If You're Old Enough To Have Actually Experienced The Y2K Era, These 25 Target Products Will Probably Excite You

We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.
If you're "sometimes I randomly remember all the lyrics to the Destiny's Child song from the Charlie's Angels soundtrack" years old, you'll find something to like in here.
1. A white-noise machine, because is it just me, or does, like, literally any sound on earth wake you up these days? This simple white noise machine doesn't involve any apps, bells or whistles — just an adjustable volume setting, and over 200 5-star reviews.
Target
Promising review: " We can't live without this! As a family of four, each bedroom has one. We pack them when we travel, and it's usually first on my packing list. During the summer, we sleep with windows open, so it helps block out the sounds of crickets. Definitely needed if you sleep with a companion (human or dog!) who is a loud breather. I've had mine for at least two years and it's still going strong." — Mom411
2. And a Nodpod weighted eye blanket, for anyone who hit their 30s and found that sleep suddenly transformed from "my top hobby" to "thing I can't remember how to do??" This weighted sleep mask targets important pressure points that help you relax and decompress... plus, you can't look at social media while it's on, which can only improve anyone's nighttime routine.
Target
Promising review:"Toddler mom and night shift RN, and I love this mask. It puts me to sleep in under five minutes every time, no matter if I'm waking up at 1 p.m. or 3 a.m. I'm a side sleeper, and it's worked so well for me! A little FYI: It does say on the packaging that the goal is to get you to sleep/back to sleep, not stay on your head all night, so for anyone who wants it on 24/7, this isn't the mask for you. For any type of sleep, I find myself wanting it and being excited to lie down, knowing I'm not going to toss and turn for 30 minutes until I fall asleep! It is on the pricier side, but I would still definitely recommend it!!!!" — TiredMama
3. A Theragun massage gun because not to generalize... but if you're reading this, your back probably hurts. This percussive massage tool has three attachments, so no matter what tight muscle or weird strain is giving you trouble, you have the tools to send it packing. Plus, the easy-to-hold triangle handle ensures that you won't accidentally drop it, disturbing your oh-so-relaxing massage session.
Target
Promising review: " I bought this as a gift for my son for Christmas, but one day my sciatica was acting up and I asked to borrow it. Just a few minutes of use gave me hours of relief." — Justme
4. An Instax Mini Bundle to take instant mini photos any time you like. Perfect for parties, kiddos, and for anyone whose parents wouldn't buy them an Instax in middle school. Who's in charge now, Mom?!
Target
Bundle includes INSTAX MINI 40 Instant Camera and INSTAX MINI Instant Film Pack.
Promising review:"I absolutely love the color of the camera, it is so vibrant! Basic bundle but a good deal over all. I like the feel of the Mini 40. I also have the Mini 11 so this is a nice upgrade. Small and fits in my purse. Everyone has been in awe when I show them and of course they love the prints I take." — Delpy
5. A set of two bamboo drawer dividers so that you can know the joy and peace that can only come from dividing up your T-shirt drawer by color.
Target
Promising review:"I love how versatile these dividers are; I use them in drawers as well as shelving. They're very attractive and make it very easy to keep things separated/organized." — lilyflynn
Price: $26
6. A wine-purifying tool that removes sulfites, aka the stuff that causes wine headaches. Now that you're more of an "enjoy a nice wine with dinner" person than a "50 cent shots all night at that one bar near campus that only has black lights" person, this is a game changer.
Target
Promising review:"I've owned this purifier for three years. It's awesome. Used to always get headaches from sulfites in red wine, but this took care of that. It doesn't change the taste of the wine, either. It's a little pricey, and you have to buy filters, but if you get bad headaches and love wine, it will be worth it. Their customer service is also top-notch. We accidentally threw away a small part of the device, contacted the company, and they shipped us a replacement part for free. Five stars all around! Cheers!" — Cat Milgar
7. A jar of E.l.f. Holy Hydration! face cream with SPF 30 broad spectrum sunscreen, because, hey, you're busy as heck! You don't have time to mess with 40 different products in the a.m. This one-and-done product is filled with hyaluronic acid and peptides to soothe and plump your skin, while also giving you the sun protection you need for the day.
Target
Promising review: "I recently purchased this out of curiosity after reading several reviews as I'm still trying to find my perfect fit moisturizer for my skincare routine. I am really loving this one for daytime use! The texture is so creamy and it glides on easily and my skin really does feel soft and moisturized for most of the day. It does have a light fragrance but I find it very pleasant and it doesn't irritate my senses or skin. I also love that this has SPF in it as well. I have used many different high-dollar brand-name moisturizers and I would absolutely repurchase and recommend this one above them all at this point." — veitah1
