The Absolute Best Fantasy Movies on Netflix: Netflix’s fantasy options range from pure magic to touching allegories of the human condition.

Netflix doesn’t have a massive collection of fantasy flicks, but you can find several charming (and eclectic) gems. Many combine the fantastical with real-world struggles, including the remarkable Closet Monster. Or dive right into the high fantasy realm with The Golden Compass, based on Philip Pullman’s classic novels.

Hopefully you’ll find an intriguing gem below.

Netflix

The Old Guard (2020)

Technically a superhero film, The Old Guard brings a swath of impressive action scenes, popping off with each of star Charlize Theron’s gunshots. Theron plays Andy, leader of a group of immortal mercenaries, including a knight who fought in the Crusades. The centuries-old warriors head out on a revenge mission, bringing progressive heroes and slick fights, although it can’t dodge every cliché.

Netflix

The Sea Beast (2022)

The Sea Beast joins Netflix’s collection of stellar family-friendly animated adventures. A young girl named Maisie (Zaris-Angel Hator) stows away on the ship of sea monster hunter Captain Crow (Jared Harris), becoming wrapped up in a thrilling journey through uncharted waters. Bringing originality to the high seas and swashbuckling characters, The Sea Beast is a must-watch chapter of enchanting fantasy.

Warner Bros.

The Golden Compass (2007)

Fans of Philip Pullman’s classic fantasy novel series are probably better served by HBO’s TV show adaptation. But The Golden Compass, based on the first book, is a solid chapter with generous doses of fantasy escapism. Follow Lyra Belacqua (Dakota Blue Richards), a young adventurer who embarks on a journey from the esteemed halls of Oxford colleges to the kingdom of the Ice Bears in the frozen north. Nicole Kidman, Daniel Craig and Eva Green round out a rich cast.

Jose Haro

A Monster Calls (2016)

This dark fantasy drama comes from Spanish director J.A. Bayona, who’s since branched off into huge franchise chapters, including Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom and the first two episodes of Prime Video’s upcoming Lord of the Rings series. But perhaps his best work is centered on coming-of-age tales; A Monster Calls follows a troubled young boy who encounters a tree that promises to tell him three stories, as long as Connor tells him one in return. With roots in darker themes, one of them being death, A Monster Calls is a smart, moving fantasy tale.

Netflix

The Water Man (2020)

The Water Man won’t be for everyone. More drama than pure fantasy, this family friendly adventure deals with themes such as grief, loss and friendship. Eleven-year-old Gunner and his family move to a new town, where the bookworm must deal with not only a lack of friends but also a harsh father and a mother suffering from leukemia. His escapism takes him to a fairy tale forest, where his imagination comes alive. An adventurous tale dealing with bigger issues.

Strand Releasing/YouTube/Screenshot

Closet Monster (2015)

Unlocking multiple genres, Closet Monster uses its fantasy elements to open the door to a fresh and moving coming-of-age tale. Scarred by witnessing a homophobic attack, closeted and imaginative teenager Oscar must grapple with his feelings for Wilder. Be warned, Closet Monster splices David Cronenberg levels of body horror into its bigger picture about internalized homophobia. Capped by Connor Jessup’s superb performance, Closet Monster an indie gem.

Sony Pictures Releasing/YouTube/CNET Screenshot

Big Fish (2003)

Settle in for a fantastical tale that may or may not be true. Will Bloom (Billy Crudup) visits his dying father, whose exciting, impossible stories about his life begin to take on credibility. This sprawling, Tim Burton-directed adventure takes us back to Edward Bloom’s (Ewan McGregor) youth, where we see his stories play out for ourselves. With witches, a circus and bank robberies, Big Fish is a charming prize catch.

Netflix

Nightbooks (2021)

Co-produced by Sam Raimi, this dark fantasy is inscribed with top horror credentials. Still aimed at younger viewers, Nightbooks leafs through a mystery about a young boy who must figure out how to escape a magical apartment owned by Krysten Ritter’s witch Natacha. A tomb of fun.

