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About seven years ago, photographers grabbed their cameras for the rare chance to shoot a total solar eclipse, with the sun's wispy atmosphere revealed against the dark sky. 

But perhaps the most memorable photos taken during 2017's Great American Eclipse were not of the corona but of former President Donald Trump stepping out on the White House portico to experience the space event for himself.

In an intriguing twist, the famed Trump eclipse photos may have served as one of the farthest-reaching, albeit unintended, public service campaigns about the dangers of staring at the sun. NASA and several medical associations have tried to spread the word that there's nothing fake news about solar retinopathy, (although, OK, not in those words).

SEE ALSO: A solar eclipse can cook your eyes. Here's when to put the glasses on. President Donald Trump squinted and pointed up at the exposed sun on Aug. 21, 2017. Credit: NICHOLAS KAMM / AFP via Getty Images

On Aug. 21, 2017, Trump stole a couple of glances at the exposed sun, seemingly unperturbed by the warnings from ophthalmologists and his political handlers. With a grimace tugging at the corners of his mouth, he squinted skyward. His protective glasses, which he later put on, were nestled in his jacket pocket. 

"Don't look," an aide shouted from below. 

Too late. A meme was born. 

Tweet may have been deleted

Here's what added fuel to the fire: Hours before the president even stepped outside, a user on the social platform X, then known as Twitter, posted a pair of fake, satirical New York Times news alerts claiming that Trump had "suffered permanent eye damage" after staring at the solar eclipse, according to KnowYourMeme.com, a company that collects and researches internet phenomena. Within 24 hours, that tweet, by @leyawn, received tens of thousands of likes and retweets.

"It was kind of like a Nostradamus pre-meme about something that would later become a meme," said Don Caldwell, Know Your Meme's editor-in-chief. 

And in true meme fashion, it spawned a life of its own. The front page of the New York Daily News the next day featured one of the photos with the headline "Not Too Bright!" 

A Twitter user seemed to predict this would happen, adding fuel to the internet meme. Credit: Mark Wilson / Getty Images

Now the country is in deja vu. It's "decision 2024," and the experts believe Americans will be inclined to make a good choice, thanks in part to these famous images: We're talking, of course, about the decision to wear solar shades or not on April 8, when a swath of the United States will experience yet another total eclipse. 

At first, the 2017 Trump photos and video footage made Dr. Ralph Chou unhappy. Chou is a Canadian who led the international charge to make safety standards for solar eclipse glasses. But looking at the sun during an eclipse is actually a common foible, he said, and sometimes a temptation too strong to veto. 

"The Donald was no different from anybody else in that respect," Chou told Mashable. 

And added: "It just underscores that nobody who is standing under the sun is immune to these kinds of things." 

President Donald Trump, alongside first lady Melania Trump, shows the crowd he indeed has solar eclipse shades. Credit: NICHOLAS KAMM / AFP via Getty Images

In the vast political genre of memes, most are wielded by the detractors, intending to paint their opponent as incompetent or unfit. But on the web, one viral photo can immortalize a moment — and its impact can be more than a punchline. It can even unify a population under a shared idea. 

Like, say, looking directly at a partial eclipse is unwise? 

"Memes are very powerful tools for spreading messages, sentiments, tribal bonding," Caldwell said. "There's all kinds of things that memes can do, and I think this one likely had many of those things going on." 

Tweet may have been deleted

The moon will sweep its shadow over the continent as it crosses in front of the sun on April 8, starting on Mexico's western coast, arcing from Texas to Maine, entering Canada through Ontario, and exiting the continent from Newfoundland. Major U.S. cities in this corridor, known as the "path of totality," will include Dallas, Indianapolis, and Cleveland.

When — and only when — the moon completely conceals the surface of the sun can people in the path remove their protective eyewear without risk of visual impairment or blindness. 

The retina's job is to convert light into electrical signals for the brain. When a person looks at the sun without protective solar filters, the radiation can easily overtax the retinas. As a consequence, cells start to suffer chemical attacks and heat up to the point of frying the tissue.

"It just underscores that nobody who is standing under the sun is immune to these kinds of things."

Some people think as long as they just make quick glances, they'll be fine. But experts say several little peeks during the day can be as harmful as a long stare. Some folks also believe if their eyes don't hurt, they haven't caused any damage. But retinas don't have pain receptors. 

And the protective eyewear goes on. Credit: Mark Wilson / Getty Images

However people are getting the message about potential solar eye injuries, it seems to be working, based on how White House onlookers reacted to Trump's momentary slip, Chou said. 

"I also heard a lot of people reminding him right away, as soon as they saw what he was doing, 'Get your glasses on, get your glasses on,' and he did," Chou said. "For once, he actually listened." 

The question now is whether he'll don the protective glasses from the campaign trail on April 8.

"It should be on one of those betting websites: Is he going to look at the eclipse again?" Caldwell said. "I wonder what the over-under would be." 

The first U.S. transcontinental railroad, completed with a spike hammered into the track in 1869, transformed the nation. Perhaps the same will happen on the moon.

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, or DARPA — an ambitious federal innovations division — has begun collaborating with over a dozen companies on potential future lunar technologies, including a moon railroad. It's called the 10-Year Lunar Architecture Capability Study, or LunA-10, and its mission is to find technologies that will catalyze a self-perpetuating lunar economy. It's a salient time; already the new space race is on.

LunA-10 is an endeavor that seeks to avoid a go-at-it-alone approach, wherein diverse nations and industries struggle to communicate, travel, and do business on the moon. The NASA Apollo missions from over 50 years ago were an extraordinary exploration and engineering marvel, but those billions in spending never established growth or a lasting presence on the moon.

"One of the critiques about Apollo is we put in all this effort, and then it ended," Michael Nayak, a program manager in DARPA’s Strategic Technology Office, told Mashable.

SEE ALSO: Why landing a spaceship on the moon is still so challenging

Now as NASA, global space agencies, and companies return to the moon with robotic spacecraft, the future Nayak sees is one that must be able to progress. It might be mining helium-3 (an extremely rare resource on Earth that could be used in medical imaging, computing, and even energy), harvesting water ice to create rocket fuel for deep space missions, and beyond.

"How do we make it valuable to life on Earth?" Nayak, a former space shuttle engineer and NASA planetary scientist overseeing LunA-10, emphasized.

The project is called LunA-10 because it's focused on what lunar technology would realistically look like in the 10 years after NASA's Artemis III mission, wherein astronauts will land in the moon's coveted south pole, a region where planetary scientists suspect there's water ice and other resources lodged in dark, shadowy craters. As of March 2024, NASA expects astronauts to step foot on the moon in late 2026.

"How do we make it valuable to life on Earth?"

DARPA is exploring six areas needed for future moon growth: generating power; communications and navigation; construction and robotics (in a near future where robots can build roads and infrastructure); mining resources; transportation; and market research — to determine what industries are viable on the moon.

The rocketry and spacecraft that blasted astronauts to the moon over a half-century ago no longer exist. Everything going to the moon, and establishing a lunar presence, will be new. "It's just a blank sheet of paper," Nayak said. Other conceptual ideas include towering lighthouses that can illuminate dark, resource-rich craters and provide communications across the barren lunar surface.

DARPA recently chose the aerospace and defense giant Northrup Grumman to create the concept for the railroad. "The envisioned lunar railroad network could transport humans, supplies, and resources for commercial ventures across the lunar surface — contributing to a space economy for the United States and international partners," the company wrote. They'll aim to develop a railway that limits the human footprint on the largely still pristine lunar surface, and design a system that anyone could ride or load cargo on (such as with standardized, moon-worthy equipment that can withstand huge temperature swings).

Tweet may have been deleted A conception of astronauts working in a crater in the moon's coveted south pole. Credit: NASA

Transportation is a critical part of any future moon ambitions. When a large rocket, perhaps SpaceX's Starship, ferries several tons of cargo to the moon, those supplies — building materials, food, or mining equipment — can't sit around. Life on the moon will be expensive. "Every minute it spends sitting there is revenue lost," Nayak emphasized.

"The railroad was America's first technology corridor."

Ultimately, the LunA-10 project will scrutinize different moon concepts developed in 2024, like a lunar railroad or power plant. Some technologies will make the cut — meaning DARPA will help accelerate these concepts — and some won't. The hope is to graduate from the current age of moon exploration to a foundational age wherein countries and industries try out and set the stage for potential lunar endeavors (like a mining project). Those successful endeavors will then, if all go as planned, reach an industrial age, where real goods and services are made or provided on our natural satellite, some 238,855 miles away. The moon, for instance, could be a fuel depot for deeper space missions to scientifically fascinating Mars or resource-rich asteroids.

Over 150 years ago, the transcontinental railroad flipped an economic switch. "Just as it opened the markets of the West Coast and Asia to the East, it brought products of Eastern industry to the growing populace beyond the Mississippi," the Public Broadcasting Service explained. "The railroad ensured a production boom, as industry mined the vast resources of the middle and Western continent for use in production. The railroad was America's first technology corridor."

A lunar world designed to facilitate transportation, communication, and progress might allow today's nascent ideas to one day bloom beyond Earth. Who knows what the coming lunar decades will bring in the 2040s and beyond?

"There's an idea in someone's head right now that will be the next big thing," Nayak said.

Sometimes you just need to start over. For a MacBook, starting over would be a factory reset. A factory reset is exactly what it sounds like: erasing everything in order to restore a MacBook to how it would have been leaving the factory.

If you need to factory reset a MacBook — perhaps you're gifting it to someone, or you are trading it in, or you're selling it — it's not very difficult at all. Just remember, if you want to keep anything, make sure to back up your computer with Time Machine.

SEE ALSO: How to stack emojis in iMessage

Luckily, Apple has a page dedicated to a factory reset, also known as erasing a Mac. Apple even has a whole tool called Erase Assistant aimed at helping you carry out a factory reset.

Here are the five easy steps for a factory reset, via Apple:

Total Time

• 10 minutes

What You Need

• MacBook

Step 1: Choose Apple menu > System Settings, then click General in the sidebar. (You may need to scroll down.)

You're navigating to the Erase Assistant that'll help you delete everything. For older OS systems, you may need to click on System Preferences instead of System Settings. Don't worry, this is all explained in the story.

Credit: Screenshot: MacBook / Mashable

Step 2: Click Transfer or Reset on the right, then click Erase All Contents and Settings.

Step 3: In Erase Assistant, enter your administrator information and click Unlock.

This will allow you to access the Erase features.

Step 4: Review items that will be removed in addition to your content and settings. If your Mac has multiple user accounts, click the arrow next to your account name to review the items.

This is the step that will ensure you actually get rid of everything during the reset.

Step 5: Click Continue, then follow the onscreen instructions.

Apple will walk you through everything you need to get rid of to do a full reset.

Now, these steps could vary depending on the software your MacBook is running. And older operating system will likely be a bit different.

Fortunately, the factory reset page on Apple's website will let you switch the instructions for different operating systems, but they are all pretty similar. For instance, if you're running Monterey 12, an older OS, you need to navigate to the menu bar, choose System Preferences, then choose Erase All Content and Settings, instead of navigating to System Settings. From there, pretty much everything is the same.

