Best portable projector

How you should pick a home theater projector

Even when picking an entry-level projector, there are a few basic considerations to keep in mind. The most important is the projector’s brightness capability. Simply put, the higher the number of lumens, the brighter the image. The more ambient light you have in the room when you watch, the more brightness you’ll want to combat it.

You’ll also want to consider the projector’s throw ratio, which explains how wide a projector’s image will be given the distance between the lens and the screen. Also, be sure the projector you pick offers enough keystone correction and zoom ability to match your installation.

Sound complicated? It’s not as hard as you might think. (And for that matter, neither is projector installation — just read our complete guide if you’d like to learn more. Finally, you’ve got to think about sound: You can count on nearly any projector’s built-in speakers to be terrible. They are an afterthought in most cases, designed to get you by if you’re doing an office presentation, but not much more. Any projector will benefit from even a modest outboard speaker system, though for big movie nights, we say go nuts with the sound system.

How we test

We begin testing by setting up each projector in a completely dark room and adjusting its picture settings, screen size, and overall appearance using tools and methods readily available to people — just like you might do at home. From there, we use a series of test patterns and familiar content, from streaming services to Ultra HD Blu-ray to over-the-air (OTA) TV, to judge each projector’s performance characteristics, including color production, motion resolution, brightness, HDR quality (if applicable), and detail resolution.

Once we’ve analyzed a projector’s picture quality, we move on to elements that affect the user experience, including user settings or smart platform interface, remote control, external device recognition and control, and other essential touchpoints.

When possible, we’ll view two competing projectors side by side to provide additional context for the pros and cons of each exhibit. Finally, we decide as to which type of user a certain projector might appeal to. For instance, some provide better bright-room performance, while others are better for dedicated home theater performance. Some are better for taking with you on the go, while others are better for static setup.

In short, we make a thorough evaluation to determine not only which projectors offer the best picture quality, but those that offer the best overall user experience. After all, you’ll be living with your new projector for years to come, and using it should be a joy, not a pain. Our job is to make sure you have the best possible idea of what you are getting into before you pull the trigger.

Editors’ Recommendations

The best streaming devices for 2022

This Samsung 8K TV is $4,000 off today

Best soundbar deals for March 2022

Best 8K TV deals for March 2022

Best Bose Speaker Deals for March 2022

The post The best home theater projectors for 2022 first appeared on Tech Clarify.

The best smartwatches for 2022

kingamit — Fri, 11 Mar 2022 06:11:00 +0000

The Apple Watch Series 7 is the best smartwatch you can buy right now. The Series 7 is feature-rich, user-friendly, gorgeous, and extremely reliable.

However, that recommendation comes with caveats — and the biggest one is that you need to own an iPhone to use the Apple Watch. That means that if you’re using an Android smartphone, the Apple Watch simply isn’t an option. But don’t worry, there are plenty of great alternatives. Digital Trends has reviewed more than 100 smartwatches, fitness trackers, and wearables, so we have all the deep insight you need to find your ideal smartwatch.

Contents
Apple Watch Series 7Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 ClassicTicwatch Pro 3 GPSFossil Gen 5EAmazfit GTR 2Suunto 7Garmin Quatix 6Casio G-Shock GSW-H1000Withings ScanWatchFrequently Asked QuestionsHow we testShow 6 more items

Apple Watch Series 7

Best smartwatch

Jump to details

Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic

Best smartwatch for Android

Jump to details

Ticwatch Pro 3 GPS

Best Wear OS smartwatch

Jump to details

Fossil Gen 5E

Best Wear OS smartwatch for women

Jump to details

Amazfit GTR 2

Best budget smartwatch

Jump to details

Suunto 7

Best smartwatch for running

Jump to details

Garmin Quatix 6

Best smartwatch for swimmers

Jump to details

Casio G-Shock GSW-H1000

Best tough smartwatch

Jump to details

Withings ScanWatch

Best smartwatch with mechanical watch looks

Jump to details

Show 6 more items

Andy Boxall/Digital Trends
Apple Watch Series 7

Best smartwatch

Read our in-depth review

Pros

Large screen, small bezels

Easily personalized

Choice of models and sizes

Comprehensive health tracking

Reliable software and notifications

Fast charging

Stronger and tougher than before

Cons

Only works with the iPhone

Why you should buy this: Although it’s only marginally better than the Series 6, it’s still the best smartwatch currently available.

Who it’s for: Anyone with an iPhone who wants a smartwatch.

Why we chose the Apple Watch Series 7: The Apple Watch was one of the few smartwatches we’ve given a five-star review to, and the Apple Watch Series 7 is one of those perfect products. Simply put, this is the perfect smartwatch, making it the best option if you’re shopping for an iPhone companion.

What makes it so amazing? Well, it’s not the design. The Series 7 has a slightly larger case, but it’s not an enormous change, and casual glances are unlikely to spot the difference. However, the thinner bezels are obvious, and hel to emphasize the larger screen. Durability has been enhanced too, thanks to a new IP6X rating for dust resistance and improvements to the Ion-X glass on the top. These small changes do enough to tweak what was already an excellent design, and go a long way to increase the style and comfort of the Apple Watch.

WatchOS 8 adds a lot to the Apple Watch Series 7, too. New watch faces take advantage of the larger screen with larger fonts and icons, and notifications can include more information. Getting around the watch is slightly faster as well.

Fitness and health options are still a strong focus. The Apple Watch Series 7 can read your heart rate (and any irregularities), take electrocardiogram (ECG) readings, and send emergency alerts if you’ve fallen and can’t get up. Heck, it even starts a timer when you wash your hands. On the fitness side, it reminds you to start a workout if it notices you’re not moving or cycling, tracks your swimming activity, and has dozens of workout plans. If you’re into fitness or just keeping an eye on your health, then the Apple Watch is a strong option. The Apple Watch Series 7 does fine with battery life, lasting a solid day and change in normal use.

The Apple Watch Series 7 is an excellent smartwatch. Prices for the Series 7 start at $399 for the 41mm model and $429 for the 45mm model. Add $100 to each for the models with GPS + Cellular, and prices also increase if you want a fancier strap.

Apple Watch Series 7

Best smartwatch

Andy Boxall/Digital Trends
Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic

Best smartwatch for Android

Read our in-depth review

Pros

Cohesive, mature design

Rotating bezel is intuitive

One Watch UI is neat and logical

Comprehensive health tracking

Choice of style and size

Cons

Battery doesn’t last two full days

Wear OS 3 software lacks polish

Too large to wear at night

Why you should buy this: It’s the best smartwatch if you own an Android phone.

Who it’s for: Anyone who values a great user interface on a slick smartwatch.

Why we picked the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic: The Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic is the best smartwatch available for your Android phone. It updates the operating system with Watch OS 3 but retains favorite features like scrolling menus and customizable Tiles. There’s a mix of Samsung and Google apps, like Samsung Pay and Google Maps. The key feature for the Watch 4 Classic is the incredibly useful rotating bezel that lets you scroll through apps and screens in a natural, ergonomic way.

The Watch 4 Classic comes in 42mm and 46mm case sizes for smaller and bigger wrists, with a sharp and colorful round AMOLED screen. With an IP68 water resistance rating, plus a MIL-STD-810 G-rated case, you won’t have any trouble working out, swimming, or showering with it on.

It’s packed with an impressive array of health and fitness tracking features in addition to standard notifications, media control, and sleep tracking. You can measure your heart rate, electrocardiogram (ECG), Body Mass Index (BMI), Basel Metabolic Rate (BMR), stress levels, and more. The Exynos W920 processor comes with 1.5GB of RAM and 16GB of storage, allowing apps to open with no noticeable lag, and supports offline playback for Spotify and YouTube Music. Battery life is one day in our testing.

The rich array of features, smooth and responsive OS, and comfortable design and ergonomic controls make the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic the best smartwatch on the market for Android users. iPhone users can also use it with the Samsung Wear app, but you’ll be missing a lot of features so we don’t recommend it.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic

Best smartwatch for Android

Andy Boxall/Digital Trends
Ticwatch Pro 3 GPS

Best Wear OS smartwatch

Read our in-depth review

Pros

Three-day battery life

Latest Snapdragon Wear 4100 processor

Fast performance

Always-on screen now has a backlight

Cons

Wear OS still frustrates

No color or strap choices

Why you should buy this: It packs the latest technology, and therefore will last you longer.

Who it’s for: When you want the longest battery life and the latest processor inside a reasonably priced smartwatch.

Why we picked the Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 3: The best smartwatch you can buy with Google’s Wear OS software at the moment is the [Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 3. It uses Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Wear 4100 processor, which is more powerful and more power-efficient than the Snapdragon Wear 3100 found in other Wear OS smartwatches. By getting the latest tech, your smartwatch will last you longer.

The TicWatch Pro 3 has a clever dual-screen system, where a second LCD screen is set over the standard 1.4-inch AMOLED touchscreen, showing the time, date, and other data when the watch is in ambient mode. It saves a lot of battery power, so the TicWatch Pro 3 can last up to three days before needing a recharge.

In addition to the new processor, the watch has a heart rate sensor, measures blood oxygen levels, has exercise and health plans built in, and is IP68 water-resistant.

The TicWatch Pro 3 gets an update to the Google and Samsung-developed Wear OS 3 software in late 2022. At $299 the Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 3 is good value, and far beyond the competition. Mobvoi has also released a 4G LTE version of the Ticwatch Pro 3, which is so far available in the U.K. and parts of Europe, and we took a closer look at the model here.

Ticwatch Pro 3 GPS

Best Wear OS smartwatch

Andy Boxall/Digital Trends
Fossil Gen 5E

Best Wear OS smartwatch for women

Read our in-depth review

Pros

42mm and 44mm case options

Stylish, varied design

Easy to use basic fitness tracking

Cons

Snapdragon 3100 processor is out of date

Wear OS’s notification support is unreliable

Why you should buy this: The Fossil Gen 5e’s varied range of designs provides plenty of choice for women.

Who it’s for: Anyone who doesn’t want a large smartwatch.

Why we picked the Fossil Gen 5e: Fossil’s Gen 5e smartwatch comes in two different sizes, 42mm and 44mm, with designs aimed at women. There’s a choice of a gold or stainless steel finish, with either a silicone strap or metal bracelet, and one with a jewel-encrusted bezel too.

The watch has a Qualcomm Snapdragon 3100 processor, a heart rate monitor, a 1.2-inch touchscreen, sleep tracking, and support for contactless payments. It tracks activity using Google Fit or Fossil’s power-conserving Wellness app, but it doesn’t have GPS, so you’ll need your phone if you want to map your runs. The battery lasts a day with average use.

At around $180 the Fossil Gen 5e is competitively priced. There aren’t that many options for women who don’t want to wear a large smartwatch, so the choice offered by Fossil here is welcome. If the Gen 5e isn’t for you, take a look at the Wear OS smartwatches from fashion designer Kate Spade, such as the Kate Spade Scallop 2 and the lightweight, sportier KSNY Sport model. These are good alternatives to the Fossil Gen 5e, depending on your lifestyle.

Fossil Gen 5E

Best Wear OS smartwatch for women

Andy Boxall/Digital Trends
Amazfit GTR 2

Best budget smartwatch

Read our in-depth review

Pros

Pretty design

Low price

Comfortable to wear day and night

Solid casual activity and sleep -tracking features

Cons

Still some software improvements required

Battery life suffers when many features used

Why you should buy this: It does everything you want a smartwatch to do, and looks great.

Who it’s for: Anyone on a budget who seeks all the benefits of a fitness tracker and a smartwatch.

Why we picked the Amazfit GTR 2: Amazfit’s hardware and software have matured a lot over the past year or so, to the point where we can happily recommend the Amazfit GTR 2 smartwatch, which has significant benefits over buying a cheap smartwatch with Google’s Wear OS software. The biggest is battery life, as the GTR 2 lasts at least a week even with heavy use, or even longer if you’re careful with the power-hungry features.

Best of all, it looks great on your wrist. It’s slim and compact, so it should suit most people, and the curved glass and metal body give it some style and class. It is comfortable enough to wear for 24 hours, so it’s ready for fitness tracking and notifications during the day, and sleep tracking overnight.

