Category: News

This year was another dominating one for pop music. Without a doubt, the Billboard Hot 100 charts were run by recording artists Beyoncé, Bad Bunny, Harry Styles, Lizzo, and Taylor Swift. However, as the new year approaches, fans of the genre patiently await the return of a few pop singers. At the top of that list is Grammy-award winner Olivia Rodrigo.

After experiencing a breakout year in 2021, following the success of her debut album, Sour, Rodrigo laid pretty low musical this year. However, with the project’s one-year anniversary now behind us, Olivia Rodrigo has begun to hint that new music may be on the way sooner than we think. In the singer’s official Discord channel, she dug deep into her archives to give supporters something to hold them until the new year.

Uploaded exclusively to her Discord, Rodrigo shared a new song title, “The Bels,” shortened for sleighbells. On the holiday track, you hear a young Rodrigo’s Christmas spirit.

Over a bass-heavy instrumental, Rodrigo sings, “Red and green is a Christmas queen / Make the holidays special to me / Oh, see the dancin’ gingerbread dance in your head / Wait, wait, wait for the bells ring there / Now, let me hear it out loud / Santa’s coming to town /Ho, ho, ho, ho / Wait for the bells,” with sass.

If the “Good 4 U” singer could mastermind these lyrics as goober, there’s no wonder her career has been as successful as it has been.

To listen to Olivia Rodrigo’s song, “The Bels,” click here to be redirected to her official Discord server.

Jessie Reyez released a new music video for her collaboration with 6lack, “Forever,” as a Facebook exclusive today. The track appears on her recent album, Yessie, finds Reyez reminiscing about someone who isn’t in her life anymore.

“‘Cause sometimes somebody loves somebody / But that body don’t love ’em back / And it’s easy to say that you didn’t know / You didn’t know what you had,” she sings.

6lack enters on the chorus, as the duo’s vocals blend perfectly together. He then gets his own verse while Reyez lip-syncs his lines in the background. “I want you to stay, save the moment / Gotta put it on the camcorder,” he notes. “You could be happy, you should be happy / Long as you here with me.”

Directed by Dane Collison, Reyez and 6lack dance around in a car as old-school recorded camcorder footage (as fittingly mentioned in the lyric) is spliced in of each of them in the woods, adding to the chill vibes of it all. They also appear in matching baseball caps, which is pretty fun.

“You ever meet someone and just know they’re going to be in your life forever?…” Reyez captioned the video on a Facebook post.

Watch the music video for Jessie Reyez and 6lack’s “Forever” here.

There’s a reason why we usually close out gift guide season with kitchen gifts. While streetwear demands a deep knowledge of your giftee, kitchen gifts are a little easier target to hit. If you’re buying for someone who loves food and you have even a vague idea of what’s in their kitchen, you’re likely to find something great to give them.

Just don’t buy them a mandoline. You don’t want anyone associating you with the agony that this (vital, useful) product will inevitably cause.

Other than that, it’s sort of game on. Spend in your price range. If it’s someone you’re going all out for, we have the gift for them. If it’s someone you’re only spending $10 on, well, there’s a gift for that friend too. We’ve got a wide range and you really can’t miss. “Liking food” is a pretty easy common denominator to hit.

Steve Bramucci, Editorial Director, UPROXX LIFE

PART I — For The Foodie’s Kitchen:

Traeger Timberline 1300

The Gift:

Do you have a food-loving giftee on who you’re ready to drop nearly $2K?

If so, let me say — this is definitely that gift. It’s just so smart and intuitive and full of features and, here’s the most important kicker, it makes great f*cking food. I bought mine just before Thanksgiving and made “smoked breadcrumbs” for stuffing and “smoked potatoes au gratin.” Both dishes won the holiday. Last week, for a dinner party, I smoked quail and baked a smoked rum cake with candied pecans that goes down as one of the best things I’ve ever served (according to the guests and also to me — after breaking my diet to eat a massive slice).

I know all that smoking in a short time pushes me dangerously close to becoming “smoker bro” but… I guess if the shoe fits? Truth be told, it did take me very little time to see the absolute appeal of owning a smoker. One, it infuses your dishes with a new set of flavors, namely smoke; two, it’s smarter than an oven when it comes to being able to “set and forget” dishes that take time (especially when using the Traeger app); three, it’s easier to clean, with removable grease trays.

This is just generally a special product all around and the sort of gift that is going to get you the eternal gratitude of your giftee. Because as their relationship with the smoker evolves and their knowledge evolves, so will their appreciation.

The Timberline 1300 features:

• 3 Tiers of Stainless-Steel Grates
• Fully insulated construction
• Bamboo cutting board & Stainless-Steel Front Shelf
• WiFIRE Technology
• D2 Grill Controller
• Pellet Sensor
• Super Smoke Mode
• Dual Position Smoke/Sear Bottom Grate
• Concealed Grease Management
• Included Meat Probe

Who It’s Perfect For:

A parent. An inlaw. A spouse. A best friend. Anyone who will go on a journey with their Traeger and take you along for the ride.

– Steve Bramucci, Editor

Verve Culture Artisan Citrus Juicer, Large

The Gift:

(From our Tequila Gift Guide):

I love this juicer because it’s easier than a hand-press juicer, extracts more, and can handle bigger citrus. Sure, a hand juicer might do the trick with limes, but if your giftee loves tequila they probably also really love palomas. And the best palomas come from hand juicing the grapefruit — that’s not even up for debate.

Who It’s Perfect For:

The tequila aficionado. A citrus lover. Anyone with an excess of oranges on hand. Also, if we’re being honest about how cool this thing looks — anyone with super stylized mid-century, semi-rustic design taste. Maybe we should have put it in the gift guide for the home. – Steve Bramucci, Editor

Breville Barista Express

The Gift:

This new espresso machine is all about making barista-level coffee at home. The Barista Express has a bean grinder right in the machine which allows for varying grind levels to the nth degree (it has 16 settings) while the machine allows brewing/extraction at different temps and pressures.

There’s a manual microform milk texturing arm. And then there are the accessories.

It comes with:

• Dosing Funnel Attachment
• Razor Dose Trimming Tool
• 54mm Stainless Steel Portafilter
• 1 cup & 2 cup Single & Dual Wall Filter Baskets
• Coffee Scoop
• Integrated Tamper
• Stainless Steel Milk Jug
• Cleaning disc and tablets
• Cleaning brush, tool, and Allen Key
• Water Filter Holder and Water Filter

Who It’s Perfect For:

This will take some lucky person’s coffee game to the next level.

– Zach Johnston, Drinks Editor

Verve XL Tortilla Press

The Gift:

I love this 9-inch Large Tortilla Press, made from recycled aluminum. My other tortilla presses are wood and this feels far more substantial and lasting. Plus it makes beautiful tortillas — some of the best I’ve ever had (I use lard). And, like Verve’s other products, it has this wonderful artisanal look to it. It seems like something cool to pull out while cooking.

Your giftee is going to love seeing this in their kitchen. And that’s going to make them appreciate it even more.

Homemade tortillas are an excellent way to vastly improve your cooking very simply. So if your giftee likes Mexican food, this gift is going to help them level up in a hurry.

Who It’s Perfect For:

Home cooks (with good design sense) who love Mexican food but have never made tortillas at home. Give them this and show just how easy it can be!

– Steve Bramucci, Editor

MEATER Plus With Bluetooth Repeater

The Gift:

The latest edition of MEATER — MEATER+ — really takes the thermometer game to new heights thanks to a Bluetooth repeater that lets you get out of the kitchen while you cook.

The new edition has the following perks:

• Built-in Bluetooth repeater in the charger extends the wireless range up to 165ft.
• 100% Wire-Free: No wires. No fuss. The first truly wireless smart meat thermometer.
• 2 Sensors, 1 Probe: Dual temperature sensors can monitor internal meat temperature and ambient.
• Guided Cook System: Walks you through every step of the cooking process to guarantee perfect and consistent results.
• Advanced Estimator Algorithm: Estimates how long to cook and rest your food to help plan your meal and manage your time.
• Connectivity Suite: Monitor your cook from a phone or tablet over Bluetooth. Extend your wireless range using MEATER Link WiFi and the MEATER Cloud.

Who It’s Perfect For:

This really is a game changer for anyone who’s cooking in an oven, smoker, or grill. The accuracy is crazy good and dials in those roasting skills to damn-near perfection, making this a must-have gift for any at-home cook. – Zach Johnston, Drinks Editor

Toasty One Smart Toaster

The Gift:

Is a smart toaster a thing a cook needs? I used to think “no.” But after two weeks of testing this thing, I think… maybe! It toasts bread to my exact chosen shade. Every single time!

