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37 Fun Products You Probably Don't Need, But Sure Do Deserve

37 Fun Products You Probably Don't Need, But Sure Do Deserve

Buzz Feed06-04-2025
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.
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These buckle slides that look like a Birkenstock and a jelly sandal had a baby are poised to be *the* shoe of the summer.
1. A cheerful, ridiculously roomy corduroy tote bag that you'll want in every pattern this spring. This lightweight number is strong enough to handle your groceries but also adorable enough to demand that you stick a little Trader Joe's bouquet in them to peek out the side. Also ... it has an inner POCKET.
Promising review: "I love this bag. It holds everything. I even used it as my extra allowed personal item on the plane, and I had all I needed tucked right in this bag. Even my water bottle and reading materials fit well. It's got cute style. It's easy to locate in the house because of its bright colors. Washes up fantastically. The snaps work great, so things do not easily spill out. The inside pockets are perfect for phone and small wallet and provide easy access to them." — L.
Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (available in 40 styles).
2. A Baccarat Rouge 540-inspired moisturizing body wash infused with white jasmine, red currant, and sweet amber that reviewers swear by for a cheap alternative to keep that delectably luxe scent on them all day long. Nothing wrong with smelling a lil' ~~expensive~~!
I bought this after being peer-pressured by all the lovely reviews, and I'm happy to report it lives up to the hype. The scent is lovely — it has depth with a hint of floral, but it's light and not at all overpowering. My favorite thing about it is how easily it pairs other scents, because I am a body mist gremlin who swaps out her scents every day. The lather is also deeply satisfying and I feel quite refreshed and squeaky clean without ever feeling dry.
Promising review:"Cremo's body wash is nothing short of exceptional. If you're a fan of luxurious fragrances, this product will quickly become your new favorite. It boasts an incredible scent that perfectly mimics Baccarat Rouge 540 — a fragrance renowned for its sophisticated and captivating aroma. What sets this body wash apart is not just its stunning scent but also its longevity. The fragrance lingers beautifully throughout the day, ensuring you stay enveloped in that luxurious aroma long after your shower." — Ralph D. Thompson II
Get it from Amazon for $9.99.
3. A buildable Lego cherry blossom reviewers love for a small but thoughtful way to add a touch of whimsy to their floral displays, or to gift to a fellow Lego enthusiast as a cheerful lil' pick-me-up.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
4. L'Oreal Paris Makeup Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara in a new brown shade so you can have all the *vavoom* of thick, full lashes with that romantic ~softness~ of the more muted shade. Similar to the iconic black shade that made it famous, this mascara doesn't smudge, clump, or flake for alllll day wear, and washes easily to be extra gentle on lashes.
Promising review: "I have been searching for a brown mascara and this is it! It's the best mascara I have used in a long time. Goes on easily without clumping. Lifts and separates my lashes. I'm so happy with it! I set up a subscribe and save so I don't run out!" — jeanielemo
"I bought the latte brown and really like the look of it. Black mascara looks costume-ish on me. This color has a softer, more natural look on me. Thought it was worth a go and am not disappointed." — Garden Girl
Get it from Amazon for $9.09 (also available in three other shades of black).
5. Death Wish Instant Coffee Packets so downright (dare I say, DANGEROUSLY) delicious that even the biggest coffee snobs you know might trade in their precious pour-overs. That is, if they can handle the 300mg of caffeine per cup 👀.
www.amazon.com
Check out a TikTok of the Deathwish Instant Coffee in action. (Also I read at least one review of someone PUTTING THIS IN THEIR MORNING SMOOTHIE, some of you are WILD.)
Note: According to the Mayo Clinic, up to 400mg of caffeine is safe for most healthy adults.
Death Wish Coffee is a small business that specializes in coffee pods, grounds, whole beans, and more.
Promising review: "So let me start by saying that this coffee is delicious and works if you're someone like me who wants to stay awake. I work night shifts at a hospital, and in the mornings, when I get home, I'm quite tired and sleepy. I made myself a cup of coffee and waited for it to work. Now let me tell y'all!!! This coffee kept me awake for hours!! BOY, WAS I WOWED INDEED … best believe I went ahead and ordered three more boxes. This is now my to-go coffee if I need a BOOST!!!!!! If you like coffee and want to stay awake, then BUY THIS COFFEE!!! I'm happy I no longer have to take naps to get re-energized." — nancy
Get a pack of eight from Amazon for $10.99.