The smartwatch connects to the Zepp app which is available for Android and iOS, and has proven reliable and easy to use, plus provides plenty of insight into your activity and fitness data. Notifications can be finicky and are non-interactive, but it’s no worse than on a Wear OS smartwatch. You can receive calls, it’s water-resistant for swimming, there’s a heart rate sensor and SpO2 measurement, and there’s GPS inside too. It has everything you need if you’re looking for a smartwatch that prioritizes activity tracking.

For $180 the Amazfit GTR 2 is good value, and if that’s too much, the slightly less feature-rich but cheaper $140 Amazfit GTR 2e is worth a look too.

Amazfit GTR 2

Best budget smartwatch

Andy Boxall/DigitalTrends.com
Suunto 7

Best smartwatch for running

Read our in-depth review

Pros

Comprehensive fitness features

Two-day battery life

Smooth performance and software

Hard-wearing, water resistant case

Cons

Annoying buttons can frustrate

Expensive compared to the competition

Only best for dedicated fitness fans

Why you should buy this: It’s packed with all the right fitness features for serious runners.

Who it’s for: Anyone who wants a smartwatch looks with tons of fitness-specific features.

Why we picked the Suunto 7: The Suunto 7 smartwatch brings all of Suunto’s popular running, walking, and hiking tech to Google’s Wear OS platform for the first time. The Suunto app shows local routes based on difficulty, time, and popularity, meaning wherever you are you always known which routes are best, all based on other Suunto users’ experiences. The map even shows when popular routes are likely to be busy, so you can choose accordingly.

The data shown is comprehensive, ranging from calories burned and time elapsed, to peak training effect and recovery time. Runners will appreciate the onboard GPS, the data on pace, cadence, and altitude too. The watch and app sync with Suunto’s dedicated platform, so you can continue to track your fitness levels over time. It’s as hardcore as you want it to be, but there’s plenty for less enthusiastic fitness fans too, including 70 different workout modes and a heart rate sensor.

Expect 12 hours of use with GPS active, or seven hours with Suunto’s mapping while the GPS is active. Otherwise, the battery should last around two days before needing a recharge with normal use.

The lightweight body and comfortable strap make it wearable all day, but the design is sporty, so it won’t go with every outfit, especially if you choose one of the brighter colors. The Suunto 7 is more accessible than non-Wear OS fitness watches, works with Android and iOS, looks great, and performs well too.

Suunto 7

Best smartwatch for running

Garmin Quatix 6

Best smartwatch for swimmers

Read our in-depth review

Pros

Multiple fitness sensors

Battery life

Build quality

Music storage

Day to day usability

Cons

Expensive

Only one size

No touchscreen

Why you should buy this: It’s specifically designed for people who spend time in the water, whether it’s on a boat or swimming.

Who it’s for: Swimmers, or those who require a water-resistant smartwatch.

Why we picked the Garmin Quatix 6: The Garmin Quatix 6 is described as a marine smartwatch, due to its strong features for anyone who likes to spend time in the water, whether it’s on a boat or swimming. Water-resistant to 100 meters, the Quatix 6 has activity profiles for pool and open water swimming, where it measures distance, pace, stroke count and rate, swim efficiency (SWOLF), and will even detect your stroke type and take heart rate measurements underwater.

If you’re into boating, the Quatix 6 connects to a host of Garmin equipment from chart plotting GPS hardware to wind monitors, and from there it can interact with the autopilot function, displays data including engine RPM and water depth, and marks waypoints on a map. It has GPS, a heart rate sensor, and a blood oxygen (SpO2) sensor, plus all the activity tracking functions found on the Garmin Fenix 6, including kayaking, golf, cycling, and running.

Garmin has overhauled its interface with the Quatix 6, with watch faces now providing plenty of information without sacrificing attractiveness, and a handy widget feature that provides data in an easy scrolling list. This is all displayed on a 1.3-inch screen with a 260 x 260-pixel resolution. It works with both Android and iOS and has plenty of storage space for music too.

The Garmin Quatix 6 is made from tough polymer with a stainless steel bezel and comes in either a 47mm or 51mm case size, with a choice of upgrading to a model with a sapphire crystal over the screen for added scratch protection, and to one with solar charging for extended times away from the charger. Expect to get 14 days of battery life with normal use, but this will drop when you add GPS tracking.

Garmin Quatix 6

Best smartwatch for swimmers

Andy Boxall/Digital Trends
Casio G-Shock GSW-H1000

Best tough smartwatch

Read our in-depth review

Pros

As tough as smartwatches get

True G-Shock design

Comfortable to wear

Two-day battery life

Cons

Massive case means it won’t suit everyone

Lack of technical focus

Expensive compared to other smartwatches

Why you should buy this: It’s the toughest smartwatch you can put on your wrist.

Who it’s for: Anyone who expects their smartwatch to live as hard as they do.

Why we picked the Casio G-Shock GSW-H1000: Casio’s G-Shock watches are famous for being seriously tough, and no watch can wear the G-Shock name if it doesn’t meet strict criteria. The G-Shock GSW-H1000 may be a full smartwatch with a touchscreen, but it meets and exceeds the toughness standards expected from a G-Shock watch, and is therefore the toughest smartwatch you can buy today.

It’s ideal for anyone who partakes in extreme sports or finds themselves in a situation where any wristwear may take a battering, whether it’s climbing a mountain or working on a construction site. The GSW-H1000 is shock resistant, has a 200-meter water resistance rating, and is made from strong resin with a titanium case back, and a durable urethane strap. Even the microphone is water-resistant.

There’s a range of sensors for the active sportsperson, including a barometer and a compass, plus onboard GPS. The dual-screen setup, where an LCD screen is laid on top of the AMOLED screen boosts battery life, and if used on its own will ensure the watch keeps going for up to a month. The map app stores locations, routes, and voice memos, plus it can be used offline too. It’s joined by a range of workouts to track.

The G-Shock GSW-H1000 is expensive at $699, but you’re getting a smartwatch that’s far more durable than any other available, and if you’re already a G-Shock fan the styling will really appeal. Be aware that this is a seriously large watch at 15mm thick and with a 104-gram weight, so it won’t suit small wrists.

Casio G-Shock GSW-H1000

Best tough smartwatch

Andy Boxall/Digital Trends
Withings ScanWatch

Best smartwatch with mechanical watch looks

Read our in-depth review

Pros

Clinically approved ECG and SpO2 monitoring

High-quality materials and build

Easy to use, informative app

Long battery life

Cons

No sleep apnea monitoring yet

Watch hands often obscure the screen

Why you should buy this: A superb health tracker with basic fitness and smartwatch features, inside a classy, high-quality case.

Who it’s for: Anyone who likes traditional watches, but still wants the best health tracking features.

Why we picked the Withings ScanWatch: Smartwatches tend to look like pieces of tech, mostly because of the touchscreen, but what if you want a smartwatch that looks more like a traditional watch? Well then, you want a hybrid smartwatch, which does away with the touchscreen but still includes smartphone connectivity for notifications and fitness tracking.

The Withings ScanWatch bridges the gap between serious health tracking features and basic smartwatch functionality very well, and it’s all wrapped up in a classy, high-quality stainless steel body. It looks good on your wrist and doesn’t fall behind in any essential connected features.

It has a heart rate sensor, an ECG, and an Sp02 monitor. Like the Apple Watch, the ECG and Sp02 measurements aren’t everyday features, but on the ScanWatch they serve more of a purpose. It has a comprehensive sleep tracking capability and the Sp02 monitor can help identify sleep issues. The ECG has continuous monitoring to warn against atrial fibrillation, and it’s the first wearable to be approved to use these features overnight, making it excellent for tracking and improving your sleep.

While its sleep monitoring is the best out there, the fitness and activity tracking is quite basic in comparison. It provides workout-tracking, plus a step count with distance, and calories burned, but nothing more. It’s a health wearable, rather than a fitness wearable, and the data it collects helps you live a more healthy lifestyle instead of focusing on improving your lap times.

Important activity data and notifications from your phone are shown on a small screen on the watch face. It’s bright and easy to read, and controlled using the digital crown on the side of the watch. It’s not as informative as the Apple Watch or Galaxy Watch, but it gives you the essentials in an easy-to-read format. The ScanWatch connects to both Android and iOS phones, and the battery should last 30 days before it needs recharging.

Overall, though, the Withings Scanwatch offers a nice combination of strong health-tracking features, basic but effective fitness and smartwatch features, plus it looks and feels just like a regular, traditional watch.

Withings ScanWatch

Best smartwatch with mechanical watch looks

Frequently Asked Questions

Which smartwatch works with my smartphone?
Although it sounds like a complicated question, this is surprisingly straightforward. If you own an Android phone, then you can use any smartwatch with Google’s Wear OS software, a Samsung smartwatch with Tizen software, and almost any other smartwatch operating system, like the one found on the Amazfit GTR 2, the Fitbit Versa 3, or Huawei’s Watch 3. The only one you can’t use is the Apple Watch.

If you own an iPhone, all smartwatches work with your phone provided you use the required app to sync the two up. However, be aware that neither Wear OS nor Tizen watches will provide the same level of functionality as they do when connected to an Android phone. This is due to certain restrictions that Apple applies to third-party devices. For this reason, and many others, we don’t recommend iPhone owners buy any other smartwatch than the Apple Watch.

What’s Wear OS?
Google and Samsung teamed up to create a software operating system for wearables, called Wear, also referred to as Wear OS 3. The joint project incorporates both the Wear OS and Tizen platforms, along with fitness expertise from Fitbit. The first smartwatches with the software are the Galaxy Watch 4 and Galaxy Watch 4 Classic.

Google has confirmed the Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 3 and the TicWatch E3 will both get an update to the software during the second half of 2022, but outside of some as-yet-unreleased Fossil smartwatches, no other models are on the list. This won’t stop any smartwatch from working, but it does mean you should think carefully about buying a model with the new software if you plan to keep it for several years.

How durable is a smartwatch?
Because it’s on your wrist, smartwatches are exposed to danger. They’re easy to knock against things and can often get wet. Does this mean you must be extra careful with your watch? Many have an IP68 water resistance rating today, and some smartwatches meet military standards for toughness and will withstand harsher treatment than others. However, our recommendation for a tough smartwatch is the Casio G-Shock GBD-200.

While many smartwatches are water-resistant today, not all have sapphire crystal over the screen. This adds an extra level of scratch resistance to the screen and also provides a beautiful reflective sheen, but you’ll have to pay a little more for the pleasure. The Tag Heuer Connected Modular 41, the Montblanc Summit 2, Huawei’s Watch GT2 Pro, and G-Shock’s top connected watches all have sapphire crystal over the screen.

If you want to make sure you can wear your chosen device in the shower or to go swimming, then you need to think about smartwatch water resistance, and look for an IP or ATM rating.

Do I need a smartwatch with GPS?
If you are a runner and intend to use your smartwatch to track routes, and don’t want to run with your phone, then yes, you do need GPS. Most modern smartwatches come with GPS as standard anyway, so you may find it’s ready and waiting if you need it. If your smartwatch doesn’t have GPS, then some can use your phone’s GPS when connected, but it will be slower to operate. One thing to remember is that using GPS will drain the battery in the watch faster than usual.

Can my smartwatch use my data plan?
If your smartwatch connects to your smartphone using Bluetooth, then all the data it requires comes from your phone, at no extra charge to you. This changes if you buy a smartwatch with 4G LTE, like the LTE version of the Apple Watch. When a smartwatch has its own data connection, it can be used on its own without being connected to your smartphone, ready to make calls, receive messages, and plenty more.

However, you will have to pay extra for the privilege. The amount varies depending on your carrier and current plan, but expect to pay around $10 per month to enable the 4G LTE connection on your smartwatch.

Will a new smartwatch work with my older phone?
If your Android phone or iPhone was purchased in the last three or four years, then the answer is almost certainly yes. To make sure, here are the requirements for each version. Google’s Wear OS requires an Android phone running version 4.4 or later, or an iPhone on iOS 9.3 or later.

