36 Of The Best Movies To Stream On Peacock In February
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1.*A.I. Artificial Intelligence (2001)
This acclaimed sci-fi drama — based on a short story by Brian Aldiss — was originally supposed to be directed by Stanley Kubrick, who handed it over to Steven Spielberg after years of struggling to get the production off the ground. The result is a fascinating amalgamation of both filmmakers' unique sensibilities, full of spectacular visuals, dense thematic layers, chilling imagery, and thought-provoking emotional depth. Haley Joel Osment delivers a brilliant performance as David, the first robotic boy programmed to love in a futuristic, post-climate change society. He is adopted as a test case by a Cybertronics employee (Sam Robards) and his wife (Frances O'Connor), whose real son is stricken by an incurable disease, but things grow complicated (and often devastating — make sure you grab a box of tissues before watching this movie!) when their real son is unexpectedly healed. The film was certainly polarizing upon release. Critics and viewers were divided over whether or not Kubrick and Spielberg's styles meshed successfully, and some thought that the somewhat flawed third act spoiled what was otherwise a mostly successful, ambitious film. But most agreed that, despite its flaws, A.I. Artificial Intelligence is a stunningly crafted, provocative, and often disturbing movie that defies expectations at every turn.
Watch it on Peacock with a Premium membership.
2.An American Tail (1986)
This sweetly animated coming-to-America story from Steven Spielberg and Don Bluth takes an unexpectedly unflinching look at immigration, the American dream and antisemitism — heavy topics for a children's movie, but important and relevant ones that might make you wanna give it another watch as an adult to catch all the details you missed as a kid. And despite the sometimes intense subject matter, this movie's full of enough entertaining dialogue, catchy musical numbers, and fast-paced action scenes to keep little ones engaged. The story follows a young mouse named Fievel (Phillip Glasser) as he and his Russian-Jewish family embark on a journey to the US after their home is destroyed by anti-Jewish cats. But when Fievel is separated from his family, he is befriended by a kindly cat and mouse in New York (Pat Musick and Dom DeLuise, both of whom also voiced characters in 1994's A Troll in Central Park) who are willing to help him on his search for his lost loved ones. While this 1986 film tends to rely on racial stereotypes to make its points while using animal characters, its strong message and refusal to overly romanticize the sometimes harsh truths of the world we live in give it staying power in an era that continually proves that this is a story worth retelling.
Watch it on Peacock for free.
3.Anthony (2020)
When Black teenager Anthony Walker was killed in an unprovoked racist attack by two white men in 2005, the world was sickened and mourned the loss of a life that had only just begun. In the wake of the 18-year-old's brutal murder, his mother, Gee Walker, approached her friend, screenwriter and producer Jimmy McGovern, and asked him to write about this horrifying loss. The result is a powerful look at what might have been, highlighting the positive impact Anthony made in his 18 years and imagining what his life might have looked like had it not been tragically cut short. Toheeb Jimoh and Rakie Ayola give tremendous performances as Anthony and his mother, respectively, and the film's structure makes even the happiest scenes heartbreaking and evocative. This Peacock original is simply a must-watch.
Watch it on Peacock with a Premium membership.
4.Away From Her (2007)
Sarah Polley’s directorial debut is a moving look into the effects of Alzheimer’s, complemented by Julie Christie’s incredible performance as Fiona, a woman suffering from the disease. When Fiona checks into a nursing home because of her worsening condition, fractures begin to appear in her longtime marriage to Grant (Gordon Pinsent) as her memories fade and she develops a close relationship with another nursing home resident (Michael Murphy). Polley and Christie’s thoughtful work earned them both a long list of accolades from across the industry, including Oscar noms for Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Actress and a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Motion Picture Drama. Fans of Polley's direction can also look forward to her forthcoming film Women Talking, starring Nomadland's brilliant Frances McDormand!
Watch it on Peacock with a Premium membership.
