Look, let's be real for a second. You probably have an Apple TV+ subscription because you bought an iPhone or you’re deeply obsessed with Ted Lasso and Severance. But when Friday night rolls around and you’re staring at the homepage, it feels like there’s nothing to watch. You end up back on Netflix watching a documentary about a guy who stole a plane. It's a classic move.
The truth is that apple tv top movies aren’t always the ones the algorithm screams at you. Apple is weirdly quiet about some of their best work. They’ll spend $200 million on a Ridley Scott epic like Napoleon but then bury a Sundance gem that’ll actually make you cry.
If you’re tired of the "Coming Soon" trailers and just want to know what’s worth your two hours right now in 2026, I’ve got you. From the massive blockbuster F1 that just landed on the service to the high-concept sci-fi of The Gorge, there is a lot to dig through.
The Heavy Hitters You Can't Ignore
We have to start with the big ones. In the last year, Apple has shifted from "boutique indie streamer" to "we have all the movie stars."
Highest 2 Lowest: The Spike Lee and Denzel Reunion
This is the big one people are talking about this month. Denzel Washington and Spike Lee teamed up again for this NYC crime thriller, and honestly, the chemistry is still there. Denzel plays a record executive whose life hits a brick wall when a kidnapping goes sideways. It’s gritty, it’s loud, and it feels like old-school cinema. If you liked Inside Man, this is your vibe. It just picked up a ton of NAACP Image Award nominations, including a nod for Denzel (obviously).
F1: The Movie
If you missed the theatrical run, Brad Pitt’s F1 is finally streaming. It’s basically Top Gun: Maverick but with cars. They used real cameras on real cars at 200 mph. It’s loud. It’s pretty. It’s arguably the most "premium" feeling movie on the platform right now. Is the plot a bit predictable? Yeah, totally. But the sound design alone makes it a top-tier pick for anyone with a decent home theater setup.
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The "I Need to Feel Something" Category
Sometimes you don't want car chases. You want to stare at a wall for ten minutes after the credits roll.
- Killers of the Flower Moon: It’s long. Like, really long. But Lily Gladstone is a powerhouse here. Martin Scorsese doesn't make "background noise" movies, so don't try to fold laundry while watching this.
- CODA: The Oscar winner that put Apple on the map. If you haven't seen it yet, you're missing out on the most "wholesome but not cheesy" movie of the decade.
- Fancy Dance: This one is often overlooked. Lily Gladstone (again) stars in a story about a woman searching for her missing sister on a reservation. It’s raw and focuses on the complexities of Indigenous life in a way that feels authentic rather than performative.
Why The Gorge is the Sci-Fi Sleeper of 2026
I’ll be honest, when I first heard the premise for The Gorge, I thought it sounded like a generic B-movie. Miles Teller and Anya Taylor-Joy play two elite snipers guarding a massive, mysterious wall in a desolate landscape. They can’t see each other, they only talk over comms, and they’re told "nothing must cross."
Then things get weird.
It blends romance, high-stakes action, and a "what the hell is out there?" mystery that keeps you hooked. It’s directed by Scott Derrickson (who did Sinister and Doctor Strange), so it has that dark, polished edge. It’s easily one of the most creative entries in the apple tv top movies list this year.
The Weird Stuff That Actually Works
Apple loves a high-concept gamble. Sometimes it’s a miss (looking at you, Argylle), but when they hit, they hit hard.
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Tetris is a perfect example. A movie about a 1980s legal battle over a video game shouldn't be a thriller, but Taron Egerton makes it feel like a Cold War spy mission. It’s fast-paced and surprisingly funny.
Then there’s Wolfwalkers. If you have kids—or even if you don't—this is the best-looking animated movie you’ll see. It’s hand-drawn, Irish folklore-inspired, and looks like a living painting. It’s miles ahead of the generic 3D animation we usually get.
What's Coming Next?
If you've already burned through the catalog, February 2026 is looking pretty stacked. We’re finally getting Eternity, that A24 romantic comedy starring Elizabeth Olsen and Miles Teller. Word on the street is it’s dropping right around Valentine’s Day.
There's also the ongoing hype for The Studio, which is technically a series but feels like a long-form satire of the movie industry itself.
How to Actually Find Good Movies on Apple TV
The interface is kinda messy. Let’s be honest. To find the real apple tv top movies, stop looking at the "Top Charts" which are often just whatever came out yesterday. Instead, go to the "Search" tab and click on the "Apple Original Films" category.
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Don't ignore the documentaries either. Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie is one of the most moving things I’ve ever seen. It’s not just a biography; it’s a masterclass in editing and resilience.
Also, keep an eye on the "Recently Added" section every Friday. Apple tends to drop their prestige titles with very little fanfare, usually around 12:00 AM Eastern Time. If you see something with a big name but zero marketing, that’s usually where the gold is hidden.
Next Steps for Your Movie Night
To get the most out of your subscription right now, start with Highest 2 Lowest if you want a thriller, or The Gorge if you’re in the mood for something unique. If you haven't checked your settings lately, make sure you're streaming in "High Quality" over Wi-Fi, as Apple’s bitrates are significantly higher than Netflix or Disney+, which makes movies like F1 look incredible.
Check the "Library" tab frequently. Apple often licenses "Great Movies" (non-originals) for limited 30-day windows. You might find a classic sitting there that wasn't available last week.