The Apple Watch varies a little. The Series 3 and later with a cellular connection need an iPhone 6 or later to work. If you buy an Apple Watch Series 3, 4, or 5 without a cellular connection, they will operate with an iPhone 5S or later, while the Apple Watch Series 6 and Series 7 and Apple Watch SE require an iPhone 6S and iOS 14 to operate.

Samsung’s Tizen operating system, found on the Galaxy Watch and others, requires Android version 5.0 or later, and on an iPhone it needs iOS 9.0 or later installed on at least an iPhone 5. The 4G LTE version of the Galaxy Watch is only compatible with Samsung phones and may also only operate on certain carriers.

Which smartwatch OS is best?
Each smartwatch operating system is different, and things are changing now that Google and Samsung are working together on Wear. Right now, WatchOS on the Apple Watch is the best wearable software platform, followed by Samsung’s Tizen. Both are simple to use and navigate, have great fitness tracking systems, mobile payment options, and will run apps available from their individual app stores. Google’s Wear OS offers the same features, but is not always as easy to use, or as reliable.

Should you buy a smartwatch?
So, you think you want a smartwatch. Are you sure? After all, unlike a smartphone, no one really needs a smartwatch.

However, because manufacturers are finally coming around to the realization that a smartwatch needs to look good, they’re a lot more tempting than they once were. One-day battery life and a touchscreen on a watch are still hard to swallow for some people, but that’s why hybrid smartwatches were invented — and battery performance and control methods are constantly getting better.

If you’re not ready to commit to a touchscreen smartwatch, but still want to try out some smart features, the huge choice of hybrid watches has got you covered. They often cost half of what you’ll pay for the cheapest Apple Watch, link with any smartphone, and provide traditional watch looks matched with a connected smart experience.

How we test

We test smartwatches just like we test smartphones. We use them every day and try out every single feature. We strap them to our wrists (no matter how silly they may look) and walk around town with them, making calls and exercising to test out the workout features. We pair them with different phones and try them with different operating systems.

We dunk water-resistant smartwatches in water and take outdoorsy watches on hikes. We download tons of apps and discard the lame ones to determine how strong the app ecosystem is, and we go to cafes that accept mobile payments and buy lattes with our wrists. We get lots of weird looks, but, so what?

Editors’ Recommendations

The best Android smartwatches for 2022: Which should you buy?

Samsung Galaxy Watch 4, Apple Watch SE discounted today

Best tablet deals for March 2022

Best smartphone deals for March 2022

Best smartwatch deals for March 2022

The post The best smartwatches for 2022 first appeared on Tech Clarify.

The best animated movies on Netflix right now (March 2022)

kingamit — Tue, 08 Mar 2022 14:08:00 +0000

Netflix truly has something for everybody, including a host of family-friendly movies covering a wide range of options. So even though the streamer’s animated selection is comparatively thin, there are still a number of great choices in the library. Whether you’re looking for something for the kids or you want to indulge your inner kid, Netflix has some good animated choices at any given time. But if you’re not sure what you’re looking for exactly, we’ve taken the time to pull together the best animated movies on Netflix right now.
Looking for something else? We’ve also rounded up the best movies on Netflix, the best shows on Hulu, the best shows on Amazon Prime, and the best shows on Disney+.

New movies to stream at a glance

Shrek

2001

Despicable Me

2010

The Willoughbys

2020

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs

2009

Shrek (2001)
new

88%

84 %

7.9/10

90m

Genre

Animation, Comedy, Fantasy, Adventure, Family

Stars

Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz

Directed by

Andrew Adamson, Vicky Jenson

watch on Netflix

Read less

Despicable Me (2010)
new

81%

72 %

7.6/10

95m

Genre

Family, Animation, Comedy

Stars

Steve Carell, Jason Segel, Russell Brand

Directed by

Pierre Coffin, Chris Renaud

watch on Netflix

The introduction of those bizarre little yellow creatures known as Minions, Despicable Me is a good flick despite thrusting those things on the world. Gru (Steve Carrel) is a supervillain but doesn’t seem to have the clout he believes he deserves. So, he resolves to steal the moon. With his many Minions and an arsenal of war machines, Gru prepares his great mission. Unfortunately, when three little orphan girls show up on his doorstep and want to make him their dad, things go awry.

Read less

The Willoughbys (2020)
new

91%

68 %

6.4/10

92m

Genre

Animation, Comedy, Family

Stars

Will Forte, Maya Rudolph, Alessia Cara

Directed by

Kris Pearn

watch on Netflix

Read less

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs (2009)
new

86%

66 %

6.9/10

90m

Genre

Animation, Comedy, Family

Stars

Bill Hader, Anna Faris, James Caan

Directed by

Phil Lord, Christopher Miller

watch on Netflix

Read less

Monster House (2006)

75%

68 %

6.6/10

91m

Genre

Animation, Comedy, Family, Fantasy

Stars

Mitchel Musso, Sam Lerner, Spencer Locke

Directed by

Gil Kenan

watch on Netflix

Read less

Lupin the Third: The Castle of Cagliostro (1979)

95%

72 %

7.6/10

102m

Genre

Family, Animation, Adventure, Comedy, Crime

Stars

Yasuo Yamada, Eiko Masuyama, Kiyoshi Kobayashi

Directed by

Hayao Miyazaki

watch on Netflix

Read less

Klaus (2019)

94%

65 %

8.2/10

96m

Genre

Animation, Family, Adventure, Comedy

Stars

Jason Schwartzman, J.K. Simmons, Rashida Jones

Directed by

Sergio Pablos

watch on Netflix

Read less

A Silent Voice: The Movie (2016)

95%

78 %

8.2/10

pg-13

130m

Genre

Animation, Drama

Stars

Miyu Irino, Saori Hayami, Aoi Yuki

Directed by

Naoko Yamada

watch on Netflix

Read less

In This Corner of the World (2016)

97%

73 %

7.8/10

pg-13

130m

Genre

Drama, Animation, Romance, War, History

Stars

Non, Daisuke Ono, Mayumi Shintani

Directed by

Sunao Katabuchi

watch on Netflix

Read less

The Little Prince (2015)

93%

70 %

7.7/10

108m

Genre

Adventure, Animation, Fantasy, Family

Stars

Jeff Bridges, Mackenzie Foy, Rachel McAdams

Directed by

Mark Osborne

watch on Netflix

Read less

Editors’ Recommendations

The best horror movies on Hulu right now (March 2022)

The best Hulu original series right now (March 2022)

The best dramas on Hulu right now (March 2022)

The best comedies on Hulu right now (March 2022)

The best Christmas movies on Netflix (March 2022)

The post The best animated movies on Netflix right now (March 2022) first appeared on Tech Clarify.

The 59 best movies on HBO right now (March 2022)

kingamit — Mon, 07 Mar 2022 14:15:00 +0000

There was a long period of time when no cable channel could challenge HBO for supremacy. Home Box Office simply had all of the best movies that you could find on premium cable. In the streaming era, HBO’s greatest competition is perhaps HBO Max itself, which has a lot more films than HBO can handle even when spaced across several cable channels. But the advantage to sticking with regular HBO is that you don’t have to program for yourself. HBO makes almost all of the choices for you on TV, but you do have the option of streaming some select titles on the HBO official site. To keep up to speed on your current selections, check out our updated list of the best movies on HBO.
Looking for more to watch on HBO? We’ve got guides to the best movies on HBO Max, the best HBO series, the best shows on HBO Max, and more.

Recently added to HBO

A Shot in the Dark

1964

Darkest Hour

pg-13

2017

Changeling

2008

Capturing the Friedmans

2003

A Shot in the Dark (1964)
new

Trailer

94%

70 %

7.4/10

102m

Genre

Comedy, Crime, Mystery

Stars

Peter Sellers, Elke Sommer, George Sanders

Directed by

Blake Edwards

watch on HBO

Read less

Darkest Hour (2017)
new

Trailer

84%

75 %

7.4/10

pg-13

125m

Genre

Drama, History

Stars

Gary Oldman, Kristin Scott Thomas, Lily James

Directed by

Joe Wright

watch on HBO

Read less

Changeling (2008)
new

Trailer

62%

63 %

7.7/10

141m

Genre

Crime, Drama, Mystery

Stars

Angelina Jolie, John Malkovich, Jeffrey Donovan

Directed by

Clint Eastwood

watch on HBO

Read less

Capturing the Friedmans (2003)
new

Trailer

97%

90 %

7.7/10

107m

Genre

Documentary

Stars

Arnold Friedman, Elaine Friedman, Jesse Friedman

Directed by

Andrew Jarecki

watch on HBO

Read less

Introducing Dorothy Dandridge (1999)

83%

7.1/10

115m

Genre

Drama

Stars

Halle Berry, Brent Spiner, Klaus Maria Brandauer

Directed by

Martha Coolidge

watch on HBO

Read less

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (1988)

Trailer

88%

68 %

7.4/10

110m

Genre

Crime, Comedy

Stars

Steve Martin, Michael Caine, Glenne Headly

Directed by

Frank Oz

watch on HBO

Read less

Orange County (2002)

Trailer

46%

48 %

6.2/10

pg-13

82m

Genre

Comedy, Drama

Stars

Colin Hanks, Jack Black, Schuyler Fisk

Directed by

Jake Kasdan

watch on HBO

Read less

Robots (2005)

Trailer

64%

64 %

6.4/10

91m

Genre

Animation, Comedy, Family, Science Fiction

Stars

Ewan McGregor, Robin Williams, Halle Berry

Directed by

Chris Wedge

watch on HBO

Read less

A Mighty Wind (2003)

Trailer

87%

81 %

7.2/10

pg-13

91m

Genre

Comedy, Music

Stars

Bob Balaban, Christopher Guest, John Michael Higgins

Directed by

Christopher Guest

watch on HBO

Read less

Firestarter (1984)

Trailer

37%

50 %

6.1/10

114m

Genre

Horror, Thriller, Science Fiction

Stars

David Keith, Drew Barrymore, Freddie Jones

Directed by

Mark L. Lester

watch on HBO

Read less

Bowfinger (1999)

Trailer

81%

71 %

6.4/10

pg-13

97m

Genre

Comedy

Stars

Steve Martin, Eddie Murphy, Heather Graham

Directed by

Frank Oz

watch on HBO

Read less

Rosewater (2014)

Trailer

76%

67 %

6.6/10

103m

Genre

Drama

Stars

Gael García Bernal, Shohreh Aghdashloo, Jason Jones

Directed by

Jon Stewart

watch on HBO

Read less

Collateral (2004)

Trailer

86%

71 %

7.5/10

120m

Genre

Drama, Crime, Thriller

Stars

Tom Cruise, Jamie Foxx, Jada Pinkett Smith

Directed by

Michael Mann

watch on HBO

Read less

Jurassic Park (1993)

Trailer

92%

68 %

8.1/10

pg-13

127m

Genre

Adventure, Science Fiction

Stars

Sam Neill, Laura Dern, Jeff Goldblum

Directed by

Steven Spielberg

watch on HBO

Read less

One Hour Photo (2002)

Trailer

82%

64 %

6.8/10

96m

Genre

Drama, Thriller

Stars

Robin Williams, Connie Nielsen, Michael Vartan

Directed by

Mark Romanek

watch on HBO

Read less

American Splendor (2003)

94%

90 %

7.4/10

101m

Genre

Comedy, Drama

Stars

Paul Giamatti, Hope Davis, Judah Friedlander

Directed by

Shari Springer Berman, Robert Pulcini

watch on HBO

Read less

Gods and Monsters (1998)

Trailer

96%

74 %

7.4/10

105m

Genre

Drama

Stars

Ian McKellen, Brendan Fraser, Lynn Redgrave

Directed by

Bill Condon

watch on HBO

Read less

The 40 Year Old Virgin (2005)

Trailer

85%

73 %

7.1/10

116m

Genre

Comedy, Romance

Stars

Steve Carell, Catherine Keener, Paul Rudd

Directed by

Judd Apatow

watch on HBO

Read less

Won’t You Be My Neighbor? (2018)

Trailer

97%

85 %

8.4/10

pg-13

95m

Genre

Documentary

Stars

Fred Rogers, François Scarborough Clemmons, Yo-Yo Ma

Directed by

Morgan Neville

watch on HBO

The late Fred Rogers wouldn’t have categorized himself as a saint, but his fans may disagree. Won’t You Be My Neighbor? follows Rogers’ life both behind-the-scenes and in front of the camera as the host of the beloved children’s program, Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. Rogers’ widow, Joane Rogers, and their children: John and Jim Rogers, share their stories about him alongside luminaries like Tom Junod, Yo-Yo Ma, Joe Negri, David Newell, and more. Fred Rogers was a special man who had a unique bond with his viewers. They loved him, and it appears that the feeling was mutual.