Real talk, I haven’t lost a single piece of toast in two weeks — think of the slices that will be saved. Plus I can set different levels for the left and right slices — a pretty novel idea, for sure. And the best of all is that the whole process is just as easy as a regular toaster.

Now granted, you might not think your giftee needs such a serious, feature-filled toaster. But that doesn’t mean they won’t appreciate having it once you give it to them. I sure appreciate mine.

Who It’s Perfect For:

The person in a rush who burns toast three days a week and then crunches through it miserably on the way to work then complains about the roof of their mouth being shredded from burnt toast.

– Steve Bramucci, Editor

Verve Thai Moon Knife Set

The Gift:

It’s the year of Verve! Like their other products this knife set is 1) supremely functional, and 2) absolutely stylish. The larger of the two knives is a rolling blade, perfect for cutting vegetables and fruits. The smaller knife is a pure chef’s knife.

This two-knife set was the all-rounder that I brought to outdoor barbecues and the beach this year. It’s stylish and high quality at once — while not being overly pricey.

Who It’s Perfect For:

The wandering cook who isn’t going to bring a whole knife set with them.

– Steve Bramucci, Editor

Traeger x WhistlePig Whiskey Barrel Pellets

The Gift:

This special edition combines maple hardwood and genuine WhistlePig oak whiskey barrels to create Traeger pellets. The pellets are imbued with light oaky and whiskey notes (no alcohol of course) that help your smoked foods take on that touch of whiskey, which is damn tasty.

Who It’s Perfect For:

This has a great double gifting purpose for both the smoker obsessed and the whiskey lover in your life. – Zach Johnston, Drinks Editor

For The Foodie’s Table:

California Caviar Company Domestic Caviar Trio

The Gift:

We’re living in a bit of a golden age for caviar in the U.S. Local producers are more popular than ever and delivering seriously high-quality products. A great example that you can get delivered straight to someone’s door is California Caviar Company. The delivery service has a wide-ranged of caviar and accompanying products for enjoying the fishy delicacy.

The best bet for a great gift is their Domestic Caviar Trio which includes:

• 2 oz. of White Sturgeon Classic
• 2 oz. of Hackleback
• 2 oz. of Bourbon Infused Trout Roe
• 5 oz. crème fraîche
• 1 pack of 30 blinis
• 4 mother of pearl spoons
• 1 branded CCC Caviar Cooler

Who It’s Perfect For:

Caviar works with pretty much everything — you can put it on some lemon pasta, over soft scrambled eggs, or just shoot it straight — since this is truly high-quality. So if you have someone in your life that loves the fishier side of the culinary world, make them very happy with this trio of U.S.-produced caviar. – Zach Johnston, Drinks Editor

Italian DOP Products

The Gift(s):

Emilia-Romanga is the center of Italy’s food culture and the home to most of the country’s most famous “DOP” products. These products are regionally certified (like Champagne, in France) and held to the highest standard of what that product ought to be. And two of the absolute best — where imitatators fall by the wayside fastest — are these:

• Parmagiano Reggiano
• Aceto Balsamico

Aceto Balsamico and Parmagiano Reggiano are icons. They’re delicious. And, I say this with absolute authority and because we’re running a blind test next week that I secretly have the results of, way better when made adhering to the standards of the product itself.

Who It’s Perfect For:

A chef who is coming to realize that the best food comes from the best ingredients.

– Steve Bramucci, Editor

Jasper Hill Farms Port-Washed Harbison Mini

The Gift:

Jasper Hill Farms is making some of the best cheese in the game right now, especially if you’re looking for classic and raw European cheeses that rarely make it over the pond. Their special edition Harbison Mini is bathed in Sandeman Porto Founder’s Reserve Ruby Port. The fortified wine adds a funky and stewed dark fruity depth with a sense of holiday spices and old cheese cellars shining through the creamy and nutty stinky AF camembert-like cheese.

Who It’s Perfect For:

This is for the true cheese lover in your life. This small wheel of stinky old cheese is delightfully close to what you’d actually find in some small town in Portugal or France, hidden away in some wine and cheese shop down a sleepy cobbled street. – Zach Johnston, Drinks Editor

Hama Hama Oyster Farm Sampler

The Gift:

This gift combines an array of oysters from Hama Hama out in Western Washington. You can choose to send three dozen oysters that hit on everything from small shuckers to larger friers and all sizes in between. The bushel comes with shucking instructions and you can easily access recipe ideas for your giftee on the Hama Hama website.

If you really want to go crazy, you can order a nine-dozen version of this. But that’s more for a party mode than a holiday gift.

Who It’s Perfect For:

Raw oysters delivered straight to one’s door for the holidays are a direct line to an oyster lover’s heart. The best part is that with this many oysters, one can spend a weekend really changing it up from raw on the half shell, baked, smoked, rockafellered, chowdered, grilled, fried, in an omelet … the possibilities are endless for a foodie who loves oysters. – Zach Johnston, Drinks Editor

Olympia Provisions Euro Charcuterie Box

The Gift:

Olympia Provisions is about as close to European charcuterie as you can get in the U.S. right now. The locally-made (mostly from the Portland, Oregon region) gift set hits very high notes of both quality and funky fun with a long list of great sausages, cheeses, and extra bits.

The box includes:

• 4 specially selected salami inspired from different European regions
• 1 delicious Pate from our catalog
• 1 wedge of hand-selected cheese
• 1 jar of Honey
• 1 jar of our homemade pickled vegetables
• 1 pack of artisan crackers
• 1 pack of Oregon dry roasted hazelnuts
• 1 pack of olives
• 1 jar of mustard

Who It’s Perfect For:

This is great for anyone who likes to host a party between now and the end of the year. It’s a full kit that has a seriously deep bench of great charcuterie classics. – Zach Johnston, Drinks Editor

Tia Lupita Foods Hot Sauce Four Bottle Variety Pack

The Gift:

This gift comes from a Latin-owned producer out in San Francisco. The brand celebrates the founder’s mother’s sauces and recipes. Each of the sauces has the great ability to both work as a sauce you put on your food for an extra kick and as a spicing agent to use while cooking your favorite hot dish.

The pack includes:

• Tia Lupita Hot Sauce
• Tia Lupita Chipotle
• Tia Lupita Salsa Verde
• Tia Lupita Habanero

Who It’s Perfect For:

This is great for anyone looking for some serious chili sauces that put flavor above heat. Though don’t worry, the heat is there too. – Zach Johnston, Drinks Editor

Tocabe Indigenous Market Essential Pantry Box

The Gift:

Tocabe — Denver’s first Indigenous fast-casual restaurant chain — started an Indigenous Market during the pandemic to help their producers and help their community stay connected with Indigenous-grown foodstuffs from Indian Country. Their Essential Pantry Box remains the perfect entry point to finding Indigenous-grown foods that you can cook right at home.

This year’s box includes:

• 1 pack Heirloom White Tepary Beans (24 oz.)
• 1 pack Red Lake Nation Cultivated Wild Rice (20 oz.)
• 1 pack White Corn Pancake Mix (20 oz.)
• 1 pack Ute Mountain Blue Corn Mush Mix (20 oz.)
• 1 bottle Seka Hills Arbequina Extra Virgin Olive Oil (250 ml)
• 1 pack Pinole (24 oz.)
• 1 pack Ute Mountain Blue Cornmeal (20 oz.)
• 1 pack Pinto Beans (20 oz.)
• 1 pack White Sonoran Wheat Berries (20 oz.)
• 1 pack Tocabe Bison Rub (4 oz.)
• 1 pack Tocabe House Rub (4 oz.)
• 1 bottle Seka Hills Honey (296 ml)

Who It’s Perfect For:

This is for the foodie/home cook who’s looking to dive into the actual foods of the Americas. Gifting these foods also supports some of the country’s poorest communities. All of that aside, these are extremely high-quality foods that’ll up any home cook’s kitchen game. Plus, that Bison Rub is fire. – Zach Johnston, Drinks Editor

Stave & Bean Barrel Aged Whole Bean Coffee Ex Bourbon Cherry Bitters Barrel Aged Sumatran

The Gift:

This bespoke coffee roaster in Louisville, Kentucky is making some seriously fresh beans right now. This bag is filled with Sumatran beans that were medium roasted and then rested in old bourbon barrels that were previously used to age cherry bitters. The final result is a coffee that leans into dark cherry, fresh vanilla, sharp clove, and sweet cinnamon bark.

Who It’s Perfect For:

If you know someone who loves bourbon and coffee, this is the gift for them. Plus, there are tons of other styles and bourbon finishes to choose from after they get hooked by this one. – Zach Johnston, Drinks Editor

SiBEiHO Sauces

The Gift:

I’m so obsessed with these sauces. They are, quite frankly, the best Sambal sauces I’ve ever cooked with and I find myself reaching for them nonstop — even though I have a very deep bench of hot sauces in my kitchen.

