36 Of The Best Movies To Stream On Peacock In March
1.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.
2.*Being John Malkovich (1999)
This brilliantly strange film from Charlie Kaufman and Spike Jonze offers a mind- and genre-bending exploration of identity, celebrity, love, and art. When Craig (John Cusack), an unsuccessful puppeteer, starts a temp job as a filing clerk, he stumbles upon a portal into the mind of acclaimed actor John Malkovich — a discovery that turns his entire life, and the lives of those around him, completely upside down. An inventive screenplay, masterful direction, and fantastic acting from Cusack and a supporting cast, including Malkovich himself, ensure that this film's bizarre premise is fully realized, balancing humor, darkness, surrealism, and existentialism while keeping viewers on their toes, wondering what could possibly happen next in this twisted journey that continues to draw you in deeper and deeper until there's no turning back.
Watch it on Peacock for free.
3.*Betty White: First Lady of Television (2018)
Peacock is offering the chance to spend a little more time with Betty White — who died last December, mere weeks before her 100th birthday — with the 2018 PBS documentary Betty White: First Lady of Television. In it, we get a joyful journey through her extraordinary life and career, reminding us why we love her so darn much. If your main exposure to Betty was as America’s lovable, raunchy, and intensely memeable grandmother, you’re missing out on just how talented she’s always been. She was one of the first women to produce and star in her own sitcom, and she excelled at playing a variety of different characters while bringing her trademark timing, delivery, and masterful ad-libbing to each and every one — something the doc shows through charming footage as well as gushing testimonials from friends and costars. There’s a warmth and lightness throughout Betty White: First Lady of Television that makes it feel more like a loving celebration than an in-depth biography, but as we work toward coming to terms with living in a world without Betty in it, maybe that's exactly what we need right now.
Watch it on Peacock with a Premium membership.
4.*The Big Lebowski (1998)
This highly quotable comedy is a Coen brothers cult classic, stuffed to the brim with their characteristically witty dialogue, absurd plot twists, colorful characters, and trippy visuals. Jeff Bridges is magnetic as “The Dude,” a lovable stoner whose carefree lifestyle of bowling and vibing out to some Creedence is interrupted by a case of mistaken identity that leads to him getting caught up in a truly bizarre conspiracy full of millionaires, nihilists, porn directors, and other kooky characters around LA. John Goodman, Steve Buscemi, Julianne Moore, John Turturro, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Tara Reid, and countless others take this brilliantly zany film to the next level, and — fair warning — you’ll probably wanna go bowling after you finish watching it.
Watch it on Peacock for free.
5.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.
6.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.
7.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.
8.*Brokeback Mountain (2006)
This award-winning film based on the 1997 short story by Annie Proulx is a gorgeously composed, impeccably acted love story that has become even more beloved in the decades since its release. It brought home a historic directing win for Ang Lee at the Oscars (making him the first non-white director winner and the only nominee of Asian descent of that decade), as well as wins in Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Original Score. Powerful performances from Heath Ledger, Jake Gyllenhaal, Michelle Williams, and Anne Hathaway, combined with masterful direction from Lee, help the film stick its quiet, devastating landing. We have this film to thank for driving a number of major film studios to eagerly back queer-themed projects, and it's been credited with influencing countless movies and TV shows, leaving a lasting legacy that solidifies it as a film worth revisiting for years to come.
Watch it on Peacock for free.
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 and 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.*Casino (1995)
This 1995 epic crime drama is another strong offering from Martin Scorsese, full of excellent performances from its star-studded cast, impressive production value, attention to detail, and a whole lotta violence. When a mafia enforcer (Joe Pesci) and a gambling expert (Robert De Niro) butt heads over a casino empire and an ex-sex worker (Sharon Stone), their friendship devolves into something much more dangerous in this film based on Nicholas Pileggi's 1995 nonfiction book Casino: Love and Honor in Las Vegas. Stone is quite possibly at her best in a role that earned her an Oscar nom, while both De Niro and Pesci are almost as endlessly watchable as they were in Goodfellas. Sure the mafia storyline is well-worn territory for Scorsese, but this ambitious film packs enough decadent Vegas spectacle and fly-on-the-wall glimpses into the dangerous lives of its characters to keep both fans and newcomers entertained throughout its lengthy running time.
