47 Of The Best Movies To Stream On Peacock In October
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1.*About a Boy (2002)
This witty and heartfelt movie manages to be both funny and tender without descending into schmaltz. Hugh Grant stars as Will, a rich and childless playboy who lies about having a son to attend single parent meetings and meet women. At one of these meetings, he meets Marcus (Nicholas Hoult), a socially awkward 12-year-old boy who has problems at school. The two form an unlikely friendship that leads to Will becoming a more mature adult as he bonds with Marcus and helps the boy to gain confidence. Featuring excellent performances from Grant, Hoult, Toni Collette, and Rachel Weisz, About a Boy is a star-studded, charming coming-of-age story full of laughs, sweetness, and flawed but lovable characters — making it a much more mature offering from the filmmakers behind American Pie.
Watch it on Peacock for free.
2.A Nightmare on Elm Street (1–5, 2010 remake)
Fans of this franchise are in luck, with four offerings from the series as well as the 2010 remake coming to Peacock this month. 1984's Wes Craven–directed original is here in all its slasher glory, standing the test of time thanks to an innovative premise carried out brilliantly and scares that still hold up. Its introduction of Freddy Krueger, a bogeyman who kills sexually promiscuous teens by invading their dreams, led to the film being considered one of the best horror movies of all time. And while the following sequels garnered more mixed reviews, they have found cult status over the years.
A Nightmare on Elm Street 2: Freddy's Revenge subverted genre trappings by replacing final girl Nancy Thompson (Heather Langenkamp) with a male lead named Jesse Walsh (Mark Patton) and filling the much campier movie with homoerotic moments that led to it being considered "the gayest horror film ever made." Fans and critics continue to debate whether the following sequels (and the 2010 remake of the original) are worthy additions to the Elm Street canon, but they all have something to offer to audiences. Some praise the stellar special effects and imaginative storylines, while others decry the films' predictability and diminishing returns on an intriguing premise — but all in all, this is a franchise whose effect on popular culture cannot be dismissed.
Watch A Nightmare on Elm Street* (1984), A Nightmare on Elm Street 2: Freddy's Revenge* (1985), A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors* (1987), A Nightmare on Elm Street 4: The Dream Master* (1988), A Nightmare on Elm Street 5: The Dream Child* (1989), and A Nightmare on Elm Street* (2010) on Peacock with a Premium membership.
3.Anthony (2020)
When Black teenager Anthony Walker was murdered 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 for free.
4.Apollo 13 (1995)
Based on the true events of the Apollo 13 lunar mission, this film tells the harrowing story of three astronauts who have to call off their scheduled moon landing after an oxygen tank explodes, leaving their entire crew’s safe return to Earth in peril as they work to overcome numerous technical problems and fight for survival. Director Ron Howard sends viewers straight into outer space and puts us right in the middle of the claustrophobic danger, while the ensemble cast — led by the magnificent Tom Hanks — bring an emotional authenticity that’ll have you on the edge of your seat even if you already know how the tale ends.
Watch it on Peacock for free.
5.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 due to 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 Sarah Polley's direction can also look forward to her forthcoming film Women Talking, starring Nomadland's brilliant Frances McDormand!
Watch it on Peacock for free.
6.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, Cameron Diaz, Catherine Keener, Orson Bean, and, of course, Malkovich himself ensures 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.
7.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.
8.Black Boys (2020)
This documentary celebrates Black youth 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, Teach Us All (2017), 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, including 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 of a picture of the Black male experience as possible, avoiding the two-dimensional version often shown in media. Highlighting the persistent racism and dehumanization Black males face, Black Boys provides an urgent conversation about opportunity, equity, and ultimately humanity.
Watch it on Peacock for free.