6. Clinique Almost Lipstick Tinted Lip Balm in Black Honey you're definitely going to want to stock up on *now*, before TikTokers go feral again (guilty as charged). This cult-classic, lightweight, slightly glossy shade is beyond "holy grail" status — it matches skin tones so beautifully that I'm personally starting to suspect witchcraft, after seeing so many TikToks of it subtly transforming entire beauty looks with just a few swipes.
Amazon
I was very adamant about not buying this for the longest time because I am stubborn about "expensive" beauty products, but this is worth every penny and then some. It's so lightweight and layerable, it's foolproof to apply, and I have yet to wear a single outfit it doesn't complement??? I love watching it instantly elevate a casual look or add simple elegance to dressy ones. I wear it every day now, and after weeks of use, I've barely made a dent. Also, and maybe this is just me, but I tend to get pigment on my teeth with a lot of lip products, and I've simply never had an issue with this magic stick.
Anyway, watch this TikTok of someone using it on their lips AND cheeks, because I did and oops, this lipstick FELL into my cart.
Get it from Amazon for $21.25 (also available in pink honey!).
7. A TikTok-beloved "Soft" perfume rollerball that honestly has no right smelling so delectable and layering so well considering it's only five cash dollars. Reviewers are obsessed with the scent's warm sweetness with a hint of citrusy zest, comparing it to waffle cones, lemon pound cake, and warm vanilla scones ... and this $65 bottle of Pink Sugar 👀.
Promising review: "Like so many, I found this scent on TikTok. I was a bit skeptical at first but finally got around to trying it. First off, this scent smells amazing! Almost every time I've worn it, I receive compliments. It has a sweet smell, almost like warm cake or sugar cookies with a hint of lemon. With such an affordable price, I would definitely recommend this to anyone curious about trying it." — Chrissy
Get it from Amazon for $6.20 (available in two styles).
8. A shaker of Thin Mint seasoning you need to buy as a favor to all your taste buds immediately. Allow me to paint a picture for you: Thin Mint coffee, Thin Mint pudding, Thin Mint popcorn, Thin Mint anything your dessert gremlin heart desires.
I stared at this for months online before caving and buying it, and when I tell you!! It jazzes up my morning coffee in a way that makes my little '90s baby heart sing. I've also loved it on Greek yogurt, oatmeal, and mug cakes. Plus, when I am feeling lonely for a real Thin Mint, and we're not in Girl Scout cookie season, I'll shake this on an Oreo Thin to stave off the despair.
Get it from Amazon for $4.79.
9. A mini Bob Ross paint-by-numbers kit for anyone on their "happy accidents" beat — this itty bitty set comes with everything you need to create three tiny masterpieces of your very own.
The kit comes with three different numbered canvas designs, seven paint pots, a mini brush, and an easel.
Promising review: "I have to admit I was skeptical because of the price and size. However, I got these for my husband for his birthday (he loves Bob Ross) and what a find!! We had so much fun mixing colors and painting. Would definitely recommend. The fact that they are small makes them even more special. I wish there were more to paint!" — slb m
Get it from Amazon for $6.80.
10. A set of hair tie bracelets designed to look like *actual* jewelry, so you won't be kicking yourself when you realize you left a hair tie on your wrist for every photo.
www.amazon.com, Amazon
Promising review:"I love these! These add the cutest touch to any outfit. They make you feel better about wearing a hair tie on your wrist. And they function great as both a hair tie and a bracelet! Not too tight to wear as either. Love them!" — Tiara Scheurell
Get a set of 20 from Amazon for $7.99 (available in eight styles).
11. Murdle, Volume 1, a true essential for anyone who relaxes to true crime podcasts or Only Murders in the Building. The book is full of 100 mystery-themed logic puzzles with four different levels of difficulty that they can do solo or with pals, and in order or out of order (although if they do it in order, they get the full scoop on Deductive Logico and Inspector Irratino, whose hilarious misadventures guide you through the book).