Read less

It: Chapter One (2017)

Trailer

86%

69 %

7.3/10

135m

Genre

Horror, Fantasy

Stars

Bill Skarsgård, Jaeden Lieberher, Sophia Lillis, Jeremy Ray Taylor, Finn Wolfhard, Jack Dylan Grazer

Directed by

Andy Muschietti

watch on HBO

Read less

Cinderella Man (2005)

Trailer

80%

69 %

8.0/10

pg-13

144m

Genre

Romance, Drama, History

Stars

Russell Crowe, Renée Zellweger, Paul Giamatti

Directed by

Ron Howard

watch on HBO

Read less

The Dark Knight Rises (2012)

Trailer

87%

78 %

8.4/10

pg-13

165m

Genre

Action, Crime, Drama, Thriller

Stars

Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Gary Oldman

Directed by

Christopher Nolan

watch on HBO

Read less

Maria Full of Grace (2004)

97%

87 %

7.4/10

101m

Genre

Drama, Thriller, Crime

Stars

Catalina Sandino Moreno, Guilied Lopez, Yenny Paola Vega

Directed by

Joshua Marston

watch on HBO

Read less

Reservoir Dogs (1992)

Trailer

92%

79 %

8.3/10

99m

Genre

Crime, Thriller

Stars

Harvey Keitel, Tim Roth, Chris Penn, Steve Buscemi, Lawrence Tierney, Michael Madsen

Directed by

Quentin Tarantino

watch on HBO

Read less

Digital Trends Streaming Roundup

Best HBO series

Best movies on Netflix

Best movies on Amazon

Best movies on Disney+

Best movies on Hulu

Brubaker (1980)

75%

54 %

7.2/10

125m

Genre

Crime, Drama

Stars

Robert Redford, Yaphet Kotto, Jane Alexander

Directed by

Stuart Rosenberg

watch on HBO

Read less

The Good Lie (2014)

Trailer

87%

65 %

7.4/10

pg-13

110m

Genre

Drama

Stars

Reese Witherspoon, Corey Stoll, Thad Luckinbill

Directed by

Philippe Falardeau

watch on HBO

Read less

The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy (2005)

60%

63 %

6.7/10

109m

Genre

Adventure, Comedy, Family, Science Fiction

Stars

Martin Freeman, Sam Rockwell, Mos Def, Zooey Deschanel, Bill Nighy

Directed by

Garth Jennings

watch on HBO

Read less

8 Mile (2002)

Trailer

75%

77 %

7.1/10

110m

Genre

Music, Drama

Stars

Eminem, Mekhi Phifer, Brittany Murphy

Directed by

Curtis Hanson

watch on HBO

Read less

Adventureland (2009)

Trailer

89%

76 %

7.8/10

107m

Genre

Comedy

Stars

Jesse Eisenberg, Kristen Stewart, Martin Starr

Directed by

Greg Mottola

watch on HBO

Read less

The Debt (2010)

Trailer

77%

65 %

6.8/10

113m

Genre

Drama, Thriller

Stars

Helen Mirren, Tom Wilkinson, Sam Worthington

Directed by

John Madden

watch on HBO

Read less

Mississippi Burning (1988)

Trailer

84%

65 %

7.8/10

128m

Genre

Thriller, Crime, Drama

Stars

Gene Hackman, Willem Dafoe, Frances McDormand

Directed by

Alan Parker

watch on HBO

Read less

The Mummy (1999)

Trailer

61%

48 %

7.0/10

pg-13

124m

Genre

Adventure, Action, Fantasy

Stars

Brendan Fraser, Rachel Weisz, John Hannah, Arnold Vosloo, Jonathan Hyde

Directed by

Stephen Sommers

watch on HBO

Read less

The Purple Rose of Cairo (1985)

92%

75 %

7.7/10

82m

Genre

Fantasy, Comedy, Romance

Stars

Mia Farrow, Jeff Daniels, Danny Aiello

Directed by

Woody Allen

watch on HBO

Read less

Three Days of the Condor (1975)

Trailer

87%

63 %

7.4/10

117m

Genre

Thriller, Mystery

Stars

Robert Redford, Faye Dunaway, Cliff Robertson

Directed by

Sydney Pollack

watch on HBO

Read less

All Is Lost (2013)

Trailer

94%

97 %

6.9/10

pg-13

106m

Genre

Action, Adventure, Drama

Stars

Robert Redford

Directed by

J.C. Chandor

watch on HBO

Read less

Antwone Fisher (2002)

78%

62 %

7.3/10

pg-13

120m

Genre

Drama, Romance

Stars

Derek Luke, Malcolm David Kelley, Cory Hodges

Directed by

Denzel Washington

watch on HBO

Read less

Beautiful Girls (1996)

Trailer

79%

64 %

7.1/10

112m

Genre

Comedy, Drama, Romance

Stars

Matt Dillon, Noah Emmerich, Annabeth Gish, Lauren Holly, Timothy Hutton, Rosie O’Donnell

Directed by

Ted Demme

watch on HBO

Read less

Broadcast News (1987)

Trailer

98%

8 %

133m

Genre

Comedy, Romance

Stars

William Hurt, Albert Brooks, Holly Hunter

Directed by

James L. Brooks

watch on HBO

Read less

My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002)

76%

62 %

6.6/10

95m

Genre

Comedy, Drama, Romance

Stars

Nia Vardalos, John Corbett, Lainie Kazan

Directed by

Joel Zwick

watch on HBO

Read less

Speed (1994)

Trailer

94%

73 %

7.2/10

116m

Genre

Action, Adventure, Crime

Stars

Keanu Reeves, Sandra Bullock, Dennis Hopper

Directed by

Jan de Bont

watch on HBO

Read less

The Witches of Eastwick (1987)

Trailer

76%

67 %

6.6/10

118m

Genre

Comedy, Fantasy, Horror

Stars

Jack Nicholson, Cher, Susan Sarandon

Directed by

George Miller

watch on HBO

Read less

The Aviator (2004)

Trailer

86%

77 %

7.5/10

pg-13

170m

Genre

Drama

Stars

Leonardo DiCaprio, Cate Blanchett, Kate Beckinsale

Directed by

Martin Scorsese

watch on HBO

Read less

Backdraft (1991)

Trailer

75%

38 %

6.7/10

137m

Genre

Crime, Drama, Thriller

Stars

Kurt Russell, William Baldwin, Robert De Niro

Directed by

Ron Howard

watch on HBO

Read less

Blade Runner 2049 (2017)

Trailer

88%

81 %

8.0/10

164m

Genre

Science Fiction, Drama

Stars

Ryan Gosling, Harrison Ford, Ana de Armas

Directed by

Denis Villeneuve

watch on HBO

Read less

Chasing Amy (1997)

Trailer

87%

71 %

7.2/10

114m

Genre

Comedy, Drama, Romance

Stars

Ben Affleck, Joey Lauren Adams, Jason Lee

Directed by

Kevin Smith

watch on Hulu

Read less

Clueless (1995)

Trailer

81%

68 %

6.9/10

pg-13

97m

Genre

Comedy, Romance

Stars

Alicia Silverstone, Stacey Dash, Brittany Murphy

Directed by

Amy Heckerling

watch on HBO

Read less

Kajillionaire (2020)

Trailer

90%

78 %

6.4/10

105m

Genre

Crime, Drama, Comedy

Stars

Evan Rachel Wood, Debra Winger, Gina Rodriguez

Directed by

Miranda July

watch on HBO

Read less

Rocky (1976)

Trailer

70 %

8.1/10

120m

Genre

Drama

Stars

Sylvester Stallone, Talia Shire, Burt Young

Directed by

John G. Avildsen

watch on HBO

Nobody believed in Rocky Balboa like Sylvester Stallone. In the mid-’70s, Sylvester wrote, directed, and starred in Rocky. Carl Weathers co-starred as Apollo Creed, a world champion boxer. When Apollo needs an opponent for an exhibition match, Rocky gets the shot of a lifetime. Simultaneously, Rocky pursues a very charming romance with Adriana “Adrian” Pennino (Talia Shire). As the day of the big fight approaches, not even Rocky believes that he can win. However, that doesn’t stop Rocky from using everything he has to go the distance. This film was 1976’s Academy Award winner for Best Picture and also the start of a franchise that continues to this day.

Read less

The English Patient (1996)

Trailer

85%

87 %

7.4/10

162m

Genre

Drama, Romance, War

Stars

Ralph Fiennes, Juliette Binoche, Willem Dafoe

Directed by

Anthony Minghella

watch on HBO

Read less

He Got Game (1998)

81%

64 %

6.9/10

136m

Genre

Drama

Stars

Denzel Washington, Ray Allen, Rosario Dawson

Directed by

Spike Lee

watch on HBO

Read less

Insomnia (2002)

Trailer

92%

78 %

7.2/10

118m

Genre

Crime, Mystery, Thriller

Stars

Al Pacino, Robin Williams, Hilary Swank

Directed by

Christopher Nolan

watch on HBO

Read less

Life of Pi (2012)

Trailer

86%

7.9/10

127m

Genre

Adventure, Drama, Action

Stars

Suraj Sharma, Irrfan Khan, Ayush Tandon

Directed by

Ang Lee

watch on HBO

Read less

Pitch Perfect (2012)

Trailer

80%

66 %

7.1/10

pg-13

112m

Genre

Comedy, Music, Romance

Stars

Anna Kendrick, Brittany Snow, Anna Camp

Directed by

Jason Moore

watch on HBO

Read less

Dunkirk (2017)

Trailer

92%

94 %

7.8/10

pg-13

107m

Genre

War, Action, Drama

Stars

Fionn Whitehead, Damien Bonnard, Tom Hardy, Aneurin Barnard, Harry Styles

Directed by

Christopher Nolan

watch on HBO

Read less

Independence Day (1996)

Trailer

68%

59 %

7.0/10

pg-13

145m

Genre

Action, Adventure, Science Fiction

Stars

Will Smith, Bill Pullman, Jeff Goldblum

Directed by

Roland Emmerich

watch on HBO

Read less

High Fidelity (2000)

Trailer

91%

79 %

7.5/10

113m

Genre

Comedy, Drama, Romance, Music

Stars

John Cusack, Iben Hjejle, Jack Black, Tim Robbins

Directed by

Stephen Frears

watch on HBO

Read less

Tour de Pharmacy (2017)

Trailer

90%

71 %

7.1/10

tv-ma

Genre

Comedy, TV Movie

Cast

Andy Samberg, Orlando Bloom, Freddie Highmore, John Cena

watch on HBO

Read less

Clerks (1994)

Trailer

89%

70 %

7.7/10

92m

Genre

Comedy

Stars

Brian O’Halloran, Jeff Anderson, Jason Mewes

Directed by

Kevin Smith

watch on HBO

Read less

Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) (2020)

Trailer

79%

60 %

6.1/10

109m

Genre

Action, Crime

Stars

Margot Robbie, Ewan McGregor, Rosie Perez, Mary Elizabeth Winstead

Directed by

Cathy Yan

watch on HBO

Image: https://www.hbo.com/movies/birds-of-prey-and-the-fantabulous-emancipation-of-one-harley-quinn

Read less

Editors’ Recommendations

The 92 best shows on HBO Max right now (March 2022)

The best Disney movies on Disney+ (March 2022)

The best anime on Netflix right now (March 2022)

The best horror movies on Amazon Prime (March 2022)

The best shows on Disney+ right now (March 2022)

The post The 59 best movies on HBO right now (March 2022) first appeared on Tech Clarify.