9.*The Bourne Ultimatum (2007)
Peacock now offers the third Bourne installment, The Bourne Ultimatum (2007), which follow Matt Damon as Jason Bourne, a man trying to discover his true identity while evading assassins in the midst of a CIA conspiracy. Whether you're itching to relive the thrilling, carefully crafted car chase scenes or are more interested in the character-oriented focus that helped this series of smart thrillers rise above other spy-genre exercises, there's a lot that makes this film worth rewatching all these years later! Damon's embodiment of Jason Bourne and use of subtle body language to hint at his former life add depth to the titular character, and while some viewers and critics knocked the shaky cam aesthetic that appears throughout the films (and possibly went on to influence a plethora of lesser action flicks), the complex, unpredictable storyline is well executed and balances intelligent writing with gripping action sequences, making this final addition to the series of blockbuster films worthy of the hype.
Watch it on Peacock for free.
10.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.
11.*The Breakfast Club (1985)
A classic coming-of-age teen comedy-drama, The Breakfast Club is celebrated for authentically capturing the teenage disposition and for its terrific young actors. Five high school students from different cliques are forced to get to know each other during Saturday detention, allowing each to tell their own story and see the others a little differently than they did before. Despite its standout performances and preservation in the United States National Film Registry for being culturally, historically, and aesthetically significant, the 1985 film has certain problematic aspects that haven't aged well. The film was called out by star Molly Ringwald in 2018.
Watch it on Peacock with a Premium membership.
12.Bride of Frankenstein (1935)
Fans and critics consider this movie to be one of the greatest sequels of all time — even better than the original Frankenstein. Elsa Lanchester is excellent as both Mary Shelley and the titular character, and the film also features Colin Clive reprising his role as Henry Frankenstein as well as Ernest Thesiger portraying Doctor Septimus Pretorius. The movie's stark cinematography and dramatic use of light and shadow set it apart from other films of its era. And by creating a partner for the iconic monster, the characters reach a new level of emotional depth that make this surreal film strangely touching. In the decades following the film's release, some audience members and critics have viewed it through a queer lens, citing a perceived "gay subtext" throughout the film, its camp sensibility, and the fact that director James Whale was one of the few openly gay directors during a time when it was virtually unheard of to be out. And despite only appearing onscreen for a total of three minutes, Lanchester's bride character has gone on to become one of Universal's most iconic monsters whose influence remains to this day.
Watch on Peacock for free.
13.The Cabin in the Woods (2012)
This meta-comedy horror movie is a smorgasbord of winking slasher flick clichés, witty laughs, and unflinching gore, with filmmakers Drew Goddard and Joss Whedon conceiving of the film as both an homage to and critique of their favorite bloody genres. Critics praised its cleverly dense layers of references and ability to move from genuinely frightening to hilarious with ease, as well as the cast — including Chris Hemsworth, Kristen Connolly, Anna Hutchison, Fran Kranz, Jesse Williams, Richard Jenkins, and Bradley Whitford — for delivering standout performances despite the film's well-trodden concept of college friends being picked off by zombies in a remote cabin. The addition of scientists (Jenkins and Whitford) manipulating the supernatural forces brings an extra sense of mystery to the plot that veers between by-the-numbers tropes and unexpected turns.
Watch it on Peacock for free.
14.*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 a Golden Globe win and 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.
15.Cast Away (2000)
When a FedEx cargo plane crashes into the Pacific Ocean, the only survivor is FedEx executive Chuck Noland (Tom Hanks), who washes ashore on a deserted island. We watch him adapt to his surroundings as it becomes clearer and clearer that help isn't coming anytime soon, and when we hear him speak, it is mostly to a volleyball that he draws a face on and names Wilson — his sole companion, plucked from the cargo plane's wreckage as soaking wet FedEx packages drift onto the shoreline. The great Helen Hunt appears briefly as Chuck's girlfriend, but Hanks is mostly on his own throughout the film's running time. He does an incredible job in what is essentially a one man show for the majority of the picture — earning himself a well-deserved Oscar nom in the process. Smart direction from Robert Zemeckis ensures that the movie remains gripping, heartbreaking, and darkly funny when it could have easily begun to tread water, offering a deeply human survival story full of flaws, triumphs, and an actor who just might be one of the best in Hollywood at portraying the Everyman.