This is a true artisan, craft product — made in Portland, Oregon by two women who decided to enter the CPG space after running a very beloved supper club in the city. The flavors are on point, the chilies taste incredibly fresh, and the chop on everything feels a little more “real” (vs. the uniformity of a big brand)… Just can’t recommend this one highly enough.

Who It’s Perfect For:

A lot of people — the friend who likes supporting women-owned brands, the person who loves spice, the chef who is leaning more into Chinese and Singaporean cuisines this year… Also, buy this for me — I love it and am already out!

– Steve Bramucci, Editor

The recent collapse of the cryptocurrency firm FTX due to alleged financial fraud of its users has rippled through the sports world. The FTX logo is still displayed on the Miami Heat arena floor and many celebrities and former athletes have had to distance themselves from the firm since the allegations were made.

A recent class-action lawsuit named Shaquille O’Neal along with other pro athletes against FTX for bringing credibility to their digital crypto currency exchange. Shaq made sure distanced himself from the firm and the general concept of crypto when he was asked about the nature of his involvement.

“A lot of people think I’m involved, but I was just a paid spokesperson for a commercial,” he told CNBC Make It.

He added that “from my experience, it [crypto] is too good to be true”.

“I don’t understand it, so I will probably stay away from it until I get a full understanding of what it is,” he said.

Shaq endorses quite a few products and services. It’s hard to go a few hours without seeing him on a commercial for a product that could be just about anything. When he says he endorsed this crypto service without really understanding it, it’s easy to believe. The big fella should probably stick to endorsing pizza, printers, and car insurance while he gets up to speed on the latest digital currency.

How does one make sense of every single pop music hit from 2022 in less than 4 minutes? Mash-ups baby! California’s DJ Earworm has been presenting his “United State of Pop” mash-ups every year for quite some time, and now the 2022 “United State Of Pop (I Want Music)” has arrived.

Pretty much guaranteed that you won’t hear Steve Lacy‘s “Bad Habit” woven in and out of Beyonce’s “Break My Soul” and Harry Styles’ “As It Was” quite like this. The mix feels like one big walk of shame…err..triumph, through the year in pop and you can hear it above. Meanwhile, checkout the listing of the 25 tracks that appear on DJ Earworm’s “United State Of Pop (I Want Music)” in alphabetical order below.

Bad Bunny – “Tití Me Preguntó”
Bad Bunny and Chencho Corleone – “Me Porto Bonito”
Beyoncé – “Break My Soul”
Cast of Encanto – “We Don’t Talk About Bruno”
Doja Cat – “Woman”
Elton John and Dua Lipa – “Cold Heart (Pnau Remix)”
Future – “Wait for U (feat. Drake & Tems)”
Gayle – “Abcdefu”
Harry Styles – “As It Was”
Harry Styles – “Late Night Talking”
Imagine Dragons – “Enemy (feat. JID & League of Legends)”
Jack Harlow – “First Class”
Justin Bieber -” Ghost”
Kate Bush – “Running Up That Hill”
Kodak Black – “Super Gremlin”
Latto – “Big Energy”
Lil Nas X – “Thats What I Want”
Lizzo – “About Damn Time”
Morgan Wallen – “You Proof”
Nicky Youre and Dazy – “Sunroof”
OneRepublic – “I Ain’t Worried”
Post Malone and Doja Cat – “I Like You (A Happier Song)”
Sam Smith and Kim Petras – “Unholy”
Steve Lacy – “Bad Habit”
Taylor Swift – “Anti-Hero”

Grammy-nominated rapper Latto is turning lemons into lemonade, so why are critics online left with a bitter taste in their mouths? After a hacker leaked over 130 of her unreleased tracks, the Clayco native decided not to let that stop her from getting those tracks out to fans. Her new song, “Another Nasty Song,” one of the hundreds of songs leaked dropped yesterday, and fans love it. But, unfortunately, for Latto, not everyone online is a fan.

The track produced by Yak Beats samples an underground cult classic, “The Nasty Song,” by Lil Ru, making it irresistible. However, nearly 24 hours after hitting streaming platforms, critics have begun to flood Twitter with the same remark, “p*ssy is that only thing she raps about.”

There’s no denying the explicit nature of the song. The chorus opens with, “You know that I’m a freak / You know I like it slow / I’m tryin’ to make a movie / I’m givin’ you the code / So let me put this p*ssy on you (Let me put this p*ssy on you) / Yeah, daddy, come and let me put this p*ssy on you.” However, across Latto’s debut album, 777, the rapper does display range, regardless of what her recent loose singles, “FTCU” featuring GloRilla and “Clap” with Trina might have you believe.

Latto took to Twitter to clap back at critics who claimed her discography is one-dimensional writing, “I got plenty [of] songs [that] not about ‘p*ssy.’ Y’all don’t blow them up & that’s not my problem.”

She isn’t the only woman rapper to receive these critics; Megan Thee Stallion’s catalog has come under fire for being too sexually centered, as has Cardi B’s.

To listen to Latto’s new song, “Another Nasty Song,” click here.

Little Simz dropped what might just be the last great album of 2022 in No Thank You. Released seemingly by surprise on December 12, the 10-track album was produced entirely by Inflo. It sees Simz grappling with her mounting fame, pitted against society’s greater ills in the process. Now she’s put out a stirring short film to accompany the album.

Directed by Gabriel Moses and filmed just outside of Paris, it opens with her rapping “X,” the pivotal midpoint track to No Thank You. The visual looks like Simz is delivering a sermon. Images of afro-imperialism are interspersed and she delivers punishing verses like: “This is post-apocalyptic where we stand. You wanna give us the Bible and have us give up the land. They will dangle the carrot when nothin’ is in your hand. And tell you never to worry, ‘it’s all just part of the plan.’”

The video morphs into an interpretive dance number set to “Silhouette,” before “Sideways” kicks in and Simz extols her empowered self, rapping, “They say Black don’t crack. My complexion is iridescent.” The film shifts into the track “Broken,” set to powerful images of child soldier depictions, moments of death, and a feeling of running away from a haunting past. Still, Simz looks deeper within herself, and a particular stanza stands out:

“Look how far you’ve come and see you’ve only just started
You exist, you alive, you are deservin’ of life
You are a beacon of light, you are determined to fly
You have a journal inside, you have the power to write”

“Heart On Fire” closes the moving film and it’s the most literal visual depiction of her facing her recent fame. She’s the belle of a ball, being honored, but feeling inherent guilt. She’s clearly grappling with feeling like she deserves accolades like the Mercury Music Prize, and her willingness to lay out that struggle on No Thank You and no in the short film, is exactly why she’s becoming one of the modern greats.

Watch the No Thank You short film above.

In a perfect world, you’d gift the ball fan in your life with the talents and abilities of modern-day hoops stars like LeBron or Candace Parker. You’d probably throw in a good half-foot growth spurt too for good measure. But since that’s just not possible, we’ve pulled together some items that can serve as the next best thing while catering to a mix of different lifestyles and ages, since no two ball fans are alike. Here are some of the best gifts to give this year for the hooper and fan in your life.

Beats Fit Pro

Price: 199.99

Help your loved ones tune out the world and copycat the NBA’s most amazing tunnel looks by adding these earbuds to the rotation. They easily sync up to both Apple and Android devices and offer 6 hours of non-stop listening.

Buy Here

Cincoro Tequila

Price: Bottles start at $65, Gift cards start at $25

You may not be able to win an NBA championship in your lifetime, but you can still celebrate and raise a glass like those who have. Cincoro tequila was started by the owners of historic NBA franchises such as the Lakers, Celtics, Bucks, and Hornets — yes, that means Michael Jordan — and has become a recognizable brand in the sports-related spirits game. The beautifully designed bottle looks like it could be used as a decoration or a trophy.

Buy Here

NBA 2K23

Price: Starts at $69.99

If you know a hooper with the right gaming system who doesn’t have this yet, it’s a no-brainer. But the good news is that even if they already have it, you can buy them virtual currency to upgrade the experience.

Buy Here

NBA League Pass

Price: $69.99 for the remainder of the year

There’s nothing more frustrating than being a basketball fan outside of the market of your favorite team. Unless their team plays games on a national broadcast, they rarely get the chance to watch the games. NBA League Pass has consistently given fans a way to keep up with their teams wherever they are with streaming access to hundreds of live games.

Buy Here

Spaced Out by Mike Prada

Price: $12 Kindle version, $23.55 hardcover edition

Sharpshooters and versatile bigs have created a need for an entirely new approach to basketball. Here, Mike Prada dives into how this evolution came about and helps fans walk away with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the history and X’s and O’s that make the league what it is today.

