Top 10 Apple TV+ Movies & Shows You Need To Watch

Set in the fast-paced world of morning television, Jennifer Aniston stars as Alex Levy, a news anchor in the midst of a scandal. Her co-anchor, Steve Carell’s Mitch Kessler, is accused of sexual misconduct and fired from the show. Soon after, Alex’s relevance is questioned by the network. Field reporter and viral sensation Bradley Jackson, played by Reese Witherspoon, is recruited by the show. Later, she becomes Alex’s co-host, but the two aren’t fans of each other. The series remains topical despite receiving mixed reviews on how it tackles serious issues, like the #MeToo movement and the COVID pandemic.

Written and directed by Sofia Coppola, “On the Rocks” explores the complex father-daughter relationship between Felix and Laura. When Laura begins to grow suspicious of her husband Dean’s behavior and time spent at “work,” she confides in her father. Felix is a lifelong and compulsive womanizer. He having cheated on her mother years before, Laura considers him an expert in the subject. He tells his daughter to look through Dean’s phone. And later, convinces her to join him on a stakeout. Even though it deals with emotional topics like infidelity and fear of aging, Coppola’s film is a lighthearted comedy.

Tomm Moore’s final installment in his “Irish Folklore Trilogy” is a magical tale of adventure and friendship. “Wolfwalkers” follows young hunter-in-training Robyn Goodfellowe and her father, Bill. He’s tasked with taking out the remaining wolves in the neighboring forest of Kilkenny. But Robyn’s curiosity and rebellious nature prompt her to sneak out into the woods alone. She befriends Mebh, a wild girl who lives in a wolves’ den. Mebh tells Robyn that her soul leaves her body while she sleeps and turns into a wolf. The rich storytelling and Cartoon Saloon’s signature 2D animation style make this an instant classic for kids and adults alike.

Since 1937, every U.S. state has sponsored an annual gathering of upwards of a thousand high school juniors interested in politics. While there’s also an American Legion Auxiliary Girls State, this documentary focuses on the American Legion Boys State held in Austin, Texas. During this summer program, boys go through the process of a mock government. They join different parties, run campaigns for office, and hold elections. The filmmakers follow a small group of boys, documenting their experiences during the program, as well as their home lives. It’s an interesting film that approaches American politics through the eyes of teenagers.

In this moving coming-of-age drama, teenager Ruby Rossi’s love of music and love for her family pull her in different directions. As a CODA, which is short for a “Child of Deaf Adults,” Ruby is the only hearing member of her family. Her older brother is also deaf. The family struggles with their fishing business, and it’s up to Ruby to help out. “CODA” has been praised for its representation of deaf culture, showing that it’s not a monolithic experience. Actress Marlee Matlin also helped with the casting of an ensemble of deaf actors, making sure that the characters were authentic and multifaceted.

Based on the book of the same name, “Defending Jacob” follows a suburban family as they face an unthinkable situation. When the body of a young boy is found in a park near his school, Assistant District Attorney Andy Barber is called to the scene. He’s soon taken off the case when his fourteen-year-old son becomes the murder suspect. Jaeden Martell delivers a compelling performance as Jacob, a scared kid who may or may not be guilty. This character-driven crime drama is dark in tone and in style. Its cinematic aesthetic makes it feel more like an eight-hour film than a miniseries in the best way possible.

If you love over-the-top musicals, then this next show is for you. Melissa and Josh are having relationship problems. The couple decides to go on a camping trip to bring them closer together before it’s too late. After getting lost in the woods, the two stumble upon the lively town of Schmigadoon. The colorful locals are constantly breaking into song. Constantly. Melissa and Josh are stuck inside this alternate reality. And they can’t leave until they find true love. But they may not have that with each other. “Schmigadoon!” is a bizarre, magical love letter to musical theatre that’s sure to be a fun time.

Emily Dickinson wasn’t a celebrated American poet until after her death, shrouding much of her life in mystery. This fictionalized series follows the aspiring writer as she struggles to claim her independence in 19th century Amherst, Massachusetts. Emily’s wild imagination is limitless and can’t be stifled by societal expectations. At the forefront of the series is her forbidden romance with her best friend, Sue, who also happens to be her brother’s fiancée. The writers craft each episode based on the words and themes of Emily’s poems. With its use of modern lingo and anachronistic music, “Dickinson” is a surreal comedy-drama you can’t miss. And did we mention that Wiz Khalifa plays Death?

M. Night Shyamalan’s first major venture into television is a visually stunning psychological horror. Philadelphia couple Sean and Dorothy Turner hire the young Leanne as a nanny for their infant son, Jericho. But what’s strange about the situation is that Jericho died six weeks ago. After Dorothy suffers a full psychotic break, a therapist recommends a reborn doll. Dorothy sees the hyper realistic “replacement” as her real living son. Leanne treats the doll as if it were real, too, making Sean suspicious of her motivations. “Servant” is interesting because there’s already something unsettling going on in the Turner home. Then there’s the arrival of a mysterious girl with odd behavior. The double dose of weird keeps the audience on the edge of their seats throughout.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

“The Velvet Underground” (2021)
An Avant-Garde Documentary About the Legendary ‘60s Rock Band

“Foundation” (2021-)
An Epic Book Series (Deemed Unadaptable) Adapted for Television

“Home Before Dark” (2020-)
A Mystery Drama Inspired by Real-Life Young Crime Reporter Hilde Lysiak
Hilde Lysiak https://youtu.be/3N3tvDjV_6I?t=6

“For All Mankind” (2019-)
An Alternate History Where the Soviet Union Beats the U.S. to the Moon

“Little America” (2020-)
An Inspirational Anthology Series Following Eight Stories of Immigrants in America

In this award-winning comedy, Jason Sudeikis stars as the titular American football coach recruited to manage a top English Premier League football team. With his thick southern accent and distinct mustache, Ted is a fish out of water. But what he lacks in knowledge of the English sport, he more than makes up for in spirit. The guys of AFC Richmond don’t like him at first. But it’s Ted’s relentless optimism and inspirational speeches that gets everyone to gradually warm up to him, including the viewer. The series is hilarious and heartwarming, delivering endless quotable moments.