A factory reset should prove pretty simple to do but again, save anything you need because once it's gone, it is gone for good.

TL;DR: Through April 2, Microsoft Project Professional 2021 for Windows is on sale for just $24.97 (reg. $249).

Project managers know how to get things done. Juggling multiple tasks on multiple projects is just part of the job. However, there are tools to help them manage any project of any size more efficiently. Software like Microsoft Project Professional 2021 is on sale for just $24.97 (reg. $249) through April 2 and can help even the most seasoned PM fine-tune their processes.

It features tools to streamline the management of your tasks, budgets, and timelines. Built-in reports are designed to help you reduce possible redundancies and inefficiencies, as well as timesheets to help you keep track of time spent on projects. It also gives you templates to get your project moving right out of the gate.

Project allows you to run what-if scenarios, auto-populate start/end dates, and represent complex schedules visually. It can also sync with Project Online and Project Server. Project Pro 2021 is compatible with Office LTSC and Office 2021.

This offer is available to new users only, and it includes updates. You'll get instant download and lifetime access on one device.

Manage your projects more efficiently and have nearly everything you need to plan, execute, and track projects with precision. 

Order Microsoft Project Professional 2021 for $24.97 by April 2 at 11:59 p.m. PT and take the first step toward project success.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: SmartTrainingLab Microsoft Project Professional 2021 for Windows $24.97 at the Mashable Shop
$249.99 Save $225.02 Get Deal

TL;DR: Through April 2, ditch the recurring fees with these lifetime licenses to Microsoft Office 2019 for Windows or Mac for just $29.97 (reg.$229).

Most of us have busy lives. Between work and family obligations, it's not easy to find time every day to relax. If you're not yet working with a reliable productivity tool, this 2019 Microsoft Office offer could help get you there for a very low price. Through April 2, you can get MS Office Professional Plus 2019 for Windows or MS Office Home & Business 2019 for Mac for just $29.97 (reg. $229).

These 2019 Microsoft suites of apps are not the latest in the company's office, but they can play a lot of the same roles in helping you be more productive and work more efficiently, whether you're using it to manage a household, team of employees, or your school work.

Microsoft Office 2019 for Windows includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, and Publisher. Notably absent from this list is Microsoft Teams, which is not included in this Windows version. You will need Windows 10 or 11 to run this.

The Mac version of Office 2019 includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, and Teams Classic. It is supported on the following operating systems: Monetery (12), Ventura (13), and Sonoma (14). 

Each of these versions gives you instant download on one computer and does not require any additional fees. Updates are also included.

This is a great opportunity to get a drastically reduced price on a big name in productivity software.

Order by April 2 at 11:59 p.m. PT to get one of the following lifetime versions of Office 2019 on sale:

• Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 for Windows for just $29.97 (reg. $229)

• Microsoft Office Home & Business 2019 for Mac for just $29.97 (reg. $229)

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: SmartTrainingLab Microsoft Office Home & Business 2019 for Mac $29.97 at the Mashable Shop
$229.00 Save $199.03 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: SmartTrainingLab Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 for Windows $29.97 at the Mashable Shop
$229.00 Save $199.03 Get Deal

TL;DR: Through April 2, this price drop gets you a lifetime subscription to all 14 Babbel languages for just $139.97 (reg. $599).

There are many reasons one might want to learn a new language. For starters, it helps you communicate while traveling and can boost your marketability as a professional. If you have been thinking about learning another language, this lifetime all-language subscription to Babbel Language Learning is on sale for just $139.97 (reg. $599), so it might be a good time to take the plunge.

Not only can learning a new language open the door to new opportunities, but it's also terrific for your brain health. According to an article in Real Simple magazine, learning a new language has a host of cognitive benefits.

Babbel was created with over 100 linguistic experts to help learners see success quickly. Designed for all levels, Babbel uses smaller lessons that take only around fifteen minutes to finish, which allows even the busiest professionals to get their lessons in.

Built with a conversational focus that steers clear of tedious drills, Babbel teaches you about things you'd need in the real world, like dining, directions, family, and weather. It also uses speech-recognition software to ensure you're speaking correctly, which can be a big confidence booster for a new language speaker.

You get lifetime access to study all fourteen languages, from English, French, and Spanish to Portuguese, Russian, and Indonesian. This platform can be used to study anywhere, with lessons and progress synced across all of your devices. You can even download lessons to study offline if you have a long flight on the horizon.

Feed your brain and lean into growth with all-language lifetime access to Babbel Language Learning for just $139.97 (reg. $599) until April 2 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Babbel Babbel Language Learning: Lifetime Subscription (All Languages) $139.97 at the Mashable Shop
$599.00 Save $459.03 Get Deal

TL;DR: Save 15% on this grade “B” refurbished MacBook Pro 15.4-inch with an Intel Core i7, 16GB of RAM, and Monterey macOS.

When you’re browsing for laptop upgrades, you usually have two choices: One, splurge on name-brand models or, two, grab an affordable option that falls short of your performance and aesthetic expectations. But, the way we see it, you can actually get both with refurbished models.

Take this MacBook Pro 15.4-inch as an example. It has Apple’s signature look, powerful performance, and it’s only $373.99 (reg. $441) right here. That’s less than Amazon’s current price.

Save $1,000+ compared to shopping brand-new MacBook Pros

A grade “B” refurbished rating makes this MacBook Pro so affordable. While you might notice wear like light scuffs, scratches, or dents on the body, typically, a hard-shell case would conceal them nicely while protecting your purchase. Minor cosmetic flaws also don’t inhibit the laptop’s internal performance.

This MacBook Pro has a powerful Intel Core i7 and 16GB of RAM, packing in more power than most other laptops sold at this price point. Pro models are also known for strong battery life and, even after considering diminished battery health with a refurbished model, you can still expect up to nine hours of use on a full charge.

The laptop also features Intel Iris Pro graphics for high-quality streaming and video editing, 256GB SSD storage for adding apps and storing files, and an HD FaceTime webcam for video chats and conference calls.

As far as macOS, this MacBook Pro can upgrade up to Monterey. This version shares a similar look to the latest in Sonoma, and it just received a security update from Apple in early March of 2024.

Just like all of the refurbished deals we share, this one comes with a 30-day aftermarket parts and labor warranty. This gives you added peace of mind as you receive and start testing out your new-to-you MacBook Pro.

An eco-friendly and wallet-friendly deal

Grab a 15.4-inch MacBook Pro that’s still got it for $373.99 (reg. $441) with this refurbished model.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Pro (2015) 15.4" i7 2.2GHz 16GB RAM (Refurbished) $373.99 at the Mashable Shop
$441.00 Save $67.01 Get Deal

Terry Virts peered down from the International Space Station in March 2015. The NASA astronaut saw a massive, unusual shadow cast upon Earth.

"It was this big, dark thing that wasn't natural," Virts, a retired astronaut and former International Space Station commander, told Mashable.

He watched a shadow created by the cosmic dance of the moon, Earth, and sun — specifically the moon traveling between our planet and the sun. It was a total solar eclipse, an event that's technically natural, though a spectacle so rare and eerie that it certainly doesn't feel so — either on Earth or in space.

SEE ALSO: NASA scientist viewed first Voyager images. What he saw gave him chills.

Looking out of space station windows, Virts took in the great shadow with another astronaut. It traversed the north Atlantic Ocean. Fortunately, astronomers can predict eclipses — based on the mechanics and gravities of the sun, moon, and Earth — hundreds of years into the future, so these events aren't a surprise. If so, that would have made for some truly unsettling observations from space.

"You'd be like, 'What is happening on Earth?'" Virts said.

Here's what the eclipse shadow looks like from some 250 miles up in the space station. It's a rare sight for a small group of people: There are typically around seven astronauts and cosmonauts aboard the orbiting habitat at once.

The 2017 total solar eclipse as viewed from the space station. Credit: NASA The moon casting a shadow across southern Turkey, northern Cyprus, and the Mediterranean Sea in March 2006. Credit: NASA

For Earthlings in the center of that shadow, or what's called the "path of totality," the event is striking. "In my experience you can't overhype it," Richard Fienberg, an astronomer and senior advisor at the American Astronomical Society, told Mashable earlier this year. The moon, by temporarily blocking the sun's blinding surface for some three to over four minutes (depending where you are), reveals our star's ghostly atmosphere, or corona. In the moon's shadow, the temperature drops, and light fades to deep twilight. Animals start acting strange.

"It was this big, dark thing that wasn't natural."

On April 8, 2024, the path of totality is about 115 miles wide. Virts emphasizes that you must be in this path to experience a total solar eclipse. Outside that path, you'll witness a partial eclipse. A partial eclipse is interesting, but simply pales compared to totality.

"On a scale of one to ten, a partial eclipse is a seven," said Virts, who experienced his first total eclipse from Earth in 2017. "And a total eclipse is a million."

Terry Virts on a spacewalk in 2015. Credit: NASA

Following his days as commander of the space station, Virts continues his passion for space as an aerospace consultant, author, podcast host, and beyond. To promote the looming total solar eclipse, the ex-astronaut has partnered with Sonic Drive-In — yes, the burger stop — a place he says has some 400 locations in the path of totality. (This eclipse passes over some major metropolitan areas, including Indianapolis, Dayton, Dallas, and Cleveland.) If you still need safe eclipse-viewing glasses, Virts said you can get a free pair with Sonic's Blackout Slush Float.

"If it is possible, make the effort and go see this thing," the former astronaut said. After all, the U.S. won't see another total solar eclipse until 2044.

"If it is possible, make the effort and go see this thing."

(Importantly, the only time you can look at the sun without approved eclipse viewers is during a few minutes or so of totality; all other times you must wear eye protection.)

From the space station, the view of the moon's shadow was "unnatural," Virts underscored, but there were no clear, accessible views of the actual eclipsed sun. Yet weather-permitting, you and millions of others will have the rare chance to witness a view of our blackened star on April 8. It's not just a view — the total solar eclipse is an experience. You'll even get to see some radiant planets.

"It blew me away," said Virts. "It's an amazing, amazing experience."

Best deals on Bluetooth speakers this week

• Bose SoundLink Revolve Series II Portable Bluetooth Speaker — $219.00
• Bang & Olufsen Beosound Explore Portable Bluetooth Speaker — $188.05 (List Price 249.00)
• JBL Charge 4 Portable Bluetooth Speaker — $109.95 (List Price 149.95)
• Echo Dot 5th Gen Smart Speaker (2022 Release, Charcoal) — $49.99
• Bose SoundLink Micro Portable Bluetooth Speaker — $119.00

In the year 2024, you can't rely on your device's built-in speakers for much. Even if you're on a tight budget, a Bluetooth speaker will significantly up the quality of your listening experience, whether you're hosting a party or listening to a podcast while cooking dinner. And because the best Bluetooth speakers are easy to lug around, they're also great for outdoor hang sessions or listening to your tunes on the go while traveling.