5.The Best Man (1999)
This character-driven, romantic comedy-drama features standout performances from its ensemble cast — featuring Taye Diggs, Nia Long, Morris Chestnut, Harold Perrineau, Sanaa Lathan, and Terrence Howard — as well as sharp writing and direction from Malcolm D. Lee. When successful writer Harper (Diggs) goes to New York to be the best man at his friend Lance's (Chestnut) wedding, he arrives a little early to hang out with his friends — including Lance and his soon-to-be-bride Jordan (Long), who has a secret past with Harper. Things get complicated when it's revealed that Jordan, who works in media, has gotten ahold of an advance copy of Harper's autobiographical new book that chronicles their under-the-radar fling, among other scandalous details about their friend group. What could go wrong? (Note: Fans of this movie will be glad to see that, as of February 2021, Peacock has ordered a 10-episode limited series, The Best Man: The Final Chapters, created by Lee.)
Watch it on Peacock with a Premium membership.
6.Black Boys (2020)
This documentary celebrates Black youths and explores Black male identity in America through sports, education, and criminal justice. Director Sonia Lowman, who has a background in activism and whose first film, 2017's Teach Us All, looked at segregation and racial inequities in American schools, came to this project with two main approaches: One was to explore how Black men are viewed by society, which included acknowledging and grappling with her own limited understanding and prejudices that often go unexamined as a white woman who considers herself to be liberal and progressive. But the main focus was telling the stories of Black men and women in America across multiple generations and presenting as full a picture of the Black male experience as possible, avoiding the two-dimensional version often shown in media. Highlighting the persistent racism and dehumanization that Black boys and men face, Black Boys provides an urgent conversation about opportunity, equity, and ultimately humanity.
Watch it on Peacock with a Premium membership.
7.Boy Erased (2018)
Following his work in Oscar-nominated pictures like Lady Bird and Manchester by the Sea, Lucas Hedges plays Jared Eamons, the son of a small-town Baptist pastor (Russell Crowe), who is pressured to attend a conversion therapy program after being outed as gay to his parents. Hedges is remarkable in the role, offering a subtle but mesmerizing window into the heart and mind of a conflicted teen grappling with his sexuality, faith, and the approval of his family. His strong chemistry with his onscreen mother, played by the excellent Nicole Kidman, brings the story to life, as does Kidman and Crowe's moving portrayal of parents caught between their religious values and their love for their son. Critics questioned the praise for a well-acted but somewhat muted film on this subject matter from a heterosexual writer-director, especially in the same year that The Miseducation of Cameron Post — an arguably better film about conversion therapy, written and directed by Desiree Akhavan, who identifies as a bisexual woman — was released with less fanfare. But while the themes are nothing new to the majority of viewers, the way Boy Erased humanizes Jared's parents while offering a look into the horrors of conversion therapy just might be the dose of reality that less-progressive viewers need to understand the cruelty of these programs.
Watch it on Peacock with a Premium membership.
8.Bridesmaids (2011)
If you could use a good laugh (and couldn't we all right about now?), Bridesmaids is the perfect cinematic world to sink into. When Annie (Kristen Wiig) is asked to serve as her lifelong best friend's (Maya Rudolph) maid of honor, she is forced to confront her own struggles as she and the other bridesmaids suffer through a series of hilariously unfortunate events along the bumpy road to the wedding. The brilliant cast — featuring standout performances from Wiig, Rudolph, Rose Byrne, Ellie Kemper, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Melissa McCarthy, Rebel Wilson, Chris O'Dowd, Franklyn Ajaye, and Jill Clayburgh — brings an abundance of comedy chops, charm, and heart to the film, while the smart screenplay (by Wiig and Annie Mumolo, who recently reunited on the film Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar) deftly balances laugh-out-loud gags and touching moments that keep it feeling fresh throughout. Whether you're tuning in for the first time or coming back for another round, Bridesmaids is the wedding gift that keeps on giving.
Watch it on Peacock with a Premium membership.