8. A weighted knit blanket that just looks a little bit more design-forward than your standard fleece-covered weighted blanket. This beauty (which is knit from weighted tubes, rather than filled with glass beads) will compliment your rustic, boho or coastal decor... and its 12-pound weight will complement your need to feel cozy as all heck.
Target
Read more about how to choose a weight and what these blankets help with and how from Cleveland Clinic.
Promising review:"I purchased on a whim and this blanket is wonderful. I am sleeping so much better. It is exactly 12 pounds and I find the knit material to provide some breathability while being sturdy but soft. I traded my bead-filled weighted blanket for this and feel it is definitely worth the price. It looks like a regular throw blanket and I purchased the blush color which is beautiful, making it visually appealing as well. I recommend!" — FL
9. A Y2K fashion coloring book, because you don't really want to go back to the days of ultra low-rise jeans and iPods... but it would be fun to revisit it with a few crayons at the end of a long day.
10. A water flosser for anyone whose dentist is... let's say "underwhelmed" with your flossing capabilities. This water tool gently removes 99.9% of plaque bacteria, which will leave both your mouth and oral health service provider happier.
Target
Promising review:"So much easier than flossing. I add mouthwash to the water so I can do two things at once, and it saves me time. Also, my dental checkups are so much better!" — Me1234
11. A Coop adjustable memory foam pillow that might sound like a lot to spend on a single pillow at first, but if you seem to constantly wake up with new neck or shoulder pains, it's beyond worth it. Coop pillows are full of adjustable shredded memory foam — add foam in for a firmer pillow, take foam out for a softer one.
Target
Promising review:"I've had this for about a year now and it's the best pillow I've ever had. It's the perfect density — my head and neck are supported, but I never get a stiff neck because the foam still has some plush that you expect from down pillows. And unlike the MyPillow my partner has, this pillow has yet to flatten out or need a trip to the dryer to be re-fluffed. It also stays much cooler than my partner's pillow, which is great for hot sleepers like myself. I'm a side, stomach, and back sleeper and am always comfortable now. Worth every penny!!" — caroline
12. A tube of ColourPop chrome eyeshadow, because you absolutely had eyeshadow like this that you loved back in the '00s. The difference? This creamy formula will last all day (unlike your old eyeshadow, which would sweat off after just a few minutes of dancing to Fergie).
Target
Promising review:"Super sparkly, super pigmented, super long-lasting!! Very impressed with this eyeshadow. Goes on easily, is smooth but thick, and can be spread with a brush to a translucent sparkle. Lasted all day and needed a minor touch-up to wear the next day. I'll be buying more colors!!" — Yourfairelady
13. A robot mop and vacuum that is the epitome of the mature "work smarter, not harder" mindset. Or, I guess, actually, it's the epitome of the "don't work at all, make a robot clean all the muddy dog footprints off your hardwood floors" mindset.
Target
Promising review:"Currently obsessed with this thing. Love it so much. Such an improvement over the last robot vacuum/mop we bought and returned a couple of years ago. So far, I feel it is totally worth the extra money over the other brands. I have especially been surprised at the customization to cleaning different areas, from suction power to the rise of carpets and grain direction for wood floors! Also been surprised at it not getting stuck anywhere yet. It can go under and over better than my old robot did. Also, it is much quieter than I expected. I will probably start running the mop at night. The only con is my toddler is afraid of it, lol." — ElleB
14. A Google 4K TV streamer with voice search, because seriously, typing on a remote feels like going back to the days of T9 texting. Save yourself time and annoyance with this touch-free model ("Hey Google, play Lizzie McGuire!"). Plus, it has a much more streamlined and ~aesthetic~ look than most other streaming devices.
Target
15. A backseat organizer that has a clear iPad pocket to entertain the kiddos, but this isn't just for parents! It's also for pet owners who want to organize Fido's travel accessories, or anyone whose backseat has become a vast wasteland of forgotten water bottles, reusable shopping totes, and — yikes — Pringles in a flavor they haven't manufactured since 2017.
Target
Promising review:"This is a perfect size for my minivan seats. The kids were excited to have a place for their iPad Minis, and it kept everything within reach and OFF the floor! Just got these for a road trip but thinking I will leave them on all the time!" — Elizabeth N
Price: $18.29
16. A travel tech accessory organizer so you can tackle all your phone-charging and headphone-finding needs on your trips like a pro (instead of taking everything out of your purse to find your USB cable, and accidentally leaving your passport at the airport... again).
Target
17. A collapsible wheeled tote bag that goes from "small suitcase" to "teeny tiny folded up thing" in 10 seconds flat, because it turns out that What A Girl (Or Literally Anyone) Wants is a bag that can hold all your stuff when you travel, but won't take up a ton of room at home.
Target