SEE ALSO: The best headphones for 2024 (and why they made our list)

You might be wondering if it's worth splurging on an expensive speaker, buying a durable outdoor speaker, or if there's a smart speaker that works well within the existing sound system in your home. Whatever your needs may be, we've researched and tested the most popular Bluetooth speakers to come up with our recommendations.

Which brand makes the best Bluetooth speakers?

Bose, JBL, Ultimate Ears, Sony, and Sonos tend to be the most popular Bluetooth speaker brands. It's hard to say one brand's speakers are definitively the best, especially because there can be a variety in performance within a brand's lineup. Obviously, you shouldn't expect a $40 speaker to sound the same as the $180 JBL Charge 5, but that doesn't mean you have to blow out your budget to get high-quality sound. What we can say is that these brands tend to be popular for a reason.

For our guide, we put together the standouts from each brand. All of the speakers we chose offer good value, portability, smart home compatibility, and durability. Most importantly, they sound fantastic, with deep bass and high fidelity.

Keep reading for our guide to the best Bluetooth speakers available in 2024.

Watch 'Wish' at home with these quick links: BEST FOR MOST PEOPLE Disney+ Basic monthly subscription $7.99 per month Get Deal BEST BUNDLE DEAL Disney Duo Basic Bundle: Disney+ and Hulu (with ads) $9.99 per month (save 37%) Get Deal BEST FOR VERIZON FIOS CUSTOMERS Disney+ Premium (no ads) Free for 6 or 12 months with eligible Fios internet accounts (save up to $109.99) Get Deal BEST FOR TOTAL BY VERIZON CUSTOMERS Disney+ Premium (no ads) Free with the Total by Verizon $60 plan (save $13.99 per month) Get Deal BEST FOR VERIZON WIRELESS CUSTOMERS Disney Bundle: Disney+ Premium (no ads), Hulu, and ESPN (with ads) $10 per month for Verizon customers with myPlan (save $8.99 per month) Get Deal BEST NON-STREAMING OPTION Purchase 'Wish' on Prime Video $7.74 for Prime members, $9.99 for non-Prime members Get Deal

Disney's got a new leading lady, and now she's headed to the small screen. Wish originally hit theaters back in November, and now it's officially making its streaming debut. While it was available to watch at home via digital video-on-demand services back in January, the 100th anniversary film is now coming to Disney+.

Here's what you need to have your very own Wish watch party.

What is Wish about?

Set in the kingdom of Rosas, Wish tells the tale of a young girl named Asha (voiced by Ariana DeBose), who makes a wish upon a star that unexpectedly comes true. With the fallen star's help, and with some backup from a newly articulate goat named Valentino, Asha must set wrongs right and save Rosas from King Magnifico (voiced by Chris Pine), its devious ruler.

Get a sneak peek at the story in the trailer below.

Is Wish worth watching?

Wish is meant to celebrate Walt Disney Animation Studios' 100th anniversary. So, for Disney devotees, it's worth watching for that alone. However, as Mashable's Belen Edwards noted in her review, it "fails to make a strong showing in the studio's most distinctive areas, like songs or animation."

Edwards writes that Wish's potential is largely wasted on self-referential nods. "The focus on Disney's other works also holds Wish back from its potential, leaving us with a jumble of forced IP references that doesn't let up even as the credits roll. The only wish you'll make after seeing this film is that Disney had stopped riding high on its own legacy long enough to craft an original, cohesive story."

Other critics mostly agree, with Wish coming in at 48% on the Tomatometer via Rotten Tomatoes. Fans, however, are far more generous, giving the film an 81% rating. If you're a diehard Disney fan, the constant references may hit you with the perfect dose of nostalgia, but it certainly won't wow you like the films of your childhood.

When is Wish coming to Disney+?

Wish hit video-on-demand services (like Prime Video and Apple TV) for purchase back in January, and we suspected a late February streaming date. That obviously didn't come to fruition. Instead, after a long wait, Wish is finally set to make its streaming debut on Disney+ on April 3, 2024.

If you're not yet a Disney+ subscriber, we've rounded up the best ways for you to sign up and save some money below.

How to watch Wish: the best Disney+ streaming dealsBest Disney+ deal for most people Opens in a new window Credit: Disney+ Disney+ monthly subscription $7.99 per month (with ads) or $13.99 per month (ad-free) Watch Now

The best way to watch Wish and be on your way is to sign up for a single month of Disney+. Technically, you won't save any money, but you also won't continuously waste money either — so long as you remember to cancel your subscription immediately after watching. Disney+ will only cost you $7.99 for a single month if you don't mind sitting through a few ads. Otherwise, the ad-free option is $13.99/month.

Best Disney+ bundle deal Opens in a new window Credit: Hulu / Disney+ Disney Bundle Duo Basic (Hulu + Disney+) $9.99 per month (with ads) Watch Now

The Disney+ Duo Basic bundle is too good of a deal to pass up — especially if you're already a Hulu subscriber. You can bundle Disney+ with Hulu for just $2 more per month, bringing your grand total to just $9.99/month for both. That saves you 37% compared to paying for each separately. If you're into sports, you can also add ESPN+ into the mix and pay just $14.99/month for all three. You'll have to deal with ads, but at this price, it's hard to complain. To watch without ads, you'll have to pay an extra $10 per month.

Best Disney+ trial Opens in a new window Credit: Verizon Disney+ Premium (no ads) Free for 6 or 12 months with eligible Fios internet accounts (save up to $109.99) Watch Now

Verizon Fios home internet users on either the 2 Gig Streaming or 2 Gig Complete package can score a free year of Disney+ Premium (no ads), while those on the 1 Gig Streaming or 1 Gig Complete package can sign up for six free months. Check your plan and read about eligibility terms over on the Verizon website to activate the offer.

Best Disney+ deal for Verizon Wireless customers Opens in a new window Credit: Verizon / Disney+ Disney Bundle: Disney+ Premium (no ads), Hulu, and ESPN (with ads) $10 per month for Verizon customers with myPlan (save $8.99 per month) Watch Now

Verizon Wireless customers have a couple different ways to access Disney+ for free or at an impressive discount. However, there are a few terms and eligibility details, so listen up.

Verizon previously offered a handful of Unlimited plans (that are no longer available) that included six free months of Disney+. If you never took advantage of that offer and are on one of these eligible plans, you can still secure your free trial through May 2024. The following plans are included: 5G Do More, 5G Start, Welcome Unlimited, One Unlimited for iPhone, Get More Unlimited, Do More Unlimited, and Play More Unlimited. If you're on the 5G Get More or 5G Play More plan, you're also eligible for the Disney Bundle for free. Check your plan and read more about eligibility and terms on the Verizon promo page.

Don't have access to the now-obsolete trial? You can still get a stellar deal on Disney+ through Verizon myPlan. Just add a Disney Bundle to your account through myPlan, which includes Disney+ Premium (no ads), Hulu (with ads), and ESPN (with ads). All three would usually cost you $18.99 per month, but by signing up through this myPlan deal, you'll only pay $10 per month.

Best way to get Disney+ for free Opens in a new window Credit: Total by Verizon Disney+ Premium (no ads) Free with the Total by Verizon $60 plan (save $13.99 per month) Watch Now

If you're a Total by Verizon customer on the $60/month prepaid unlimited plan, congrats. You get Disney+ Premium (no ads) for free. No terms or trial periods. Just keep your account in good standing and you get Disney+ included with your account. If you cancel or switch your plan, your subscription will end as well. If you're on the $50/month prepaid unlimited plan, you can also score six free months of Disney+, which is plenty of time to watch Wish. If you want to extend that six months, you can also switch over to the $60/month plan instead.

Other ways to watch Wish

Don't want to sign up for Disney+? You can still watch Wish and celebrate Disney's 100th anniversary by adding the film to your digital library. This is the best option for Disney devotees, since you'll also get access to exclusive bonus content, including an all-new documentary, deleted scenes, outtakes, a deleted song, and a sing-along version with on-screen lyrics. Not to mention, you'll own it.

Here are the best digital platforms for purchasing the film.

• Buy in UHD on Prime Video — $7.74 for Prime members, $9.99 for non-Prime members

• Buy in 4K UHD on Fandango at Home — $9.99

• Buy in 4K on Apple TV+ — $9.99

• Buy in 4K on YouTube — $9.99

When you're on the hunt for the best laptop under $500, there are two important words to keep in mind: "Buyer beware."

Many popular gadgets have wildly inflated prices, but in the highly competitive laptop market, you get what you pay for. And that means it can be very dangerous to buy cheap laptops. Choose wrongly, and you'll be stuck with a slow, outdated computer that causes more problems than it solves.

The Mashable shopping team is here to make your lives easier, which is why we're bringing you our picks for the best laptops under $500. We've previously tested some of the best cheap laptops overall, but if $500 is your upper limit, then you're going to be priced out of some popular budget models. Even so, there are some great computers inside your budget.

Testing the Samsung Chromebook 4. Credit: Timothy Beck Werth / Mashable A quick guide to laptop pricing

Our favorite cheap Chromebook can be yours for just $159, while our favorite gaming laptop will set you back $2,099. And in our guide to the best laptops in general, you'll find machines for every budget. So, how much should you plan on spending?

Typically, laptops fall into one of the following categories:

• Chromebooks ($150-$650): These computers have minimal storage and are designed to run web applications. They're light, portable, and very affordable.

• Budget laptops ($250-$750): Even the best cheap laptops won't have the most impressive specs, but they should have enough RAM and storage for everyday use at school or work.

• MacBooks ($750-$3,500): The cheapest MacBook worth buying (the always-popular M1 MacBook Air) will set you back $750, while a fully specced-out MacBook Pro can cost as much as $3,500.

• Ultrabooks ($1,000-$3,500): These high-end laptops have enough processing power to handle tasks like photo and video editing. They typically have a sleek and modern aesthetic, too. MacBook laptops also fall into this category.

What is the best laptop under $500 in 2024?

Below, we've put together a detailed guide to our top budget laptop recommendations. The right laptop will vary depending on your needs and budget, but our overall top pick is the Acer Aspire 5. We've also gathered computers that are great options for school, work, and personal use.

Nothing feels as good as a deep, genuine laugh. It's an expression of joy! It's a workout. It's a sign that you're having a good time.

Netflix has a dazzling selection of comedy movies that put that good-time feeling on demand. Whether you're craving action-spiked shenanigans, quirky coming-of-age adventures, awkward humor, stranger-than-fiction silliness, madcap musical numbers, or crime with a spree of laughs, there's a perfect pick for you. And we've made singling it out all the easier by highlighting the most hilarious below.

Here, in no particular order, are the 20 funniest movies now streaming on Netflix.

20. Everything Everywhere All at Once Michelle Yeoh kicks butt in "Everything Everywhere All at Once." Credit: A24

Want a movie with a little bit of everything? Then you can't beat the 2023 Oscar winner for Best Picture. Academy Award–winner Michelle Yeoh stars as a disgruntled Laundromat owner who's at her wit's end between her obligations as a boss, wife, mother, and daughter. And just as she's braced to deal with a tax auditor with a surly attitude (Academy Award–winner Jamie Lee Curtis), a dashing version of her husband (Academy Award–winner Ke Huy Quan) bursts onto the scene from a parallel universe to loop her into a quest to save all existence. Packed with absolutely bonkers action, outrageous jokes, dizzying style, and performances as silly as they are deeply poignant, The Daniels' Everything Everywhere All at Once is the kind of movie that'll have you laughing, crying, gasping, and maybe even reconsidering your life up to now. — Kristy Puchko, Film Editor

How to watch: Everything Everywhere All at Once is now streaming on Netflix.

