What to Watch on Apple TV+: 12 Must-See Films That Go Beyond Streaming Filler

Photo by James Yarema on Unsplash

Apple TV+ has carved out a distinct space in the streaming wars—not with quantity, but with quality storytelling and emotional depth. If you're sifting through the catalog wondering what to watch next, you're not alone. While mainstream hits like Ted Lasso and Severance steal headlines, a handful of understated, powerful films are quietly waiting to be discovered.

Here are four must-watch Apple TV films that stand out for their humanity, performances, and purpose.

1. CODA – A Symphony of Emotion

• Release Date: August 13, 2021
• Genre: Drama
• Cast: Emilia Jones, Marlee Matlin, Troy Kotsur
• IMDb Rating: 8.0/10

If you haven’t yet watched CODA, you’re missing one of the most heartfelt films in recent memory. This Oscar-winning drama follows Ruby, a hearing teenager in a deaf family, as she balances her love for music with her sense of duty at home.

What makes CODA so special isn’t just the story—it’s how authentically it’s told. Deaf actors play deaf roles, and sign language is treated not as a novelty but a language of love and conflict. The film walks a tightrope between joy and heartbreak, with scenes so emotionally charged they linger long after the credits roll.

Why it's worth watching: Emotional storytelling, authentic representation, and a moving finale that hits all the right notes.

2. The Pigeon Tunnel – Secrets of a Spy’s Mind

• Release Date: October 20, 2023
• Genre: Documentary
• Cast: John le Carré
• IMDb Rating: 7.3/10

Spies, lies, and literary genius—oh my! The Pigeon Tunnel dives deep into the fascinating life of John le Carré, the legendary author behind iconic spy novels. Whether you’re a fan of his books or just love a good documentary that feels like peeling back the layers of a classified file, , and it’s unlike any documentary you’ve seen. Directed by Errol Morris, the film blurs the lines between fact and fiction, espionage and identity, this one’s a must-watch. Plus, who doesn’t want a peek into the mind of a man who made espionage cool?

This is a film best enjoyed slowly, with a quiet room and a curious mind.

Why it's worth watching: Thought-provoking, elegant, and full of insight for fans of thrillers, literature, or real-world intelligence.

3. Palmer – Timberlake Goes Tug-at-Your-Heartstrings Mode

• Release Date: January 29, 2021
• Genre: Drama
• Cast: Justin Timberlake, Juno Temple
• IMDb Rating: 7.2/10

Forget pop songs and slick dance moves—Justin Timberlake proves his acting chops in Palmer, a heartfelt tale about redemption and unlikely friendships. As an ex-convict reconnecting with society, Timberlake bonds with a young, gender-nonconforming child, and the result is a powerful, feel-good story that’ll restore your faith in humanity (and make you cry a little, but in a good way).

Justin Timberlake surprises with a career-best performance in Palmer, a former convict who unexpectedly becomes a father figure to the child.

The film could’ve leaned into clichés but instead keeps things quiet, focused, and personal. The emotional weight comes not from over-the-top drama but from small moments—of kindness, growth, and resistance to judgment.

Why it’s worth watching: A grounded, warm story with social relevance, and a chance to see Timberlake in a refreshingly vulnerable light.

4. Fancy Dance – A Celebration of Family and Identity

• Release Date: October 6, 2024
• Genre: Drama
• Cast: Lily Gladstone, Isabel Deroy-Olson
• IMDb Rating: 7.4/10

Indigenous stories are finally getting the spotlight they deserve, and Fancy Dance shines as a heartfelt exploration of family and cultural identity. Anchored by Lily Gladstone’s stunning performance, this drama is both a celebration and a gut-punch, weaving together themes of resilience and connection. It’s a cinematic dance you won’t want to miss.

One of the most important Native American-centered films in recent memory, Fancy Dance follows a woman searching for her missing sister while caring for her niece. Set against the backdrop of a Powwow competition, the film explores what family means, especially in a system that often marginalizes Indigenous voices.

With strong performances and heartfelt direction, Fancy Dance captures the resilience, love, and cultural pride within Native communities.

Why it’s worth watching: Rare Indigenous representation done right, and a touching story of strength in the face of systemic obstacles.

Other Movie Worth Mentioning:

Here are 8 Apple TV+ films that are absolutely worth your watch—and why they matter.

1. Blitz – Grief, Resilience, and Wartime Survival

Directed by Steve McQueen (12 Years a Slave), Blitz tells the story of a young boy evacuated from London during World War II and his mother’s fight to reunite with him. With Saoirse Ronan in a restrained but powerful role, the film brings a fresh perspective to a well-trodden historical genre.