Watch it on Peacock with a Premium membership.
11.*The Constant Gardener (2005)
This 2005 political thriller is faithfully based on John le Carré's book of the same name, following Justin, a British diplomat (Ralph Fiennes) in Kenya, as he tries to solve the murder of his wife Tessa (Rachel Weisz), a social justice activist, while uncovering a conspiracy with far-reaching effects. Alternating between flashbacks and present day, The Constant Gardener tells the story of Tessa and Justin's love while exploring themes of "Big Pharma" corruption and capitalism — loosely based on a real-life case in Kano, Nigeria. Weisz's excellent performance earned her an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress, while the film's cinematography, suspenseful plot, and themes of social justice garnered broad critical acclaim.
Watch it on Peacock for free.
12.*Dallas Buyers Club (2013)
Matthew McConaughey is at his absolute best in his portrayal of Ron Woodroof, a Texas electrician and rodeo cowboy who is shocked to discover that he has AIDS and is told he has only 30 days to live. Instead of greeting that news with despair, he reacts with defiance, looking for alternative therapies, smuggling unapproved drugs over the border, and selling treatments to the ever-growing number of people who have been utterly failed by the US medical system. While the film was praised for McConaughey's incredible physical transformation and for its heartbreaking look back at the era when the AIDS crisis was met with horrific anti-gay prejudice and a stunning lack of humanity, it also resulted in one of the most controversial Oscar wins of the last two decades, with Jared Leto taking home gold for his role as a transgender woman.
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.*Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)
Brought to you by the dream team (no pun intended) Charlie Kaufman and Michel Gondry, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is a twisty love story unlike any other. Kate Winslet and Jim Carrey give phenomenally vulnerable performances as a couple who break up and decide to undergo a procedure to erase their memories of each other. Elements of sci-fi and romance are expertly melded by Gondry, who brings Kaufman’s Oscar-winning original script to life. The entire film feels like a vivid fever dream that’ll break your heart — Jon Brion's score certainly factors in here — and give you hope at the same time.
Watch it on Peacock for free.
16.*Fried Green Tomatoes (1991)
This charming film based on Fannie Flagg's 1987 novel Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe stars Kathy Bates as Evelyn Couch, an unhappy housewife whose life begins to change when she befriends an old woman in a nursing home named Ninny Threadgoode (Jessica Tandy). Ninny regales Evelyn with colorful tales from her past, mostly about the bond between her free-spirited sister-in-law Idgie (Mary Stuart Masterson) and her friend Ruth (Mary-Louise Parker) in the long-abandoned Southern town of Whistle Stop. We watch these relationships deepen as the film bounces back and forth between the present day and the past, leaving us with a funny and moving portrait of female friendships — mostly thanks to the fantastic chemistry between the members of the excellent ensemble cast. Tandy received a Best Supporting Actress nom from the Oscars, and the film also nabbed a nom for Best Adapted Screenplay (Flagg and screenwriter Carol Sobieski). Despite its tendency to lean into predictability, Fried Green Tomatoes is an uplifting, warm-hearted collection of stories brought to life by engaging characters and magnetic performances. If you’re looking for something that’ll make you laugh, cry, and call your best friend to tell them you love them — this is the movie for you.
Watch it on Peacock for free.
17.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.
18.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.
19.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.
20.*A League of Their Own (1992)
This sports dramedy takes us back to 1943, when World War II depleted Major League Baseball’s stock of athletic young men, leading to team owners agreeing to bankroll a professional women’s league. While searching the country for women players, scout Ernie Capadino (Jon Lovitz) offers a catcher named Dottie (Geena Davis) and her sister Kit (Lori Petty) a chance to try out for a team, so they travel to Chicago, where they meet other players like Mae (Madonna) and Doris (Rosie O'Donnell), as well as manager Jimmy Dugan (Tom Hanks). The team initially struggles to make any waves, as tension arises from the sisters’ sibling rivalry, along with Jimmy’s alcoholism and unwillingness to take his job seriously. But when Dottie does something unexpected, it just might be enough to save the league from its impending closure. This tribute to the real-life All American Girls Professional Baseball League is a thrilling, funny, and bittersweet home run thanks to excellent direction from Penny Marshall, smart writing from Kelly Candaele, Lowell Ganz, and Babaloo Mandel, and a star-studded cast that never disappoints. It’s the kind of entertaining, crowd-pleasing sports movie you don’t have to be a sports fan to watch, full of charming characters and great one-liners like — perhaps its most famous quote uttered by Hanks — “There’s no crying in baseball.” However in the spirit of the oft-broken first rule of Fight Club, I cannot guarantee that this heartwarming movie won’t coax a few tears out of even the most stoic viewers.