9.Chicken Run (2000)
Chicken Run is the brainchild of four-time Oscar winner Nick Park and Peter Lord, who are beloved for being the team behind Wallace & Gromit. They bring a palpable sense of joy and adventure to this Claymation film as we root for a charming group of chickens scheming to escape from an evil farmer who intends to turn them into chicken pot pies. Viewers of all ages can easily find something to love in this high-spirited comedy, packed with hilarious gags, impressive stop-motion action sequences, and a tenderness that'll grip your heart. But the story doesn't end here! News of a Netflix-backed sequel on the horizon has delighted fans and will give you something to look forward to after the credits roll.
Watch it on Peacock with a Premium membership.
10.*Clockers (1995)
This mournful, tragic film from Spike Lee is a mature character study of a young, low-level drug dealer who becomes entangled in a murder investigation, but it's also an urgent portrait of the harsh realities of the world he lives in, where violence and death are always lurking. Strong performances from an excellent cast — featuring Mekhi Phifer, Isaiah Washington, John Turturro, Harvey Keitel, and Delroy Lindo — and focused direction from Lee make this compelling, harrowing film a worthy adaptation of the 1992 novel of the same name by Richard Price, who co-wrote the screenplay with Lee. Despite its flaws, this underappreciated movie deftly mixes despair and nightmarish terror with humor, while Lee brilliantly balances his trademark expressionism with gritty realism, leaving a lasting impression long after the story ends.
Watch it on Peacock for free.
11.*Crooklyn (1994)
This semi-autobiographical film showcases a warmer and more sentimental side of iconic filmmaker Spike Lee and was cowritten with his siblings Joie and Cinqué Lee to depict a fictionalized version of their early-'70s childhoods in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. After financial troubles force the Carmichaels to postpone their family trip, 9-year-old Troy Carmichael — played by Zelda Harris (The Baby-Sitters Club) — is sent to her affluent relatives' home in the South for the summer; there, she feels alienated despite enjoying spending time with her cousin. After receiving a letter from her mother (Alfre Woodard), Troy returns home, where she is confronted with facts about life and loss that change her forever. This touching film features classic songs from the '60s and '70s, heartfelt performances from the excellent cast, and a distinctive visual style, making it one of the less-appreciated offerings in Lee's oeuvre that deserves more attention.
Watch it on Peacock for free.
12.*Do the Right Thing (1989)
While this iconic film is in many ways a time capsule of Brooklyn in the '80s, its themes of racial tension and police brutality are just as relevant today as they were then. Writer-director Spike Lee earned a Best Director Oscar nom for the movie, which takes place over the course of one extremely hot Sunday in Brooklyn's Bedford-Stuyvesant district, introducing a host of characters from the neighborhood while centering on a dispute between pizzeria owner Sal Fragione (portrayed by Danny Aiello, who also received an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor) and a local named Buggin' Out who questions why Sal's restaurant doesn't feature any Black actors on its wall of fame. Tensions — and the sweltering heat — continue to rise throughout this compelling film, which has been lauded through the years for its focus on social issues as well as its combination of humor, vibrancy, frustration, and tragedy, not to mention the excellent ensemble cast, featuring Lee, Ossie Davis, Ruby Dee, Martin Lawrence, Rosie Perez, Danny Aiello, John Turturro, Giancarlo Esposito, Samuel L. Jackson, Bill Nunn, and Robin Harris. This celebrated film's staying power speaks for itself and remains vital viewing to this day.
Watch it on Peacock for free.