Good: Emotionally rich, with authentic visuals and sincere, down-to-earth performances.
Bad: The pacing may feel slow for action-oriented viewers

Why watch: A poignant blend of personal loss and wartime chaos, told through intimate human lenses.

2. Flora and Son – Music, Motherhood, and Second Chances

Flora and Son follows a single mother (Eve Hewson) and her strained relationship with her teenage son. With the help of a long-distance guitar teacher (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), they begin to connect—through music and vulnerability. Directed by John Carney (Once), this is a film about emotional healing wrapped in musical charm.

Good: Beautiful songs, witty dialogue, heartwarming chemistry
Bad: Some plot beats feel overly familiar

Why watch: A feel-good story that doesn’t shy away from real-life messiness, carried by honest performances.

3. Tetris – The Cold War Gets Gamified

This isn’t just a movie about falling blocks. Tetris is a fast-paced Cold War thriller about the rights battle behind the global gaming phenomenon. Taron Egerton stars as a gaming entrepreneur who risks everything to secure the distribution rights—smuggling business deals through Soviet bureaucracy.

Good: Fast editing, sharp humor, and historical intrigue
Bad: It takes creative liberties with real events

Why watch: It's not just about video games—it’s a surprisingly smart, suspenseful corporate espionage drama.

4. The Tragedy of Macbeth – Art Meets Atmosphere

Joel Coen's The Tragedy of Macbeth transforms Shakespeare’s classic into a minimalist, monochrome fever dream. With Denzel Washington and Frances McDormand at the helm, this film is as much about performance as it is about visual experimentation.

Good: Stunning cinematography, award-worthy acting, haunting tone
Bad: Might be too abstract or stylized for casual viewers

Why watch: A bold reimagining that blends theatre, film, and visual art into something unforgettable.

5. The Banker – Underdog Brilliance in the Face of Racism

The Banker, based on a true story, follows two Black entrepreneurs (played by Anthony Mackie and Samuel L. Jackson) in the 1960s who use a white man as a front to build a real estate empire. It’s a film that mixes financial strategy with racial tension.

Good: Strong performances, sharp script, relevant message
Bad: Some tonal shifts and pacing issues in the second half

Why watch: A rare business-themed drama that is both educational and socially powerful.

6. Causeway – Quiet Trauma, Quiet Strength

Causeway follows Jennifer Lawrence as a soldier coping with a traumatic brain injury while attempting to restart her life back in her hometown. She meets a mechanic (played by Brian Tyree Henry) who’s also grieving, and the two form a deep, quiet bond.

Good: Subtle, character-driven storytelling; emotionally resonant performances
Bad: Minimalist plot may feel uneventful to some

Why watch: It’s a rare film about emotional recovery that trusts silence more than spectacle.

7. Wolfwalkers – Hand-Drawn Brilliance with a Celtic Soul

From Irish studio Cartoon Saloon, Wolfwalkers is a stunning animated film about a young English girl in 17th-century Ireland who discovers a tribe of people who turn into wolves. A tale of colonialism, nature, and identity, it’s gorgeously drawn and rich with meaning.

Good: Gorgeous animation, layered allegory, magical world-building
Bad: Slightly slow start, younger kids may miss deeper themes

Why watch: Visually revolutionary, emotionally rewarding, and full of cultural spirit.

8. Girls State – Teen Politics, Real Stakes

A companion to Boys State, this documentary follows teenage girls participating in a mock political government event. It’s fascinating to see how young women approach leadership, power, and policy—and how deeply their personal identities shape their political choices.

Good: Eye-opening, inclusive, and unexpectedly emotional
Bad: Some arcs feel unresolved due to documentary format

Why watch: A hopeful yet honest look at the next generation of change-makers.

Apple TV+ Is Quietly Dominating Prestige Cinema

If you’re tired of noisy content with no emotional payoff, these films remind you why storytelling matters. Whether it's through historical resilience (Blitz), quiet trauma (Causeway), cultural reimaginings (Wolfwalkers), or musical joy (Flora and Son), Apple TV+ proves that its best offerings don’t shout—they resonate.

Why Wait? Start Streaming!

Apple TV+ is proof that you don’t need endless options to keep audiences hooked—just stellar films like these. Whether you’re in the mood for a heartwarming family story or an intriguing dive into espionage, this list has something for everyone. So if you're asking, “What’s actually worth watching on Apple TV+?”—start right here.

And hey, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more binge-worthy recommendations!