18. A sunrise alarm clock, because it's a gentler way to wake up. Imagine what a better morning mood you'll have if you wake up to a gradually increasing soft glow, instead of those cursed iPhone alarm chimes.
Target
You probably already know the deal with these kinds of clocks — they start to grow brighter a few minutes before your actual get-out-of-bed time, so you can wake up gradually instead of all at once — and this particular one offers a wonderfully affordable way to give the whole thing a shot.
Promising review: 'Great clock and night light! I use this as my alarm clock. The light feature that turns on 15 minutes prior to my set alarm time is wonderful! It slowly gets brighter and I am always awake before the alarm sounds. It's nice to not wake up the whole house. The night light feature options are very pretty and nice to have just before going to sleep.' — JB
19. A floral three-speed Crosley Bluetooth record player that's perfect both for folks who were serious vinyl fans back in the day and people who are new to vinyl and want an adorable, not-too-pricey starter sound system.
Target
Promising review:"The first thing that drew me to this specific record player was the design! Let me tell you, it is even more beautiful in person. I was concerned with the reviews stating it was skipping and the records weren't playing correctly, but I haven't had a single issue with it! I am so glad I didn't listen to those reviews because I would've missed out on a beautiful, well-priced record player!" — Kate
20. A Dyson cordless vacuum because once, you were a person who got super excited about new Christina Aguilera albums. Now, you're a person who gets super excited about lightweight, cordless, bagless vacuums with 40 minutes of run time... and also new Christina Aguilera albums. You contain multitudes! Especially when it comes to pop music and home cleaning!
Target
Promising review:"Nothing like a cordless vacuum! It makes cleaning fun again. The Dyson does a wonderful job and even does the stairs. The only downside is that it does not hold a charge long but still so much easier to navigate than a big upright sweeper." — Rheen
21. A deep conditioning hair treatment for folks who find that years of coloring and chemically treating their hair have left it a little exhausted-looking. This sulfate-free formula will leave you with hair that's shinier than Jennifer Garner's smile in 13 Going on 30.
Target
Promising review: 'Love it! I used to work outside, so my hair was damaged, to say the least. I used other hair masks, but none were helping my hair until I came across with this, and oh my goodness, after the first use my hair smelled and felt amazing. I have been using it for over a year and I will never go back to another hair mask.' — Yes it works
Price: $17.99
22. A Kate Spade portable Bluetooth speaker, because back in the day, you coveted Kate Spade's fancy purses and whimsical headbands. You still love the style, but now, you'd like something a little more practical. Did I mention that it's water resistant? Go ahead and blast that Y2K playlist on your next beach day.
Target
Promising review: " This speaker connected easily to my iPhone and the sound quality is GREAT! I'd say the sound is as good as the two Bose portable speakers I own. I love the attractive design and portability. More than worth the price!" — WiredandSassy
Price: $50
23. A Keurig K-Cafe smart single-serve coffee maker that makes cappuccinos and lattes as well as regular coffee — and makes them via app, over Wi-Fi, without you even getting out of bed. Could you have even dreamed of such a thing back in the TRL era??
Ashley Schumacher/BuzzFeed
Promising review:"I recently got the Keurig K-Café smart coffee maker and it's honestly amazing. The Wi-Fi feature is super convenient — I can start brewing from my phone, which is perfect for those mornings when I'm still half asleep. The different brew sizes are great too, whether I'm just grabbing a small cup or need a big one to power through the day. The milk frother is such a nice touch, and I've been making some really good lattes and cappuccinos at home. It's way easier to use than I expected, and cleaning it has been simple too. The black design looks sleek on my counter, which is a bonus. If you're thinking about upgrading your coffee setup, I'd totally recommend this one. It's been a game changer for me." — Isaac
Price: $199.99
24. A pair of subtle platform sneakers, because you did kitten heels the first time around, and you're not doing them again. Instead, when the retro footwear itch strikes, grab these, which are a more sophisticated version of your favorite kicks from the aughts.
Target
Promising review: "I looove these! Such a cute, retro sneaker. I'm very snobby about shoes even though I'm more of an athletic person in terms of shoes. These definitely have a Vans vibe to them." — Bat Mama
Price: $30 (originally $40; available in sizes 6—11)
25. An Our Place ceramic nonstick Always pan that bakes, broils, fries, steams, braises, sears, and so much more. And it looks amazing, and comes in six different colors. Use it to cook something even more delicious than Dunkaroos.
Target
The set includes an Always Pan 2.0 in original nonstick, a modular steam-release lid, a nesting beechwood spatula, and a steamer basket and colander.
Promising review:"I love the quality of the pan and lid. The nonstick ceramic surface works beautifully. The pan heats evenly, and food cooks efficiently." — Christina
Price: $125 (available in six colors)
Reviews here have been edited for length and/or clarity.