Netflix

Errementari (2017)

Errementari, translated from Basque as The Blacksmith, is a horror fantasy about a deal with the devil. In northern Spain during the 1830s, a blacksmith holds a demon in captivity, until an orphan girl unwittingly releases it. War, murder, kidnapping, suicide and more await you in the furnace of this hellish horror with surprising lashings of dark comedy.

Warner Bros. Pictures

Dark Shadows (2012)

It’s not the greatest Tim Burton entry, but Dark Shadows offers another opportunity to admire the director’s trademark gothic visual style. Based on the soap opera of the same name, the comedy horror follows a rich playboy who unwisely breaks the heart of a witch (Eva Green). She turns him into a vampire and buries him alive. Two centuries later, Barnabas (Johnny Depp) emerges, discovering the world of the ’70s while harboring a taste for revenge. Though the characters and plot could be fleshed out significantly, Dark Shadows boasts a stellar cast, including Michelle Pfeiffer and Helena Bonham Carter. Plus, it gives you Barnabus’ hilarious fish-out-of-water reactions to ’70s pop culture.

Warner Bros.

Pan (2015)

This 2015 movie dove into the origin of Peter Pan and Captain Hook. It features Garrett Hedlund as Hook, and High Jackman as Blackbeard the pirate.

Netflix

A Boy Called Christmas (2021)

A Christmas cracker delivering heapings of holiday spirit. A Boy Called Christmas won’t win any awards for originality, but it certainly delivers what it says on the tin. Young Nikolas embarks on a quest to find the fabled village of the elves, with his pal Blitzen in tow. No prizes for predicting the gift-giving shenanigans that ensue.

How Fast Is Your Internet Connection? Here’s an Easy Way to Find Out: Is your provider truly delivering the speeds for which you’re paying? If not, here’s some guidance on what you can do about it.

Are you having a tough time loading your favorite website? Is your latest round of Warzone lagging? Maybe Disney Plus keeps buffering while you’re trying to binge Andor? The next time your home internet connection is struggling, take a few minutes to troubleshoot it. A good place to start is by checking your internet connection’s speed. 

Amplifying any perceived connection issues from your internet service provider is that many of us are still working remotely, at least part of the time. Combine that with your roommates or fellow family members all working, schooling, playing games and streaming videos, and your internet speed can start to falter. 

Shopping for a faster internet speed?

We’ll send you the fastest internet options, so you don’t have to find them.

The fix may be as simple as restarting your modem and router — which should always be your first step — or upgrading to a mesh network as a last resort. Below, we’ll show you how to check your internet connection’s speed and offer advice when it comes time to troubleshoot. 

Run a speed test on your computer, phone or tablet

There are plenty of apps and websites that will test the speed of your connection. Some more popular speed test services include Speedtest.net, Fast.com or CloudFlare.

Whether you install an app or use a website, it’s a good idea to run the test a few times to get a sense of your connection’s performance. Each test will take under a minute to complete, offering the download and upload speed results. 

The Federal Communications Commission published a guideline for household broadband speeds based on the number of devices and people connected to the same network. Basic service ranges from 3 megabits per second to 8Mbps and will be good enough for light usage (browsing, email, video calls, streaming HD video, etc.). Medium service is classified as 12-25Mbps and is best for up to three users or devices simultaneously, with medium to high usage depending on the activity. Finally, advanced service is any connection speed over 25Mbps and is best suited for those with more than four users or devices using the connection at the same time for more than light usage. 

Your internet connection’s speed will vary based on the time of day, the number of devices connected and in use, and other factors. I suggest running multiple speed tests for a day or two, tracking the results, to gauge your connection’s true speed. 

(For our tech-savvy readers, you can use a Raspberry Pi to run speed tests on a set schedule and upload the results to Google Drive for you to monitor by following this handy guide.)

Ideally, you’d connect your computer directly to your ISP’s modem with an ethernet cable to run a speed test, but that’s not always possible. But there’s another option for running a speed test: use your wireless router’s app. 

Do a speed test on your wireless router

Depending on your wireless router, it might be possible to run a speed test through its dedicated app. For example, Google’s Nest Wi-Fi can run a speed test in the app or ask Google Assistant how fast your internet connection is. How Fast Is Your Internet Connection? Here’s an Easy Way to Find Out.

