Movies
Film Festivals Are Evolving for the Better
Covid-19 is making big, weeklong gatherings of cinephiles complicated, if not impossible. What emerges in their place could change the cinema landscape.
By Angela Watercutter
In Belle, the Internet Unlocks Our Best Selves
Director Mamoru Hosada’s anime movie is about the web’s ability to unleash us.
By Cecilia D'Anastasio
Maybe the Internet Shouldn’t Pick an Oscars Host
Though having Elmo run the show would be fun.
By Angela Watercutter
Spider-Man: No Way Home, Piracy, and the End of the Box Office
Money-wise, the movie trounced The Matrix: Resurrections, but that’s a poor indicator of either film’s success.
By Angela Watercutter
The Best Movies You Missed in 2021—and Where to Stream Them
From Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar to Test Pattern, now is the perfect time to catch up on these indie darlings you probably didn't see last year.
By Jennifer M. Wood
20 Movies We Can’t Wait to See in 2022
From Keanu Reeves to Batman, here's who you should line up to see at the multiplex—hopefully.
By Jennifer M. Wood
What Are Aspect Ratios and Why Do They Matter?
It's easier than ever to see movies in different sizes and shapes, but how much does that affect the art of film?
By Eric Ravenscraft
10 Not-So-Christmas Christmas Movies to Watch This Season
We all need a break from dancing elves. Here are some unexpected, fun, and (mostly) family-friendly films to enjoy this holiday.
By Tushar Nene
The Matrix Resurrections Review: The Wachowskis Were the True Oracles
Directors Lana and Lilly Wachowski warned about the dangers of trusting tech 22 years ago. With the latest sequel, Lana is back with another harbinger.
By Angela Watercutter
The Best Movies of 2021—and Where to Stream Them
From Dune to The Green Knight, these are the best movies you should have watched (and still have time to watch) this year.
By Jennifer M. Wood
2021 Was Bound to Be a Year of Pop Culture Disappointments
Despite high points like Dune and Squid Game, the year was full of letdowns. Perhaps we wanted too much.
By Angela Watercutter
Don’t Look Up Nails the Frustration of Being a Scientist
Writer-director Adam McKay’s new Netflix film, about a comet headed for Earth, is an allegory for inaction during the climate crisis.
By Amit Katwala
The Matrix Is the Best Hacker Movie
Most people point to Sneakers or WarGames. They’re all wrong. The Wachowskis actually invented the ultimate cyber superhero.
By Andy Greenberg
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II Is Ready to Blow Your Mind
The actor isn’t just the new Morpheus. He’s the future of Hollywood.
By Jason Parham
Not Every Character Needs an Origin Story
From Home Sweet Home Alone to Cruella, prequels and reboots increasingly rely on cheap and clichéd explanations for villains.
By Amelia Tait
The 15 Best Holiday Movies to Stream This Season
Need help navigating all the services to find something good? Here's what to watch to pass the time—and get into the spirit.
By Jennifer M. Wood
SPOILER ALERT: Spoiler Alerts Are Making Us All Stupid
If you think they’re protecting the experience of experiencing art, you’re more deluded than you know.
By Jason Kehe
Which Streaming Services Are Best For You?
Whether you're a hardcore cord-cutter or an animation fan, there's a platform for you. Here are the best we've tried.
By Simon Hill
Netflix’s New Top 10 Lists Feel Like a Grasp for Relevance
As the market gets more and more crowded, the streaming giant seems to be fighting to stay in the conversation.
By Angela Watercutter
What Is Imax Enhanced, and Should You Care?
Disney+ has added a new way to stream Marvel movies. We break down what it means and if you can take advantage of it.
By Eric Ravenscraft
Netflix, Please Add a ‘Watched It’ Button Already
Wait a minute ... I've seen this before! Why is it so hard to filter out movies and shows on streaming services?
By Simon Hill
The Real Problem With Eternals
Director Chloé Zhao’s foray into the Marvel Cinematic Universe was simply asked to do too much.
By Angela Watercutter
Movies Need to Stop Using Historical Atrocities for Pathos
Marvel’s Eternals is just the latest genre film to clumsily use horrific real-world events in an attempt to elevate its narrative.
By Amelia Tait
Chloé Zhao Upends the Marvel Formula With Eternals
Reimagined characters, practical effects, intimate storytelling—the Oscar-winning director wants to alter what fans see in comic book movies.
By Angela Watercutter