Buy Here

Ugg Hank Joggers

Price: $88.00

In most parts of the country, players have to make their way through the bitter cold every now and then to get to the gym. These joggers will help make that feel like a walk in the park with their lightweight double-knit fleece material to keep you warm and cozy indoors and outdoors. The back pocket is also greatly appreciated.

Buy Here

Hasbro Starting Lineup Figures

Price: $49.99

The new generation of Starting Lineup figures is here, and while the price tag doesn’t look anything like the old ones, the end product is similarly upscaled, making these the perfect addition to a collector’s bookcase no mater their favorite team thanks to a wide array of player options.

Buy Here

Wilson WNBA Official Basketball

Price: $45.99

For anyone with aspirations of playing basketball well, practice is key. That’s pretty hard to do without the most important part of the game — the ball. And there’s nothing better than the official game ball that the pros use day in and day out.

Buy Here

BLK and Bold NBA (Warmup) Coffee

Price: $13.99

A good cup of coffee or tea is a great way to start the day – and nowhere close to optional for some of us. To add a little more personality to the morning, BLK and Bold has formed a strong relationship with the NBA to sponsor its The Warm Up medium roast line, which has been upgraded with different packaging for each NBA conference and a handful of teams.

Buy Here

Hypervolt Go 2

Price: $169

We’ve all got our occasional aches and pains, and that only increases when you hit the hardwood and the gym. That’s why we’re adding the Hypervolt Go 2 massager from Hyperice, which offers a long list of massage equipment and workout accessories.

Buy Here

Llane is rounding out his breakthrough year with his new single “Parcerita.” The rising Colombian singer released the music video for his heartfelt song as an early Christmas gift to his fans today (December 16).

Llane first rose to prominence in 2012 with the Colombian pop group Piso 21. After a few years of success with the band, he announced his departure in 2019. Earlier this year, Llane released his debut solo album Fino. The LP featured the hits like the title track with Venezuelan singer Danny Ocean and “Será” featuring fellow Colombian singer Manuel Turizo. “Parcerita” is Llane’s gift to his fans for supporting his solo career.

“I wanted to give a Christmas present to all my fans, to all those who have been supporting me for a long time, as well as to the new fans, and to all the parceritas who are always connected with me,” Llane said in a statement. “I hope that everyone will love this song that has an excellent vibe to end the year.”

“Parcerita” is Colombian slang for a loved one, and in this case, Llane is talking about a special woman in his life. He co-wrote the song with hit singer-songwriter Elena Rose while DJ Maff handled the production. Llane blends his Latin pop sound with a subtle reggaeton touch. He sweetly serenades the lucky lady with his romantic lyrics. Llane is absolutely enamoring in this beautiful love song.

Llane brings the romance of “Parcerita” to life in the video. The Colombian heartthrob frolics on a beach in Miami with his onscreen love interest and loses his shirt in some scenes. That will most likely delight the parceritas (and a few of the parceritos) watching his video.

Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

Our best movies on HBO Max list has been updated for the month of December, and it features 50 titles that include everything from Martin Scorsese classics, Steven Spielberg blockbusters, classic comedies, to cinematic gems from the early days of Hollywood. There’s even a few superheroes and anime titles in the mix, so basically, something for everyone. Along with each listing, you’ll find a handy link to each title on HBO Max, so you can start watching right away or save some for later. Your call. No pressure.

1. The Shawshank Redemption

Year: 1994
Starring: Tim Robbins, Morgan Freeman
Genre: Drama
Rating: R
Runtime: 142 minutes
Director: Frank Darabont
Trailer: Watch here

After being sentenced to life in prison for a crime he didn’t commit, Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins) forms a bond with fellow inmate Red (Morgan Freeman) as the two navigate a world of brutality, despair, and corruption in this gripping 1940s period drama based on a novella by Stephen King. Using his wits, Andy enters a dangerous game with the morally scrupulous and dictatorial Shawshank prison warden that will either end in Andy’s freedom or crushed beneath the systemic gears of the penal system. Part powerful human drama, part compelling crime mystery, there’s a reason The Shawshank Redemption routinely pops up on “Best Of” lists. It’s just damn good from top to the bottom. The story, the acting, the direction. It’s peak ’90s cinema firing on all cylinders.

Watch it on HBO Max

2. Spirited Away

Year: 2001
Starring: Daveigh Chase, Suzanne Pleshette, Jason Marsden
Genre: Anime, Fantasy, Mystery
Rating: PG
Runtime: 122 minutes
Director: Hayao Miyazaki
Trailer: Watch here

In this delightful Academy Award-winning masterpiece from Studio Ghibli and beloved Japanese animation director Hayao Miyazaki, young Chihiro (Daveigh Chase) is separated from her parents by the powerful sorceress Yubaba (Suzanne Pleshette). Trapped inside a seemingly abandoned amusement park in the secret world of Kami, Chihiro must slave away for Yubaba alongside an assortment of supernatural beings. Using her wits and cunning, Chihiro concocts a plan to rescue her parents from the spell that’s turned them into pigs and return to the human world. Released in 2001, Spirited Away helped spark a worldwide obsession with Miyazaki’s films thanks to its captivating story, unforgettable characters, and signature animation style.

Watch it on HBO Max

3. Goodfellas

Year: 1990
Starring: Robert De Niro, Ray Liotta, Joe Pesci, Lorraine Bracco
Genre: Drama, Crime
Rating: R
Runtime: 145 minutes
Director: Martin Scorsese
Trailer: Watch here

Considered one of the greatest gangster movies of all time, Goodfellas follows the life of Henry Hill (Ray Liotta) as he reflects on his 25 years in the mafia. Derailed by a drug addiction, Henry comes to grip with the horrors he’s caused while rising through the ranks of the neighborhood gang. Directed by the legendary Martin Scorsese, Goodfellas also includes command performances from Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci and racked up a slew of Academy Award nominations. Almost a decade later, The Sopranos would deliver a sprawling mafia epic unlike any other, but it’s nearly impossible to imagine that show’s success without Goodfellas paving the way. It’s the OG.

Watch it on HBO Max

4. 2001: A Space Odyssey

Year: 1968
Starring: Keir Dullea, Gary Lockwood, William Sylvester
Genre: Sci-Fi, Adventure
Rating: G
Runtime: 145 minutes
Director: Stanley Kubrick
Trailer: Watch here

Before Star Wars exploded the sci-fi genre on the big screen, there was Stanley Kubrick’s masterpiece, 2001: A Space Odyssey. Based on the Arthur C. Clarke novel, 2001 tells the tale of a monolith found buried on the moon and its mysterious connections to humanity’s past, present, and future. After unlocking a secret message from the monolith, astronauts David Bowman (Keir Dullea) and Frank Poole (Gary Lockwood) set off on a mission guided by the powerful and ominous computer system known as HAL-9000. As HAL begins to malfunction, the mission goes dangerously awry and the search for answers to humanity’s greatest questions becomes entangled in a battle with a seemingly rogue intelligence.

Watch it on HBO Max

5. No Country For Old Men

Year: 2007
Starring: Tommy Lee Jones, Josh Brolin, Javier Bardem
Genre: Drama, Suspense, Crime
Rating: R
Runtime: 117 minutes
Director: Joel Coen, Ethan Coen
Trailer: Watch here

Based on the Cormac McCarthy novel, No Country For Old Men follows Llewelyn Moss (Josh Brolin), a Vietnam vet and struggling welder, who comes across the aftermath of a drug deal gone wrong. Desperate to make off with the horde of cash found at the scene, Llewelyn finds himself hunted by a ruthless hitman (Javier Bardem), who relentlessly pursues his prey across Texas and into Mexico. Also on their trail is a grizzled old sheriff (Tommy Lee Jones), who struggles to come to terms with the trail of destruction and his own dark past. Clocking in at just under two hours, No Country For Old Men is a tight thriller from the Coen Brothers that’s perfectly anchored by its three leads. The film also sparked a career renaissance for Brolin who brought a hunger and intensity to the role.

Watch it on HBO Max

6. The Matrix

Year: 1999
Starring: Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss
Genre: Action, Sci-Fi
Rating: R
Runtime: 136 minutes
Director: Lily Wachowski, Lana Wachowski, Bruce Hunt
Trailer: Watch here

With its mind-bending plot and gravity-defying martial arts, The Matrix redefined action films for years to come. The film follows computer hacker Thomas Anderson (Keanu Reeves) as he learns the truth about “reality” and joins forces with the enigmatic Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne) and Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss) in a technological war for humanity’s freedom. The Matrix sparked three more sequels, but nothing can compare to the groundbreaking visuals and storytelling of the original that left audiences reaching for the back of their heads and questioning their own existence. It was a head trip for the ages that still holds up to this day.