The best PS5 games for 2022

kingamit — Sun, 06 Mar 2022 09:08:00 +0000

The PlayStation 4’s success was largely due to its stellar game library, which featured some of the best titles of the past generation. Seven years later, the PlayStation 5 is looking to repeat that success, though it’s going to have to overcome some initial bumps in the road.
Sony’s new console had a library advantage right off the bat, thanks to the PS Plus Collection, which immediately gave owners access to some of the PlayStation 4’s biggest hits on their next-gen consoles. As for new games, the console launched with some excellent first-party support, thanks to games like Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales. Standouts like Returnal quickly followed, but now Sony is bumping up against some major delays. Big games like God of War Ragnarok and Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 were delayed, thinning out the console’s initial lineup. But thankfully, there’s no shortage of incredible experiences to be had on PS5.
With that in mind, we’ve put together a handy running list of the best games currently available on PlayStation 5 so you’ll always know what to play next.

Horizon Forbidden West

88 %

4/5

Platforms

PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5

Genre

Role-playing (RPG), Adventure

Developer

Guerrilla Games

Publisher

Sony Interactive Entertainment

Release

February 18, 2022

Horizon Forbidden West is the culmination of all the things Guerrilla Games has learned over the years. It’s an open-world action RPG with a stellar story, well-written characters, and incredibly satisfying gameplay, making it hard to put down. It’s a game that looks expensive, featuring some of the most beautiful visuals we’ve ever seen. The gameplay mechanics have been refined from its predecessor, making it much easier to traverse the world, defeat enemies, and progress through the story. For instance, the implementation of a glider is a huge improvement, as it means the main character, Aloy, can get around with ease. And of course, there aren’t many games like Horizon, giving it an edge over the competition. Taking down massive mechanical dinosaurs is just as cool as it sounds, as is exploring the sprawling open world this game has to offer. Guerrilla Games is at the top of its class and we can’t wait to see what the team does next.

Read our full Horizon Forbidden West review

Read less

Elden Ring

84 %

4/5

Platforms

PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S

Genre

Role-playing (RPG)

Developer

FromSoftware

Publisher

Bandai Namco Entertainment

Release

February 25, 2022

Somehow, Elden Ring exceeded expectations, building upon its predecessors and featuring an incredible journey full of mystery and unease. That’s one of this game’s greatest strengths: It encourages you to explore by littering items and awe-inspiring boss battles all around the world while keeping you on the edge of your seat. This isn’t just Dark Souls in an open world. Every inch of this game feels meticulously crafted, with plenty of secrets to uncover. Of course, the game’s exploration is a selling point, but so is its combat, which feels like an impressive evolution from the Souls games. It’s not perfect, but developer FromSoftware absolutely knows what it’s doing when it comes to making an action RPG and we hope the studio continues creating open worlds like this one. Elden Ring is an absolute gem, throwing surprises at you every time you play.

Read our full Elden Ring review

Read less

Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart

89 %

4/5

E10

Platforms

PlayStation 5

Genre

Shooter, Platform, Adventure

Developer

Insomniac Games

Publisher

Sony Interactive Entertainment

Release

June 11, 2021

Early on in a console’s lifespan, each exclusive is heavily dissected. We’re always looking for how games push new hardware in ways that truly make “next-gen” come to life. Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart will be remembered as the first game that showed us the true potential of the PS5. While games like Returnal showed off what the DualSense controller is capable of, Drift Apart is more of a graphical powerhouse that uses the console’s solid-state drive to nearly eliminate load times altogether and fuel a gorgeous superhero spectacle. While we could wax poetic all day about how beautiful the game is, that doesn’t overshadow the fact that the game is just plain fun. Like other entries in the series, it’s an action-packed platformer filled with creative weapons. Notable new additions in Ratchet’s arsenal include a Topiary Sprinkler that turns enemies to shrubs and the new and improved RYNO-8, which pulls references from other Sony games into Ratchet’s dimension. It’s a colorful, exciting game that contains all the thrills of a summer blockbuster.

Read our full Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart review

Read less

Returnal

85 %

4/5

Platforms

PlayStation 5

Genre

Shooter

Developer

Housemarque

Publisher

Sony Interactive Entertainment

Release

April 30, 2021

When the PS5 launched in November, it seemed like Sony was firing on all cylinders. While Microsoft had no real exclusives to pair with the Xbox Series X, Sony came out the gate with Demon’s Souls, Astro’s Playroom, Spider-Man: Miles Morales, and more. That momentum ground to a halt over the next few months … that is until Returnal. The third-person shooter is a haunting action game that feels like the first real next-gen game. Part of what makes it feel so far beyond what we’ve seen so far is its Dualsense support. It takes full advantage of Sony’s unique controller to deliver a more immersive experience. The haptic feedback simulates everything from rain to the icky sensation of an alien parasite attaching to the main character’s body. The adaptive triggers are used to control different firing modes depending on how far they’re pressed down, doubling the functions of a single button. The build-in speaker drops helpful sound cues that let players know when their alt-fire has recharged, cutting through an otherwise busy sound mix. For those who really want to see what this generation is capable of, Returnal is the starting point.

Read our full Returnal review

Read less

DEATHLOOP

84 %

3.5/5

Platforms

PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5

Genre

Shooter, Adventure

Developer

Arkane Studios

Publisher

Bethesda Softworks

Release

September 14, 2021

Enjoy your time with Deathloop on PS5 while you can; this is one of the last times you’ll ever play a Bethesda game on a Sony console. The publisher’s games will be Xbox console exclusives from now on since Microsoft owns Bethesda. Due to a deal that existed pre-acquisition, Sony was able to lock down Arkane Studios’ latest game as a timed console exclusive for PS5, which is a bit of good foresight in retrospect. It’s a last hurrah for a long history between Bethesda and Sony. And what a send-off it is. Deathloop is one of the PS5’s most critically acclaimed titles. The first-person shooter is a clever stealth action game that combines the assassinations of Hitman with the supernatural powers of Dishonored. That’s all tied up in a roguelite gameplay hook where players relive the same day over and over. Each run is about collecting intel as Colt tries to figure out how to take down eight “visionaries” in one day and break the time loop. The game also features a creative (though polarizing) multiplayer mode where players can invade one another’s games and cause chaos. That’s all topped off with tight shooting and Arkane’s signature level-design strengths, making this a must-own PS5 game.

Read our full DEATHLOOP review

Read less

It Takes Two

89 %

4.5/5

Platforms

PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S

Genre

Platform, Adventure

Developer

Hazelight Studios

Publisher

Electronic Arts

Release

March 25, 2021

It Takes Two might be the best multiplayer game of its kind. The two-player adventure game is a labor of love by Hazelight Studios and director Josef Fares. Rather than pitting players against each other, it’s a pure co-op game in which players solve puzzles and platform together. Each level features entirely new mechanics that keep things fresh throughout the 12-hour adventure. It’s a game that was designed from the ground up with multiplayer in mind and that shows. Good co-op games are hard to come by. While there are tons of multiplayer games out there, few ask players to work together to progress through an authored story. It Takes Two is a rare example of a game that cares about multiplayer mechanics as much as it cares about narrative. The story is a romantic comedy about a couple on the verge of divorce who are turned into tiny dolls. They must work together to both get back to normal and repair their relationship. It’s a clever narrative framework that pairs perfectly with a genre that’s built on good communication and cooperation between players. It’s a multiplayer game that’ll save your friendships, not destroy them.

Read our full It Takes Two review

Read less

Tales of Arise

86 %

5/5

Platforms

PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S

Genre

Role-playing (RPG), Adventure

Developer

Bandai Namco Entertainment

Publisher

Bandai Namco Entertainment

Release

September 10, 2021

The RPG genre is changing. Traditional, turn-based combat is slowly swapping over to more real-time action. We saw it in games like Final Fantasy VII Remake, but it was especially noticeable in Tales of Arise. The latest game in the classic Tales series was a significant change of pace for longtime fans with its retooled combat. Sometimes, a big change like that can be a cause for concern. Luckily, no worries were needed here: Tales of Arise is one of the best JRPGs in recent years. Developed by Bandai Namco, Tales of Arise tells a weighty story about government tyranny in a divided world. A party of heroes come together to save the day, but more importantly, they just get to hang out and become friends. The game features delightful party chats that reveal each character’s specific quirks. Most notable of all is the game’s gorgeous art style, which takes inspiration from watercolor paintings. For fans of the genre, Tales of Arise is an instant classic that pushes RPGs further into the future.

Read our full Tales of Arise review

Read less

Kena: Bridge of Spirits

80 %

4.5/5

Platforms

PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5

Genre

Adventure

Developer

Ember Lab

Publisher

Ember Lab

Release

September 21, 2021

Kena: Bridge of Spirits isn’t a big-budget, Sony-published game, but it sure feels like one. The PlayStation console exclusive is actually an indie game developed by Ember Lab, an animation studio-turned-developer. You probably wouldn’t know that at first glance, because it’s one of the best-looking games we saw in the PS5’s first year. A vibrant color palette, detailed character design, and cinematic cutscenes that rival the best CG animated films all come together to make this the kind of statement debut that can’t be ignored. On a gameplay level, Kena is just as polished. It’s a tightly designed adventure game that draws inspiration from franchises like Zelda, Dark Souls, Uncharted, and Pikmin. Every little system, from its satisfying mobility tools to its deceptively tough combat, is elegantly built, making every single tool feel purposeful. But the real star of the show is the Rot, a gaggle of tiny creatures that follow Kena around. They can be commanded like Pikmin and used to find secrets and help out in battle. It’s a game that feels timeless, drawing on classic adventure tropes, while still inventing its own original ideas that make it stand apart.

Read our full Kena: Bridge of Spirits review

Read less

HITMAN 3

86 %

4/5

Platforms

PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Google Stadia

Genre

Shooter, Tactical, Adventure

Developer

IO Interactive

Publisher

IO Interactive

Release

January 20, 2021

Over the past few years, IO Interactive has been knocking it out of the park with its Hitman series. The stealth action game got a huge boost of adrenaline in 2016 with the first game in a sort of rebooted trilogy called World of Assassination. Hitman introduced an ingenious puzzle element to the long-running series, allowing players to find creative and outrageous ways to take out targets. The series has only stayed consistent since, and now Hitman 3 offers a perfect capper to the trilogy. Hitman 3 doesn’t shake the formula up in many ways, instead opting to double down on what’s made the previous games so enjoyable. The levels are better than ever, offering sprawling sandboxes filled with challenges and surprises. The game’s murder mystery Dartmoor level is especially noteworthy, bringing a classic whodunnit movie setup to the game. Hitman 3 essentially acts as a house for all three games as players can import progress and levels from Hitman and Hitman 2, making it a must-own “complete edition” of the series.

Read our full HITMAN 3 review

Read less

Control: Ultimate Edition

87 %

Platforms

PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S

Genre

Shooter, Adventure

Developer

Remedy Entertainment

Publisher

505 Games

Release

August 27, 2020

Control was a massive fan favorite when it originally launched in 2019. Remedy Entertainment’s off-kilter action game offered some mind-bending telekinesis and a bizarre story straight out of Twin Peaks. The game even landed a coveted Game of the Year nomination at the 2019 Game Awards. Now, next-gen console owners can get an Ultimate Edition of the game, which contains all of its DLC in one package. Control: Ultimate Edition frankly makes the game even better. While the original Control suffered from some tech hiccups and an unstable frame rate, the next-gen version runs much more smoothly. New tech means that the game looks better than ever too thanks to ray-tracing. For players who missed out the first time around, the next-gen version is a perfect excuse to jump back into one of the more inventive AAA games to launch in the past few years.