Check out a TikTok of Murdle in action.
The best part?? Once you finish "Murdling," you can use your sleuthing skills on Volume 2, Volume 3, and a whole BUNCH of other themed Murdle books!
Promising review: "The puzzles are a lot of fun but the characters, story lines, and other details take the Murdle experience to another level. I have no idea how the author came up with all of this creativeness! You can Murdle solo or with friends. I look forward to future volumes but this one will keep me busy for awhile!" — Liz Gately
Get it from Amazon for $10.25.
12. A cheeky pair of double-buckle slides that look like what happens when a Birkenstock from the 2000s falls in love with a jelly sandal from the '90s in a forbidden time-crossed romance.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "So soft and fitted to my feet. Probably going to get other colors very soon. Love an easy slip-on that's affordable." — Bran fish
Get it from Amazon for $27.99 (available in women's sizes 6–11 and dozens of colors).
13. A set of limited edition wildflower Band-Aids so the next time you get a little ouch, you can be like, "wound care, but make it fashion."
Promising review: "If you're looking for a cute Band-Aid that has flexible fabric, these are it! I only use flexible fabric band-aids because they're way more comfortable and stay on better. Bonus that these are a cute design!" — Jessica
Get a pack of 30 from Amazon for $3.77.
14. A NeeDoh "Dream Drop," a beloved member of the *elite* Needoh sensory fidget toy line for anyone who wants to add more calm and focus to their day. This goo-filled, delightfully colorful fidget has a satisfying squish with a "slow rise" before going back to its original shape. Reviewers also love that it doesn't have the kind of stickiness that picks up debris and makes it hard to clean.
Schylling is a small business that specializes in modern and retro toys, games, and sets.
Promising review: "Great, and I love that it has a tray to sit on. I love how firm this is to squeeze, and the slow release is really relaxing. The included dish is a great touch — it keeps it clean and gives it a dedicated spot to rest." — AZMOM
Get it from Amazon for $7.23 (the color is either blue, pink, or purple and gets selected for you at random)!
Check out the rest of the Needoh fidget toy options on their Amazon storefront!
15. Spring Moments, another beloved stress relief coloring book from Coco Wyo, a brand that's made itself famous on TikTok for its cozy, relaxing, easy-to-draw themes. This one is full of happy little animals frolicking in springtime shenanigans. 🌸
Amazon, www.amazon.com
Psst — Coco Wyo has a *ton* of other cozy stress relief coloring books with different themes in their Amazon storefront!
Another psst — you can pick up a cult-fave colored pencil set on Amazon for $9.59!
Promising review: "Oh my gosh. Hands down one of my absolute FAVORITE coloring books. Anything they put out, I will buy. It just is what it is. I l ove that there is so much to color while simultaneously not too much. You still have so much creative freedom with this one but it's so easy to make fun designs. If you're thinking about it... DO IT!" — SE Reviews
Get it from Amazon for $7.99.
16. An oh-so-snuggly Kindle, iPad, and phone lap pillow holder so you can stream content or read the latest fairy, dragon, and/or "dead girl found in the woods" book in the *ultimate* comfort. This can rotate and easily adjust the angle of the screen, and even comes with a little spot to hold a snack!
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"I love everything about this! Easy to use! Works great for phones or Kindles! Decently priced, lightweight, and very sturdy! The soft pillow provides a comfortable lap experience while reading!" — Kimberly
Get it from Amazon for $39.99.
17. A pair of pretty pastel wireless over-the-ear headphones crafted to look like AirPods Max, so you can still enjoy the comfort and chic style of their iconic headphones without shelling out hundreds of dollars. These feature premium cushion padding, a built-in mic with the ability to take calls, 10 hours of playtime per charge, and surprisingly decent noise blocking for the price.
iJoy is a small business that specializes in headphones and tech accessories.
I own a pair of these, and because I'm vain as heck and need to own all things pink, but I was decently surprised by how well they muffle noise! I feel like these are ideal for people who still want to hear some of the world around them (read: parents, people working in open offices), but still want to listen to their tunes comfortably. The charge on these goes for at least four hours (I haven't tried it beyond that yet), and the Bluetooth connects to my devices super easily. Excellent pair of headphones for the price point.