Watch it on HBO Max

7. Terminator 2

Year: 1991
Starring: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Linda Hamilton, Eddie Furlong
Genre: Action, Sci-Fi
Rating: R
Runtime: 137 minutes
Director: James Cameron
Trailer: Watch here

Hailed as one of the greatest sequels of all time, Terminator 2 melted audience’s faces with its unparalleled action as it put a twist on the original film by making Arnold Schwarzenegger’s T-800 the protector of young John Connor (Eddie Furlong) and his mom Sarah Connor (Linda Hamilton). This time around, the liquid metal T-1000 (Robert Patrick) has traveled to the past to execute the boy putting him on a collision course with Arnold’s classic Terminator. Directed by James Cameron, Terminator 2 is easily the best film in the series, which has yet to be topped despite several lackluster attempts. It holds up so well, that you don’t even need to watch the original Terminator to enjoy it. The bad robot is good now. Time to smash sh*t.

Watch it on HBO Max

8. Pulp Fiction

Year: 1994
Starring: John Travolta, Uma Thurman, Samuel L. Jackson, Bruce Willis
Genre: Drama, Comedy, Crime
Rating: R
Runtime: 154 minutes
Director: Quentin Tarantino
Trailer: Watch here

While Reservoir Dogs is Quentin Tarantino’s first major film, Pulp Fiction is the one that put him on the map. Armed with a fully stacked cast, Tarantino unravels a sprawling set of characters whose lives of crime converge and diverge in a whip-smart tale full of classic lines and iconic performances, particularly Samuel L. Jackson. The film also launched John Travolta’s meteoric career resurgence in the ’90s thanks to his performance as the drug-addled Vincent Vega. Pulp Fiction locked down several Academy Award nominations including Best Picture and Best Director, and some might argue it’s still the best Tarantino film ever made. Granted, he doesn’t think so, but if there’s one thing Tarantino loves, it’s being opinionated as hell.

Watch it on HBO Max

9. Mad Max: Fury Road

Year: 2015
Starring: Tom Hardy, Charlize Theron, Nicolas Hoult
Genre: Action, Sci-Fi
Rating: R
Runtime: 120 minutes
Director: George Miller
Trailer: Watch here

Starring Tom Hardy as the title character, Mad Max: Fury Road delivers one of the greatest action spectacles in film history. Under the direction of George Miller, the film delivers an intricate, madcap chase across a post-apocalyptic wasteland as Max joins forces Imperator Furiosa (Charlize Theron) to save a rag-tag group of women from an evil warlord. Despite their infamous off-screen drama, Hardy and Theron delivered badass performances, with the latter paving the way for an upcoming prequel starring Anya Taylor-Joy. At a crisp two hours, the vehicular adventure will absolutely hit the spot if you’re looking for a tight action flick like nothing you’ve ever seen before.

Watch it on HBO Max

10. Fruitvale Station

Year: 2013
Starring: Michael B. Jordan, Melonie Diaz, Octavia Spencer
Genre: Romance, Drama, Suspense
Rating: R
Runtime: 84 minutes
Director: Ryan Coogler
Trailer: Watch here

Before Black Panther, and even Creed, director Ryan Coogler and Michael B. Jordan first came together for the gripping drama Fruitvale Station. Based on the true story of Oscar Grant, who was gunned down by police at the eponymous station in Oakland, the film details the last days of his life. With a commanding performance from Jordan, Fruitvale Station walks through Grant’s final hours as he argues with his girlfriend, tries to figure out how to make ends meet, and even attends a birthday party for his mom. However, his ride home on the Bay Area Rapid Transit goes sideway due to a chance encounter and a trigger-happy officer.

Watch it on HBO Max

11. Eraserhead

Year: 1977
Starring: Jack Nance, Charlotte Stewart, Judith Anna Roberts
Genre: Horror
Rating: TV-MA
Runtime: 89 minutes
Director: David Lynch

Before Twin Peaks, David Lynch took a stab at his first feature-length film, Eraserhead. Like all things Lynch, it’s weird as hell. The surrealist horror follows Henry (Jack Nance), a man living alone in a bleak apartment surrounded by industrial gloom. Although, he’s not entirely alone because he does manage to secure a fling with a woman down the hall (Judith Anna Roberts). When she winds up pregnant, Henry does the right thing and marries her, which is when things go very south. And we’re not talking about the two of them not getting along. We’re talking, holy crap, why is their baby a lizard? This is pure David Lynch, folks. Strap in.

Watch it on HBO Max

12. Shazam!

Year: 2019
Starring: Zachary Levi, Asher Angel, Mark Strong
Genre: Action, Superhero
Rating: PG-13
Runtime: 131 minutes
Director: David Sandberg
Trailer: Watch here

As the DC Extended Universe lost a step with the theatrical release of Justice League, Shazam! joined Wonder Woman and Aquaman for a surprising string of hits from the wayward franchise. Mining the classic formula that made Shazam a beloved comic book character for almost a century, the film focuses on a young Billy Batson (Asher Angel), who’s granted the power to transform into the titular hero embodied by a muscle-suited Zachary Levi. Blending superhero action, family drama, and coming-of-age comedy, Shazam! delivered a much-needed jolt of fun to the ultra-dark DC films. It also paved the way for a sequel, which looks to be another wild ride that captures the magic of the comics.

Watch it on HBO Max

13. Dune (2021)

Year: 2021
Starring: Timothée Chalamet, Oscar Isaac, Rebecca Ferguson, Jason Momoa, Zendaya
Genre: Sci-Fi
Rating: PG-13
Runtime: 155 minutes
Director: Denis Villeneuve
Trailer: Watch here

After delivering stunning sci-fi films like Arrival and Blade Runner: 2049, visionary director Denis Villeneuve took an ambitious stab at the mother of all sci-fi series, Dune. Starring Timothée Chalamet as Paul Atreides, the first Dune tackles the opening salvo of the sprawling epic by capturing the early beginnings of Paul’s messianic journey on the desert planet Arrakis. Featuring a fully stacked cast as the members of House Atreides, Dune delivers a jarringly beautiful and photorealistic experience as Villeneuve brings his signature visual style to a story that George Lucas would heavily mine for his own little sci-fi adventure. With a sequel already en route, Dune sets the stage for a wild intergalactic clash featuring massive sand worms, levitating space emperors, and Zendaya. Gotta have Zendaya.

Watch it on HBO Max

14. Raging Bull

Year: 1980
Starring: Robert De Niro, Cathy Moriarty, Joe Pesci
Genre: Drama, Sports
Rating: R
Runtime: 129 minutes
Director: Martin Scorsese
Trailer: Watch here

Starring Robert De Niro in one of his most transformative roles under the direction of legendary filmmaker Martin Scorsese, Raging Bull tells the story of 1940s Italian-American boxer Jake La Motta. Based on his memoir of the same name, the film follows La Motta’s life and career as he flirts with boxing greatness before descending into a self-destructive pattern of spousal abuse, arrests, and violent altercations outside of the ring. Along the way is his brother Joey La Motta played by a then-unknown Joe Pesci. After the critical success of Raging Bull, the two would become frequent collaborators with Scorsese, who thought his career was over before the boxing picture became one of the most celebrated films in history.

Watch it on HBO Max

15. Night of the Living Dead

Year: 1968
Starring: Judith O’Dea, Duane Jones, Karl Hardman
Genre: Horror
Rating: TV-MA
Runtime: 96 minutes
Director: George Romero

Before The Walking Dead became a massive franchise for AMC, there was Night of the Living Dead. The 1968 classic defined the zombie genre with its violent and gruesome tale of strangers trapped inside a barn in Western Pennsylvania. Granted, the creatures in the film are called “ghouls,” but the trappings of the zombie genre are on full display in the George Romero film. Night of the Living Dead is where it all began, right down to the fight for survival, the overwhelming feeling of pending dread, and that bleak ending you’ll never forget. Interestingly enough, the film was also inspired by the book, I Am Legend, but Romero added his own spin on the horror of human beings who just won’t die.

Watch it on HBO Max

16. In The Heights

Year: 2021
Starring: Anthony Ramos, Corey Hawkins, Leslie Grace, Melissa Barrera
Genre: Musical
Rating: PG-13
Runtime: 142 minutes
Director: John M. Chu
Trailer: Watch here

Before he created the Broadway sensation Hamilton, Lin-Manuel Miranda first thrilled audiences with In The Heights. In this big screen adaptation of Miranda’s Tony-award winning musical, the film follows different characters as they pursue their dreams over the course of three days in the Dominican American neighborhood of Washington Heights. Boasting song and dance numbers that paved the way for Hamilton, In The Heights is an equally fun and fascinating look at Miranda’s innate talent for musical drama. The guy knows how to lay out a tune and hook a story to it.