Read less

Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales

82 %

Platforms

PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5

Genre

Hack and slash/Beat ’em up, Adventure

Developer

Insomniac Games

Publisher

Sony Interactive Entertainment

Release

November 12, 2020

Marvel’s Spider-Man was a game-changer for superhero games in 2018. Developed by Insomniac Games, the action-adventure title delivered fluid combat, à la the Batman Arkham series, and delightful web-slinging. Considering its success, it’s no surprise that Sony decided to headline its next-generation launch day with a sequel, Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales. As the name implies, players control Miles Morales instead of Peter Parker this time around. While the core gameplay is unchanged, the sequel is loaded with style, new abilities, and haptic feedback thanks to the DualSense controller. Spider-Man: Miles Morales is a comparatively shorter adventure that can be completed in 8 to 10 hours, but that doesn’t take away from the experience. Anyone who loved swinging around New York City in 2018 will likely enjoy revisiting it here.

Read less

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla

76 %

4/5

Platforms

PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Google Stadia

Genre

Adventure

Developer

Ubisoft Montreal

Publisher

Ubisoft Entertainment

Release

November 10, 2020

Anytime a new console comes out, players are looking for the biggest games they can find that will push their new box to its limits. Assassin’s Creed Valhalla is exactly that kind of game. The Viking epic is Ubisoft’s biggest, most ambitious open-world game yet, and it’s sure to wow players on sheer scope alone. There’s no shortage of things to do in the game’s massive re-creation of England. Between raids, settlement building, drinking contests, Viking rap battles, and more, it’s a game that will keep players occupied for a very long time. The campaign itself gets up to the 60-hour mark and completionists will spend well over 100 hours exploring everything the game has to offer. It’s a perfect game for anyone who’s hoping to buy fewer games with more content now that new releases cost $70.

Read our full Assassin’s Creed Valhalla review

Read less

Astro’s Playroom

86 %

E10

Platforms

PlayStation 5

Genre

Platform

Developer

SIE Japan Studio

Publisher

Sony Interactive Entertainment

Release

November 12, 2020

Console pack-in games can be a mixed bag, but Astro’s Playroom is one worth checking out. The free title is a pseudo-sequel to Astro Bot Rescue Mission, one of the best games virtual reality (VR) has to offer. While Astro’s Playroom doesn’t utilize the PSVR at all, it acts as an introduction to the new DualSense controller, showing off how its haptic feedback can work in games. Cheekily set in the inside of a PlayStation 5, players platform their way through areas based on the console’s design like a cooling fan-themed beach. In addition to running and jumping, the game introduces a slew of mechanics built around feedback. Jump into a spring and players can feel it coil as they press the adaptive triggers down. It’s a very short adventure, and one that’s more or less meant as a tech demo, but it’s not one to miss, especially considering that all PlayStation 5 owners will have it from the get-go.

Read less

Demon’s Souls

87 %

Platforms

PlayStation 5

Genre

Role-playing (RPG), Hack and slash/Beat ’em up

Developer

Bluepoint Games

Publisher

Sony Interactive Entertainment

Release

November 12, 2020

The “souls-like” phenomenon has spawned countless games over the years, from Bloodborne to last year’s standout Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. Dark Souls is often credited with creating the genre of frustrating action games, but that’s not exactly true. The trend started with Demon’s Souls, FromSoftware’s 2009 action RPG. For those who are worried that the game hasn’t aged well in the past decade, the new Demon’s Souls remake for PlayStation 5 restores the game to its former glory. The new version is still the hyper-difficult game fans of the original grew to love (and hate), but it brings a few new tweaks to the table. A new Fractured mode reverses the game’s map, creating a new mirror mode for the game. New items, weapons, and armor are added to the mix to freshen up fights. There’s even a photo mode, which allows players to better take in the remake’s huge graphical boost. It’s a great starting point for anyone looking for a history lesson into one of gaming’s most polarizing genres.

Read less

Scarlet Nexus

74 %

4.5/5

Platforms

PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S

Genre

Role-playing (RPG), Adventure

Developer

Bandai Namco Studios

Publisher

Bandai Namco Studios

Release

June 24, 2021

Scarlet Nexus looked like it would be one of the PS5’s first big games. The action RPG got a massive spotlight in Sony’s PS5 reveal stream. Despite an eye-catching trailer, it got a little lost in the mix next to games like Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales and Horizon Forbidden West. It seemed like it could be destined for hidden gem status and that’s exactly what happened. Scarlet Nexus was a surprise hit of summer 2021, bringing a unique blend of complex action and brain-twisting sci-fi storytelling to new consoles. The selling point of Scarlet Nexus is its combat. Players can use telekinesis to hurl objects at enemies, which goes hand in hand with fast-paced slashing. Players can bring along allies, each of which has a different elemental power that augments the standard move set. One ally may add electric powers to your move set, while another can temporarily slow down time. It’s the kind of game that lets players rack up some astonishing combos, which makes it perfect for players who love games like Astral Chain and Bayonetta.

Read our full Scarlet Nexus review

Read less

Immortals Fenyx Rising

74 %

Platforms

PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Google Stadia

Genre

Puzzle, Adventure

Developer

Ubisoft Québec

Publisher

Ubisoft

Release

December 02, 2020

Ubisoft has become synonymous with “open-world games” over the past decade. Franchises like Assassin’s Creed continually set the bar higher and higher for the genre with gigantic worlds chock-full of content. While there is no shortage of options to choose from when it comes to Ubisoft’s vast catalog, Immortals Fenyx Rising shouldn’t be overlooked. While its name isn’t as well-known as some of the studio’s more established games, the new IP could be the company’s most exciting new franchise in years. Immortals Fenyx Rising is Assassin’s Creed meets The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Building on Zelda’s free-roaming mobility, the game is all about offering players more fluid and rewarding exploration. That means that the game is less about following a checklist of map activities and more about seeking out and discovering the world’s secrets. It’s a vibrant, funny game that playfully uses Greek mythology to create an entertaining open-world experience that gives Breath of the Wild fans something new to try.

Read less

Sackboy: A Big Adventure

77 %

Platforms

PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5

Genre

Platform, Adventure

Developer

Sumo Digital

Publisher

Sony Interactive Entertainment

Release

November 12, 2020

Sackboy: A Big Adventure got a little lost in the 2020 shuffle. The game launched the same week as the PS5 and Xbox Series X, which meant it had to fight for attention. Sackboy was simply too small of a name to compete with franchises like Spider-Man and Assassin’s Creed. It even had to contend with Astro’s Playroom, a similar flavor of platformer that was free for PS5 owners right out the gate. The more time goes on, however, the more it becomes clear that Sackboy: A Big Adventure is already the console’s most criminally underappreciated game. The LittleBigPlanet spinoff is a traditional 3D platformer not unlike Super Mario 3D World. Players run, jump, grab power-ups, and everything you’d expect from the genre at this point. Sackboy excels in both charm and creativity, offering a simply delightful adventure. Had it been released at any other point in the year, it would have turned heads for its Nintendo-esque polish. Now that we’re past the PS5’s opening honeymoon period, it’s as good a time as any to revisit it and see what it has to offer.

Read less

Editors’ Recommendations

The best racing games for the PS4

The best Xbox Series X games for 2022

The best co-op games for 2022

Best free games on Oculus Quest 2

A complete list of PS5 exclusives

The post The best PS5 games for 2022 first appeared on Tech Clarify.

The best 2-in-1 laptops

kingamit — Mon, 21 Feb 2022 00:00:00 +0000

The 2-in-1 form factor has certainly come into its own over the last several years. There’s really no reason to limit yourself to a clamshell — there’s a 2-in-1 that will meet the needs of all but the most demanding users in terms of sheer performance.

We’ve reviewed every great 2-in-1 you can buy, including Chromebooks, convertibles, and powerful 15-inch versions. The best 2-in-1 at the moment is the ThinkPad X12 Detachable, with its fantastic keyboard that’s easy to remove as it is to type on. It’s as good a laptop as it is a tablet, which is what makes it the best overall 2-in-1.

Contents
Microsoft Surface Pro 8HP Spectre x360 14Lenovo IdeaPad DuetiPad ProMicrosoft Surface Go 3Surface Laptop StudioLenovo ThinkPad X1 Titanium YogaBest 2-in-1 laptops FAQShow 3 more items

Microsoft Surface Pro 8

The best 2-in-1

Jump to details

Lenovo ThinkPad X12 Detachable

The best 2-in-1

HP Spectre x360 14

The best convertible 2-in-1

Jump to details

Lenovo IdeaPad Duet

The best 2-in-1 Chromebook

Jump to details

iPad Pro

The best 2-in-1 for tablet use

Jump to details

Microsoft Surface Go 3

The best small 2-in-1

Jump to details

Microsoft Surface Book 3

Surface Laptop Studio

The most powerful 2-in-1

Jump to details

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Titanium Yoga

The best business 2-in-1

Jump to details

Show 6 more items

Microsoft Surface Pro 8

The best 2-in-1

Read our in-depth review

Pros

Gorgeous, 120Hz screen

Impressive performance

Has two powerful Thunderbolt 4 ports

SSD is easily accessible

The Surface Slim Pen 2 is exceptional

Cons

More expensive

Still lacks mobile apps

Why should you buy this: It’s the best 2-in-1 you can buy.

Who’s it for: Anyone who just can’t decide between a tablet and a traditional notebook.

Why we picked the Microsoft Surface Pro 8:

The Microsoft Surface Pro 8 was more than just a simple iteration. While the Surface Pro 7 was almost identical to the version before it, which was true for the previous six years as well, the Surface Pro 8 made much more significant changes that elevated its position among detachable tablet 2-in-1s.

It maintains the same iconic Surface Pro kickstand and Type Cover, and so without setting it next to its predecessor you might not notice the differences. But it’s now made of aluminum rather than magnesium, it has smaller display bezels surrounding a larger 13-inch display (up from 12.3 inches), and it’s edges are more rounded. It’s a more elegant and modern design that we like a lot.

Inside, it’s powered by 11th-gen Intel CPUs and incorporates USB-C with Thunderbolt 4, an important update that makes the tablet compatible with external GPU enclosures. And the display has been upgraded as well, now supporting 120Hz and the haptic feedback offered by the Surface Slim 2 Pen that more closely mimics writing on a piece of paper. The Surface Pro 8 is the first Windows tablet that can take on the iPad Pro, and it’s the best 2-in-1 you can buy.

Microsoft Surface Pro 8

The best 2-in-1

Mark Coppock/Digital Trends
HP Spectre x360 14

The best convertible 2-in-1

Read our in-depth review

Pros

Spectactular 3:2 OLED display

Quite speedy in Performance mode

Surprisingly decent battery life given the display

Awesome keyboard and touchpad

Elegant and modern good looks

Cons

Requires some management to balance performance and fan noise

Why should you buy this: It’s the best convertible laptop.

Who’s it for: Anyone looking for a 2-in-1 that works best as a laptop.

Why we picked the HP Spectre x360 14:

We picked the HP Spectre x360 14 because it updated the line to a productivity-friendly 3:2 display that maintains the spectacular OLED panel and compelling combination of performance, battery life, and price of previous models. And it also perfects the line’s “gem-cut” design that makes it perhaps the best-looking laptop on the market.

The Spectre x360 14 uses Intel’s 11th-gen quad-core Tiger Lake CPUs that are fast and efficient. The OLED display is as good as ever and the taller panel allows for a larger palm rest and touchpad. Like all of today’s 360-degree convertible 2-in-1s, the Spectre x360 14 works well as a traditional clamshell notebook while still offering the flexibility of media, tent, and tablet modes.

The Microsoft Surface Pro 8 might be a better tablet replacement, but the Spectre x360 14 is nearly perfect in every other respect.

HP Spectre x360 14

The best convertible 2-in-1

Lenovo IdeaPad Duet

The best 2-in-1 Chromebook

Read our in-depth review

Pros

Excellent build quality

Lighter than the iPad

Tremendous value

Long battery life

Cons

Cramped keyboard layout

Entire package is a bit chunky

Mediocre performance

Why should you buy this: It’s the best 2-in-1 Chromebook.

Who’s it for: Anyone looking for a Chromebook 2-in-1 that’s both a great tablet and a laptop.

Why we picked the Lenovo IdeaPad Duet:

TheLenovo IdeaPad Duet is a Chromebook for people who like tablet designs and really like Chromebook prices, but are still looking for the right 2-in-1 PC.