13.*Downton Abbey (2019)
With a new sequel set to arrive in early summer, there's no better time to get up to speed on Downton Abbey. Fortunately, Peacock offers not only all six seasons of the original television series, but the 2019 movie as well. For fans of the popular British series, the two hour movie feels like a comforting and welcome return of old friends, with much of the original cast appearing including Maggie Smith, Hugh Bonneville, Jim Carter, Michelle Dockery, Elizabeth McGovern, and countless others. For those unfamiliar, the film may be a bit baffling, but will encourage first-time viewers to go back to the beginning to discover what they've been missing out on all these years. In the movie, we find the Crawleys preparing for a visit from the king and queen of England, and all of the scandal, romance, and intrigue that comes with it. The production values are grand, the acting is fantastic, the unmistakably British comedy is delightful as always, and the drama is, as ever, deliciously soapy. One can only hope that the forthcoming sequel packs as rich of a story as this decadent and dazzling offering.
Watch it on Peacock with a Premium membership.
14.Erin Brockovich (2000)
Julia Roberts is unforgettable in her Oscar-winning portrayal of Erin Brockovich, a legal clerk and activist who fought to hold energy corporation Pacific Gas and Electric responsible for their role in the Hinkley groundwater contamination incident. While there's debate around how some of the plot lines up with the real-life facts, screenwriter Susannah Grant and director Steven Soderbergh do an excellent job balancing the legal drama with Brockovich's own emotional story arc. They mix in enough humor and inspiration to make this powerful film a consistently engaging watch. Both earned Oscar noms for Best Original Screenplay and Best Director, and the film also nabbed a nomination for Best Picture and Best Supporting Actor for Albert Finney, who played Brockovich's attorney Ed Masry. (Most recently, Soderbergh was tapped for the Herculean task of producing the pandemic Oscars.)
Watch it on Peacock (available to Premium members only).
15.The Harry Potter Series (2001–11)
Harry Potter fans can rejoice because all seven films in the franchise are available here. And if you haven't seen them yet, what are you waiting for? The opportunity to rewatch everyone's favorite Hogwarts attendees grow from uncertain students of magic to full-on heroes is too good to miss, and you'll fall in love with the star-studded cast all over again. Seriously. Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Maggie Smith, Alan Rickman, Richard Harris, Helena Bonham Carter, and many, many more make this set of films feel like hanging out with old friends. And you might even see some famous faces you completely forgot were part of the wizarding world, like Emma Thompson, Robert Pattinson, Domhnall Gleeson, and Gary Oldman! From the early days of The Sorcerer's Stone to the Alfonso Cuarón–directed Prisoner of Azkaban, all the way through the two-part Deathly Hallows, this highly bingeable series of films makes for a cozy and comforting rewatch that we could all use right about now.
Watch it on Peacock with a premium membership.
16.I Am Big Bird: The Caroll Spinney Story (2015)
If you've ever wondered who was behind the iconic Muppet characters of Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch, this heartwarming doc is here to delight you with the story of Caroll Spinney, who proves himself throughout to be as lovable as the characters he created and embodied. This magical film takes us behind the scenes with the one-of-a-kind pioneer, revealing the lives he continues to touch well into his 80s. Though the sentimental soundtrack can sometimes cause it to drift into saccharine territory, it does nothing to sour this affectionate portrait that's sure to leave you with a smile on your face when you need it the most.
Watch it on Peacock for free.
17.I Am Bolt (2016)
If you ever wondered what it's like to be the fastest human being in recorded history, this doc will get you one step closer with its sweeping portrait of legendary Jamaican sprinter, eight-time Olympic gold medalist, and World Record holder Usain Bolt. Viewers get a glimpse into the celebrated athlete's life, starting with his beginnings as a high school track star through his thrilling Olympic wins that brought him to international prominence, documenting everything from intense training sessions to encounters with starstruck fans. Unsurprisingly, it's Bolt who carries the film, not only with his borderline superhuman athletic prowess, but also with his natural charm and supreme likability. For anyone who wants to learn more about the quickest (and quite possibly the nicest) runner out there, I Am Bolt is a must-see.
Watch it on Peacock for free.