Promising review: "These headphones surprised me. I thought they were not going to be as great because of how cheap they are, but the bass is amazing! The noise cancellation is so good that I can't hear anything. The volume is loud and sound quality is a win, and just how I like it. Very snug and comfy, recommend! Thanks TikTok, lol :)." — Chevelle Revero
Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in five colors).
18. The TikTok-viral Nooni appleberry lip oil that more than earned its spot on the MVP List — this K-beauty staple not only tints your lips for all-day wear, but helps moisturize and plump lips, so it's your one-stop shop for lip color *and* care.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "This stuff is magic! I have very dry, gray colored lips that need a lot of moisture and care. This isn't *just* a lip tint, it's a beautiful moisturizer and smells amazing! It allows for your skin to breathe and it also sloughs away dead skin when you wipe it off. Color stays for a long time. I literally only buy this for my lips!" — Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $12 (available 12 shades and multipacks).
19. A set of cowboy straw toppers to add some much-needed "yeehaw!" into your hydration regimen, and keep your straws safe from germs out here in the wild, bacterial west.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"So SO CUUUTE! 10/10!! Good product and keeps my straw from getting bugs or germs on it! Plus, it's really cute." — JennA
Get a set of four from Amazon for $5.99.
20. A three-pack of vintage-inspired polarized sunglasses for anyone who needs to stock up on a few "these look like Ray-Bans, but I won't cry into my Baja Blast if I accidentally leave them in the Taco Bell parking lot" pairs this year. These are especially handy because you can match the subtle prints to whatever 'fit you're wearing!
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"I've been buying these for years. They replaced my Ray-Bans that look identical! Fit great and with the price point I don't have to worry too much with my kids and being on the go!" — Jessica M
Get a pack of three from Amazon for $15.99+ (clip the 20% off coupon on the product page for this price; available in 16 sets, as well as two-packs and individual pairs).
21. Built's "Puff Protein Bars" that are basically chocolate-covered marshmallows that also, by some witchcraft, have 17 entire grams of protein in them?? And NO weird aftertaste. If you are also someone who is in a perpetual state of "I need protein or I will bite someone's brain off," I am telling you, nothing in this WORLD will feel better than pulling one of these out of your bag.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Hello, I'm a walking cliché of Woman In Her Mid-30s Who Is Very Obsessed With Protein, since it took me three decades to realize I'm in a much better mood all day if I cram it in at every opportunity. I'm very, VERY picky about the protein bars I'll eat — Barebells and Nick's are my go-tos — and these Built bars knocked it out of the park! They have a truly marshmallow-like consistency and the most ridiculously satisfying texture and chewiness. The flavors I've tried have all been spot-on, and they don't leave any kind of aftertaste. I am perpetually out and about and in need of a snack, so I have one of these in my purse at all times!
Get a pack of 12 from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in 10 flavors).
22. A "float-tea unicorn" to make steeping your tea downright magical every morning, no matter *how* much caffeine you need to get yourself across today's rainbow.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"No matter how your day goes, if you are a tea drinker, put this lil' guy in your cup of tea and he's sure to make you smile! He works as expected to steep your tea ... the smile and brighter mood are decided bonuses! He's very easy to fill with tea leaves, and after your cuppa, he is really easy to clean! I have a number of different infusers for tea. This cute lil' unicorn is already my fave. ❤️🦄❤️" — Vicky S.
Get it from Amazon for $12.70.
23. A light up solar frog figurine for your garden or porch so when you come home from that "just one drink" dinner past midnight, this croaky lil' fella can lovingly judge you for it.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "I love this! It's well painted, and the solar light works great. It is the cutest thing on my patio table." — solowithpits
Get it from Amazon for $19.77.
24. A goth popcorn maker and bowl for anyone who wants an extra side of spook with their saltiness. This silicone skull is so easy to use that you can pour in the kernels, pop it in the microwave for two to three minutes, and get eight cups of freshly popped popcorn without even having to use oil!