SEE ALSO: How a one-hit wonder became absolutely crucial to 'Everything Everywhere All At Once' 19. My Best Friend's Wedding Credit: Tri-Star / Kobal / Shutterstock

P.J. Hogan's 1997 offering blew up the traditional rom-com standards. Forget the tale of boy meets girl that ends in a happily-ever-after wedding between the two. America's Sweetheart Julia Roberts playfully torched her casting niche as the masterfully (and hilariously) manipulative Jules, who's hellbent on getting her bestie (Dermot Mulroney) to fall for her before he can marry a much younger woman (Cameron Diaz). Cultures clash as this city girl invades the bride's Southern-charmed family. Plus, there are dangerous flirtations, outrageous jokes, an infectious sing-along, and Rupert Everett as the gay bff who proves to be the movie's MVP. — K.P.

How to watch: My Best Friend's Wedding is now streaming on Netflix.

18. The Holiday

There’s no better balm for heartbreak and loneliness than ditching your life to fly to another country for a cute solo vacation. That is, until the loneliness and heartbreak follow you there. In The Holiday, Kate Winslet’s depressed British journalist Iris decides to do a house swap with Cameron Diaz’s newly single Amanda, a Hollywood trailer editor (the least believable part of the film, but we’ll take it). Amanda heads to a dreamy cottage in the English countryside where she meets a charming single father played by Jude Law, while Iris gets a taste of L.A. glamour living in Amanda’s modern Hollywood Hills home. Mind you, this is a Nancy Meyers film, so every set is a magazine-worthy dream house. Plus, there's a Jack Black musical interlude!

As much as The Holiday is a perfectly cozy rom-com, it’s also an excellent comedy about Hollywood itself. If you love movies that humorously wink at the industry, complete with fabulous cameos, this one hits the spot. — Oliver Whitney, Contributing Writer

How to watch: The Holiday is now streaming on Netflix.

SEE ALSO: Jack Black’s totally brill video store scene in 'The Holiday' is prime flirting that died with Blockbuster 17. Bodies Bodies Bodies Credit: Erik Chakeen / A24

Like your comedy with a side of murder? Directed by Halina Reijn, this A24 thriller boasts a playful premise and a bevy of hot stars. Amandla Stenberg, Maria Bakalova, Myha'la Herrold, Chase Sui Wonders, Rachel Sennott, Lee Pace, and Pete Davidson play a motley crew of friends who plan for a wild weekend in a remote mansion. But when a childish game of pretend murder leads to real bloodshed, these friends turn suspicious of each other faster than you can say party foul. Cleverly constructed, wickedly funny, and weirdly hot, Bodies Bodies Bodies is a demented delight. —K.P.

How to watch: Bodies Bodies Bodies is now streaming on Netflix.

SEE ALSO: Let's talk about that shocking 'Bodies Bodies Bodies' ending, with director Halina Reijn 16. Bullet Train

If you like your comedy with in-your-face action, you should race to check out this 2022 romp from Deadpool 2 director David Leitch. It's a high-octane film that asks the classic question: "What happens if you pile a bunch of assassins onto one bullet train through Japan?" The answer is delightfully daffy carnage.

Brad Pitt leads a star-studded cast as a merc who's lost his bloodlust. What's supposed to be a simple snatch-and-go job turns dangerously complicated as he crosses paths with a cavalcade of curious characters, all of whom are rocking code names like Tangerine, Lemon, Wolf, The Prince, The Hornet, and White Death. Rapid-fire wit is wielded by the likes of Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Brian Tyree Henry, Michael Shannon, Bad Bunny, Andrew Koji, Hiroyuki Sanada, Joey King, Zazie Beetz, and Sandra Bullock. Also wielded? Every form of weapon you can imagine, from guns and knives to poison, wild animals, and even a well-traveled water bottle. Sound cool? Catch it while you can. — K.P.

How to watch: Bullet Train is now streaming on Netflix.

15. Between Two Ferns: The Movie Credit: Adam Rose / Netflix

Zach Galifianakis' awkward celebrity interview web series Between Two Ferns might not seem like fodder for a full-length movie, but Between Two Ferns: The Movie goes double meta by presenting his success on Funny or Die as an insult to the actor's intention to host a "serious" interview show. Galifianakis the character sets off to correct the assumption that his original show is a joke by interviewing even more celebrities, like John Cho, Keanu Reeves, Gal Gadot, Tiffany Haddish, and more. — Alexis Nedd, Senior Entertainment Reporter

How to watch: Between Two Ferns: The Movie is now streaming on Netflix.

14. Do Revenge Credit: Netflix

Looking for a revenge flick that pays tribute to teen classics like Mean Girls, Heathers, Cruel Intentions, and more? Then check out Do Revenge, a dark comedy sure to join the canon of iconic high school movies. Students Drea (Camila Mendes) and Eleanor (Maya Hawke) couldn't be more different... apart from the fact that both have major bones to pick with people who ruined their reputations. They decide to team up and execute one another's revenge plans, which leads down a winding road of morally dubious choices, snappy one-liners, and excellent outfits.

Mendes and Hawke have great chemistry, but it's Sophie Turner who damn near steals the show in a bit part that simply must be seen to be believed.* — Belen Edwards, Entertainment Reporter

How to watch: Do Revenge is now streaming on Netflix.

SEE ALSO: Sophie Turner steals Netflix's 'Do Revenge' in 5 outrageous minutes 13. Hunt for the Wilderpeople Credit: Piki Films / Kobal / Shutterstock

This 2016 adventure about bad egg Ricky Baker (Julian Dennison) and his curmudgeonly foster father Hec (Sam Neill) is the kind of eccentric delight that writer/director Taika Waititi specializes in (this time co-writing with Barry Crump, who wrote the original book).

After losing his foster mother, Ricky flees into the forests of New Zealand; Hec pursues him, only to realize he doesn't feel the need to return to civilization either. Together, they become the wilderpeople, living off the land and evading capture from authorities, including Thor: Ragnarok's Rachel House. Wilderpeople is equal parts stirring, hilarious, and absurd — a silly yet sentimental story of found family and adventure that can be loved by all. — Proma Khosla, Senior Entertainment Reporter

How to watch: Hunt for the Wilderpeople is now streaming on Netflix.

12. Always Be My Maybe Credit: Netflix

What if the one who got away got a second chance? Back in the day, Sasha and Marcus were tight as a slap bracelet. But one fumbled night in a sweaty backseat seemed to shatter their future together.

Fifteen years later, she's a world-renowned chef and he's — well — he's working for his dad's HVAC business and playing with his band on the side. Still, fate arranges for them to reconnect, which could mean Marcus (Randall Park) has a shot to show Sasha (Ali Wong) how he feels. Comedy ensues as the stakes get high when Keanu Reeves crashes the party, being all weird and hot and having the audacity to be Keanu Reeves! This Nahnatchka Khan–helmed laffer also boasts appearances by James Saito, Charlyne Yi, Karan Soni, Daniel Dae Kim, and Michelle Buteau.* — K.P.

How to watch: Always Be My Maybe is now streaming on Netflix.

SEE ALSO: 20 best romantic comedies to fall in love with on Netflix 11. The 'Burbs

If you've ever wondered what the hell your weirdo neighbors have been getting up to over there, then director Joe Dante has got just the comedy for you. 

Tom Hanks and Carrie Fisher star as Ray and Carol Peterson – normal folks, leading normal suburban lives — until a family moves in next door that Ray becomes convinced are part of a Satanic cult practicing ritualized human sacrifice. 

Spurred on by his pushy best friends, Art (Rick Ducommun) and Mark (Bruce Dern), Ray's investigation goes off the deep end fast. And Dante, whose oeuvre ranges from Piranha to The Howling and Gremlins, ramps up the outrageousness with wild abandon. The 'Burbs is a cult classic in the sense that it got bad reviews when it first came out but became beloved over the years, thanks to its endless rewatchability on home video and cable. Treat yourself to the spooky comedy that's a great watch year-round.* — Jason Adams, Contributing Writer

How to watch: The ‘Burbs is now streaming on Netflix.

10. Dolemite Is My Name Credit: François Duhamel / Netflix

Chronicling the true story of late comedian Rudy Ray Moore — also known as Dolemite — this Eddie Murphy vehicle is worth every minute of viewing.

An outrageous showbiz comedy, Dolemite Is My Name is at once a poignant look at the life of an underdog and an unbelievably good time. With supporting performances by Da'Vine Joy Randolph, Wesley Snipes, Craig Robinson, and more, this biopic offers more beat-for-beat joy than many of its fictional counterparts. Sensational, aspirational, and electric: You'll love it. — Alison Foreman, Entertainment Reporter

How to watch: Dolemite Is My Name is now streaming on Netflix.

9. The Polka King Credit: Netflix

Sometimes true crime can lead to some pitch-perfect dark comedy. This is the case for this outrageous offering, which stars Jack Black as infamous scammer/local celebrity Jan Lewan. Black brings all the rock star panache you need to understand how Lewan could be so beguiling to the Pennsylvanian retirees who surrendered their savings to the self-proclaimed Polka King.

Screenwriters Maya Forbes and Wallace Wolodarsky gave this story of fraud and showmanship shape. But they wisely trusted in the local flair of the terrific 2009 documentary The Man Who Would Be Polka King to provide some of the wildest lines of dialogue. Plucking directly from interviews with the friends, family, and victims of Jan Lewan, this comedy feels stranger than fiction but is jaw-droppingly real. Salty supporting turns from Jenny Slate, Jacki Weaver, and Jason Schwartzman bring added fun.* — K.P.

How to watch: The Polka King is now streaming on Netflix.

SEE ALSO: Love me like a Polka King 8. The Mitchells vs. The Machines Credit: Netflix

Sony Pictures Animation has given audiences such daring and dynamic animated movies as Surf's Up, Hotel Transylvania, and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. This zany 2021 release centers on a family who's battling back the robo-apocalypse with togetherness, internet savviness, and a wall-eyed pug named Monchi (voiced by social media icon Doug the Pug).

The Mitchells' adventure into chaos begins when daughter Katie (Abbi Jacobson) is poised to go off to college. Desperate for one last family-unifying road trip, her dad (Danny McBride) piles the whole family into his beater of a vehicle, unknowingly charting a fateful route into heroics. Director Mike Rianda infuses Katie's excitable perspective throughout the film by working in internet memes, social media-style reactions, and blitz of bonkers visuals. It’s a bold move that might alienate some viewers but has largely won the acclaim of critics and kiddos.* — K.P.

How to watch: The Mitchells vs. The Machines is now streaming on Netflix.

7. Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery Credit: Netflix

Writer/director Rian Johnson follows up his critically heralded whodunnit with a sequel that's even more explosive than Knives Out. Southern gentleman/detective Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) is back, drawling deductions and whipping out witticisms, much to the chagrin of a group of wealthy and conniving friends.

It was supposed to be a murder mystery weekend where homicide was just a game. But when tech scion Miles Bron (Edward Norton) brings together his closest friends and worst enemy, real blood will be spilled, and the game is afoot! Joining in on the comically chaotic fun are Kate Hudson, Janelle Monáe, Dave Bautista, Kathryn Hahn, Leslie Odom Jr., and Jessica Henwick. — K.P.

How to watch: Glass Onion is now streaming on Netflix.

SEE ALSO: All those 'Glass Onion' cameos, ranked 6. The Forty-Year-Old Version Credit: Jeong Park / Netflix © 2020

The Forty-Year-Old Version isn’t just any film about a struggling New York artist, but one about a Black female playwright who’s continually held back from creating something authentic to her perspective. Radha Blank’s autobiographical directorial debut, which she also wrote, produced, and stars in, is a searing, funny, and unabashedly honest look at the compromises Black creatives are pushed to make in a world dominated by whiteness.

A teacher approaching her 40th birthday, Radha (Blank) gets the chance to produce one of her plays — only after she refuses to write a slave musical. But forced to change her vision to appease white audiences, Radha considers a totally different medium to express herself: becoming a rapper. The Forty-Year-Old Version may be one of the most slept-on Netflix originals, and it’s a shame we’ve yet to see another film from Blank since, itself an indictment of an industry that fails to continually platform raw and honest Black storytelling.* — Oliver Whitney, Freelance Contributor

How to watch: The Forty-Year-Old Version is now streaming on Netflix.

5. Vampires vs. the Bronx Credit: Netflix

Want a movie that's got excitement, comedy, a scorching message about the evils of gentrification, and is a kid-friendly romp? Then take a bite out of Vampires vs. the Bronx.

Oz Perkins's PG-13 horror-comedy centers on Afro-Latino teens who recognize that a flurry of missing person posters and an influx of rich white folks with tote bags means bad news for the neighborhood. Together, they team up Monster Squad-style to take down the bloodsuckers and save their community. With a sharp wit, a warm heart, a rich sense of atmosphere, and an equal appreciation for the Blade movies and '80s Amblin, Vampires vs. the Bronx is an easy watch full of rewards.* — K.P.

How to watch: Vampires vs. the Bronx is now streaming on Netflix.

4. The Boxtrolls

Laika Studios has made a name for itself in animation by creating whimsical stop-motion adventures like Coraline, ParaNorman, Kubo and the Two Strings, and Missing Link. But the funniest of the bunch is their quirky adaptation of Alan Snow's novel Here Be Monsters! Set in a town where wealthy men wear tall white hats and dine on rare cheeses, The Boxtrolls swiftly ushers audiences into the sewers below, where the eponymous critters live peacefully, building gadgets from garbage and wearing abandoned cardboard boxes as clothing. Living among them is a human child called Eggs. Why? Well that's at the heart of this wacky tale of prejudice to unbox. The key thing you'll want to know is this film is funky, fun, and family-friendly while be absolutely hilarious, stuffed with visual gags, kooky music, and comical twists you won't see coming. — K.P.

How to watch: The Boxtrolls is now streaming on Netflix.

3. The Breaker Upperers

This hidden gem comes from New Zealand, the fertile comedy ground that gave us Taika Waititi, Flight of the Conchords, and What We Do in the Shadows. Waititi collaborators Jackie van Beek, James Rolleston, and Jemaine Clement team up for a deeply quirky buddy comedy about two long-time besties with a bonkers — but brilliant — business model.

Need someone to dump your partner so you can avoid a messy confrontation? Call on Jen and Mel (co-writers/co-directors/co-leads van Beek and Madeleine Sami). For a reasonable fee, these fearless Breaker Upperers will impersonate police officers, play pregnant, or even fake your death to help you ghost an ex. Whatever the shenanigans, van Beek and Sami sparkle. Booming with wild humor and big heart, this comedy is guaranteed to leave you cackling.* — K.P.

Where to watch: The Breaker Upperers is now streaming on Netflix.

2. Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga Credit: John Wilson / Netflix

With its reputation for wacky musical numbers, the Eurovision Song Contest is ripe for parody. Luckily for Eurovision lovers, the contest gets the send-up it deserves in this gloriously goofy flick starring Will Ferrell and Rachel McAdams. They play the Icelandic musical duo Fire Saga, who find themselves in the Eurovision spotlight. There, they discover that the famed competition is a world of cutthroat competitors, glitzy costumes, and many, many bops.

Eurovision Song Contest is full of larger-than-life characters and ridiculous humor, but it's also teeming with Eurovision references that will have fans laughing and cheering. For every "Jaja Ding Dong," there's a joyful Song-A-Long — and both are great! Pair all that with pitch-perfect comedic performances from Ferrell and McAdams, and you have a comedy that will both have you in stitches and win your heart. (Best of all, if you weren't a Eurovision fanatic before seeing this movie, you'll definitely be one by the time it ends.)* — B.E.

How to watch: Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga is now streaming on Netflix.

1. Monty Python and the Holy Grail Credit: FilmPublicityArchive / United Arch

Made up of Graham Chapman, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, John Cleese, Michael Palin, and Terry Gilliam, the comedy troupe Monty Python are the uncontested kings of comedy. So it's only fitting that we raise a glass to their most popular film, Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Sure, Life of Brian has iconoclastic fun with Bible stories — and a toe-tapping sound number to boot! But many of the crew's most memorable characters tumble forth in this parody of Arthurian lore.

From the knights Who Say "Ni!" to the dreaded Rabbit of Caerbannog to a taunting Frenchman to the Black Knight who'll never say die, Holy Grail is overflowing with madcap comedy. It's endlessly quotable, stupidly funny, and captures everything that made this comedy team spectacular. Not to mention, it forever changed how we see coconuts, swallows, hamsters, and elderberries. — K.P. & A.F.

How to watch: Monty Python and the Holy Grail is now streaming on Netflix.

Opens in a new window Credit: Netflix Netflix Get Deal

* denotes that this blurb appeared in a previous Mashable list. 

UPDATE: Mar. 27, 2024, 2:21 p.m. EDT This story has been updated to reflect the current selection on Netflix.

Looking to fuel up your Netflix queue with some high-octane action?

Whether you're a fan of wild Westerns, cunning detectives, high-swinging superheroes, ravenous zombies, or hard-core assassins, Netflix has a movie pitch-perfect for every kind of adrenaline seeker. But scrolling through the app can be a chore when all you want to do is Netflix and chill. We've taken out the hard step, highlighting the most stunt-stuffed, battle-powered, high-speed films the streamer has to offer.

Here, in no particular order, are the 20 best action movies on Netflix, streaming right now.

20. Everything Everywhere All at Once Michelle Yeoh kicks butt in "Everything Everywhere All at Once." Credit: A24

Want a movie with a little bit of everything? Then you can't beat the 2023 Oscar winner for Best Picture. Academy Award-winner Michelle Yeoh stars as a disgruntled Laundromat owner who's at her wit's end between her obligations as a boss, wife, mother, and daughter. And just as she's braced to deal with a tax auditor with a surly attitude (Academy Award–winner Jamie Lee Curtis), a dashing version of her husband (Academy Award–winner Ke Huy Quan) bursts onto the scene from a parallel universe to loop her into a quest to save all existence. Packed with absolutely bonkers action, outrageous jokes, dizzying style, and performances as silly as they are deeply poignant, The Daniels' Everything Everywhere All at Once is the kind of movie that'll have you laughing, crying, gasping, and maybe even reconsidering your life up to now. — Kristy Puchko, Entertainment Editor

How to watch: Everything Everywhere All at Once is now streaming on Netflix.

SEE ALSO: How a one-hit wonder became absolutely crucial to 'Everything Everywhere All At Once' 19. Damsel Credit: John Wilson / Netflix

Netflix has invested big in Millie Bobby Brown. Not only has the English ingenue been leading Stranger Things for years, but also she's becoming an outright action star through movies she has headlined and produced for the streamer, including a pair of Enola Holmes adventures and this fearsome fairy tale: Damsel. Here, Brown stars as Elodie, a dutiful damsel destined to wed a handsome prince (Nick Robinson)! But rather than happily ever after, her deceitful groom pitches her into a dragon's pit. However, that's far from the end of her story. She'll fight her way to salvation and vengeance, one fiery sequence at a time.

In her review, Mashable's Belen Edwards wrote, "Boasting some inventive twists and a heartfelt lead performance from Brown, Damsel may not be groundbreaking fantasy, but it is a thrilling ride." — K.P.

How to watch: Damsel is now streaming on Netflix.

SEE ALSO: Netflix's 'Damsel' trailer will put you in distress 18. The Woman King Credit: Sony

It might be a cliche to say "This is the role they were born to play!" But when you witness the storming glory of Viola Davis as a hard-fighting general in The Woman King, that thought hits hard, fast, and repeatedly, like one's heartbeat as this historical epic kicks into action mode.

In promoting the film, Davis has spoken openly about all the ways it's the kind of movie that Hollywood's supposed conventional wisdom — which caters predominantly to white and male audiences — said could never be made. Davis is a 57-year-old, dark-skinned Black woman, and she's headlining a war movie in which she gets to be the titular protagonist and kicks slavers' ass. As she expressed before the film's World Premiere at the 2022 Toronto International Film Festival, she's living her dream in this film. And for us, it was exhilarating to live vicariously through her. 

SEE ALSO: The 15 best movies of 2022, and where to watch them

Inspired by the Agojie of West Africa, The Woman King explores the passions, problems, and camaraderie of this all-female band of warriors. While Davis dazzles at its center, co-stars Thuso Mbedu, Sheila Atim, and Lashana Lynch shine alongside her. Each brings powerful charisma to a full-throated performance that keeps audiences equally riveted through scenes of battle or blossoming romance, gut-punching grief or pugnacious celebration. As she did with The Old Guard, Gina Prince-Bythewood marries action with emotion, creating sequences that make our pulses race and our hearts shudder.* — K.P.

How to watch: The Woman King is now streaming on Netflix.

17. Cold Pursuit

Patron saint of action Liam Neeson headlines this icy thriller that's an English-language remake of 2014 Norwegian film In Order of Disappearance (Kraftidioten). Here, Neeson plays Nels Coxman, a snowplow driver whose job in his Colorado community is so key that he's been awarded Citizen of the Year. But when his beloved son dies of a drug overdose, Nels readies to clear away more than snow. With a thirst for vengeance and a sawed off shotgun, he hunts down the cartel that's corrupted his community — and its bloody thrilling to witness. Edged with a dark sense of humor, Cold Pursuit is wicked fun. — K.P.

How to watch: Cold Pursuit is now streaming on Netflix.