Eero, Linksys and Asus ZenWifi routers also include the same capability, although not all support asking a smart speaker to run the test. It’s best to start by looking at a dedicated app. 

Using your wireless router’s speed test may prove to be more accurate — in theory, at least — because the router is connected directly to your modem. 

You don’t have to rush out and buy a new router if the speed test results are lower than you expect or are paying for. However, that may be the case, depending on how old it is. Router technology, like any other technology, often changes, and that can lead to performance issues. If your router was purchased in the last couple of years, odds are it’s fine, and the issue is due to something else. 

What to do if your speed is slower than it should be

I recommend turning off your modem and wireless router, leaving them off for about 60 seconds, and then turning them back on. Most of the time, this fixes any speed issues for me. CNET’s Ry Crist has further tips on how to get better, faster Wi-Fi to help you get your network back to working as it should. 

The answer isn’t as easy as calling your internet service provider and informing them of the subpar service. It’s a frustrating fact, but ISPs are allowed to throttle your connection speed. However, there are steps you can take to determine if that’s the case or if there’s another issue at fault. 

You can also check your provider’s app or website for an outage. The first thing I do when my Comcast Xfinity connection is acting flaky is open the Xfinity My Account app and look for any service issues. The app will give you an estimated restoration time when there is one. Knowing that the issue isn’t anything on your end means you can forgo any troubleshooting.

Finally, you can call your provider to ensure your modem supports your plan’s speed or to see if there are plans or promotions that will be worth an upgrade, so you can get the speeds you need to have a stress-free day of work and play. How Fast Is Your Internet Connection? Here’s an Easy Way to Find Out.

Best VPN for Amazon Fire TV Stick in 2023: A virtual private network can stop your ISP from throttling your streaming. Here are the best VPNs for Amazon Fire TV Sticks.

Just because Amazon can view all your streaming data while you’re using your Fire TV Stick, that doesn’t mean that your internet service provider needs to know what you’re watching too. Using a quality VPN will keep your Amazon Fire TV viewing activity hidden from your ISP and will prevent your speeds from being throttled. The best VPN for Fire Stick devices not only will improve your privacy and security, but will also help you unblock geo-restricted content, opening up even more streaming options. 

The days of viewer anonymity we once enjoyed with boxy, fuzzy-pictured TVs are long gone. Thanks to the rise of the smart TV, we’re now in the age of smart surveillance. And as with any internet-connected device in your home, your media habits are subject to monitoring by your ISP, malicious snoops and your government (where applicable). But with the help of our top VPN recommendations for Amazon Fire Stick users, you can draw the encryption curtains on would-be peepers. A Fire TV Stick VPN can protect your online identity, help you avoid online surveillance by your ISP, and offer you total privacy. 

Best VPN for Amazon Fire TV Stick in 2023

Two key callouts for this list: First, each of these is available as an app on current versions of the Fire Stick. Simply search the store for the VPN app as you would for any other streaming app, such as Hulu or Showtime. Second, you’ll see that all our recommendations are drawn from the top three performers in CNET’s directory of the best overall VPNs to use in 2023. That’s thanks to the obstacle course CNET puts VPN services through during our testing and evaluation process. One of the primary factors in securing a top spot on our best VPN list is a VPN’s platform compatibility, so it’s little surprise that our top three recommendations are VPN services that work on a wide range of systems and devices. 

When we evaluate VPNs for Fire TV Stick use, our priorities are straightforward. We’re looking for the fastest , most streaming-friendly services with strong-enough security to keep your service provider blind to your whereabouts and your ISP blind to your content choices. As always, we strongly recommend that you avoid free VPNs and instead use a tried-and-true paid VPN that offers the cheapest deals. Check out our picks for the best Amazon Fire Stick VPN.