Amazon
Promising review: "This has got to be one of my favorite purchases of the entire year. It's absolutely perfect in every single way. P erfect size, perfect cook every single time, perfect little skully face. Incredibly simple to use and clean. I can't rave about this thing enough. Absolutely fantastic!" — Kelsi E McCoy
Get it from Amazon for $16.99.
25. Yellowbird's Small Batch Garlic Shiitake Hot Sauce, the beloved brand's *hottest* sauce yet. Those brave enough to ride the burn will love the combo of umami mushroom and spicy garlic and the fresh, slightly floral top note of habaneros. Bonus — this hot sauce is vegan and gluten-free!
www.amazon.com, Amazon
Yellowbirds Foods is a small business that specializes in "curious and flavorful" hot sauces.
Promising review: "The heat sneaks up on you! Super delicious. I like it in place of a spicy mustard. Flavorful, but with a sneaky, slow build heat. The mushroom is really subtle — but the umami flavor is there!" — Molly Leftwich
Get it from Amazon for $14.
26. An affordable, elegant gold-plated paperclip-style necklace to instantly give any outfit a touch of sophistication without also making it a little, well, *boring*. Elegance, but with a bit of a modern edge.
Promising review: "You can't tell it's not solid gold. I've worn this every day for nearly a month, and it still looks fantastic. This is, I think, my fourth or fifth Pavoi purchase (specifically for their gold-plated jewelry) in the last year or so, and honestly, I won't order any other brand. Pavoi gives Vermeil a run for their money. The quality is that good. I've yet to have a single piece change in color, chip, or tarnish. All look just as good as the day I got them." — Candy H.
For what it's worth, Pavoi — the company behind this piece — has gone TikTok viral time and time again for its classic, modern, and expensive-looking pieces. I personally own almost all my "daily wear" jewelry from Pavoi and swear by it. Everything is so easy to accessorize and makes my outfits look and feel so much more put together, and the pieces are so durable that they're easily worth twice what I paid. Check out the rest of Pavoi's line of jewelry for more options, including earrings, bracelets, and anklets!
Get it from Amazon for $14.45 (available in two finishes and one other style).
27. A unique and oh-so-decadent Otherland candle for anyone who adores classic, welcoming scent profiles with whimsical twists. These candles push the box on your regular florals and fruits by adding distinctive layers like California Fig, Chili Salt, and even Tennis Ball. 👀 🎾
Amazon
Otherland is a small business that specializes in unique vegan candles.
Here's what my beloved fellow BuzzFeeder/soul twin Heather Braga has to say about it: " I'm SUCH a fan of Otherland candles. I've been burning them in my home for years and, honestly, cannot get enough of them. I've given tons of them as gifts as well, and everyone has always raved about how much they love them. They each have a burn time of 55 hours, are made of a coconut and soy wax blend, contain a cotton wick, and are hand poured in the US."
Get it from Amazon for $30 (available in 11 scents).
28. A dimmable flexible clip-on mushroom light so versatile that it'll become your Emotional Support Shroom — this gizmo clips to desks, cribs, bedside tables, and computer monitors to give an ambient, soft glow that's easy on the eyeballs when you're trying to focus. (Also, it's just so darn precious??)
Reviewers especially love this lamp for small spaces, since it doesn't take up valuable surface area!
Promising review: "I love the way the light looks and the many colors, but honestly I love the flexibility of the neck. I can manipulate it to fit the function of what I am doing. I have used it as reading light and mood light by the bed. I had no problem reading my book at night. I have used it as a task light to do arts and crafts. More recently, I have used it at work and it now has a permanent spot at my desk. The light was a great value for the money for me." — Terese
Get it from Amazon for $35.99 (available in two colors).
29. A compact, beginner-friendly watercolor palette that comes with everything you need to start creating your own masterpieces you can use to decorate your walls in the coziest, most colorful way imaginable — especially with 100 (!!) colors to choose from.
www.amazon.com
Each set comes with a 100-color palette, a sketch pencil, a sponge, a swatch sheet, and three water brush pens.
Promising review:"Love collecting watercolor sets, and this one is amazing — so many exquisite colors to paint with. Creativity is everything, and imagination with all these colors is unlimited. Pure happiness!" — pve
Get it from Amazon for $29.99.