18.Izzy Gets the F Across Town (2018)
This film is an exhilarating journey that hinges on Mackenzie Davis's (Happiest Season, Tully, Black Mirror) pitch-perfect performance as riot grrrl rocker Izzy, who wakes up to find out that her ex-boyfriend and ex–best friend are having their engagement party that night. Izzy becomes fixated on crashing the party, despite having no money, no mode of transportation, and barely enough time to make it from Santa Monica to where the party is in Los Feliz. That won't stop her from trying, though, and we tag along through her terrible, horrible, no-good, very bad day as she frantically attempts to change the course of her life that didn't turn out the way she thought it would. Bolstered by a punk-filled soundtrack and a cast including Davis, Alia Shawkat, Haley Joel Osment, and Carrie Coon, this film will leave you both entertained and possibly a little exhausted.
Watch it on Peacock for free.
19.Lost in Translation (2003)
Director Sofia Coppola offers a melancholic character study of two strangers who experience an unlikely connection when their paths cross in Tokyo. Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson are both exceptional in their roles as a fading movie star and a conflicted newlywed, respectively, and Coppola’s balance of humor and poignancy creates the perfect emotional foundation for her visually gorgeous and artfully composed 2003 film, which earned her an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay and a nom for Best Director and Best Picture.
Watch it on Peacock for free.
20.*Love Actually (2003)
Despite falling into the occasional syrupy trap that often plagues romantic comedies, Love Actually saves itself from sinking too deeply into schmaltz with great performances from Hugh Grant, Laura Linney, Colin Firth, Emma Thompson, Liam Neeson, Keira Knightley, and more in its nine separate but intertwined stories. These witty and heartwarming tales explore the complexities of love through characters like David (Grant), the newly elected British prime minister who falls for a young staffer (Martine McCutcheon), Juliet (Knightley) who discovers that the best man at her wedding (Andrew Lincoln) is secretly in love with her, and Harry (Alan Rickman), a married man who begins to fall for his new secretary (Heike Makatsch). Writer-director Richard Curtis — known for his work on rom-coms like Four Weddings and a Funeral, Notting Hill, and Bridget Jones's Diary — does a commendable job connecting these various stories and making them spectacularly entertaining. If you can look past the more cloying moments, you'll find an irresistibly joyful film full of warmth, emotion, and plenty of laugh-out-loud gags that'll keep you entranced if you let it.
Watch it on Peacock with a Premium membership.
21.*Midnight Run (1988)
This Golden Globe–nominated odd couple comedy thrives on the exceptional comic chemistry between its two leads, Robert De Niro (who earned a Best Actor Golden Globe nom for his performance) and Charles Grodin. De Niro plays Jack Walsh, a bounty hunter hired to track down a mob accountant named "The Duke" (Grodin) and bring him to LA. Although the job was pitched to Walsh as a simple "midnight run," he soon discovers that the FBI *and* the mob are also on the hunt for The Duke, greatly complicating his mission. Will the unlikely pair be able to evade both the authorities and the mob throughout this cross-country chase? Will The Duke's erratic personality push Walsh past his limit? You'll have to watch to find out, but rest assured, this relentlessly entertaining joyride of a movie will leave you howling with laughter either way.
Watch it on Peacock for free.
22.A Most Beautiful Thing (2020)
An inspiring documentary about the Manley High rowing team, A Most Beautiful Thing tells the tale of a group of young Black men from the West Side of Chicago who, despite many being from rival gangs, came together to row the same boat, altering their trajectories forever. Thoughtfully directed by filmmaker, attorney, and Olympic rower Mary Mazzio and narrated by Common, this doc keeps its focus on its subjects, who tell their own stories, which glisten with joy and optimism even in the face of heartbreaking trauma. At its core, A Most Beautiful Thing shows the healing potential of sports and offers a powerful message that is incredibly necessary in the times we live in.
Watch it on Peacock for free.