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an hour ago

• Buzz Feed

25 Items To Carry If You're Going To Disney World

Hey guys! I'm Samar Hadri, a BuzzFeed shopping writer and Orlando, Florida native 🍊. I've been a Disney World Annual Passholder for well over a decade (I may or may not have even gotten married at Disney 😅), so yeah, I'm something of a theme park expert. These are the products that I've tried and can recommend firsthand to make sure your amusement park experience is as smooth and stress-free as possible. With these products, you can feel prepared for almost any situation that pops up during a full day of trudging through the parks. First things first, a mid-size sling backpack that'll hold all of your essentials while still being small enough to fit in the pouch of whichever rides you love the most. With several compartments inside the bag, as well as a front pouch on the strap, you can keep everything incredibly organized to cut down on the time it takes for you to dig for your phone for spontaneous photos or sunscreen for your two-hour reapplications. Plus, it even has mesh pockets for your water bottle and umbrella! A reusable rain poncho for the buckets of water that can suddenly, without warning, drop from the Florida skies. With a long body piece and a big hooded cap, this poncho will keep you dry from head to toe. It also comes with a matching carrying case so you don't have to worry about lugging a drenched poncho around the park after your excursion down a "waterfall" at Kali River Rapids in Animal Kingdom. A four-pack of cooling towels because that Florida sun can be brutal. Just soak it in some cold water at any sink/water fountain, wring it, and place it on your neck for some much-needed relief! These towels will stay chilly for several hours, saving you from having to refresh in every country you pass through in Epcot. Bonus: each towel comes with a carrying pouch and a carabiner clip, so you can just clip it onto your backpack for easy access! A Disney ear holder that clips onto your backpack for the times when your head is tired of propping up those famous Mickey ears, but you still want them on public display. With the ability to hold up to two ears, this strap is great for parents when your little ones might be over wearing the ears, and you don't want them to take up any space in your bag. A trendy pair of polarized sunglasses to block out the sun's rays while you're enjoying the weather. No need to fear losing these bad boys while aboard Expedition Everest; these polarized glasses (while cute) are extremely affordable, so you can even keep a backup pair on hand in case a Yeti happens to board your train and run away with your original pair A handheld fan that will bring some much-needed cooling relief as you trek your way through your favorite rides. Small and compact, with two different speed functions, this fan is a necessity, especially during the height of summer. No need to let the humidity ruin your day, this FAN-tastic device will ensure your vacation remains as cool as can be. (Plus: the fan also works as a backup portable charger!) And a stroller fan so that your little one stays cool in the heat as well! The fan's head can adjust vertically and horizontally in any direction to create the perfect cooling breeze while also having three speeds so you can ensure your baby is at the perfect temperature. Now, the fear of your child overheating can disappear as swiftly as Peter Pan at the sight of an adult! A four-pack of reusable straws because absolutely nobody enjoys the taste of the soggy paper straws that grace every Disney concession stand and restaurant. This straw is collapsible and fits into a small carrying case, which can also be clipped onto your backpack, making it incredibly convenient to carry without feeling like it's taking up some much-needed space. Absolutely perfect for that midday Pandoran Sunrise you'll be happy to sample at Animal Kingdom. A Body Glide anti-chafe balm you'll want to apply liberally before boarding the Monorail. The last thing you want during your vacation is any pain halting your ability to walk freely through the parks. With this balm, say goodbye to chafing troubles and say hello to magical relief! And an anti-blister foot balm to ease the pain of walking over 10 miles through four different parks all in a single day. This will add a layer of protection between you and your shoes so you can skip through Moana's Journey of Water with ZERO pain! Vanish the potential of blisters with this balm — even Tinkerbell herself will be jealous of how magical this product seems! A two-pack of reusable snack bags because sometimes hunger pangs hit right in the middle of a line, when exiting to purchase a bite to eat is pretty much impossible. These bags come with a zippered closure and are made from waterproof fabric, so no need to fear the splatters from Tiana's Bayou Adventure tainting your go-to snack. A foldable water bottle that will take up little space and be the hydrating savior of your park day. Buying several bottles of water