30. A set of book-shaped sponges, aka what happens when Cinderella and Belle collaborate on your birthday gift.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"These sponges are adorable!! I've gotten so many compliments on them from friends and family. They're bright and look great along my sink. I haven't used them yet because I don't want to ruin them, but they look like decent sponges. They're so pretty, though you probably won't want to use them either! They would make a great housewarming gift!!" — EC
Get a set of three from Amazon for $10.
31. A set of itty bitty ceramic rice ball vases that all onigiri lovers deserve to have on their desk as a delicious aesthetic. LOOK AT THESE HAPPY BUBS.
Promising review: "BEYOND DARLING. They arrived and I giggled out loud. They are the cutest little things EVER. They make me SO very happy. They are well made and high quality. So glad I stumbled across these!!!!!" — Madeleinexo
Get a set of five from Amazon for $16.99 (also available as cats and ghosts).
33. A set of dainty but surprisingly strong bow-shaped hair clips to pair with all your frilliest spring dresses or to add a soft touch your more structured work outfits.
Emma Lord/BuzzFeed, www.amazon.com
I own a ton of these in different colors now because it is SO easy to comfortably secure my hair in them, and they're so strong that the hold lasts all day. People are always asking me where I got mine — it's such a sweet little subtle touch to an outfit!
Get a set of four from Amazon for $9.49 (available in eight sets).
34. A little mushroom cap plate for all your appetizer, dessert, and Girl Dinner needs.
www.amazon.com
Promising review: "This is the most beautiful piece of dinnerware I've ever owned. So much so, that if there's ever a reason I would need to evacuate, I'm grabbing my animals and this plate." — Foxysinnatra
Get it from Amazon for $17.99 (available in three other styles).
Psst — if you want to buy the whole mushroom gang, you can grab the matching teapot and matching bowl and plate set!
35. A bunch of teensy macaron boxes for a delightful upgrade to many things in your life, whether it's storing pills or trinkets or just staring at them looking all fancy and delicious on your bedside table.
www.amazon.com, Amazon
Promising review:"Just received these cute little boxes and am in love with them. Very thick and sturdy plastic but easy enough to open. These will work perfectly for filling solid perfumes and giving out as stocking stuffer gifts as I don't have to worry about it being a snug fit/lid falling off. I imagine these would also be great for pretend food for kids' playsets or for a kid's trinket box. Overall, I love them, love their feel, love the colors, and am very happy." — Mary
Get a set of six from Amazon for $6.99.
36. A set of itty bitty vintage-inspired spoons that are just BEGGING to be used for all your coffee, tea, dessert, and yogurt needs. (Is it just me, or do we all have an Emotional Support Tiny Spoon?)
Amazon, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "The perfect little coffee spoons on my coffee bar! They go with my modern vintage thrifted decor and make me smile. 🥰" — Lindsey
Get a set of six from Amazon for $6.25.
37. A set of espresso martini instant cocktail tea bags — all the sophistication of tea, the zing! of coffee, and the 😜 of a cheeky cocktail. All you have to do is add three ounces of cold water, 1.5 ounces of hard liquor, and the tea sachet into a glass, and you'll have a delicious (far more AFFORDABLE!!) cocktail in one minute.
www.amazon.com
Sayso is a small woman-owned business that specializes in the first-ever cocktail tea bag, perfect for cocktails *and* mocktails.
Promising review: "I was a bit skeptical when I purchased, but these are actually fantastic. The taste is great and the bags make it incredibly easy to mix up what would otherwise be complex cocktails quickly and easily. I've had the spicy marg, espresso martini, and old fashioned versions, and while they aren't exactly the same as the original they are wonderful for making yourself a cocktail at home. Highly recommend." — Meredith
Get a pack of eight from Amazon for $14.99 (available in six other cocktail styles and larger packs).
Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.