The slim Duet offers a 10.1-inch HD screen, a MediaTek Helio P60T processor, and 4GB of RAM. Since it’s a Chromebook, storage space really isn’t a focus, but it’s nice to see 64GB for those who need it for Android apps and Linux desktop software. Ports are limited to a USB-C connection that also charges the tablet.

While it’s nice that the keypad includes a small touchpad for those who want it, it’s still a little cramped for our taste. However, we rarely see similar specs made available at such a low price (and you can always choose a different keypad if you want to). The battery is rated for up to 10 hours.

If you’re looking for more like this, we’ve also gathered a list of the best Chromebooks.

Lenovo IdeaPad Duet

The best 2-in-1 Chromebook

iPad Pro

The best 2-in-1 for tablet use

Read our in-depth review

Pros

Incredible performance

Beautiful display on 12.9-inch model

Stunning design

Center Stage works great

USB 4/Thunderbolt 3 port

Cons

Nearly MacBook priced

No Mini-LED on 11-inch model

Why should you buy this: It’s the best 2-in-1 for tablet use.

Who’s it for: Anyone who wants a tablet first, with laptop functionality a convenient add-on.

Why we picked the Apple iPad Pro:

Apple’s iPad started the tablet revolution, at least as far as the best tablets go. Today, the iPad Pro is the thinnest, lightest, and purest tablet experience you can buy, thanks in large part to a massive library of apps that are optimized for tablet usage.

The iPad Pro model that we reviewed is expensive, sure, but it’s also surprisingly powerful thanks to its Apple-produced ARM-based A12Z Bionic processor with octa-core graphics. Surprisingly, the iPad Pro is as fast as modern laptops at many tasks, meaning that you’re no longer giving up performance to enjoy a legitimate tablet format.

The iPad Pro’s display is also sublime, with a 120Hz refresh rate, 2388 x 1668 resolution (not quite 4K but still luscious), 600 nits of brightness, and True Tone color support. The Apple Pencil active pen makes for an excellent drawing tool, and the Magic Keyboard gives the tablet laptop-like functionality including touchpad support in the last versions of iPad OS.

iPad Pro

The best 2-in-1 for tablet use

Mark Coppock/Digital Trends
Microsoft Surface Go 3

The best small 2-in-1

Read our in-depth review

Pros

Excellent build quality

Superior display for a budget machine

Great Active Pen support

Small and light

Surprisingly good real-world performance

Cons

Can get expensive

Mediocre battery life

Keyboard and touchpad are cramped

Why should you buy this: It’s the best small 2-in-1.

Who’s it for: Anyone who wants a tablet that can plug in a keyboard in a pinch — and doesn’t want to spend a ton of cash.

Why we picked the Microsoft Surface Go 3:

Affordable and slim, the Surface Go 3 gives you a classic tablet experience with Windows 11. It’s also a notable upgrade to the first Surface Go, which was a very portable tablet but not that great on heavy workloads.

The newer model picks up the Surface Go 2’s design and slims down the bezels while increasing the screen size to 10.5 inches. It also significantly improves performance using new processor options. Our pick uses an Intel Pentium 6500Y or Core i3 chip complemented by 8GB of RAM. The fast 128GB SSD makes it easier to handle work tasks.

The Surface Go 3 has ports for USB-C, a hidden microSD card slot to expand storage, and a headphone jack. The battery is rated for 10 hours, an improvement on the first Go’s battery life, but still doesn’t impress compared to other picks on our list.

Microsoft Surface Go 3

The best small 2-in-1

Surface Laptop Studio

The most powerful 2-in-1

Read our in-depth review

Pros

Most powerful Surface PC

Gorgeous, 120Hz screen

Fun 2-in-1 design

Wonderful haptic touchpad

Excellent build quality

Cons

CPU holds back performance

Why should you buy this: It’s the most powerful 2-in-1.

Who’s it for: Business and creative professionals with money to spend on the best.

Why we picked the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio:

The Surface Laptop Studio is an innovative pull-forward 2-in-1 design in an all-metal chassis and with powerful components inside. It’s not a direct replacement for the Surface Book 3, but it’s taken its place at the top of Microsoft’s Surface lineup.

It equips 35-watt Intel H-series Core CPUs along with an optional Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 Ti, making it the most powerful 2-in-1 in our lineup. It can handle demanding productivity workflows while managing less demanding creative tasks as well. It can also do some gaming in a pinch.

You’ll appreciate the 14.4-inch 3:2 display at a high 2,400 x 1,600 resolution and 120Hz refresh rate, and the panel supports the Microsoft Surface Slim 2 Pen’s haptic feedback. With up to 32GB of RAM and a 2TB SSD, the Surface Laptop Studio is a portable workstation in a 2-in-1 form factor.

Surface Laptop Studio

The most powerful 2-in-1

Mark Coppock/Digital Trends
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Titanium Yoga

The best business 2-in-1

Read our in-depth review

Pros

Attractive and innovative chassis

Insanely thin and light

Solid performance

Excellent battery life

Great display for productivity users

Cons

Touchpad is too small

Expensive

Why should you buy this: It’s the best 2-in-1 for business.

Who’s it for: Anyone who wants a tablet that can plug in a keyboard in a pinch — and doesn’t want to spend a ton of cash.

Why we picked the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Titanium Yoga:

A laptop made in part from titanium is pretty cool, and that’s exactly the metal you’ll reinforcing the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Titanium Yoga’s lid. It’s a robust laptop, like all ThinkPads, but it’s unique in the line in terms of its modern yet conservative design that looks nothing like the usual black-on-black ThinkPad. And that’s a good thing.

It’s also a very thin 2-in-1 at just 0.45 inches thick, making it unusually comfortable in tablet mode. The included active pen attaches magnetically to the right side of the display and works well. Performance good for productivity tasks, and battery life is exceptional.

Add in the ThinkPad security features and optional service coverage and the ThinkPad X1 Titanium Yoga is a 2-in-1 that businesspeople would love to own.

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Titanium Yoga

The best business 2-in-1

Best 2-in-1 laptops FAQ

What’s a 2-in-1 laptop?
Should I get a 2-in-1 or a traditional laptop?
Does Apple make a 2-in-1 laptop?
Can a 2-in-1 laptop be used for gaming?
What’s a 2-in-1 laptop?

A convertible 2-in-1 laptop can convert from a traditional clamshell laptop to a tablet. In some cases, it’s a bit of a misnomer — 360-degree convertible laptops like the HP Spectre x360 13 can also be used in tent and media modes. The keyboard is not removable.

A detachable 2-in-1 laptop is a tablet-based device with a detachable keyboard accessory. In most cases, the keyboard is an additional cost, as seen with the Surface Pro family. You can keep the keyboard attached and flip it around so you can use the screen as a tablet.

The main advantage of a detachable 2-in-1 is portability — tablets are extremely thin, light, and easy to carry around — while they also work the best for drawing and taking notes on the pen-enabled display. On the flip side, they tend to have less powerful hardware than convertibles.

The 360-degree convertible 2-in-1, on the other hand, isn’t quite as handy as a detachable, but it tends to work better in clamshell laptop mode — especially when using it on the lap, where it’s more stable than most detachable 2-in-1s. The hardware tends to be better due to the lack of space constraints with thin tablets.

Should I get a 2-in-1 or a traditional laptop?

Recent 360-degree convertibles like our favorite HP Spectre x360 13 make for great clamshells — in fact, it’s a great competitor to the Dell XPS 13 even if you never end up flipping the display around. Modern 2-in-1s are fast, have long battery life, and often enjoy even better displays than the typical clamshell laptop.

If you need the fastest gaming laptop or professional workstation that uses the absolutely fastest CPUs and GPUs, then a 2-in-1 PC isn’t for you. As we mention below, 2-in-1s tend to be thinner and lighter because they can be used as slates. That creates some limitations in just how fast a 2-in-1 can perform compared to traditional laptops.

Does Apple make a 2-in-1 laptop?

Technically, no, Apple doesn’t offer the traditional 2-in-1 laptop. Its MacBooks are clamshell-only.

However, Apple advertises its iPad Pro as a detachable 2-in-1, although it uses the mobile iPadOS instead of MacOS for desktops and laptops. Like Microsoft’s Surface Pro, the keyboard is an accessory, which adds to the base price. And because the iPad Pro uses a mobile operating system, you can’t install traditional desktop software — which is where Microsoft trumps Apple with the Surface Pro 7, for example.

Still, Apple is improving how well the iPad works as a laptop by enabling mouse support and improved file system support in the new iPadOS.

Can a 2-in-1 laptop be used for gaming?

A big disappointment for dedicated gamers is that many 2-in-1s lack the capacity for super-advanced CPUs and GPUs. You can use a 2-in-1 for gaming, but you won’t get the same high-quality graphics or frame rate that you’re used to on a real clamshell laptop.

The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio has an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 Ti GPU that makes it more than fast enough for modern games at 1080p and moderately-high graphics settings. Another choice is the HP Spectre x360 16, which can have a 35-watt 11th-gen Intel Core i7 CPU paired with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050. You can play a range of PC games at 1080p and still get decent graphics quality, but it’s still limited compared to a gaming laptop.

Editors’ Recommendations

The best Chromebooks for 2022

The best ThinkPad laptops

The best webcams for 2022

The best touchscreen laptops for 2022

The best OLED laptops for 2022

The post The best 2-in-1 laptops first appeared on Tech Clarify.

The best Xbox Series X games for 2022

kingamit — Wed, 16 Feb 2022 15:16:00 +0000

After an uneven console cycle with the Xbox One, Microsoft’s latest consoles are aimed at getting the ship back on course. The Xbox Series X is a next-generation powerhouse that rivals gaming PCs, while the Xbox Series S is an affordable stopgap for those who are curious about trying new games.

Contents
ShootersRPGsPlatformersSim, puzzle, and more

There’s no shortage of games to play on either console thanks to Xbox Game Pass, which gives players immediate access to a library of titles old and new. That built-in catalog is an extra value on top of all the new games available on the system that take advantage of its impressive technical specs. When it comes to first-party exclusives, the Series X is still growing. Halo Infinite and Forza Horizon 5 gave a good boost to the console’s library following a somewhat sparse first year. More games are also on the way. Microsoft’s Bethesda acquisition will bring exclusives like Starfield in the near future, but the console’s real strength lies in third-party support.
With the Series X and Series S wrapping up a successful first year, we’ve combed through the current batch of new Xbox games to put together a running list of titles that new console owners shouldn’t miss.
Shooters

Halo Infinite

85 %

4/5

Platforms

PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S

Genre

Shooter

Developer

343 Industries

Publisher

Xbox Game Studios

Release

November 15, 2021

The staggered release of campaign and multiplayer was an odd move, but both turned out far better than initial impressions gave off. A few of us were lucky enough to see just how good this game was shaping up based on the test periods, but now the competitive mode that will determine Halo Infinite’s long-term life is out and, quite frankly, amazing. This game brings it back to the old style of shooter Halo used to be known for instead of trying to follow along with trends set by other games in the genre. As an arena shooter, this game feels like the true sequel to Halo 3‘s multiplayer that fans have been wanting for over a decade.

Read our full Halo Infinite review

Read less

HITMAN 3

84 %

4/5

Platforms

PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Google Stadia

Genre

Shooter, Tactical, Adventure

Developer

IO Interactive

Publisher

IO Interactive

Release

January 20, 2021

Read our full HITMAN 3 review

Read less

Destiny 2

74 %

3.5/5

Platforms

PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Google Stadia

Genre

Shooter, Role-playing (RPG), Tactical, Adventure

Developer

Bungie

Publisher

Activision

Release

September 06, 2017

While the Halo franchise changed hands, the original creators at Bungie still show their mastery of the FPS genre with their new IP in Destiny. Destiny 2 has evolved over the years to become one of the most popular games as a service shooter on the market. That success is held up, through some ups and downs of content and company choices, purely on the back of how solid and fun the gunplay is. As an FPS, Destiny 2 just feels so good to play, which is the most important thing for most players. You have tons of PvE content, especially now with so many expansions out, plus the more traditional PvP modes if you want to go head to head.