while inside the park will get expensive FAST, so having a refillable bottle on hand is key, especially when they can roll into a small size so that they don't take up too much room. A much-needed addition to your park essentials when you find yourself incredibly thirsty while waiting to meet Princess Jasmine. A 10-pack of mosquito-repellent bracelets you will be incredibly grateful you packed when love-bug season hits Florida. Powered by essential oils such as citronella, these bands can help repel pests without the need to douse yourself in bug spray several times a day. No mosquito will dare approach you as you embark on your theme park adventures; these bracelets will help keep the creepy-crawlies far, far away! A tube of Neutrogena Ultrasheer SPF 70 sunscreen to protect your skin from the harsh rays of the sun. This lightweight formula helps prevent sunburn without the heavy finish and is conveniently travel-sized, making it the perfect addition to your pre-Disney routine. With this lotion, the only sun you need to fear is the one that comes barreling toward you on Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. A pack of compression socks that can help your circulation, foot swelling, and pain, and make it easier for you to hike across the Magic Kingdom parking lot. You can say goodbye to the days of leg swelling and hello to *sweet* relief as you march countless miles each day of your trip. Don't let the potential pain stop you from having the time of your life at the Happiest Place on Earth! A Color Wow Dreamcoat anti-frizz hairspray to maintain those picture-perfect locks, despite the heat! This spray repels moisture to stop humidity from impacting your hair, leaving your hair feeling smooth and silky. Just spray it liberally on damp, towel-dried hair, then blow dry for the finishing touch. With this spray, your blowout will stay as perfect as Belle herself! A Burt's Bees after-sun lotion perfect for bringing some relief to any sunburns that may occur while you're skipping across Tomorrow Land. With aloe and coconut oil, this skin lotion can soothe and bring hydrating relief to your sun-kissed skin. A teensy, tiny, hands-free portable charger because you will be constantly using your phone to check the wait times, plan ahead with your Genie+, or just playing Charades with your family (or random strangers) while stuck in a line. Don't let its slim exterior fool you; it can charge a smartphone up to 1.5 times while still being light enough to comfortably carry around Hollywood Studios as you search for hidden Mickeys! A pill organizer to keep all of your meds on hand so that you're not trying to dig through your bag for different bottles. With eight multi-size compartments, this carrier can safely store any size pill or vitamin you need. Small enough to fit in your pocket, this organizer will be your saving grace as you attempt to squeeze in just one more plushy from the Emporium into your bag. A travel umbrella designed to block out both the constant Florida showers and the overbearing midday sun. This heavy-duty umbrella has eight sturdy fiberglass ribs, making it incredibly wind-resistant while still being able to fold into a small size. Don't miss your chance to join the line for Pandora's Flight of Passage just because of a little rain, this umbrella will help you make the most of your day no matter the weather! A set of travel perfume carriers that can hold all of your favorite eau de parfums as you make your way around Epcot France. After sweating under the sun for a whole day, you will be happy you packed these sprays so that you can refresh yourself at your convenience. A Miss Mouth's stain remover spray to help wipe away the Mickey Ice Cream Bar residue from your little one's shorts. Designed to remove even the toughest of stains, this spray is a necessity when wrangling your family through the parks while attempting to keep their clothes Instagram-worthy. A three-pack of Disney-inspired lanyards so your family can keep their key cards strapped close to them at all times. With pouches to hold any additional cards or cash, these are great for anyone trying to waltz around Disney without the feeling of being weighed down by a wallet. Perhaps one of the most important items on this list, these ID holders are necessary for those who tend to misplace things more often than not. A pair of aqua socks to protect your feet and save you from any pool slipping incidents while at Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach. Super lightweight and flexible, these socks are perfect for your water excursions during your ultimate Disney vacation! A hand sanitizer holder because you should always have one on hand when you're in a place as crowded as Disney. Hook these cute keychains to your backpack and don't fear losing them on the monorail, your favorite scented sanitizer is always close by! Or a Disney-edition Touchland hand sanitizer with a summery watermelon scent 🍉 if you wanna smell like a walking, talking tropical vacation as you sanitize. Voila! I declare you ready for your Disney adventure!