Watch it on Peacock for free.
16.*Darkman (1990)
If you like your horror movies to veer more toward the superhero variety, this 1990 film starring Liam Neeson and Frances McDormand is full of thrills, laughs, darkness, and ambitious action sequences that are sure to scratch that itch. When Dr. Peyton Wilder (Neeson) is attacked and left disfigured by a ruthless mobster, he undergoes treatment for his injuries that ultimately fails, but unexpectedly leaves him with super-human abilities. He channels these powers into a phantom avenger persona called Darkman who is able to infiltrate the criminal community thanks to his malleable facial qualities. This movie was lauded by critics for blurring the lines between horror, sci-fi, action, comedy, romance, drama, and more into a singular vision while also being more faithful to the look and style of comic books than other films of the era. If you approved of writer-director Sam Raimi's handling of superhero characters in the 2000's Spider-Man trilogy or are fans of his horror offerings like The Evil Dead (1981) and Drag Me to Hell (2009), it's worth checking out the way he merges these various influences in Darkman.
Watch it on Peacock for free.
17.Dave Made a Maze (2017)
This unconventional horror comedy adventure movie impressively stretches its tiny budget to create a bold visual world of its own. Writer-director Bill Watterson's imaginative debut starts with a frustrated artist named Dave (Nick Thune) who winds up getting trapped in a cardboard fort he built in his living room while his girlfriend Annie (Meera Rohit Kumbhani) was out of town. When Annie returns, she calls on a group of friends and quirky characters to help rescue Dave, but they soon find out that the fort is somehow much bigger once they are inside, *and* it's packed with deadly traps and creatures. The maze itself is possibly the true star of this quirky indie flick, which uses practical effects to immerse audiences in gorgeous, whimsical sets, inside of which a once-straightforward seeming plot goes off the rails and asks that you join in on its absurd journey. You'll be glad you did.
Watch it on Peacock for free.
18.*E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
From the moment the words "E.T. phone home" first rang out across theaters, audiences all over the world were smitten with one of Steven Spielberg's most lovable characters — a gentle alien stranded on Earth and befriended by a young boy and his siblings. This film was so much of an instant hit that it snatched the crown of highest-grossing film of all time from Star Wars and held onto it for 11 years...before the title was claimed by yet another Spielberg classic, Jurassic Park. It also brought home four Academy Awards and was added to the National Film Registry of the Library of Congress for being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant," solidifying what moviegoers already knew — that this iconic movie was one of the best of its kind. Still equally beloved by both kids and adults, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial is full of warmth, humor, thrills, wonder, and more that keep audiences from all demographics coming back to get in touch with their inner child.
Watch it on Peacock for free.
19.Far From Heaven (2002)
This excellent 2002 film explores race, gender, sexuality, and class through the lens of America in the '50s, centered around a privileged suburban family coming apart at the seams. Frank Whitaker (Dennis Quaid) struggles with his attraction to men, while his wife Cathy (Julianne Moore) falls for a Black man named Raymond (Dennis Haysbert), making their family the focus of the community's gossip and threatening to unravel their strained relationship. The film has subsequently been considered writer-director Todd Haynes' masterpiece, and is praised for its thematic content and excellent cast, as well as the painstaking color choices, cinematography, and sound design that were crafted as an homage to the style of '50s-era melodramas, earning it Academy Award noms for Best Original Score, Best Cinematography, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Actress (Moore), along with Golden Globe nominations for Best Original Score, Best Screenplay, Best Supporting Actor (Quaid), and Best Actress — Drama (Moore). While Haynes is mostly known these days for his idiosyncratic Bob Dylan biopic, I'm Not There, and the romantic drama period film Carol, Far From Heaven is a movie that deserves to be remembered and rewatched by generations to come.
Watch it on Peacock for free.