Watch it on HBO Max

17. Citizen Kane

Year: 1941
Starring: Orson Welles
Genre: Drama
Rating: PG
Runtime: 119 minutes
Director: Orson Welles

Welcome to the godfather of cinema. Written, produced, directed, and starring Orson Welles, Citizen Kane tells the tale of media tycoon Charles Foster Kane in a scathing, thinly-veiled examination of newspaper baron William Randolph Hearst. However, it is also pulled from Welles’ own life, making the film a cinematic smorgasbord of egomania and the double-edged sword of creative indulgence. Renown for its groundbreaking cinematography and enigmatic storytelling, there’s a reason Citizen Kane is often heralded as the greatest film of all time. The seeds for countless productions can be found in this opulent vanity project by one of the last great Hollywood legends.

Watch it on HBO Max

18. My Cousin Vinny

Year: 1992
Starring: Joe Pesci, Marisa Tomei, Ralph Macchio
Genre: Comedy
Rating: R
Runtime: 119 minutes
Director: Jonathan Lynn
Trailer: Watch here

Joe Pesci keeps popping up a lot on this list, huh? My Cousin Vinny is a comedy classic that put Marisa Tomei on the map. The film focuses on Pesci’s character, Vinny Gambini, a personal injury lawyer who’s never won a case. When his young cousin and his friend are snatched up for murder charges in Alabama, Vinny has to pull out the stops even though he’s never argued a criminal case before. Thanks to a standout performance by Tomei, who locked down an Oscar win for Best Supporting Actress, My Cousin Vinny almost feels like it’s from a bygone era when R-Rated adult comedies were fertile grounds for actors to cut loose. They don’t make them like this anymore.

Watch it on HBO Max

19. Godzilla (1954)

Year: 1954
Starring: Akira Takarada, Momoko Kochi, Akihiko Hirata
Genre: Action, Monster Movie
Rating: PG
Runtime: 96 minutes
Director: Ishiro Honda

Released in 1954, the original Godzilla kicked off one of the longest running film franchises of all time. While its “suitmation” visual effects might be derided as cheesy today, the film surprisingly grapples with some serious political issues. Most notably, nuclear weaponry. Godzilla is awakened by underwater hydrogen bomb tests, which sends him on his deadly rampage across coastal Japan. However, when it comes time to stop the gigantic creature, a lone scientist is hesitant to employ a powerful weapon that could be used by other nations. Godzilla is clearly a reckoning with the Hiroshima bombing towards the end of World War II. It’s both film history and world history plus giant monster movie action. See? Learning can be fun.

Watch it on HBO Max

20. The Witch

Year: 2016
Starring: Anya Taylor-Joy, Ralph Ineson, Kate Dickie
Genre: Horror
Rating: R
Runtime: 88 minutes
Director: Robert Eggers
Trailer: Watch here

Before he trapped Robert Pattinson and William DaFoe in a lighthouse or sent Alexander Skarsgärd on a badass viking quest, director Robert Eggers introduced audiences to up-and-coming star Anya Taylor-Joy in the painstakingly detailed horror film, The Witch. Set in 1630s New England, the film follows a young girl, Thomasin, as she watches her family fall apart following the abduction of her infant brother, who has a pretty grisly demise. Facing starvation from the approaching winter, the family does its best to survive as a supernatural force conspires against them in the bleak surroundings. At a tight 88 minutes, The Witch excels at ratcheting up the tension as Taylor-Joy’s acting debut is clearly the sign on a major talent. Without giving anything away, you will not see the ending coming.

Watch it on HBO Max

21. Jurassic Park

Year: 1993
Starring: Sam Neill, Laura Dern, Jeff Goldblum
Genre: Action, Sci-Fi
Rating: PG-13
Runtime: 126 minutes
Director: Steven Spielberg
Trailer: Watch here

This one shouldn’t be a hard sell. Steven Spielberg at the height of his game, Jeff Goldblum’s glistening chest, freaking dinosaurs? What’s not to love? When the original Jurassic Park hit, it was a monumental achievement in visual effects. Granted, it looks quaint today, but back in the day, this movie was the height of CGI technology as Spielberg and ILM brought some incredibly realistic dinosaurs to life on the big screen. Even better, it’s just a damn good film that holds up even if the special effects look a little dated. Thanks to Spielberg’s expert skill at building tension, crafting spectacular action set pieces, and directing a skilled cast, there’s a reason the new films in the franchise have never been able to hold a candle to the original. It’s just Quality Filmmaking 101.

Watch it on HBO Max

22. Chinatown

Year: 1974
Starring: Jack Nicholson, Faye Dunaway, John Huston
Genre: Drama, Suspense
Rating: R
Runtime: 130 minutes
Director: Roman Polanski
Trailer: Watch here

When it comes to a gritty detective tale, nothing beats the 1974 noir classic Chinatown. Starring Jack Nicholson in one of his most iconic roles, the Hollywood legend plays private eye Jake Gittes who finds himself entangled in a city-wide corruption scandal filled with the requisite murders and twists. Faye Dunaway also delivers a knockout performance as well as John Huston as her disturbing father. Nicholson would reprise his role as Gittes in The Two Jakes, but like a lot of films on this list, nothing ever beats the original. Real shame about the director though.

Watch it on HBO Max

23. Call Me By Your Name

Year: 2017
Starring: Timothée Chalamet, Armie Hammer, Michael Stuhlbarg
Genre: Romance, Drama
Rating: R
Runtime: 131 minutes
Director: Luca Guadagnino
Trailer: Watch here

Set in 1980’s Italy, Call Me By Your Name focuses on a budding romance between Elio Perlman (Timothée Chalamet) and his father’s new research assistant, Oliver (Armie Hammer). Wrought with sexual tension, the charming and infectious film explores the love between the two men as they struggle with whether their relationship will survive the end of the summer even with some surprising support along the way.

Watch it on HBO Max

24. Joker

Year: 2019
Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Zazie Beetz, Robert De Niro
Genre: Drama, Crime
Rating: R
Runtime: 121 minutes
Director: Todd Phillips
Trailer: Watch here

The Hangover director Todd Phillips delivered a surprising home run with an intense character study on an infamous Batman villain. While the Dark Knight is nowhere to be found in this movie, the film tracks Arthur Fleck, a disturbed comedian, as he descends into madness and becomes the Joker. More Taxi Driver than Batman Begins, the gritty crime drama takes several cues from Martin Scorsese as Joaquin Phoenix delivers a brutal and unrelenting Oscar-winning performance. Robert De Niro also makes an appearance to really lock in those Scorsese vibes and set Joker apart from the comic book genre.

Watch it on HBO Max

25. Princess Mononoke

Year: 1997
Starring: Gillian Anderson, Billy Crudup, Claire Danes, Minnie Driver
Genre: Anime, Action, Drama
Rating: PG-13
Runtime: 133 minutes
Director: Hayao Miyazaki
Trailer: Watch here

Before Spirited Away made audiences fall in love with Studio Ghibli, there was Princess Mononoke, the stirring action epic from famed Japanese animation director Hiyao Miyasaki. Boasting an all-star voice cast for the English translation, the anime film follows a cursed warrior as he stumbles across a girl raised by wolves. Struggling to defended her forest home from the people of Iron Town, Princess Mononoke unveils an epic clash of nature versus mankind with all the artistic splendor that Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli have to offer.

Watch it on HBO Max

26. The Hangover

Year: 2009
Starring: Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis
Genre: Comedy
Rating: R
Runtime: 99 minutes
Director: Todd Phillips
Trailer: Watch here

After delivering the comedy classic Old School, director Todd Phillips lit audiences on fire with yet another massive hit in the genre: The Hangover. As three friends (Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, and Zach Galifianakis) hit Vegas for an epic bachelor party, pretty much everything that can go wrong, does go wrong. Following a wild night of debauchery, the three find themselves trapped in the aftermath where the groom’s missing, some random naked guy is in the trunk of their car, and there’s a tiger in their hotel room. Plus Mike Tyson is in the mix. While Phillips would go back to the well for two more The Hangover movies, none of them come close to the manic hilarity of the original.

Watch it on HBO Max

27. Wonder Woman

Year: 2017
Starring: Gal Gadot, Chris Pine, Robin Wright
Genre: Action, Superhero
Rating: PG-13
Runtime: 141 minutes
Director: Patty Jenkins
Trailer: Watch here

In an impressive win for DC Comics, who has been trailing behind Marvel in the superhero genre, the Patty Jenkins-directed Wonder Woman delivered a certified hit when it slammed into theaters during the summer of 2017. Starring Gal Gadot in the title role, the film follows Princess Diana as she leaves her all-female island home of Amazon warriors after World War I finds its way to their blissful paradise. With Chris Pine’s Steve Trevor by her side, Diana gets a first-hand look at the world of man as she fights her way through the ravages of war and comes face-to-face with her true nature. Buoyed by Gadot’s performance, Wonder Woman seamlessly melds the bright-eyed optimism of Christopher Reeve’s Superman with a modern action epic, and it works.