Watch it on Peacock for free.
21.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.
22.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 documentary-like 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.
23.*Notting Hill (1999)
This 1999 rom-com about an unlikely romance between an American celebrity (Julia Roberts) and a London bookseller (Hugh Grant) earned positive reviews from reviewers and audiences alike. Critics praised the well-told love story for being clever and funny, and the likable leads for their strong performances and undeniable chemistry, as their characters struggle to reconcile their vastly different lifestyles despite falling deeper in love. Is the movie somewhat flawed and unrealistic? Absolutely! But whether you view it as a comment on the nature of celebrity, or simply as a heartwarming love story, its charms are powerful enough to make every rewatch well worth it. If this is your first time, maybe wait until after watching to read about Hugh Grant's idea for a sequel that some fans have found...depressing.
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.*Precious: Based on the Novel by Sapphire (2009)
Gabourey Sidibe and Mo'Nique both received well-deserved Oscar noms (and a win for Mo'Nique) for their extraordinary performances in this powerful film based on the 1996 novel Push by Sapphire. This movie is a complex portrait of a young woman named Claireece "Precious" Jones (Sidibe) who deals with her devastating circumstances by escaping into daydreams of a much better life. We find her at age 16 living with her abusive mother in 1987 Harlem, unable to read or write, and pregnant for the second time by her rapist father. Because of this pregnancy, Precious is transferred to an alternative school, and her life is impacted by a sympathetic teacher (Paula Patton), a social worker (Mariah Carey), and a kind nursing assistant (Lenny Kravitz) — all of whom give her hope for a better future. Audiences and critics were divided on some of its messaging, but one thing most viewers agreed on was that the fearless performances at its center were an absolute triumph.
Watch it on Peacock with a Premium membership.
26.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 want to crank up the TV and get lost in some of the greatest music ever made.
Watch it on Peacock for free.
27.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 want to consider taking a shower before watching this movie instead of after. Trust us.
Watch it on Peacock for free.
28.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).
29.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.
30.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.
31.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.
32.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 Rogen 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 school 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 Rogen 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.
33.*Time for Ilhan (2018)
If you've recently felt that gnawing feeling that the US is overwhelmingly controlled by billionaires and corporations out of touch with the needs of…uh…non-billionaires, this documentary is a beacon of light that'll remind you that you can still have faith in our democratic systems. Director Norah Shapiro presents an inspiring and engaging portrait of Ilhan Omar, a young, hijab-wearing mother of three who arrived in the US at age 12 as a refugee, on her journey from community activist to becoming the first Somali Muslim woman to be elected to state office in the United States. Thanks to intimate, behind-the-scenes footage of Omar’s first political campaign, we get a fly-on-the-wall glimpse into how she connects with voters, disrupts the system, and works tirelessly to fight for a better country for everyone. There’s no doubt that she’s become a controversial figure throughout her career, but whether or not you consider yourself a supporter of hers, this documentary goes beyond the headlines to offer a more personal look at a political powerhouse whose story is far from over.
Watch it on Peacock for free.
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 run 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.
Watch it on Peacock with a Premium membership.
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.
Watch it on Peacock for free.
* Denotes title has been newly added to Peacock for March.
We hope you love the shows and movies we recommend! Just so you know, BuzzFeed may collect a share of revenue or other compensation from the links on this page. Oh, and FYI: Platform, prices, and other availability details are accurate as of time of posting.
There are so many things you can watch on Peacock for free, but if you want even more content, you can sign up for Peacock Premium for $4.99 a month or Peacock Premium Plus for $9.99 a month after a seven-day free trial.