20.Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1998)
Despite being a box office flop maligned by critics as aimless, bizarre, and incoherent, this film adaptation of Hunter S. Thompson's 1971 novel of the same name remains a cult favorite that introduced countless viewers to Thompson's trailblazing style of Gonzo journalism. Johnny Depp plays Raoul Duke (a fictionalized version of Thompson) who drives a convertible across the Mojave Desert with his attorney Dr. Gonzo (Benicio del Toro) and a suitcase jam-packed with mind-altering substances, which the two consume at an alarming rate on their trek to Vegas. This leads to a variety of drug-addled adventures and predicaments involving the trashing of a hotel room, a run in with a police officer (Gary Busey), and, naturally, hallucinations of giant lizards. Some audiences saw the film as a tale of nostalgia for the hope and promise of the '60s combined with a critique of run-of-the-mill journalism and a skewering of the American dream through the lens of Sin City's capitalistic excesses — but you'll just have to stream it for yourself to decide if those audiences were onto something.
Watch it on Peacock for free.
21.Half Baked (1998)
This stoner flick was a critical and box-office failure when it was released, but it has since achieved cult-classic status by viewers who have found charm in its often silly, sometimes riotous humor. Dave Chappelle is hilarious as always, and he's joined by stand-up Jim Breuer, Harland Williams (Dumb and Dumber), and Guillermo Díaz (Scandal) for a rollicking good time. Even if the plot about a group of friends' outrageous schemes to get their pal out of jail falls a little flat, it's worth a watch just for the array of celebrity guests, including Snoop Dogg, Tommy Chong, Tracy Morgan, Jon Stewart, Willie Nelson, and more who swoop in just often enough to ensure that this movie's buzz never fades.
Watch it on Peacock for free.
22.*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 starting October 15.
23.Hollywoodland (2006)
This intriguing neo-noir film follows a fictional detective (Adrien Brody) investigating the mysterious circumstances surrounding the death of real-life actor George Reeves (portrayed here by Ben Affleck), who played Superman in the '50s. While the events are mainly fictional, the excellent cast and strong writing, direction, and production values give this parable on the perils of fame legs, patiently fleshing out the characters while moving at a slow but deliberate pace. Affleck was nominated for a Golden Globe for his deft portrayal of the late movie star, and the film garnered positive reviews from critics while debuting at number two at the box office. And despite its tendency to leave viewers with more questions than answers about Reeve's strange death, it's well worth the ride for anyone interested in a glimpse into the life of a troubled icon.
Watch it on Peacock for free.
24.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 eighties. 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.
25.It Came From Outer Space (1953)
This 1953 classic is unlike many other '50s sci-fi horror movies in one big way. While most films of the era that dealt with visiting aliens treated the extraterrestrials as dangerous invaders who should be feared — echoing the rampant, Cold War–fueled xenophobia sweeping the United States — the aliens in It Came From Outer Space mean no harm. Their crash landing on Earth was an accidental one, and they are intent on leaving the planet without violence as quickly as possible, as long as they can gather the items they need to repair their ship without arousing human suspicion. This, of course, doesn't go exactly as planned, as their crash was witnessed by amateur astronomer John Putnam (Richard Carlson), who begins to investigate the mysterious sighting. And when the nearby townspeople start noticing that something unusual is going on, it leads to hostility from the Earthlings despite the visitors' peaceful intentions. This eerie film was the first to be shot in the 3D process by Universal-International, and despite it being obviously dated, many of the effects still hold up remarkably well. And while It Came From Outer Space suffers from many of the same flaws as other movies of the era — particularly in the way Putnam's girlfriend Ellen (Barbara Rush) gets the usual '50s female character treatment — its blatant message against McCarthyism is still relevant today. Based on an original story by Ray Bradbury, this black-and-white movie's influence can be still be felt, popping up in science fiction offerings like Alien, Star Wars, Star Trek, and countless others, cementing it as one of the originals worth rewatching.
Watch it on Peacock for free.
26.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.