16. RRR

You've never seen an action movie quite as bombastic or as bromantic as RRR. Director S.S. Rajamouli draws loosely from history to tell the story of Indian freedom fighters Alluri Sitarama Raju (Ram Charan) and Komaram Bheem (N.T. Rama Rao Jr.). Over the film's three-hour runtime, the two unwittingly face off in the search for a kidnapped girl, become the best of friends, and square off against villainous English colonizers.

SEE ALSO: Was 'RRR' snubbed at the Oscars?

Any of RRR's action sequences would be the pinnacle of a lesser action movie, but the film seems determined to outdo itself with showstopper after showstopper. Take when Raju faces down hundreds of protesters and wins, or when Bheem fights a tiger bare-handed. Would you believe me if I told you those happen within the first 20 minutes? The action — and the movie — only get more awesome from there. — B.E.

How to watch: RRR is now streaming on Netflix.

15. The Harder They Fall Credit: David Lee / Netflix

Put 'em up, as this is hands-down one of the best action movies in the Wild West.

Directed by Jeymes Samuel, The Harder They Fall defiantly redefines the predominantly white Western, boasting an incredible cast of Black stars: Jonathan Majors, Idris Elba, Regina King, Zazie Beetz, LaKeith Stanfield, and Delroy Lindo. A tale of heroes and villains, the film follows Nat Love (Majors) on his quest for revenge against the formidable Rufus Buck (Elba). But he'll have to make his gunslinging way through "Treacherous" Trudy Smith (Regina King) and Cherokee Bill (Stanfield) first. Even before the opening credits roll, you'll fall hard for this one. — S.C.

How to watch: The Harder They Fall is now streaming on Netflix.

14. Enola Holmes Credit: Netflix

Sherlock Holmes's much cooler little sister is an overlooked young action hero in Enola Holmes. Based on author Nancy Springer's popular book series The Enola Holmes Mysteries, the film puts the great detective's savvy 16-year-old sibling on the case, played with energetic spoonfuls of gumption by Stranger Things star Millie Bobby Brown. She's set to solve the greatest mystery of her young life: to find her missing mother (Helena Bonham Carter) through a series of deliberately cryptic clues — all while breaking the fourth wall and confiding in the audience, thanks to Fleabag director Harry Bradbeer and His Dark Materials' Jack Thorne's sharp screenplay.

Stepping into the footsteps of her famous brother Sherlock (Henry Cavill) and avoiding those of her stuffier misogynist brother Mycroft (Sam Claflin), Enola's case leads her on a wild ride through Victorian-era England, with more than a few fistfights and butts to kick along the way. And lucky for you, the sequel is even better. — S.C.

How to watch: Enola Holmes is now streaming on Netflix.

13. 65 Credit: Patti Perret / Sony Pictures Entertainment

Sometimes, you get the urge to watch an Oscar-nominated actor blast a bunch of dinosaurs with a laser gun. And when that urge sneaks up on you, the only cure is 65.

65 is built around the genius premise that is "Adam Driver fights dinosaurs," and boy, does it deliver. As Mills, a pilot from a super advanced civilization from 65 million years ago, Driver crash-lands on prehistoric Earth, where he headshots a T. Rex, bludgeons a raptor, and much, much more. He also takes the time to bond with his one fellow survivor, a young girl named Koa (Barbie's Ariana Greenblatt). The result is a sweet "lone wolf and cub" movie full of dino-sized thrills, kills, and a very threatening asteroid. — B.E.

How to watch: 65 is now streaming on Netflix.

12. They Cloned Tyrone Credit: Netflix

With this 2023 release, co-writer/director Juel Taylor pulls plenty of inspiration from Blaxploitation. John Boyega, Jamie Foxx, and Teyonah Parris star as a drug dealer, a pimp, and a sex worker who undercover a nefarious conspiracy that's happening underneath their neighborhood. Taylor and fellow screenwriter Tony Rettenmaier weave in wild twists, fly fight scenes, irreverent humor, and swaggering style for what our critic called "a propulsive comedy-thriller with weight." As bold as it is star-studded, you won't want to miss They Cloned Tyrone. And stay for the credits, trust us. — K.P.

How to watch: They Cloned Tyrone is now streaming on Netflix.

SEE ALSO: We need to talk about 'They Cloned Tyrone's ending 11. Kill Boksoon Credit: No Ju-han / Netflix

Gil Bok-Soon (Jeon Do-yeon) is a single mother who often finds herself at odds with her teenage daughter. She's also a highly skilled and successful assassin. Kill Boksoon is a fantastic action film that sees its main character head straight from a brutal killing to the grocery store so she can get dinner on the table. It's one hell of a hook that sucks you in immediately. The fight scenes are hypnotic and the cinematography ambitious and exciting. It's a gripping thriller that makes plenty of space for the complex emotional reality of its characters.* — Kristina Grosspietsch, Freelance Contributor

How to watch: Kill Boksoon is now streaming on Netflix.

10. Triple Frontier Credit: Netflix

This Netflix adventure has Ben Affleck, Oscar Isaac, Charlie Hunnam, Garrett Hedlund, and Pedro Pascal coming together as a group of former Special Forces who plan an elaborate heist in South America. But after things get out of hand, their survival skills are put to the ultimate test.

Putting a talented cast in a tension-filled scenario, Triple Frontier is the type of gritty thriller that's hard to turn away from. — Brooke Bajgrowicz, Entertainment Fellow

How to watch: Triple Frontier is now streaming on Netflix.

9. Okja Credit: Netflix

Blending drama with fantasy/adventure and weaving in a very real message about the horrors of the meat industry, Bong Joon-ho's Okja is a beautifully unique creature feature, striped with action.

The film follows Mina (Ahn Seo-hyun), the granddaughter of a farmer in South Korea who has spent the last 10 years rearing a genetically modified super-pig called Okja as part of a breeding project spearheaded by a grim U.S. corporation. This movie is dark in places, magical in others, and poignant overall, asking us to stop and reflect on the dark side of an industry the majority of us are complicit in. Tilda Swinton and Jake Gyllenhaal make for an entertaining pair of villains, too.* — S.H.

How to watch: Okja is now streaming on Netflix.

8. Looper

Like your action with a heady mix of sci-fi and Western? Then you'll love Rian Johnson's time-travel thriller Looper. Joseph Gordon-Levitt stars as Joe, a specialized brand of hitman, who only kills people sent back from the future by a tyrannical kingpin. But when Joe's future self (played by Bruce Willis) turns up and makes a swift escape, it's a battle against himself that's fated to get intense. Between its Kansas City setting, unique time travel rules, and a crackling cast that includes Emily Blunt, Paul Dano, and Jeff Daniels, Looper is a unique spin on a hired gun tale with a finale that is jaw-droppingly awesome. — K.P.

How to watch: Looper is now streaming on Netflix.

SEE ALSO: Wait. Is Joseph Gordon-Levitt in 'Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery'? 7. Da 5 Bloods Credit: Netflix

Spike Lee copters audiences back to the Vietnam War with Da 5 Bloods, a daring film that's part drama, part war movie, and part heist flick. Named for a squad of Black U.S. Army soldiers of the 1st Infantry Division, Lee's critically heralded 2020 joint follows this band of brothers through a treacherous war zone, then rediscovers them in a present where they're seeking to uncover the past — and a big payday.

Sequences of brutal battles, narrow escapes, and high-tension hijinks make Da 5 Bloods an enthralling watch. Though inspired by history, it's impossible to predict where Lee's story will lead. Our guides on this intense journey through time, loss, war, and brotherhood are Delroy Lindo, Jonathan Majors, Clarke Peters, Norm Lewis, Isiah Whitlock Jr., and the late Chadwick Boseman. Together, they and Lee create an American war film that can't be missed. — K.P.

How to watch: Da 5 Bloods is now streaming on Netflix.

6. The Raid: Redemption

Looking for high-octane martial arts action? Then you're in luck, because Gareth Evans's thriller The Raid: Redemption is streaming on Netflix.

This Indonesian action masterpiece takes a relatively simple premise — a police squad raids a crime lord's apartment block — and elevates it with shocking plot twists and some of the best fight scenes put to film. Choreographed by Iko Uwais and Yayan Ruhian, who also star, The Raid's action sequences are no-holds-barred smackdowns that will have you on the edge of your seat. They feature everything from the Indonesian martial art pencak silat to machetes and guns, making for fights that are as varied as they are brutal. — B.E.

Where to watch: The Raid: Redemption is now streaming on Netflix.

5. Army of the Dead Credit: Netflix

Sometimes all you want is to grab hold of that action-o-meter and crank the dial, hard, to a solid 11. Army of the Dead more than delivers on that front, opening with a musical montage of guns and exploding body parts — and it only gets gorier from there. Zack Snyder's story follows a band of mercenaries hired to steal $200 million from a casino in Las Vegas. The problem? Vegas has been invaded by zombies, the city is quarantined, and the military is planning to blow the entire thing up with a tactical nuclear strike. The sprawling cast includes Dave Bautista, Omari Hardwick, Hiroyuki Sanada, Garret Dillahunt, and Ana de la Reguera, as well as a digitally added Tig Notaro.

What follows is a gloriously silly romp that refuses to take itself too seriously, propelling us through a series of explosions and bullets while the story twists and turns through a 148-minute runtime that feels oh, so much shorter. — S.H.

How to watch: Army of the Dead is now streaming on Netflix.

4. The Old Guard Credit: Netflix

Folks looking for that summer blockbuster thrill, search no further than The Old Guard. Based on the superhero comic books of the same name, director Gina Prince-Bythewood's movie sucks viewers into a slick, well-crafted world of action and narrative that isn't particularly unique but delivers its formulaic pieces with enough precision to keep you invested.

Charlize Theron crushes as the ass-kicking leader of an immortal warrior fight crew, with performances by Harry Melling, Marwan Kenzari, KiKi Layne, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Veronica Ngo, Matthias Schoenaerts, and more.* — Alison Foreman, Entertainment Reporter 

How to watch: The Old Guard is now streaming on Netflix.

3. Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse Gwen Stacy and Peter B. Parker in "'Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse." Credit: Sony Pictures

The Spider-Verse movies continue to raise the bar for superhero movies, and it’s hard to imagine one better than the latest installment, Across the Spider-Verse. The sequel to 2018’s Into the Spider-Verse manages to have even more dazzling animation, more jaw-dropping action sequences, and even bigger doses of clever humor.

Miles Morales is a little bit older (and taller) than when we last saw him, but he’s having a rough time now that he’s hardly seen Gwen Stacy and the rest of his Spider-People crew. A new villain enters the picture, majorly upping the stakes for Miles and the fate of the whole Spider-Verse. We also meet a handful of new characters voiced by some truly delightful actors, like Issa Rae’s badass pregnant Spider-Woman, Oscar Issac as Spider-Man 2099, Daniel Kaluuya’s rocker Spider-Punk, and Karan Soni as Spider-Man India. While the sequel clocks in at two hours, every minute is bursting with entertainment. — Oliver Whitney, Contributing Writer

How to watch: Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is now streaming on Netflix.