ExpressVPN

• Latest tests: No leaks detected, 2% speed loss in spring 2022 tests
• Network: 3,000-plus servers in 160 locations across 94 countries
• Jurisdiction: British Virgin Islands
• Price: 5 simultaneous connections for $13 per month, $60 for six months or $100 for a year (current discount: 3 months free). 2-year subscriptions available

ExpressVPN

• Current fastest VPN we’ve tested
• Unblocks Netflix, great for gaming and P2P
• Solid security and transparency, zero leaks
• Excellent customer support, easy refunds

49% off with 12-mo plan (+3 free months)

When it comes to speed, security and unblocking capabilities, ExpressVPN is tough to beat. After a set-back in 2020, ExpressVPN is again currently in first place as the fastest VPN we’ve tested. ExpressVPN caused us to lose just 2% of speeds in our 2022 speed tests, so you shouldn’t have any issues achieving enough speeds for a smooth streaming experience whether you’re streaming in 720p or 4K UHD. 

Normally, if you’re using ExpressVPN on a smart TV or gaming console, you’re going to need to install the VPN’s router app and set up your connection to cover multiple devices. But if you have a Fire TV or a Google TV, you can bypass ExpressVPN’s custom router setup altogether and install the ExpressVPN app right onto your smart TV. 

Best VPN for Amazon Fire TV Stick in 2023

The VPN also unblocks Netflix and other streaming services more reliably than most other VPNs, has servers in 94 countries around the world — so basically any geographic region you’d want access to is available in its extensive global network of VPN servers. ExpressVPN’s collection of setup guides, detailed FAQs and troubleshooting articles give it a clear advantage for Smart TV users, even if you’re connecting your TV to several other consoles and devices. That’s also where ExpressVPN’s 24/7 customer support, and its no-questions-asked, 30-day money back guarantee come in handy. 

ExpressVPN’s included Media Streamer smart DNS feature is also simple to set up on any smart TV. Just keep in mind that while smart DNS can help you unblock geo-restricted content, your connection won’t be encrypted, so you won’t have the same privacy protections as you would via your VPN connection. But if you’re a casual user and streaming is your only objective here, then Media Streamer could be a good option for you. 

All this comes at a price, however. ExpressVPN may be the best VPN for smart TVs, but it is also one of the most expensive. ExpressVPN’s best plan offers five simultaneous connections for $100 a year (which includes three extra months, for a limited-time deal totaling 15 months of service). You can also opt for a $13 per-month plan, or pay $60 for six months. While you can get a better month-to-dollar bargain with ExpressVPN’s two-year subscription, we don’t recommend anyone purchase any two-year VPN subscriptions at this time due to overall market volatility.

Surfshark

• Latest tests: Zero data leaks and 19% internet speed loss in fall 2022 tests
• Network: 3,200-plus in 99 countries
• Jurisdiction: Netherlands
• Price: Unlimited connections for $48 for the first year (then $60 annually) or $13 per month. 2-year subscriptions available.

Surfshark VPN

• Best value VPN in 2022
• Lots of unique security features
• Unlimited simultaneous connections
• RAM-only server network

84% off with 24-mo plan (+2 free months)

Surfshark boasts an impressive suite of privacy and security features, unlimited simultaneous connections, easy-to-use interface and expansive global network. And it’s still significantly cheaper than most of its competitors. That’s what helped Surfshark earn our Editors’ Choice for Best Value VPN in 2023.

Along with standard VPN features such as a kill switch and DNS leak protection, some of the more notable Surfshark features include camouflage mode (which hides the fact you’re using a VPN), split-tunneling, NoBorders mode (which lets you use Surfshark in regions where VPNs are restricted) and multihop VPN connections. You’ll also get access to Surfshark’s CleanWeb technology, which blocks ads and malware and helps you avoid phishing attacks. 

Best VPN for Amazon Fire TV Stick in 2023

One innovation we’re excited to see Surfshark roll out over the next year is its Nexus network, which connects the VPN’s entire network of servers together and allows you to choose multiple servers to route your connection through. The functionality is somewhat similar to Tor, but Surfshark says it’s faster. With its Dynamic MultiHop, IP Randomizer and IP Rotator functions, the Nexus network can give you a few extra layers of protection while you use the VPN — which can be particularly beneficial to users with critical privacy needs. 

Surfshark says it doesn’t log any user activity. And although no-logging claims are virtually impossible to prove with 100% certainty, German cybersecurity firm Cure53 declared Surfshark’s security to be “solid” in its 2021 security audit of the VPN. Surfshark says a new audit is forthcoming by the end of this year. 