27.John Wick (2014–19)
All three installments of the John Wick franchise (1, 2, and 3) are now available to stream on Peacock as fans excitedly await 2022's promised John Wick: Chapter 4. Somehow avoiding the dreaded sequel slump, each of these films have been acclaimed by both critics and audience members, and star Keanu Reeves has since become an internet favorite, with fans gushing over his every wholesome move — at odds with his titular character in the films who kills at a frenetic pace throughout his hunt for vengeance after losing his wife and dog. Directed by one-time prolific stunt double Chad Stahelski, these sleek, stylish action flicks are chock-full of impressively choreographed fights with enough humor, fun, and visual prowess to keep audiences coming back for more — not to mention the excellent cast, featuring appearances from Alfie Allen, Willem Dafoe, Common, Laurence Fishburne, Halle Berry, Ian McShane, and many others who skillfully turn parts big and small into three-dimensional characters worth watching. If you're counting down the days until Chapter 4's release on May 27, 2022, maybe it's time for a rewatch of the first three!
Watch it on Peacock for free.
28.Lord of War (2005)
This American crime drama from writer-director Andrew Niccol (The Truman Show, The Host) stars Nicolas Cage as Yuri Orlov, an illegal arms dealer in the 1980s who, on top of trying to shake off the pursuit of a federal agent (Ethan Hawke), becomes conflicted about the morality of his line of work after witnessing war crimes and other atrocities — although his brother (Jared Leto), who is also his business partner, is more ethically challenged. When Yuri falls in love with his childhood crush (Bridget Moynahan, Blue Bloods) — who has no idea what he does for a living — romance adds yet another layer of complication for this globetrotting character, whose story is inspired by the lives of several real-life arms dealers and smugglers. This smart, stylish, and thrilling action film is full of strong performances from its star-studded cast, while managing to be unexpectedly funny despite the serious subject matter and palpable sense of outrage throughout. It's also a fascinating look into war profiteering toward the end of the Cold War and the emergence of worldwide terrorism, which led to an official endorsement by the human rights group Amnesty International for shedding light on arms trafficking by the international arms industry.
Watch it on Peacock for free.
29.*Let Me In (2010)
An 11-year-old outcast boy (Kodi Smit-McPhee) makes friends with a young female vampire (Chloë Grace Moretz) who lives next door in this romantic horror film. Don't expect Twilight-level campiness, though! This remake of the acclaimed 2008 Swedish film Let the Right One In is as dark and haunting as it is touching and beautiful, deftly depicting the frighteningly fine line between good and evil and featuring spectacular acting from both its child and adult stars. And as far as remakes go, director Matt Reeves does a pretty excellent job of walking the line between remaining faithful to the original and creating something new, making this a worthwhile watch regardless of whether or not you've seen the Swedish version that told the story first.
Watch it on Peacock with a Premium membership.
30.*Men in Black (1997)
Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones are the Men in Black — members of a unofficial government agency that supervises and regulates aliens on Earth while hiding their existence from other humans — and their job gets a whole lot harder when they uncover a deadly assassination plot that could throw the intergalactic world into chaos. Charismatic performances, a sharp script, and special effects that remain striking even years later combine forces to create a playful and wildly entertaining flick beloved by both children and adults. For true fans, Peacock is also offering the less acclaimed second installment in the Men in Black franchise starting on September 15, but it's the original that packs the cleverest gags and biggest laughs into an endearingly zany flick that remains an outta-this-world cultural touchstone to this day.
Watch on Peacock for free.
31.A Monster in Paris (2011)
Featuring an excellent cast including Adam Goldberg, Sean Lennon, Jay Harrington, Catherine O'Hara, Danny Huston, Madeline Zima, Bob Balaban, and Vanessa Paradis, this French animated film follows two friends who accidentally release a monster from an eccentric scientist's lab, leading to widespread panic. But once they discover that the unexpectedly musical creature might not be as scary as they initially thought, they realize they must defend it from a corrupt police chief who will stop at nothing to track the "monster" down. This fun and gorgeously animated movie is full of charm and catchy songs that will appeal to both children and adults, and has earned rave review from critics who have noted its nods to classic pictures like Frankenstein, Phantom of the Opera (also available on Peacock), The Hunchback of Notre-Dame, The Fly (also available on Peacock), and King Kong. If you're looking for something a little lighter during your October monster movie marathon, this should help take the edge off!