Yahoo

7 hours ago

• Yahoo

Teachers Who Are Fed Up With Parents Not Taking Part In Their Child's Education — Tell Us What You Wish They'd Do

As a former high school English teacher, I can list all the ways I thought I'd see parents get involved in their child's education — and all the ways it rarely happened. It's unfortunately not an uncommon experience for educators. So I'm asking teachers (past and present) in our BuzzFeed Community to share ways they wish parents took on a more active role in their child's education. Related: Your Wedding Preferences Will Reveal Your Inner Disney Princess Maybe you, like me, used to teach English literature, and found yourself sending progress reports home regularly for students falling behind. However, no one seemed to respond until report cards hit their mailbox. Then, several parents wanted to know what extra credit opportunities could be made available for their kid who was missing dozens of assignments. TV Land / Related: Most People Can't Ace This US Geography Good Luck! Maybe you're an elementary school teacher, and one of your students keeps getting physical with others. Not only is it flat-out mean, but it's also a distraction in the classroom. You've tried to host guided conversations with the parents about techniques that could curb the behavior at home, but the parents refuse to believe it's happening at all. Or, maybe there's a student in your class who is never IN class. Their parent pulls them out of school for vacations monthly. And while you love that the kid is getting to live their best life, it's very hard to keep them on track, and you wish their parents could at least keep them up to date on their studies while abroad. Whatever the case may be, we want to hear about it. Teachers, tell us how you wish parents got more involved in their child's education in the comments. Or, if you'd like to remain anonymous, use the Google form below. Your response could be featured in an upcoming post. Also in Community: Your McDonald's UK Order Will Reveal The Perfect Summer Activity For You Also in Community: I'm Sorry, But Every American Should Be Able To Pass This Basic-Level US States Quiz Also in Community: Which Disney Princess Are You? Build A $500 Outfit To Find Out

