As a movie lover who has spent countless hours scrolling through some of the best streaming platforms, I’ve learned the hard way that a spot in the top 10 doesn’t always guarantee quality. And Apple TV Plus is no exception.
While some of its most-watched movies are absolute gems, others can leave you wondering how they even made the cut (like "Argylle" and "The Family Plan"). Even the recent addition "The Instigators", which currently sits in the No.1 spot, isn't worth your time.
But don’t worry — I’ve done the legwork for you. After sifting through the top 10 list on the streamer, I’ve found three movies that are actually worth watching, including a thriller starring Sebastian Stan and Justin Timberlake’s emotional drama. Here are the movies you need to stream right now…
This is based on the Apple TV Plus top 10 movies as of Friday, August 16.
BEST MOVIES IN THE APPLE TV PLUS TOP 10
'Palmer'
"Palmer" is an emotional drama that revolves around Eddie Palmer (Justin Timberlake), a former high school football star who returns to his hometown in Louisiana after spending 12 years in prison. Palmer moves in with his grandmother and struggles to rebuild his life, finding work as a school janitor.
Palmer's life takes an unexpected turn when he becomes a caretaker for Sam (Ryder Allen), a young boy with gender non-conforming behavior who is bullied by his peers. Sam lives with his drug-addicted mother in a trailer next to Palmer's grandmother's house. As Palmer grows closer to Sam, he begins to form a bond with the boy, stepping into a fatherly role, which helps Palmer find redemption and a sense of purpose. "Palmer" is a touching story about second chances and the power of kindness and love.
Watch on Apple TV Plus
'Sharper'
If you're in the mood for a psychological thriller, then "Sharper" should be your next watch. It follows several characters in New York City, each of whom has their own hidden agenda. The plot is divided into segments, each focusing on a different character, gradually revealing how their lives intersect through a series of cons and deceptions.
At the heart of the story is a young man named Tom (Justice Smith), who falls in love with a woman named Sandra (Briana Middleton). As their relationship develops, they get caught up in a very messy web of lies and deceit involving a wealthy family and various con artists.
Sebastian Stan plays Max, a charismatic and cunning con artist who is deeply involved in orchestrating the elaborate schemes that drive the plot. Julianne Moore portrays Madeline, a wealthy and sophisticated woman who becomes embroiled in the cons, often blurring the lines between victim and perpetrator.
Watch on Apple TV Plus
'Killers of the Flower Moon'
"Killers of the Flower Moon" is a historical crime drama that is based on the non-fiction book by David Grann. The movie is set in the 1920s and revolves around a series of brutal murders that took place within the Osage Nation in Oklahoma after oil was discovered on their land, making the Osage people some of the richest in the world. As the Osage begin to die under mysterious circumstances, an investigation is launched, leading to the involvement of the newly formed FBI.
Ernest Burkhart (Leonardo DiCaprio) is a World War I veteran who marries into the Osage Nation through his wife, Mollie Burkhart (Lily Gladstone), an Osage woman whose family becomes the target of a series of brutal murders.
William "Bill" Hale (Robert De Niro), known as "King Hale," is Ernest’s uncle and a powerful figure in the community. He manipulates those around him to gain control of the Osage's oil-rich land, making him the mastermind behind the murders. Tom White (Jesse Plemons) is the FBI agent assigned to investigate the crimes, determined to bring justice to the Osage people.
Watch on Apple TV Plus
APPLE TV PLUS TOP 10 MOVIES RIGHT NOW
1. "The Instigators" (2024)
2. "The Family Plan" (2023)
3. "Argylle" (2024)
4. "Ghosted" (2023)
5. "Luck" (2022)
6. "Greyhound" (2020)
7. "Napoleon" (2023)
8. "Killers of the Flower Moon" (2023)
9. "Palmer" (2021)
10. "Sharper" (2023)