Watch it on Peacock for free.
32.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 that 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.
33.*The Mustang (2019)
This poetic film from Laure de Clermont-Tonnerre finds beauty in grim places, telling the story of a convict (Matthias Schoenaerts) who learns to confront his violent past while training wild mustangs in a rehabilitation program that proves to be more meaningful than he initially thought. Fantastic direction from Clermont-Tonnerre and superb acting from Schoenaerts, Jason Mitchell, Gideon Adlon, Connie Britton, and Bruce Dern turn a familiar redemption tale into a stunningly shot and powerfully acted character study that rises above cliches and is full of nuanced looks at humanity, violence, masculinity, and more. This quietly compelling film is based on a real rehabilitation program in Carson City, Nevada, and offers a sincere depiction of its value with an eye for authenticity and an important message that lingers long after the credits roll.
Watch it on Peacock with a Premium membership.
34.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 and further cemented its 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 gives it an almost documentary-like atmosphere, making the horrors that unfold all the more horrifying and going on to influence 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.
35.*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 — breaking records at the box office and nabbing Golden Globe nominations for Best Motion Picture – Comedy/Musical, Best Motion Picture Actor – Comedy/Musical (Grant), and Best Motion Picture Actress – Comedy/Musical (Roberts). 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. However, 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.
36.October Sky (1999)
This inspirational coming-of-age story treads familiar thematic territory, but does so with such depth and sincerity that even the more predictable moments are effective and compelling. Jake Gyllenhaal, Chris Cooper, and Laura Dern deliver moving performances, while director Joe Johnston pulls the right strings at just the right time in this expertly crafted, perfectly paced family film about following your dreams. Based on the true story of Homer "Sonny" Hickam (as recounted in his 1998 memoir, Rocket Boys), October Sky follows high school-aged Hickam (Gyllenhaal) as he works to achieve his goal of one day becoming a rocket scientist — against the wishes of his father (Cooper), who expects all of his sons to follow in his footsteps working in the coal mine. That doesn't stop Homer or his friends from constructing and launching small rockets with the help of their sympathetic science teacher (Dern), who oversees their trials and errors with much-needed support and encouragement. If you're in the mood for a heartfelt movie that offers a portrait of the sometimes tough family dynamics of the post-war era, or are someone whose interest in rocket fuel was rekindled by the recent SpaceX launch, October Sky should be on your list!
Watch it on Peacock for free.
37.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 doc focuses on the 18 Black athletes from the United States who participated, poring through 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 track and field star Jesse Owens' four gold medal wins dismantling 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 making up just a few of the ways Black people in sports are unfairly targeted, this documentary remains a vital look into the underbelly of racism that persists in the American and the global sporting world today.
Watch it on Peacock for free.
38.Parenthood (1989)
This feel-good 1989 family comedy-drama is one of the best of its kind, showcasing the trials and tribulations of parenthood through four related families. The delightful cast features outstanding performances from Steve Martin, Joaquin Phoenix, Keanu Reeves, Mary Steenburgen, Dianne Wiest, Tom Hulce (Amadeus, National Lampoon's Animal House), Rick Moranis (Ghostbusters, Honey, I Shrunk the Kids), Martha Plimpton (The Goonies, Raising Hope), and Jason Robards (All the President's Men), who have incredible chemistry, making the familial bonds feel all the more genuine and moving. The story follows a perfectionist father named Gil (Martin), who interprets his children's struggles as reflections of poor parenting on his part, his sister (Wiest), who is dealing with her daughter's (Plimpton) teenage pregnancy, their other sister (Kozak), who is trying to convince her husband (Moranis) to have more children, and their brother (Hulce), who is having a hard time handling his young son. Thoughtful direction from Ron Howard balances expertly timed moments of humor with touching looks at the ups and downs of being a parent. And while many movies with this broad of a scope have trouble adequately developing the ambitious number of featured parts, this film pulls it off with ease! Despite its age, there's something truly universal in this perceptive slice of life that makes it just as engaging to watch now as it was when it first hit theaters. Oh, and FWIW, NBC's television series Parenthood — also available to stream on Peacock — is loosely based on this Howard classic.