Buzz Feed

9 hours ago

• Buzz Feed

Hidden Gem Movies To Stream On Hulu

Stress Positions (2024) You might never look at a TheraGun the same way after watching writer-director Theda Hammel's riotous debut feature — one of the very best things to hit theaters during the spring of 2024 and, without a doubt, the very best COVID comedy we've gotten to date. (I'll confess, it's not a crowded category.) John Early (Search Party) is the insufferable Terry Goon (talk about a name that tells you everything you need to know), an unemployed, recent divorcee, stumbling his way through a pandemic while living in his ex-husband's Brooklyn brownstone. A cast of eccentric characters — including his teen-model nephew and COVID-denying upstairs neighbor — pack every minute with spectacular chaos. Watch it on Hulu. Thelma (2024) June Squibb just narrowly missed out on an Oscar nomination for Thelma this year — and that's a shame, not only because we could have gotten more cutie-patootie red carpet moments from Squibb and Fred Hechinger, but because this modestly sized indie from Magnolia actually could have used a boost from the telecast. With all the ingredients of a crowdpleaser, this big-hearted comedy about a grandmother (Squibb) getting her revenge on a scammer, simply lacked word of mouth. Notably, the 95-year-old actor performed many of the impressive on-screen stunts herself, which begs the question: Could Thelma have secured a Stunt Design Award if the Academy introduced the new category for this last year? I guess we'll always have to wonder. Watch it on Hulu. La Chimera (2023) The forthcoming Mastermind isn't the first film to place Josh O'Connor at the center of an arthouse art heist. In one of his very best roles to date, the perpetually unshowered Challengers star plays Arthur, a grief-stricken Italian tomb raider searching for his missing girlfriend. This Cannes contender, released stateside in 2024, comes from the mind of Alice Rohrwacher (Happy as Lazzaro), which means you can expect plenty of magical realism and intricately designed set pieces to move the plot forward. It is a hallucinogenic, awe-inspiring experience that takes you through Italy's past and present while reminding you that there's pretty much nothing the Internet's husband can't do — like speak near-fluent Italian and get a big fit off in a soot-covered linen suit. Watch it on Hulu. Ghostlight (2024) It's a mystery to me why some Sundance darlings, like CODA, go on to win Best Picture at the Oscars and become household names, while others like Ghostlight (touted one of the best movies of [2024] by New York Magazine's Bilge Ebiri) fade into obscurity. This family-drama tearjerker opens by introducing us to Daisy (Katherine Mallen Kupferer), a troubled thespian teen prone to outbursts, who has been suspended from school for pushing a teacher. Her aggression, we learn, has been brought about by an unspeakable family tragedy. Enter: Rita (the always excellent Dolly De Leon), who might just be the key to getting the family back on track. In a chance encounter with closed-off patriarch Dan (Keith Kupferer) — yes, that's Daisy's real-life father — Rita introduces him to a community theater, specifically a production of Romeo and Juliet, which unexpectedly allows the family to process their grief and communicate more openly with one another. Watch it on Hulu. Strange Days (1995) Sure, you know The Hurt Locker and Zero Dark Thirty, but what about this deep cut from Kathryn Bigelow? A box-office flop, sure, but Strange Days is ripe for a re-appreciation on streaming thanks to its deeply '90s, cyberpunk aesthetic (complimentary) and prescient themes of fascism and police brutality. At least one critic has even touted the film as "better than Blade Runner," which is not nothing. Rounding out the intrigue of this sci-fi action gem is a cast that includes a near-unrecognizable Ralph Fiennes, Angela Bassett (she certainly did the thing here), and Juliette Lewis — plus, a writing credit from James Cameron, who divorced Bigelow four years prior. Watch it on Hulu. How to Blow Up a Pipeline (2023) There's never been a better time to press play on How to Blow Up a Pipeline, an urgent eco-thriller based on Andreas Malm's book of the same name, which asks us to consider when acts of terrorism might be justified for a greater good. Daniel Goldhaber's gripping film follows a group of twenty-something climate activists who band together to take down a West Texas pipeline that is wreaking havoc on its community. Each of the eight members have a different motivation for getting involved in the heist; Theo has contracted terminal leukemia from the town's toxic atmosphere, while the group's resident bomb expert, Michael, is an Indigenous person who has a personal connection to the land that has been occupied by oil workers. Contrary to what the title suggests, the film never feels didactic, and Goldhaber skillfully manages to never talk down to his audience, trusting that they are smart enough to draw their own conclusions from this evocative and quick-moving story. Watch it on Hulu. Minding the Gap (2018) The best kind of documentary, IMO? The kind that takes a seemingly narrow focus like, say, skateboarding, and finds a way to turn it into something universal. That's the gist of Bing Liu's masterwork from 2018 which starts off simple enough — a document of three boys and their love of skateboarding — and then plunges into heavier topics