23.Night of the Living Dead (1968)
Often regarded as the first modern zombie movie and one of the greatest and scariest movies of all time, 1968's Night of the Living Dead was initially met with controversy and scorn in response to its extreme violence and gore as well as the casting of Duane Jones, a Black man, in the leading role. Writer-director George Romero has said that choosing Jones had nothing to do with race and that he was simply the best actor who auditioned, but intentional or not, this choice added layers of social commentary to the plot. It also further cemented the film's legacy by directly influencing movies like Get Out and nodding back to zombies' roots in Black culture — while presenting a depiction of the undead that would go on to set the standard for how zombies have appeared in media ever since. Despite being flawed and dated at times, this groundbreaking horror movie is still remarkably effective. Its limited budget and presentation in stark black-and-white give it an almost documentarylike atmosphere, making the horrors that unfold all the more horrifying — and influencing not just countless zombie flicks but also filmmakers, across a variety of genres, with small budgets and big ideas.
Watch it on Peacock for free.
24.Olympic Pride, American Prejudice (2016)
The 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin were set against the background of white nationalism in Germany, with Hitler and the Nazi Party's rise to power causing the US to be conflicted about sending American Jewish and Black athletes to compete. This effective documentary focuses on the 18 Black athletes from the US who participated — using historical footage, interviews, and news coverage, as well as conversations with surviving family members, to paint a compelling picture of the experiences of some of the nation's greatest athletes during a time when their lives were affected by inequality both at home and overseas. The tale of how track-and-field star Jesse Owens' four gold medal wins dismantled Hitler's Aryan-supremacy delusion has long been mythologized, but Olympic Pride, American Prejudice delves deeper into the other 17 Black competitors' stories, highlighting their remarkable achievements despite racism from the American coaching staff, and following them through their return to the US, where they were greeted with scant job opportunities and President Franklin D. Roosevelt's reported refusal to shake their hands in fear of alienating Southern voters. As Black athletes continue to face astonishing inequality and racism in the current age — with reactions to political protests, anti-marijuana laws rooted in systemic racism, and the banning of swim caps designed for Black hair just a few of the ways Black people in sports are unfairly targeted — this documentary remains a vital look at the underbelly of racism that persists in the US and global sporting world today.
Watch it on Peacock for free.
25.Prince: Sign o' the Times (1987)
This collection of highlights from Prince's 1987 European concert tour is thankfully here to hold you over if you've been desperately missing live concerts this year. Written and directed by Prince himself, Sign o' the Times transports us to the Purple One's commercial peak, jam-packed with colossal hits (including the title track, "Little Red Corvette," "I Could Never Take the Place of Your Man," and "U Got the Look"), colorful visuals, and electrifying performances that'll make you wanna crank up the TV and get lost in some of the greatest music ever made.
Watch it on Peacock for free.
26.Psycho (1960)
Often considered one of the greatest films of all time, Alfred Hitchcock's 1960 classic is a master class in artful horror. Its iconic performances, brilliant direction, and chilling score set the tone for countless horror movies to come and is still thrilling and shocking viewers decades later. Helpful tip: You might wanna consider taking a shower before watching this movie instead of after. Trust us.
Watch it on Peacock for free.
27.Ray (2004)
Jamie Foxx became the second actor to win an Oscar as well as a Golden Globe, BAFTA, Screen Actors Guild, and Critics Choice Award for the same performance, thanks to his electrifying portrayal of Ray Charles in this biopic about the legendary R&B musician. The film follows Charles from his childhood, where he experiences the trauma of losing both his younger brother and his sight, through his rise to stardom, where he redefines soul music and becomes one of the most influential musicians of all time. Foxx became so deeply immersed in the role that it's often easy to forget that you're not watching Charles himself onscreen. And the excellent soundtrack features a mix of Charles' greatest hits along with energetic live cuts that remind viewers just how much of a genius he was behind the keys. Like most biopics, Ray fictionalizes certain elements and characters, but Foxx's powerful performance, combined with Charles' essential music, makes this film worth going back to.
Watch it on Peacock with a Premium membership.