Watch it on Peacock for free.
39.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 bombastic 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.
40.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.
41.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 stratospheric fame, critics recognized the brilliance on display — and rightfully so.
Watch it on Peacock for free.
42.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 Rev. Dr. 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 toward how many of the issues of the time have yet to be resolved. Belafonte, now 93, 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 for free.
43.The Sixth Sense (1999)
When the phrase "I see dead people" first rang out across theaters in 1999, many audiences weren't all that familiar with writer-director M. Night Shyamalan or his twisty bag of tricks. That soon changed as The Sixth Sense became the second-highest-grossing horror movie of all time — a title it still holds — catapulting the filmmaker, child actor Haley Joel Osment, and the then-relatively unknown Toni Collette to international recognition, with the three earning four of the movie's six Oscar noms for Best Director, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress, and Best Original Screenplay. The film was also nominated for Best Film Editing and Best Picture — which it lost to American Beauty. Osment and Collette received well-deserved acclaim for their quietly powerful performances as a young boy who sees ghosts and his concerned but loyal mother, while Bruce Willis's mournful portrayal of child psychologist Malcolm Crowe was also singled out with praise. The biggest attention, however, went to the film's shocking twist, which, if you somehow haven't already seen it or had it spoiled for you, packs a punch that'll stick with you long after the credits roll.
Watch it on Peacock for free.
44.Son of Frankenstein (1939)
The third installment of Universal Studios' Frankenstein series is iconic for many reasons. It features two of Universal's biggest stars, Boris Karloff and Bela Lugosi, at the height of their fame, with Karloff portraying The Monster for the final time and Lugosi turning the character of Ygor into a certified scene-stealer. It's stylish, deliberately silly, and served as a huge inspiration for Mel Brooks's classic Young Frankenstein. Maybe it's time for a Frankenstein marathon?
Watch it on Peacock for free.
45.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.
46.The Wiz (1978)
This 1978 adaption of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz features a star-studded, all-Black cast and reframes the classic story of Dorothy's adventure around the Black experience. This spectacular production, set in a New York–like Oz, still holds up all these years later, in part due to excellent performances from Diana Ross, Nipsey Russell, Ted Ross, Mabel King, Theresa Merritt, Thelma Carpenter, Lena Horne, and Richard Pryor, as well as rousing musical numbers and a palpable sense of joy. While reviews were mixed at the time, there is a lot to love about this splashy, revolutionary take on a Broadway classic that is still a rite of passage for countless viewers young and old.
Watch it on Peacock for free.
47.*The World’s End (2013)
What starts as a pub crawl intended to recapture 40-year-old Gary King's (Simon Pegg) youth and reunite him with his estranged high school friends (Nick Frost, Paddy Considine, Martin Freeman, Eddie Marsan) turns into a battle for the survival of mankind in this zany comedy from Pegg and Edgar Wright — the third and final installment in their Three Flavours Cornetto trilogy, following Shaun of the Dead (2004) and Hot Fuzz (2007). This hilarious flick is full of all the delightful silliness and snappy dialogue you want from a great night out (and all the epic violence and chaos you want from the fight against alien invaders), but also contains enough humanity and heart to make it the most mature entry in the trilogy. If you're in need of a good belly laugh as well as some food for thought, The World’s End's not a bad place to start.
Watch it on Peacock with a Premium membership.
* Denotes title has been newly added to Peacock for October.