of masculinity, class, and race before you know it. This is all to say: Mid90s wants what Minding the Gap it on Hulu. The Feeling That the Time for Doing Something Has Passed (2023) And the winner of the Hardest Movie Title to Remember When Trying to Recommend It to a Friend Feeling That the Time for Doing Something Has Passed. Congrats! Yes, this indie stars Scott Cohen (the one and only Max Medina) alongside the multi-hyphenate talent Joanna Arnow, who wrote and directed the film. Arnow's comedy is about millennial malaise, BDSM, and dead-end jobs, and its uncomfortable truths will ring true to anyone who is willing to sit with it for long enough. The New Yorker's critic Richard Brody said it best when he said of Arnow's writing and direction, that she "recognizes that much of life's pain is built around sharp yet minor intimacies, impressions, and humiliations, and she brilliantly captures the sense of disproportion that arises when slight or banal exchanges have mighty emotional effects."Watch it on Hulu. National Anthem (2024) You might know him as that hot cowboy photographer from Instagram. Allow Luke Gilford to reintroduce himself as the talented filmmaker behind National Anthem. Told through his signature lush images, the photographer's debut feature film situates us in New Mexico as a 21-year-old construction worker (Charlie Plummer, who you may have also seen riding horses in Lean on Pete) finds himself immersed in the queer rodeo community. If Brokeback Mountain is the entirety of your queer-cowboy media diet, do yourself a favor during Pride Month and press play on this hidden gem. Watch it on Hulu. Presence (2024) Leave it to Steven Soderbergh to give us not one, but two, bangers within a year. The less buzzed-about, but equally deserving of your streaming time, film was Presence — a chilling ghost story unlike anything I've seen before. (Though, if you forced me to compare it to existing films, I'd say it brings to mind elements of Olivier Assayas's Personal Shopper and David Lowery's A Ghost Story.) Shot from the perspective of the ghost, this never-dull atmospheric thriller filled with spooky, tracking shots, slowly builds to a satisfying twist. Just don't go into this one expecting jump scares (or, much screen time from Julia Fox, for that matter, who was used in the marketing of the film) because you will be utterly disappointed. Watch it on Hulu. Perfect Days (2023) What the world needs now? A gentle, life-affirming film. Specifically, one that reminds us to take stock of the little moments that pass us by each day. I hear how cliche these words sound as I type them, and that only solidifies my belief that Wim Wenders, who directed this Oscar-nominated film, is one of the absolute greats — somehow able to pull at our heartstrings without saccharine storytelling or lousy contrivances. Even more impressive is the fact that Wenders was commissioned to make this film by Japan's Tokyo Toilet project, helping to promote the image of public hygiene. What he is able to pull off is something much more nuanced than an advertisement. It follows a highly routined toilet cleaner as he commutes to the city each day to scrub public toilets and visit the same bar, bath, and spot in the park. But don't be fooled by its deceptively simple, linear structure. Perfect Days is also a brutal takedown of our soul-sucking digital world (...I write, hunched over my MacBook.)Watch it on Hulu. The Seed of the Sacred Fig (2024) Here's a hidden gem that Iran's authoritarian government would prefer to keep hidden. Mohammad Rasoulof's powerful, fourth wall-breaking family drama that exposes much of Tehran's political turmoil was able to get made in secret and find global distribution — but not without consequence. Rasoulof was sentenced to eight years in prison and subsequently fled to Germany, along with the film's two stars Setareh Maleki and Mahsa Rostami. Rasoulof is not German, and there is no German language spoken at any point in the film; however, Germany opted to submit the film for Best International Film at the Oscars in lieu of Iran. That certainly gave the film some much-needed visibility but not nearly the amount it deserves. Thankfully, this important piece of filmmaking is now widely accessible stateside on streaming. Watch it on Hulu. Decision to Leave (2022) Park Chan-wook doesn't miss. The king of labyrinthian storytelling (Old Boy, The Handmaiden) delivered another instant classic in 2022 with Decision to Leave. Part love story, part murder mystery, the Korean auteur's Cannes hit surprised critics and fans alike by deviating from his usual (spectacularly graphic) mode of filmmaking. The story about a romance between a Busan detective and his prime suspect might feel more restrained, but there's no shortage of Chan-Wook's signature dark humor it on Hulu. Good Luck To You, Leo Grande (2022) One of the great, overlooked performances by multi-Oscar winner Emma Thompson is featured in this small Searchlight two-hander. Thompson plays an uptight middle-aged widow who hires a sex worker (Daryl McCormack) to achieve an orgasm for the first time and, of course, what ensues is something much more profound. Its witty and unflinching exploration of sex positivity, female pleasure, and human connection make it something of a spiritual predecessor to FX's current awards juggernaut series Dying For Sex. Free double-feature idea!Watch it on Hulu. Stream all these hidden gems on Hulu.