2. John Wick: Chapter 2

Picking one John Wick movie when the first three are just sitting there on Netflix begging for a marathon feels silly. Every chapter of the ex-hitman’s vengeance journey will more than satiate your action craving, with more gun-fu and mixed martial arts than you could imagine. But when it comes to peak action, John Wick: Chapter 2 is where it’s at.

Keanu Reeves’s retired hitman is once again pulled back into the criminal underworld when a crime boss from the Italian mafia shows up at his door. Long ago, John made a blood oath to repay an old favor — the favor that got him his freedom — and now it’s time to pay up. In Chad Stahelski’s sequel, we get John fighting Common’s mafia bodyguard throughout Rome, a shoot-out in a hall of mirrors, and a razor-sharp opening sequence featuring John’s beloved Mustang. And, of course, Chapter 2 gave us the reunion of Neo and Morpheus with the introduction of Laurence Fishburne’s Bowery King. — O.W.

How to watch: John Wick: Chapter 2 is now streaming on Netflix.

1. Jurassic Park Credit: Amblin / Universal / Kobal / Shutterstock

Jurassic Park is never a bad decision for a movie night when you’re itching for suspense and action. There’s nothing quite like the first installment of the franchise, which perfectly weaves the wonder of witnessing live, giant dinosaurs right in front of your face...with the utter horror of witnessing live, giant dinos right in front of your face. Spielberg whips us from the awestruck wonder of walking among these ancient monsters to total action-packed chaos as everything goes haywire on Isla Nublar. Every set piece is pounding with adrenaline, from the iconic T-Rex Jeep chase to the kitchen sequence to Laura Dern fighting off a raptor. Ultimately, it’s Spielberg’s fine attention to detail that makes Jurassic Park such a masterwork, forever etching those sequences into our mind. You will never look at a glass of water or a spoonful of Jell-O the same after Jurassic Park. — O.W.

How to watch: Jurassic Park is now streaming on Netflix.

Opens in a new window Credit: Netflix Netflix Get Deal

* denotes the entry comes from a previous Mashable list.

UPDATE: Mar. 27, 2024, 4:00 p.m. EDT This post has been updated to reflect the current selection on Netflix.

TL;DR: Stream Sale Sharks vs. Exeter Chiefs for free on ITVX. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Last week rugby fans were treated to a free-to-air broadcast of Saracens vs. Harlequins, and this week the generosity continues with Sale Sharks vs. Exeter Chiefs. Death to the paywall. Long live free broadcasts that everyone can enjoy.

If you want to watch Sale Sharks vs. Exeter Chiefs for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Sale Sharks vs. Exeter Chiefs?

Sale Sharks vs. Exeter Chiefs kicks off at 3 p.m. BST on March 31. This fixture takes place at the Salford Community Stadium.

How to watch Sale Sharks vs. Exeter Chiefs for free

Sale Sharks vs. Exeter Chiefs will be broadcast live on ITV1, with coverage starting from 2:30 p.m. BST on March 31. You can also live stream this fixture for free on ITVX.

ITVX is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK. This process makes it look like you're connecting from the UK, so you can access ITVX from anywhere in the world.

Unblock ITVX to watch live rugby by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK

4. Visit ITVX

5. Stream Sale Sharks vs. Exeter Chiefs for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) £82.82 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to ITVX without committing with your cash. This is not a long-term solution, but it gives you plenty of time to stream Sale Sharks vs. Exeter Chiefs before recovering your investment.

If you want to retain permanent access to the best free streaming sites from around the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for streaming sport is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for ITVX?

ExpressVPN is the best service for unblocking ITVX, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including the UK

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for £82.82 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Stream Sale Sharks vs. Exeter Chiefs for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: The Complete 2024 Microsoft Tech Certification Training Bundle is on sale for £55.49, saving you 83% oin list price.

Move beyond traditional gifts and surprise your loved one with a present that empowers their career aspirations and passion for technology. The Microsoft Tech Certification Training Bundle is just £55.49 and can be of immense help to your boo's future.

With eleven courses that include 246 hours of specialised content, they won't have to leave the house to learn what they need to take the Microsoft Tech certification exams. They'll be able to learn from the comfort of their own home (and in their jammies if they want to).

This content is brought to by the people at IDUNOVA, which has been offering high-quality online learning for 20 years. Each course has multiple lessons to learn from. The course called Managing Modern Desktops provides 64 lectures that cover the basics, giving you insight into on-premise and cloud-based solutions, creating an OS deployment strategy, and more.

Courses also head into more specific topics covering Microsoft Teams, including management, security, and compliance. It also covers a few courses about Azure, Microsoft's cloud computing platform. This includes Designing Microsoft Azure Infrastructure Solutions and Microsoft Azure Administration. It also covers advanced MS 365, security operations analysis, and more.

This comprehensive learning experience is a gesture of support for your loved one's professional growth and a key to helping them unlock new opportunities in the fast-paced tech landscape.

Get this Microsoft Tech Certification Training Bundle while it's on sale for just £55.49.

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Complete 2024 Microsoft Tech Certification Training Bundle £55.49 at the Mashable Shop Get Deal

Oh hey there! If you're here, it must be time for Wordle. As always, we're serving up our daily hints and tips to help you figure out today's answer.

If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for March 30's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

Where did Wordle come from?

Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once. 

Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Wordle.

What's the best Wordle starting word?

The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.

What happened to the Wordle archive?

The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles used to be available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it. Unfortunately, it has since been taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times.

Is Wordle getting harder?

It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.

Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

The metaphysical power in Star Wars.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no letters that appear twice.

Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...

Today's Wordle starts with the letter F.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. What's the answer to Wordle today?

Get your last guesses in now, because it's your final chance to solve today's Wordle before we reveal the solution.

Drumroll please!

The solution to Wordle #1015 is...

FORCE.

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be a new Wordle for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

Reporting by Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.

Connections is the latest New York Times word game that's captured the public's attention. The game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for March 30's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

What is Connections?

The NYT's latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to create the new word game and bringing it to the publications' Games section. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

Tweet may have been deleted

Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer. If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

Tweet may have been deleted

Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

Want a hit about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:

• Yellow: You breathing kind of hard

• Green: Meat preservation

• Blue: In some trouble

• Purple: Julie Andrews' favorite things in The Sound of Music

Featured Video For You Connections: How to play and how to win Here are today's Connections categories

Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:

• Yellow: Breathes Heavily

• Green: Preserves, as Meat

• Blue: Predicaments

• Purple: Things in "My Favorite Things"

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to Connections #293 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Breathes Heavily: GASPS, HUFFS, PANTS, PUFFS

• Preserves, as Meat: CANS, CURES, SALTS, SMOKES

• Predicaments: BINDS, JAMS, PICKLES, SPOTS

• Things in "My Favorite Things": AKETTLES, MITTENS, RAINDROPS, WHISKERS

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

Is this not the Connections game you were looking for? Here are the hints and answers to yesterday's Connections.

The 15-inch M3 MacBook Air is like the partner who frowns at you for not noticing their new haircut. But upon closer inspection, the new stimulus becomes clear, prompting you to say, “How did I miss that? What a change! You look great, babe!”

Similarly, the new-generation M3 MacBook Air may not seem like a huge upgrade at first. “Alright, so it’s getting a new M3 chip – big whoop!” you may be thinking.

However, once you look under the hood, you'll understand the hype. As someone who has been using the 15-inch MacBook Air – the one equipped with an M2 chip – it’s long overdue for a performance jump to keep up with increasingly demanding apps.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

The new MacBook Air comes in two flavors – 13-inch and 15-inch variants – and it’s packed with a zippier M3 chip. “OK, what does that mean for me?” You may be wondering. Long story short, your favorite creator-focused apps, whether it’s Blender or Illustrator, should run faster, smoother, and more seamless.

SEE ALSO: M3 MacBook Air: 3 new features you won't find on the M2 MacBook Air 15-inch M3 MacBook Air price and specs

The 15-inch M3 MacBook Air has a starting price of $1,299 via Apple's official website, which comes with the following specs:

• 8-core CPU

• 10-core GPU

• 8GB of RAM

• 256GB of SSD storage

• 15.3-inch, 2,880 x 1,864-pixel resolution LED display

The review unit I have will set you back $1,699 and comes with the same specs as above, but offers more memory (16GB) and more storage (512GB). If I were you, I’d opt for this configuration because 16GB of memory means you can juggle more apps simultaneously while reducing stress on the M3 MacBook Air.

Opens in a new window Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable 15-inch M3 MacBook Air
Get Deal What I like about the 15-inch M3 MacBook Air

As I hinted in the outset, the M3 MacBook Air’s upgrades are mostly internal. The display, design, keyboard, ports, webcam, weight, and dimensions are the same as its predecessor.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Still, there's plenty to praise when it comes to the new 15-inch MacBook Air model.

Faster gen-over-gen performance

Apple boasted that the M3 MacBook Air is up to 60% faster than the M1 variant. But the question is, how does the M3 MacBook Air compare to the M2 MacBook Air?

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

I launched the Blender benchmark, which tests how well systems handle creator-focused tasks, including 3D modeling, animation, and more. According to our results, the M3 MacBook Air is 15% faster compared to the M2 MacBook Air.

According to our Geekbench 6 testing, another benchmark that tests for CPU prowess, the M3 MacBook Air turned out to be nearly 20% faster than the M2 MacBook Air.

What does this mean? Diving into your favorite creator apps should yield a faster workflow on the M3 MacBook Air. Expect zippier editing and rendering across the board, whether you’re using Photoshop, Illustrator, or any other app that appeals to your artsy soul.

Dual-display support

What makes the M3 MacBook Air different from the M2 MacBook Air is the fact that it supports two external monitors now. (Its predecessor only supported one.)

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

In other words, you can now hook up two displays to the M3 MacBook Air for a sweet, multi-screen set up in your office. However, as you’ll discover in the “What I dislike about the M3 MacBook Air” section, there’s a catch.

Wi-Fi 6E support

Another perk that you won’t find on the M2 MacBook Air? The M3 MacBook Air now has WiFi 6E support, a step up from its predecessor (WiFi 6 support).

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

“What does WiFi 6E mean for me?” you may be wondering. Without diving into verbose nerdom, WiFi 6E enhances speed, reduces latency, and bolsters network security. As such, connectivity with the WiFi 6E-supported M3 MacBook Air should lead to reduced interference and better performance overall while transmitting data wirelessly.

New ‘Midnight Black’ color

Midnight Black gets its inspiration from the Space Black color that graces the current-gen MacBook Pro models. Like Space Black, it features an anodization seal that is designed to reduce fingerprints.

Other colorways for the 15-inch M3 MacBook Air Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

I love onyx hues, so I'm digging Midnight Black (though it could stand to be duskier). However, as you’ll find out in subsequent sections, the chassis won’t be completely devoid of fingerprints.

The M3 MacBook Air also comes in Starlight, Space Gray, and Silver. I’m still crossing my fingers for a rich, dark purple colorway for future-generation models, but something tells me that Apple would say, “Don’t hold your breath!”