Read our full Destiny 2 review

Read less

Control: Ultimate Edition

87 %

Platforms

PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S

Genre

Shooter, Adventure

Developer

Remedy Entertainment

Publisher

505 Games

Release

August 27, 2020

Control was a massive fan favorite when it originally launched in 2019. Remedy Entertainment’s off-kilter action game offered some mind-bending telekinesis and a bizarre story straight out of Twin Peaks. The game even landed a coveted Game of the Year nomination at the 2019 Game Awards. Now, next-gen console owners can get an Ultimate Edition of the game, which contains all of its DLC in one package. Control: Ultimate Edition frankly makes the game even better. While the original Control suffered from some tech hiccups and an unstable framerate, the next-gen version runs much more smoothly. New tech means that the game looks better than ever too thanks to ray-tracing. For players who missed out the first time around, the next-gen version is a perfect excuse to jump back into one of the more inventive AAA games to launch in the past few years.

Read less

Resident Evil Village

83 %

3/5

Platforms

PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Google Stadia

Genre

Shooter, Adventure

Developer

Capcom

Publisher

Capcom

Release

May 07, 2021

After a pair of remakes, which alone are fantastic, Capcom went back to the FPS style of Resident Evil 7 for their first entry on next-gen systems. A direct sequel to 7, Resident Evil: Village isn’t quite as horror-focused as its predecessor, but takes a more balanced approach to action and scares in an attempt to feel somewhat like fan-favorite Resident Evil 4. The titular village is your hub and will open up more and more as you progress the story and collect new weapons and tools to unlock areas. There’s a great cast of villains here, along with some revelations about longtime series staples. It’s a tight, focused, and varied thrill ride from start to finish.

Read our full Resident Evil Village review

Read less

Outriders

75 %

3.5/5

Platforms

PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Google Stadia

Genre

Shooter, Role-playing (RPG), Adventure

Developer

People Can Fly

Publisher

Square Enix

Release

April 01, 2021

In another year and under different circumstances, Outriders may have flown under the radar. The third-person shooter from Bulletstorm developer People Can Fly was a new IP that could have had trouble standing out amidst a sea of high-profile shooters. When 2021’s launch schedule slowed down due to mass delays, Outriders quickly became one of spring’s most exciting games. It helped that it launched on Xbox Game Pass too, giving Xbox Series X owners something to do. It’s not just good because there was nothing else to play, though. Outriders is a legitimate blast. It’s a high-octane action game where players control a superpowered hero who can shoot and launch space magic at once. There are tons of ways to tweak and build characters thanks to multiple character classes and a deep perk system that augments every piece of gear. Three-player co-op also turns it into one of the better multiplayer experiences available on Series X right now. As far as new IPs go, it’s a franchise with a bright future ahead of it.

Read our full Outriders review

Read less

RPGs

Scarlet Nexus

77 %

4.5/5

Platforms

PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S

Genre

Role-playing (RPG), Adventure

Developer

Bandai Namco Studios

Publisher

Bandai Namco Studios

Release

June 24, 2021

No one would blame you if you mistook Scarlet Nexus for a PlatinumGames project. The action RPG features the kind of fast, complex combat that you’d expect from something like Bayonetta or Vanquish. The game’s futuristic police force setting also makes it feel like a long-lost cousin to Astral Chain. The game actually comes from developer Bandai Namco, which has delivered a stylish hidden gem with a wild, twisting narrative and intense fights to match. The main hook of Scarlet Nexus is that players can use telekinesis to hurl objects at enemies, not unlike Control. That goes hand in hand with fast-paced slashing, which allows players to rack up some astonishing combos. The complexity doesn’t stop there. Players can bring along allies, each of which has a different elemental power that augments the standard moveset. One ally may add electric powers to your moveset, while another can temporarily slow down time. The joy of Scarlet Nexus is seeing how all of those little abilities can come together and interact to create a ballet of colorful action.

Read our full Scarlet Nexus review

Read less

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla

76 %

4/5

Platforms

PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Google Stadia

Genre

Adventure

Developer

Ubisoft Montreal

Publisher

Ubisoft Entertainment

Release

November 10, 2020

The next generation of consoles started as big as possible thanks to Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. The Series X|S launch title is an open-world behemoth that amps up everything the Assassin’s Creed franchise has to offer with a Viking twist. With a main story that’ll keep players occupied for over 60 hours and a seemingly endless list of activities to complete, it’s the kind of game that can be played for months on end. There’s a lot to enjoy in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla due to its wealth of systems. Whether it’s building a settlement, discovering organic quests throughout the world, or crafting the ultimate raiding machine, the game offers a lot for players to sink their teeth into. Not every mechanic totally hits its mark, but few really miss either. The result is a sprawling epic built for the kind of players who just want to lose themselves in a game world.

Read our full Assassin’s Creed Valhalla review

Read less

Yakuza: Like a Dragon

86 %

Platforms

PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S

Genre

Role-playing (RPG), Hack and slash/Beat ’em up, Adventure

Developer

Ryū Ga Gotoku Studios

Publisher

Sega

Release

January 16, 2020

Sega’s Yakuza series has been on the rise for quite some time. The niche franchise gained steady popularity in recent years just in time for Yakuza: Like a Dragon to usher in next-generation consoles. What once was a weird oddity is now an ace in the hole for Microsoft thanks to high critical praise that made it one of the next generation’s most-talked-about launch games. Unlike previous Yakuza games, Like a Dragon trades in beat-’em-up action for turn-based combat. Players put together a party of four characters who brawl together in battle and can use the environment to their advantage. While that core concept is a departure for the franchise, it still retains its signature wackiness with unpredictable missions and side-quests. For players who have never played a Yakuza game before, Like a Dragon is a perfect jumping-off point that starts a fresh chapter for the franchise.

Read less

Immortals Fenyx Rising

74 %

4/5

Platforms

PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Google Stadia

Genre

Puzzle, Adventure

Developer

Ubisoft Québec

Publisher

Ubisoft

Release

December 02, 2020

Read our full Immortals Fenyx Rising review

Read less

Platformers

Psychonauts 2

90 %

4/5

Platforms

PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S

Genre

Platform, Adventure

Developer

Double Fine Productions

Publisher

Xbox Game Studios

Release

August 25, 2021

Psychonauts 2 was an important test for Microsoft. Despite the fact that the game was set to launch on PC and PlayStation, Microsoft positioned it as an Xbox exclusive. Microsoft owns developer Double Fine, so it’s technically a first-party game. As such, it launched day one on Xbox Game Pass, making it one of the Series X’s most enticing year one releases. If it could live up to the hype of its predecessor, that would be a defining game for the service ahead of Microsoft’s major holiday push. Fortunately, it got the job done. Psychonauts 2 is an excellent platformer that’s every bit as good as the original cult classic — if not better. While it contains some familiar platforming mechanics, Double Fine turned up the heat for the sequel with more inventive level design and sincerely moving storytelling. Psychonauts 2 may look like an irreverent 1990s cartoon, but it’s a narratively ambitious game that depicts different mental health struggles with empathy. It functions both as a positive learning experience for kids and a relatable one for adults.

Read our full Psychonauts 2 review

Read less

It Takes Two

89 %

4.5/5

Platforms

PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S

Genre

Platform, Adventure

Developer

Hazelight Studios

Publisher

Electronic Arts

Release

March 25, 2021

Read our full It Takes Two review

Read less

Ori and the Will of the Wisps

88 %

Platforms

PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X|S

Genre

Platform, Adventure

Developer

Moon Studios

Publisher

Xbox Game Studios, iam8bit

Release

March 10, 2020

If you ever wanted to play a Metroidvania that looked like a painting in motion, there’s no other choice but Ori and the Will of the Wisps. As if the majestic art style and surprisingly touching story weren’t enough reason to pick this game up, the fact that the Series X can push it to run at a stunning 4K resolution and hold 120 frames per second is just icing on the cake. This sequel is a full-on improvement over the great first title, with a large world to explore, new moves to learn, and more bosses to overcome. If you’re a fan of the Metroidvania genre, this indie title proves that even a smaller team can create a game that feels as polished and rewarding as any big-budget studio.

Read less

Sim, puzzle, and more

Forza Horizon 5

86 %

4/5

Platforms

PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S

Genre

Racing, Sport

Developer

Playground Games

Publisher

Xbox Game Studios

Release

November 09, 2021

The Forza Horizon style of racing game almost perfectly rides the line between being a racing simulator and a “pick up and play” arcade-style game. The latest entry, Forza Horizon 5, brings the open-world racer into Mexico to show off some of the most beautiful environments and cars ever displayed by a console. Seriously, this game is worth the price just to look at how gorgeous it is. The fact that you get perhaps the best racing game ever crafted on top of that is almost unreal. The game runs buttery smooth at either 30 or 60 fps depending on what settings you prefer and has hours of content to race through.

Read our full Forza Horizon 5 review

Read less

Microsoft Flight Simulator

87 %

Platforms

PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox Series X|S

Genre

Simulator

Developer

Asobo Studio

Publisher

Xbox Game Studios

Release

August 17, 2020

When Microsoft Flight Simulator first launched in 2020, it wasn’t the most easily accessible game. Even the beefiest of computers could still struggle with the gargantuan game. While it was critically hailed as one of 2020’s best games, it seemed like a lot of players wouldn’t really get to experience it until it hit the Xbox Series X. It finally touched down on the next-gen system one year later via Game Pass, and it was certainly worth the wait: The Xbox Series X is the best way to play Microsoft Flight Simulator. Part of that is out of necessity more than anything. When I tried to run it on my PC, it was like watching a slideshow (and that was with a GeForce GTX 1070 installed). The Xbox Series X version eliminates the variables that come with trying to run a game on any old PC by optimizing it for consistent tech. While some diehards may wish they had a mouse and keyboard (or a full flight setup), playing on a controller simplifies the flying experience. The whole game just feels less complicated overall, which is great news, because flying is complex enough as is.

Read less

Tetris Effect: Connected

90 %

Platforms

PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X|S, Meta Quest, Meta Quest 2

Genre

Music, Puzzle, Indie, Arcade

Developer

Monstars, Resonair

Publisher

Enhance

Release

May 14, 2020

After all these decades, Tetris is still a perfect puzzle game. Clearing four rows of blocks with one straight tetromino piece is still the most satisfying experience in gaming. While several games have found clever ways to play with the formula (see Tetris 99 or Puyo Puyo Tetris), Tetris Effect is hands down the most gorgeous way to experience the game. Originally released on PlayStation 4 with an excellent VR mode, the Xbox version brings the game’s trippy visuals to the Series X. Players essentially play through rounds filled with aesthetically pleasing visuals and music, making it the perfect chillout game. The Xbox version features new multiplayer options (hence the Connected moniker), bringing co-op and competitive play to the game. While it lacks the VR component that made the original release a hit, it’s still a pleasing puzzler filled with good vibes.

Read less

Gears Tactics

73 %

4/5

Platforms

PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S

Genre

Strategy, Tactical

Developer

Splash Damage

Publisher

Xbox Game Studios

Release

April 28, 2020

The Gears of War franchise has always been known for its fast-paced action and larger-than-life gunplay. So it might be surprising to hear that Gears Tactics, a spinoff of the popular shooter series, is a turn-based strategy game where players methodically plot out attacks. Surprisingly, the genre flip isn’t as drastic as it might sound. This is still very much a Gears of War game, complete with cover-based shooting, oversized weapons, and hordes of aliens. Compared to other strategy games, Gears Tactics is much heavier on action. Enemies spawn frequently and players can do much more in one turn than just move and fire one shot. For those who love the Gears universe, it’s a fresh take on the franchise that reimagines the pace of a strategy game.

Read our full Gears Tactics review

Read less

Editors’ Recommendations

The best games on Xbox Game Pass for 2022

The best Xbox Series X exclusives

The best gaming keyboards for 2022

Cyberpunk 2077’s current gen update is out now

Xbox Game Pass adds Madden 22, but loses Titanfall

The post The best Xbox Series X games for 2022 first appeared on Tech Clarify.