28.Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (2010)
Despite bombing at the box office, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World earned positive reviews from critics for its inventive visual style and humor while gaining a cult following of viewers who were delighted by its flashy video game special effects, indie-punk soundtrack, and genre-busting style. Michael Cera plays Scott Pilgrim, a bass guitarist for a garage-rock band who falls for Ramona Flowers (Mary Elizabeth Winstead), an Amazon delivery girl he saw in a dream. The problem is, in order to be with Ramona, Scott must defeat all seven of her evil exes one by one. The expertly choreographed fight scenes and spellbinding comic book imagery make this cinematic adaptation of Bryan Lee O'Malley's graphic novel series an electrifying watch from start to finish. If you're willing to suspend your disbelief and strap in for the ride, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World will dazzle you with its pop culture mashup charms.
Watch it on Peacock with a Premium membership.
29.Seabiscuit (2003)
Prepare to fall in love with Seabiscuit, a temperamental, undersized racehorse who defies the odds and becomes one of the most successful thoroughbreds of all time, inspiring an entire nation. A moving underdog story based on true events, this film's emotional, heartfelt journey is fleshed out by Jeff Bridges as a businessperson dealing with the tragic death of his son, Tobey Maguire as an injured jockey who forms an unlikely bond with the seemingly unmanageable Seabiscuit, and Chris Cooper as a horse trainer who sees something special in both the undervalued horse and the jockey. The thrilling race sequences will leave you exhilarated, but it's the emotional depth of the characters that'll stick with you and bring tears to your eyes.
Watch it on Peacock (available to Premium members only).
30.Shaolin (2011)
When a ruthless general (Andy Lau) is betrayed by his sworn brother (Nicholas Tse), he seeks salvation at a Shaolin temple, where he decides to become a monk to atone for his past misdeeds — but his dangerous past isn't as far behind him as he might think. This ambitious, epic Hong Kong drama is more about introspection than hand-to-hand combat, although there is enough of both — plus a comedic supporting performance from Jackie Chan — to keep viewers engaged. The action set pieces are impressive and elaborate, while the anti-violence sentiment and compassionate Buddhist philosophy set it apart from other action period pieces, offering a path to enlightenment for even the most brutal warlords.
Watch it on Peacock for free.
31.Short Term 12 (2013)
Writer-director Destin Daniel Cretton based this moving film on his own experience as a staffer at a facility for at-risk teenagers. Brie Larson is among one of his stand-ins, superb in her portrayal of a woman facing her own demons (prompted by a deepening connection with a new resident, played by the excellent Kaitlyn Dever). The raw emotion is balanced deftly with warmth and humor. And the heavy subject matter never descends into melodrama but instead soars high on the incredible performances of its young actors, as well as the thoughtful writing and direction. Its cast now looks like a launchpad for actors whose stars would continue to shine brightly, featuring Larson, Dever (newly minted Oscar nominee), LaKeith Stanfield, Rami Malek, Stephanie Beatriz, and John Gallagher Jr. But even before their stratospheric fame, critics recognized the brilliance on display — and rightfully so.
Watch it on Peacock for free.
32.The Sit-In: Harry Belafonte Hosts the Tonight Show (2020)
This doc unearths a largely forgotten but monumental 1968 week in late-night television, when Johnny Carson stepped aside to let legendary entertainer and activist Harry Belafonte temporarily take over The Tonight Show to address the social and political tumult the country was experiencing. His guest list included Martin Luther King Jr., Sen. Robert F. Kennedy, actor and activist Paul Newman, Native American folk singer Buffy Sainte-Marie, folk singer Leon Bibb, singer Petula Clark, and many of the top Black stars of the time, including Aretha Franklin, Lena Horne, Dionne Warwick, Freda Payne, Diahann Carroll, and Nipsey Russell. While much of the footage has sadly been lost, what remains is full of hope and inspiration, as well as frustration over how many of the issues of the time have yet to be resolved. Belafonte, now 94, is interviewed throughout, as are Warwick, Sainte-Marie, Clark, Whoopi Goldberg, Tamron Hall, Questlove, and New York Times critics Bill Carter and Wesley Morris, who add context and give modern-day reflections on an important week of television that remains just as relevant today.