Angelic audio

One thing I love the most about Apple is how it pays special attention to features that often get neglected by laptop manufacturers – like audio. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve loved every aspect of a laptop, only to be sorely disappointed with quiet speakers and/or tinny audio.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Matching the 15-inch M2 MacBook Air, the new 15-inch M3 MacBook Air has a six-speaker sound system that sounds absolutely divine. On Spotify, I fired up Tate McRae’s “greedy” tune and the pop song sounded bombastic, loud, punchy, and rich – better than whatever system you’re reading this with (if you don’t own a MacBook).

What’s ‘eh’ about the 15-inch M3 MacBook Air?

The fact that the 15-inch M3 MacBook Air is an incremental upgrade is, for the most part, a positive. Sometimes, it’s better to play it safe than take innovative risks that may throw off consumers. However, there are still some aspects about the Air that could have used a tweak or two with this new refresh.

The notch is still, er, notching

Ah, the controversial notch that dips into the display. Some people love it; some people hate it. Others disliked it initially – and then eventually got used to it. I fell into this camp. I wasn’t a fan of the notch on my 15-inch M2 MacBook Air at first, but eventually, I stopped noticing its presence.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

That being said, I’m not pressed about the notch, but it would have been a surprise – a pleasant one – if Apple shaved some of it off for a better visual treat. 

It’s also worth noting that the M3 MacBook Air’s 15.3-inch, 2880 x 1864-pixel display, like the M2 MacBook Air, is still eye-catching. I fired up the Deadpool & Wolverine trailer on the display, which emanated the same bright, crisp visuals as its predecessor. It’s no OLED panel with deep blacks and high contrast, but it’s still impressive.

Click-clacky keyboard

I literally said the words "ooh, yeah!" — like I'm the Kool-Aid Man bursting through the wall — when I experienced my first typing session on the new 15-inch M3 MacBook Air. Generation over generation, the keyboard has remained unchanged, but that's a good thing.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

The keyboard is as click-clacky as I remember, allowing me to prance from key to key like a dexterous pianist.

Stingy with ports

I’m actually OK with the fact that the M3 MacBook Air features just two Thunderbolt 3 / USB 4 ports and MagSafe 3 (a proprietary connector that frees up the aforementioned USB-C ports so you can power your MacBook Air). Plus, there’s a 3.5mm headset jack – a port that I’m surprised that Apple hasn’t nixed yet since it can be quite “kill happy,” especially when it comes to I/O options.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

However, if I could have it my way, I’d add one extra USB-C port on the right side of the M3 MacBook Air (all the USB-C ports are currently situated on the left).

Temper your expectations with ‘Midnight Black’

My review unit is the Midnight Black variant, and yes, it is less susceptible to smudges and smears – just like Apple claims.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

But don't kid yourself into thinking it's completely fingerprint-proof. However, I can confirm that this colorway holds up better than the "Midnight" hue (not to be confused with Midnight Black) that drapes my 15-inch M2 MacBook Air.

What I dislike about the 15-inch M3 MacBook Air

The new feature I appreciate on the new 15-inch M3 MacBook Air has a “flip side,” too.

Dual-display support only works with a closed lid

The 15-inch M3 MacBook Air now has dual-display support, but it only works when the lid is shut. In other words, yes, you can hook up two displays to the laptop. But you can only interact with the external screens – not the display on the laptop itself.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

This means you’ll have to rely on external peripherals like the Magic Keyboard, Magic Trackpad, and Magic Mouse to enjoy the multi-screen experience.

If you want to keep the lid open, your next best option (if you want an M3-based chip) is the 14-inch M3 Pro MacBook Pro, which has a starting price tag of $1,999.

15-inch M3 MacBook Air Geekbench score

On Geekbench 6, the 15-inch M3 MacBook Air notched a multi-core score of 12,057. 

As a point of reference, this nearly touches the new Asus ROG Zephyrus G14, a gaming laptop packed with an AMD Ryzen 9 CPU. It delivered a multi-core score of 12,170.

15-inch M3 MacBook Air battery life

To test battery life, we looped a 1080p film – Tears of Steel to be exact – until the laptop ran out of juice. It lasted 10 hours and 52 minutes on a single charge.

On the same test, the 15-inch M2 MacBook Air lasted slightly longer: 10 hours and 58 minutes.

15-inch M3 MacBook Air webcam

As someone who has been testing several Windows laptops recently, including the dual-display Asus Zenbook Duo and the HP Spectre x360 14, I’ve been disappointed in the webcams lately. There’s too much noise, the colors are too muted, and I always look like a silly watercolor painting.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

However, when I fired up the M3 MacBook Air’s 1080p shooter, I breathed a sigh of relief. The colors are relatively accurate and I actually look like myself on the viewfinder. 

Is the 15-inch M3 MacBook Air worth it?

The 15-inch M3 MacBook Air may seem like a simple refresh, but as someone who owns the M2 MacBook Air, I’d definitely trade it in for the new-generation model.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Our testing shows that the M3 MacBook Air is about 20% faster, give or take, than the M2 MacBook Air, particularly when it comes to creator-focused workflows. In other words, expect zippier performance, whether you’re a fledgling video editor or a photo-editing hobbyist.

The 15-inch M3 MacBook Air continues to blur the line of the Air and Pro models, providing ample “oomph” for creatives, professionals, and students who need robust performance that can handle their multifaceted workflows.

Opens in a new window Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable 15-inch M3 MacBook Air
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For many of us, the word "ritual" has a lot of weighty significance to it. A religious ceremony, an unshakeable family tradition, or hallowed cultural rite might come to mind.

But according to Harvard Business School professor Michael Norton, rituals needn't be age-old practices imbued with meaning. Instead, we can and should create our own, out of small but emotionally powerful acts. Even drinking the same tea from a beloved mug every day can have the power to boost our well-being.

Norton, author of The Ritual Effect: From Habit to Ritual, Harness the Surprising Power of Everyday Actions, says even he once considered rituals as formal behaviors, with deep roots in ancestry or religion — until he started researching them.

It's not like a 50-step process that takes an hour - Michael Norton, author of The Ritual Effect

He found that people improvise their own rituals all the time — often to mark a period of the day or to motivate themselves. Examples include tying their shoes a certain way before a run, lighting a set of candles before dinner, and reciting a mantra before important work meetings.

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Even those of us who practice more formal rituals such as prayer are often improvising the details, Norton found.

Instead of letting them happen subconsciously, Norton wants people to identify the rituals they may not otherwise recognize.

"It's not like a 50-step process that takes an hour," Norton says. "It really is just taking a little time and space to reflect and immerse yourself in it, and get that extra joy."

Those meaningful acts can positively enhance their emotional experience, leading to what he calls "emodiversity."

That's not as glum a concept as it might sound to some. It's about the level of variety in people's emotions, such as being able to feel contentment, fear, gratitude, sadness, and awe. Your level of emodiversity predicts well-being, according to Norton's research. Rituals, even seemingly mundane ones, can help people access a wider range of emotions.

A ritual can be a bulwark against impulse-driven digital behaviors that tend to make us feel scattered and less connected, like doomscrolling. The right ritual at the right time, can stop someone from reaching for their phone to do something that's ultimately an unfulfilling distraction.

"When people reach for their phone now, they're reaching for their phone in order to reach for their phone," Norton says. "You literally don't have any goal in mind at all."  

Ritual vs. habit

While habits and rituals are closely linked, there's a key difference. A habit is something people do because they must, such as brushing their teeth or showering.

A ritual contains more meaning. It can be how someone gets ready for the day, like the order in which they brush teeth and shower. That person may feel "off", somehow, if the two activities switch places.

Or take the tea drinker with the favorite mug, that preferred blend or brew, along with the vessel, may evoke happy memories or a sense of contentment that doesn't arise when drinking whatever was available at the coffee shop from a paper cup.

"When things start to get ritualized," Norton says, we bring "more emotion and more meaning to them."

Rituals that decrease screen time

Reaching for your smartphone is a ritual in its own right, Norton says. But that doesn't always lead to the emotion enhancement he'd like more people to experience.

For example, a pop-up reminder about the photos taken a year ago of your then-infant may prompt you to start scrolling mindlessly through photos — all while your now-toddler tugs at your shirt for attention.

Reducing screen time, Norton says, requires replacing that ritual with another.

Before you start, it's worth figuring out which non-screen rituals you already employ, and what gives them meaning. You may notice a pattern. Is movement or stillness important to your rituals? How about music, objects, loved ones?

Then try to identify when the gravitational pull toward your phone is strongest. Is it when you're waiting in line at a store, trying to keep boredom at bay? Maybe it's whenever you feel a sudden pang of anxiety, uncertainty, or dread, or part of a subconscious revenge procrastination when you go to bed at night.

Your ritual strategy may differ depending on the scenario. But whatever the case, here are three tactics Norton recommends:

1. Create distance from your phone.

Ever wake up and immediately grab your phone before acknowledging your partner or fully opening your eyes? You can combat this by starting a different ritual. If you're sharing a bed with someone you love, a moment of connection or physical affection would make for a nice ritual.

When sleeping solo, try pausing before picking up the phone. That pause could involve counting to your favorite number or noticing the sounds.

The key to success, Norton says, is placing your phone elsewhere, like across the room. If the phone is still within reach, in the same reliable place you always leave the device, it'll be hard to replace one ritual with another.

To guard against mindless moments of phone usage during your day, like the line at the store, Norton recommends putting your phone in a different pocket than usual. This will create just a little bit friction, offering you the chance to stop yourself before your reflexes kick in.

More ambitious rituals include leaving your phone behind when you go out, putting it in a hard-to-reach location, or simply powering it off altogether.

2. Build in a social component.

It's difficult to reduce screen time if you're with another person who doesn't have the same goal, Norton says. So if possible, make a ritual out of putting your phone away when spending time with a loved one.

For example, you could put your devices in a zip-up pouch during meal times. Try making one of your outings a screen-free event. If you know you'll need your device, trying leaving it on silent or "do not disturb" for an agreed-upon period. (The Focus feature on iPhones, and Focus mode on Android devices, makes this ritual easier.)

Parents or caregivers who might need to be contacted for an emergency can share in advance how they can be reached.

3) Take the phone out of a ritual that already exists.

Chances are your phone is already part of a meaningful ritual, such as morning coffee or pre-bedtime wind down. If you like that ritual but not how scrolling on your phone dominates it, replace your device with something else — like reading a book or magazine instead, or journaling on paper.

"With a phone, if you think about reaching for it mindlessly, you can think about putting something else there that you could reach for," Norton says.

These little changes, he added, "can help to break the loop."

If you bought Meta's Ray-Ban smart glasses last year, they're about to get a good deal more useful.

According to the New York Times, the long-awaited AI features that have been available in early access for some users since December are rolling out wide starting next month. These features include the abilities to identify certain animals and fruits by looking at them, as well as limited language translation for English, Spanish, Italian, German, and French.

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This is a boon to Meta Ray-Ban owners because, up until now, Meta's smart glasses haven't really felt like smart glasses. There's already a very limited AI featureset included with the glasses, but it's basically an even less useful version of Siri right now. You can use it to make phone calls or snap photos, but it's not great for much else.

It remains to be seen exactly how useful these new AI features will be, but hey, at least it's a reason to try on those glasses again.