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  • Tom's Guide

One of the best indie comedy movies of the last five years is now streaming on Prime Video — and it didn't deserve to bomb at the box office

Considering I'm both British and born in the 1990s, it's strange that the main feeling that I took away from 'Licorice Pizza' was one of youthful nostalgia. The 2021 indie comedy is director Paul Thomas Anderson's love letter to his adolescence in '70s Los Angeles, so as somebody who grew up thousands of miles away and in a different decade, I can't relate to the place and time. Yet, what is universal about this charming flick is how it portrays the excitement and heartbreak of a first love, and that innocent optimism (and swaggering self-confidence) that comes when you're not even legally old enough to drink. That's something that I reckon we can all relate to, whether born in the San Fernando Valley or Newcastle Upon Tyne, like me. Looking over Prime Video's July 2025 slate, I was delighted to see 'Licorice Pizza' has now been added to the Amazon-owned streaming service, and I'm hoping it'll act as something of a second chance for the flick after it struck out at the box office (grossing a poor $33m globally against its $40m budget). Few movies in recent years have deserved to bomb less. In 1970s California, Gary Valentine (Cooper Hoffman) is a precocious 15-year-old with an entrepreneurial spirit and a side hustle as a child actor. During school picture day, he meets 25-year-old Alana Kane (Alana Haim) and becomes instantly infatuated with this older woman. He comes determined to impress her and convince her that their blossoming romance can endure despite the questionable age gap. What follows is a story of first loves, growing up, and chasing your dreams. Plus, as it's a flick from director Paul Thomas Anderson, you can rest assured the movie drips with era-appropriate style, with a fitting soundtrack to boot. Remarkably, 'Licorice Pizza' is the movie debut of both Cooper Hoffman (son of legendary actor Philip Seymour Hoffman) and Alana Haim (one part of the American pop-rock band, Haim). You certainly wouldn't think either star was making their first step into the cinema world as both give a performance that seems well beyond their lack of on-screen experience. That's a very good thing, because 'Licorice Pizza' hangs almost entirely on their lead performances. Rather than offering viewers a twisting plot, 'Licorice Pizza' is, at times, almost a mood piece, aiming to replicate a very specific era in a very specific location. And within just a few scenes, you'll find yourself charmed by Gary and Alana and want to see them find success. Which isn't to say the Paul Thomas Anderson movie lacks substance either. Yes, its plot is a little plodding, but the snappy dialogue and litany of sharp observations ensure that it's always engaging. Plus, the 'will-they-won't-they' aspect of the story gets its hooks into you. But the lack of a critical eye on the uncomfortable age gap between the central pair is a bit bothersome. Alongside star-making turns from Hoffman and Haim, 'Licorice Pizza' packs a strong supporting cast including Sean Penn, Benny Safdie, Mary Elizabeth Ellis, John Michael Higgins and Bradley Cooper. The latter features in the movie's most hilarious sequence. The ever-hustling Gary opens a waterbed business, and during a home delivery to an egotistic stylist, Jon Peters (Cooper), who humiliates him in front of Alana, he decides to get revenge by flooding the stylist's plush hillside home. Things get a little dicey when they run into the stylist, broken down in the middle of the road, when attempting to make a quick escape from the scene of the crime. The inherent awkwardness and dramatic irony are the stuff of comedic genius, and Bradley Cooper is in his element, hamming things up. 'Licorice Pizza' is the definition of an easy-watching indie comedy. It's intentionally small-scale in ambition, but it's anything but slight when it comes to heart. The flick is bursting with good-natured warmth, and its central duo quickly work their way into your affections. You'd have to have a stony disposition not to come away seriously charmed. If all of my praise above hasn't quite convinced you to add 'Licorice Pizza' to your Prime Video watchlist, then know I'm far from alone in my enjoyment of this sweet little movie. 'Licorice Pizza' currently holds a strong 90% score on review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes. 'Licorice Pizza finds Paul Thomas Anderson shifting into a surprisingly comfortable gear -- and getting potentially star-making performances out of his fresh-faced leads,' reads the site's 'Critics Consensus.' Overall, if you're looking for a movie that offers simple charms and a cast of characters you can't help but warm to, 'Licorice Pizza' is certainly worth watching. The performances from Cooper Hoffman and Alana Haim are reason alone to give this Paul Thomas Anderson joint a chance. 'Licorice Pizza' is far from the only movie added to Prime Video's movie library this month. For more viewing recommendations, here's a guide to everything new added to Prime Video in July, which includes more must-watch movies. Watch "Licorice Pizza'" on Prime Video now

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