As of February 2022, both Surfshark and NordVPN have the same corporate parent (Tesonet), but Surfshark said it is legally bound not to share any information between the entities that would go against its privacy policy or terms of service. We didn’t find any language in either document that would indicate Surfshark has any obligation to share user data with its parent company or any sibling companies, which include NordVPN. 

Surfshark rates consistently as one of the fastest VPNs available. Which is why we were surprised that one of the only issues we had with Surfshark came in our speed test. While it still ranks as one of the fastest VPNs we’ve tested — with an internet speed loss of just 19% — we were disappointed with the inconsistent speed results we got to certain locations. Speeds to Europe and Singapore were erratic (dipping as low as 9Mbps to Singapore), while speeds to New York were slower than speeds to the UK and even Australia. Surfhark is in the process of significantly expanding its server network, now offering more than 3,200 servers in 99 countries. The continued expansion of its server network could potentially help bring some more consistency to the VPN’s speeds. 

In our tests, Surfshark had no problems unblocking Netflix and Amazon Prime Video content, but we did run into a fair bit of trouble accessing Disney Plus. After testing various servers in the US and other countries where Disney Plus is available, we were finally able to access the content when we connected to a server in Boston. You may need to test a few servers yourself before gaining access to Disney Plus content with Surfshark.

Surfshark offers cheaper introductory prices that jump after the first billing cycle. Even so, Surfshark manages to keep its prices lower than most other VPNs — helping it earn CNET’s Editors’ Choice for Best Value. The yearly plan starts out at $48 for the first year, then jumps to $60 for any additional years of service. If you opt for the two-year plan, you’ll pay $60 up front for the initial two years combined, then $60 per year for any additional years. Surfshark’s monthly plan stays constant at $13 a month. If you’re not satisfied with the service for any reason, Surfshark offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

NordVPN

• Latest tests: No leaks detected, 13% speed loss in summer 2022 tests
• Network: 5,600-plus servers in 84 locations across 59 countries
• Jurisdiction: Panama
• Price: 6 simultaneous connections for $12 per month or $60 for a year (current discount: 3 months free). 2-year subscriptions available. 

NordVPN

• Among the fastest VPNs
• Tons of features
• Diskless RAM-only server infrastructure
• Solid encryption

68% off with 24-mo plan (+3 free months)

NordVPN is like the final boss you have to fight if you’re a VPN industry newcomer. Why? Because it’s got an answer to every advantage you might bring to the table. Your VPN is faster this year? Watch how fast Nord can get when it expands its fleet again. You’ve beefed up your VPN’s security? That’s great, but Nord’s gone 100% RAM-disk and offers co-located and bare metal servers after its 2019 scare. Even if you’re an established contender like ExpressVPN, you’ve still got to constantly deal with NordVPN’s advertising war chest and willingness to slash prices at the drop of a hat to dominate the market. 

In CNET’s list of overall best VPNs, ExpressVPN currently outranks NordVPN. The key here that puts NordVPN ahead of ExpressVPN for Fire TV Stick is Nord’s consistency. I found NordVPN’s speeds were reliable. There were never any sudden dips or service interruptions, and where I expected the VPN to underperform, it proved itself up to the task. That reliability is what you’re going to need most when it comes to streaming data-heavy media content from providers like HBO Max.

NordVPN offers a generous simultaneous connection count, with six simultaneous connections through its network, where nearly all other providers offer five or fewer. It also offers a dedicated IP option, for those looking for a different level of VPN connection. NordVPN offers a kill switch feature and the ability to VPN into Tor. I detected no privacy leaks during my tests.

In my most recent speed tests, NordVPN’s performance was on par with many of its competitors, reducing my speeds by 53% on average (which is slower than the 32% loss measured in previous speed tests). Like ExpressVPN however, NordVPN has been prepping for its next round of races and aiming for the trophy. 

The company’s two-year VPN subscription plan costs $3.29 a month ($78.96 billed at once). That price is lower than most contenders, but creeps up for the one-year plan ($4.99 a month or $59.88 total) and the monthly plan ($12 a month). But it does have a full 30-day refund policy.