Watch it on HBO Max

28. Malignant

Year: 2021
Starring: Annabelle Wallis
Genre: Horror
Rating: R
Runtime: 111 minutes
Director: James Wan
Trailer: Watch here

Continuing to prove director James Wan’s bonafides as a modern horror master, Malignant follows Madison Mitchell (Annabelle Wallis) as she learns that the shocking nightmares she’s been having are actually terrifying realities. After a life of trauma culminates in a gruesome murder, Madison explores her mysterious past and uncovers horrifying truths that will make her question everything she’s ever known. We’d tell you more, but we don’t want to give away Malignant‘s shocking twists that will leave you guessing until the very end.

Watch it on HBO Max

29. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring

Year: 2001
Starring: Elijah Wood, Viggo Mortensen, Ian McKellen
Genre: Action, Fantasy
Rating: PG-13
Runtime: 178 minutes
Director: Peter Jackson
Trailer: Watch here

This is where it all started. Before The Fellowship of the Ring stormed into theaters, The Lord of the Rings were just some musty old books for nerds. That perception quickly changed when director Peter Jackson delivered the mother of all fantasy epics and turned LOTR into the blockbuster franchise it is today. Often considered the best film of the series, The Fellowship of the Ring welcomed audiences into the world of Middle-Earth as stunning visuals and a captivating cast set the stage for an all-consuming war between good and evil. In the midst of the conflict, a quest unfolds that will test the strength and friendship of two tiny unlikely heroes.

Also, Viggo Mortensen owns in this movie. Just rules from start to finish.

Watch it on HBO Max

30. Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid

Year: 1969
Starring: Paul Newman, Robert Redford, Katharine Ross
Genre: Action, Comedy, Western
Rating: PG
Runtime: 110 minutes
Director: George Roy Hill

Starring film legends Paul Newman and Robert Redford, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid could easily qualify as the godfather of buddy action comedies like Lethal Weapon and Tango & Cash. While starring as the legendary (and maybe real-life) Western outlaws, Butch and The Kid, Newman and Redford deliver a wise-cracking, hip-shooting friendship that has vaulted the film onto “Best Of” lists and into the United States Film Registry due to their on-screen chemistry. This is fascinating considering that the film was critically panned when it first hit theaters. Now? You can’t spit without hitting a film buff who won’t sing its praises.

Watch it on HBO Max

31. The Batman

Year: 2022
Starring: Robert Pattinson, Zoe Kravitz, Paul Dano, Colin Farrell
Genre: Action, Superhero, Thriller
Rating: PG-13
Runtime: 176 minutes
Director: Matt Reeves
Trailer: Watch here

With Warner Bros. looking to put a new take on the iconic character after Ben Affleck hung up his cape, director Matt Reeves stepped in with a bold new version of the Dark Knight that blends the comics with a hefty dash of Se7en for a taut thriller starring Robert Pattinson, who nailed the title role. The Batman also introduced a brand new spin on The Riddler (Paul Dano) as well as a knockout performance by Zoe Kravitz as Catwoman. Set amidst a more gothic backdrop than the Christopher Nolan films, The Batman still delivers a full-on action spectacle and easily one of the best Batmobile scenes of all time. When that thing fires up, it is on.

Watch it on HBO Max

32. Airplane!

Year: 1980
Starring: Robert Hays, Julie Haggerty, Leslie Nielsen
Genre: Comedy
Rating: PG
Runtime: 87 minutes
Director: Jim Abrahams, David Zucker, Jerry Zucker
Trailer: Watch here

When it comes to legendary comedies, very few can hold a candle to Airplane! and its smorgasbord of classic lines. Starring Robert Hays as washed up pilot Ted Striker, the screwball comedy skewers disaster movies from the ’70s as a commercial flight finds itself without a crew thanks to the onboard food options. With Striker forced to overcome his fears and win back the love of his life, Airplane! delivers a non-stop parade of gags that are still churning out memes over 40 years later. Also, look for a standout performance from Leslie Nielsen before headlining The Naked Gun movies.

Watch it on HBO Max

33. Rebel Without a Cause

Year: 1955
Starring: James Dean, Natalie Wood, Jim Backus
Genre: Drama
Rating: PG
Runtime: 110 minutes
Director: Nicholas Ray
Trailer: Watch here

If you’re in the mood for a cinema classic, you can’t go wrong with Rebel Without a Cause. The 1955 drama put James Dean on the map and cemented his status as one of the most iconic heartthrobs of all time. The film follows a group of rebellious young teens who’ve grown bored and disenfranchised with their parents’ middle-class lifestyle. They embark on a path of thuggery, partying, and dangerous drag racing as the film grapples with a theme that has never gone out of style: Parents just don’t understand. (No, Will Smith doesn’t show up. He wasn’t even born yet!)

Watch it on HBO Max

34. The Conjuring

Year: 2013
Starring: Patrick Wilson, Vera Farmiga
Genre: Horror
Rating: R
Runtime: 111 minutes
Director: James Wan
Trailer: Watch here

Based on real life paranormal investigators Ed (Patrick Wilson) and Lorraine Warren (Vera Farmiga), The Conjuring follows the couple as they’re confronted with a powerful demonic entity that’s been terrorizing a family in their secluded farmhouse. Starting with a serious of relatively benign events, director James Wan ratchets up the horror as the Warrens attempt to ascertain the source of the possession and ultimately discover the terrifying history of the house. Again, this is based on a true story (according to the Warrens), so try not to let that freak you out too much. We’re sure they probably took some liberties, right? Right?

Watch it on HBO Max

35. David Byrne’s American Utopia

Year: 2020
Starring: David Byrne
Genre: Music, Documentary
Rating: TV-14
Runtime: 105 minutes
Director: Spike Lee
Trailer: Watch here

Directed by Spike Lee, David Byrne’s American Utopia is a filmed version of the Talking Head singer’s critically-acclaimed Broadway show. Released during the pandemic, American Utopia truly connected with audiences stuck at home as Byrne expertly took them on a musical journey that mines the very fabric of how our brains feel joy and cope with our everyday lives. It’s truly a masterwork in musicianship that showcases why Byrne’s catalog has been revered for decades.

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36. West Side Story (2021)

Year: 2021
Starring: Ansel Elgort, Ariana DeBose, Rachel Zegler
Genre: Music, Drama
Rating: PG-13
Runtime: 156 minutes
Director: Steven Spielberg
Trailer: Watch here

After a well-documented career of delivering massive blockbusters and gripping dramas, legendary director Steven Spielberg finally got to pursue his dream of directing a musical. And not just any musical, but the timeless classic West Side Story. Starring Ansel Elgort and Rachel Zegler as Tony and Maria, two young lovers separated by a 1950s street gang rivalry — think Romeo & Juliet, but with greasers — Spielberg deftly transforms the Broadway musical into a full-on cinematic experience. Ariana DeBose is also along for the epic showdown between the Jets and the Sharks.

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37. (500) Days of Summer

Year: 2009
Starring: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Zooey Deschanel
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance
Rating: PG-13
Runtime: 95 minutes
Director: Marc Webb
Trailer: Watch here

In this inventive romantic comedy, director Marc Webb unravels a romance between two office workers Tom (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) and Summer (Zooey Deschanel), that explores the complicated reality of perception. While Tom is convinced he’s discovered the love of his life in Summer, she has an entirely different view of their relationship. (500) Days of Summer charts a brutal, yet cathartic path that perfectly nails the grueling transition from immediate attraction to falling out of love, and having the maturity to accept that change.

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38. The Suicide Squad

Year: 2021
Starring: Margot Robbie, Idris Elba, John Cena, Joel Kinnaman
Genre: Action, Superhero
Rating: R
Runtime: 132 minutes
Director: James Gunn
Trailer: Watch here

In The Suicide Squad, writer/director James Gunn puts his spin on the supervillain team introduced to movie audiences in 2017’s Suicide Squad. Part sequel, part reboot, the film brings back Margot Robbie’s Harley Quinn while introducing new characters like John Cena’s Peacemaker, who went on to star in a breakout spinoff series. In the madcap sequel that channels Gunn’s energy from the Guardians of the Galaxy films, Task Force X is once again hauled out of prison and forced to complete an impossible mission or have their heads exploded. Literally. There are bombs in their brains. Gunn’s take on the classic supervillain squad was so well-received that he’s now in charge of DC Studios.