Watch it on Peacock with a Premium membership.
33.*Superbad (2007)
This buddy comedy arguably launched the movie careers of its two stars — Jonah Hill and Michael Cera — while offering a mix of vulgarity and sincerity in its now classic coming-of-age story. Seth Rogan and Evan Goldberg began writing the script when they were just 13 years old, based loosely on their own adolescent experiences, and the project went on to be produced by Judd Apatow and released to acclaim for being one of the best teen comedies to date. The plot revolves around high schools seniors Seth (Hill) and Evan (Cera) as they plan to party, impress girls, and score booze before graduating. What follows is often hilarious, outrageous, crude, and occasionally insightful and heartfelt, exploring friendship and the end of teenage innocence with surprising poignancy. As you can imagine, not all of it has aged particularly well, but Hill and Cera's masterful display of awkward humor as well as Rogan and Bill Hader's top notch performances as bored police officers are highlights of a film that, despite its flaws, remains a consistent source of big laughs and unexpected sweetness.
Watch it on Peacock with a Premium membership.
34.Train to Busan (2016)
If you enjoyed Gong Yoo's appearance as "the Salesman" in Netflix's smash hit Squid Game, you can watch him in the leading role of this South Korean action-horror film, which has been called one of the best zombie movies of all time, and with good reason. Writer-director Yeon Sang-ho pulls no punches, offering up a smattering of well-developed characters, expertly staged action, and a healthy dose of social and political commentary in this thrilling movie about a man (Yoo), his estranged daughter (Kim Su-an), and other passengers trapped on a speeding train during a zombie apocalypse. Critics lauded the film's unique take on the genre, which makes excellent use of the train's cramped quarters, wringing out brilliantly choreographed action and heartfelt emotion at every turn. And while it certainly reuses the same tropes that have plagued the crowded zombie genre for some time now, it does so with so much energy and style that it makes every element feel fresh, terrifying, and unexpectedly moving.
Watch it on Peacock for free.
35.*Use of Force: The Policing of Black America (Peacock Original)
This documentary from filmmakers Cary Grant Jr. and Lathan Hodge is an examination of fatal encounters between police and Black Americans. It highlights the personal stories of George Floyd, Philando Castile, Eric Garner and others who have been killed by the police, while following their families as they take action to combat police brutality. Much of the film is made up of disturbing, vital dash-cam and phone camera footage, but it also takes time to examine the issues police departments face from within and how good cops, chiefs, community leaders, and politicians are trying to undo the problematic policies, archaic tactics, and culture of systemic racism that runs deep in the law enforcement community. The debate about how to make these changes is far from over, but this documentary does an excellent job of showing us how important it is that this conversation continues while amplifying the voices of the victims and their families, making it an essential film for all viewers.
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36.Winter’s Bone (2010)
This quietly gripping film, directed by Debra Granik, is set in the rural Ozarks of Missouri, where teenager Ree Dolly (Jennifer Lawrence) takes care of her poverty-stricken family in her criminal father's absence. When news comes from the local sheriff that Ree's father put their home up for bond and then fled, she embarks on a dangerous quest to find him and save their family home. Lawrence's grimly determined, Oscar-nominated performance is revelatory, capturing her character's fear and resolve often without words, while stunningly naturalistic direction from Granik makes it impossible to look away from this film's unflinching window into a part of America not often portrayed with such precision and authenticity. Winter’s Bone also earned Best Picture, Adapted Screenplay, and Supporting Actor Oscar noms (John Hawkes for his powerful and compelling portrayal of Ree's meth-addicted uncle Teardrop) while garnering critical acclaim for transporting viewers into its mountainous landscapes and leaving them with characters and memories they won't soon forget.
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