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39. Nobody

Year: 2021
Starring: Bob Odenkirk, Connie Nielsen
Genre: Action, Suspense
Rating: R
Runtime: 91 minutes
Director: Ilya Naishuller
Trailer: Watch here

From the writer of the John Wick series, Nobody stars Bob Odenkirk as Hutch Mansell, an unassuming family man who reveals he’s anything but after his house gets broken into and his wife and kids fear for their safety. Over 90 minutes, Odenkirk unleashes brutal hell as he punches, kicks, and shoots his way through an all-out war with a ruthless drug lord. Turns out Dad’s not such a boring, quiet guy after all.

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40. Barbarian

Year: 2022
Starring: Georgina Campbell, Bill Skarsgärd, Justin Long
Genre: Horror
Rating: R
Runtime: 102 minutes
Director: Zach Cregger
Trailer: Watch here

After Tess (Georgina Campbell) finds herself in the unenviable position of having to share her Airbnb for the night with a total stranger, Keith (Bill Skarsgård), she eventually accepts the accommodations. He doesn’t seem too bad except, no, wait, everything is a freaking nightmare. As Barbarian kicks into gear, the film delivers a series of unexpected twists and horrors that made it a sleeper hit of 2022. Audiences and critics were bowled over by Barbarian‘s wild tale that never lets up from start to finish.

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41. Little Miss Sunshine

Year: 2006
Starring: Greg Kinnear, Toni Collette, Steve Carrell, Alan Arkin, Abigail Breslin
Genre: R
Rating: Comedy, Drama
Runtime: 102 minutes
Director: Jonathan Fayton, Valerie Faris
Trailer: Watch here

Dropped during the heyday of mid-2000s quirky comedies, Little Miss Sunshine is a delightful little romp featuring not just a stellar cast, but an all-time great performance from Alan Arkin, who practically steals the whole film. Steve Carrell is also along for the ride in this tale of a family making a cross-country trip so little Olive (Abigail Breslin) can live her dream of starring in a beauty pageant. Audiences will recognize Paul Dano before his villainous turn as The Riddler in The Batman and even before his role as a duplicitous preacher in There Will Be Blood. Toni Collete, as always, rocks.

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42. Nightmare Alley

Year: 2021
Starring: Bradley Cooper, Cate Blanchett, Toni Collette
Genre: Drama, Thriller
Rating: R
Runtime: 150 minutes
Director: Guillermo del Toro
Trailer: Watch here

Based on the novel of the same name, Nightmare Alley follows a down on his luck Stanton Carlisle (Bradley Cooper) who finds himself working for a traveling carnival in the 1930s. After endearing himself to the clairvoyant Madame Zeena (Toni Collette) and her mentalist husband, Stanton meticulously learns the tricks of their trade and gets to work bilking the rich and powerful. However, psychologist Lilith Ritter (Cate Blanchett) sees through his ruse and attempts to expose the carnie con-man in this taut thriller from visionary director Guillermo del Toro.

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43. Beauty and the Beast

Year: 1946
Starring: Jean Marias, Josette Day
Genre: Drama, Romance
Rating: G
Runtime: 93 minutes
Director: Jean Cocteau

We know what you’re thinking: What’s a Disney movie doing on a HBO Max list? Well, that’s because this isn’t the Disney movie(s). Released in 1946, the original cinematic version of Beauty and the Beast brought the timeless classic to life in a gorgeously shot French romance from director Jean Cocteau. Praised by Roger Ebert and others for its rich visuals that pushed the boundaries of 1940s filmmaking, this take on the love story that dates all the way back to 1757 is a piece of cinema history that should entice fans of the beloved Disney version. Not to mention, if you’re tired of CGI visuals, the 1946 version of Beauty and the Beast goes in the completely opposite direction. The Beast’s costume is a marvel of practical effects.

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44. Risky Business

Year: 1983
Starring: Tom Cruise, Rebecca De Mornay
Genre: Comedy
Rating: R
Runtime: 99 minutes
Director: Paul Brickman
Trailer: Watch here

Before he took to the skies as Maverick in Top Gun, Tom Cruise was Joel Goodsen, a young high school on his way to Princeton but not before throwing a raucous party in his parents’ house thanks to the help of a call girl (Rebecca De Mornay). While Top Gun cemented Cruise’s superstar status, Risky Business put him on the map thanks to his standout performance that, yes, includes the iconic singing in his underwear scene. The film is a genuine ’80s staple and a fun, fascinating look at the early days of one of the greatest movie stars of all time.

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45. Drive My Car

Year: 2021
Starring: Hidetoshi Nishijima, Toko Miura, Masaki Okada
Genre: Drama
Rating: TV-MA
Runtime: 179 minutes
Director: Ryusuke Hamaguchi
Trailer: Watch here

Nominated for Best Picture, Drive My Car tells the story of Yusuke Kafuku (Hidetoshi Nishijima) who’s asked to direct a theater festival two years after the death of his playwright wife. Adding to the tension is a young woman Misaki Watari (Toko Miura) assigned to chauffeur Yusuke around as he clashes with the cast, crew, and this new woman in life. A handsome TV star in the mix doesn’t help the situation either. Drive My Car is hailed as one of the best reviewed movies of 2021, which paved the way for its well-earned Oscar nomination.

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46. Birds of Prey

Year: 2020
Starring: Margot Robbie, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Jurnee Smollett-Bell
Genre: Action, Superhero
Rating: R
Runtime: 108 minutes
Director: Cathy Yan
Trailer: Watch here

Picking up after the events of Suicide Squad (2016), Birds of Prey follows Margot Robbie’s Harley Quinn as she navigates a literally explosive break-up with the Joker and strikes out on her own in this badass girl power romp. Aided by Huntress (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) and Black Canary (Jurnee Smollett-Bell), Harley finds herself warring with Roman Sionis, a.k.a. Black Mask, in a welcomed performance from Ewan McGregor. In a break from previous DC Films, Birds of Prey goes for a hard R-rating, and it delivers in all categories as Harley proves she’s an unstoppable force without the Joker holding her back.

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47. Gravity

Year: 2013
Starring: Sandra Bullock, George Clooney
Genre: Action, Drama
Rating: PG-13
Runtime: 90 minutes
Director: Alfonso Cuaron
Trailer: Watch here

After a freak meteor shower leaves Ryan Stone (Sandra Bullock) drifting through space, the seasoned astronaut must use every tool at her disposal to survive the ordeal and get herself back down to Earth. Featuring a standout performance from Bullock, who entirely anchors the film, Gravity is 90 minutes of white knuckle, claustrophobic, existential dread as Ryan often has little between her and the cold depths of space. Even as the odds are firmly stacked against her and hope seems entirely non-existent, she never stops fighting until the very final moments of this taut thriller.

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48. Juno

Year: 2007
Starring: Elliot Page, Michael Cera
Genre: Comedy
Rating: PG-13
Runtime: 96 minutes
Director: Jason Reitman
Trailer: Watch here

After an unexpected teen pregnancy hits young Juno MacGuff (Elliot Page) and her boyfriend Paulie (Michael Cera), she sets off a hilarious, yet endearing path to finding a new home for the baby with the seemingly perfect couple, Mark (Jason Bateman) and Vanessa (Jennifer Garner). Anchored by the support of her parents, who are perfectly played by Allison Janney and J.K. Simmons, Juno is forced to navigate the complicated and messy world of adulthood as she juggles teen life and literally carrying the hopes and dreams of another couple inside of her.

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49. My Big Fat Greek Wedding

Year: 2002
Starring: Nia Vardalos, John Corbett
Genre: Comedy
Rating: PG
Runtime: 94 minutes
Director: Joel Zwick
Trailer: Watch here

In the breakout comedy, My Big Fat Greek Wedding, Nia Vardalos stars as Toula Portokalos, a young woman who finally finds the man of her dreams and is ready to walk down the aisle. There’s just one small problem: he’s not Greek. In this hilarious and touching family comedy, Toula must come to term with her demanding family while also learning a newfound appreciation for her heritage and culture. Plus, it’s not like she’s going to ditch a dreamy John Corbett, who was riding high from his days on Sex in the City. That’s just crazy talk.

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50. Police Story

Year: 1985
Starring: Jackie Chan
Genre: Action, Comedy
Rating: PG-13
Runtime: 100 minutes
Director: Jackie Chan

After feeling burnt by his first entry into American filmmaking, action legend Jackie Chan returned to Hong Kong where he wrote, starred, and directed Police Story. Thanks to Chan’s kinetic fighting skills and comedic timing, the film became a breakout hit and spurred an entire franchise. In the first installment, Chan star as “Kevin” a police detective tracks down a drug lord who’s framed him for murder. Filled with elaborate stunts that only Chan can deliver, Police Story is a fascinating look at his early career as he cemented his status as of the greatest action stars of all time. Before Tom Cruise was jumping off of cliffs, Jackie Chan was leaping from moving cars, trucks, motorcycles, you freaking name it.

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