Yahoo Lifestyle 48 Of The Best Movies To Stream On Peacock In October
Peacock is the new kid on the block when it comes to streaming but don't be fooled, it has a fantastic collection of movies that cover everything from comedy to horror to drama to stuff for your kids.
Ghost @thebandghost / Infinity Ward / Via giphy.com
In fact, there are so many fantastic options, it can be hard to decide which movie you actually want to watch.
Fortunately, that is where I come in.
Back to the Future Trilogy @BTTF / Universal Pictures / Via giphy.com
I have curated a list of nearly 50 movies streaming on Peacock this month that you should definitely check out, including some brand-new movies and plenty of classics. Whether you want to have a Godfather marathon or see how Halloween Ends, this list will be exactly what you're looking for. Happy streaming!
New This Month:
1.The 40-Year-Old Virgin (2005)
Director: Judd ApatowCast: Steve Carell, Catherine Keener, Paul Rudd, Seth Rogen, Romany FalcoGenre: ComedyRating: RRuntime: 1h 56mRotten Tomatoes: 85% (Critics), 84% (Audience)
As the title indicates, Andy (Steve Carell) is a kind, but timid 40-year-old man with a big secret: he's never had sex. When his coworkers discover that he's still a virgin, they are determined to help him get laid as quickly as possible. This was the beginning of Judd Apatow dominating comedy with his unique blend of raunchy but secretly sweet storytelling. Apatow's unparalleled eye for talent is also on full display, as the cast is filled with some of the funniest people in Hollywood, including Carell, Paul Rudd, Seth Rogan, and a quick but hilarious cameo from Jonah Hill.
Watch it on Peacock.
2.Air Force One (1997)
Director: Wolfgang PetersenCast: Harrison Ford, Gary Oldman, Glenn Close, Wendy CrewsenGenre: Action, ThrillerRating: RRuntime: 2h 4mRotten Tomatoes: 79% (Critics), 66% (Audience)
Oftentimes, the best action movies are the ones that keep the general plot simple, and that is certainly the case with Air Force One. All you really need to know is that while President James Marshall (Harrison Ford) is flying back from Moscow to the United States, a group of terrorists take over Air Force One and hold his family hostage. It's up to Marshall to save his wife and daughter while kicking some ass at approximately 35,000 feet in the air. Ford makes his case for being placed on the Mount Rushmore of movie presidents, and the rest of the cast, including Gary Oldman, Glenn Close, and William H. Macy, does fantastic work.
Watch it on Peacock.
3.Apollo 13 (1995)
Director: Ron HowardCast: Tom Hanks, Kevin Bacon, Bill Paxton, Ed Harris, Gary SiniseGenre: History, DramaRating: PGRuntime: 2h 19mRotten Tomatoes: 96% (Critics), 87% (Audience)
Based on the true story of America's fifth mission to the moon, Apollo 13 follows the doomed lunar journey of Jim Lovell (Tom Hanks), Jack Swigert (Kevin Bacon), and Fred Haise (Bill Paxton). The movie really kicks into gear when the mission starts to go wrong and Lovell must give up his dream of walking on the Moon and instead just focus on getting his crew home alive. Hanks, Bacon, and Paxton all deliver phenomenal performances and former child star Ron Howard firmly established himself as one of Hollywood's best directors. Apollo 13 was a hit with critics and audiences alike, racking up nine Oscar nominations and earning over $350 million at the global box office.
Watch it on Peacock.
4.Back to the Future (1985)
Director: Robert ZemeckisCast: Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Crispin Glover, Lea Thompson, Tom WilsonGenre: Action, Science Fiction, ComedyRating: PGRuntime: 1h 56mRotten Tomatoes: 97% (Critics), 94% (Audience)
When Doc Brown (Christopher Lloyd) invents a time machine in the form of a kickass DeLorean, his teen pal, Marty (Michael J. Fox), accidentally ends up traveling 30 years back in time and has to convince the younger version of Doc to help him get...back to the future. He also ends up needing to play matchmaker to his parents after his inadvertent interference on their creepy meet-cute threatens to phase Marty out of existence entirely. This remains one of the most thoroughly entertaining movies of all time, and the time travel is simple and straightforward enough for the whole family to enjoy.
Watch it on Peacock.
5.The Devil Wears Prada (2006)
Director: David FrankelCast: Anne Hathaway, Meryl Streep, Stanley Tucci, Emily Blunt, Adrian GrenierGenre: Comedy, DramaRating: PG-13Runtime: 1h 49mRotten Tomatoes: 75% (Critics), 76% (Audience)
Andy Sachs (Anne Hathaway) is an aspiring journalist who ends up working as a junior personal assistant to Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep), the brilliant but brutal editor-in-chief of the legendary Runway magazine. At first, it seems like a job from Hell but slowly, Andy finds herself drawn in by the glamorous and cutthroat world of fashion. Hathaway is unsurprisingly wonderful and Emily Blunt is also great in an early scene-stealing role as Andy's rival coworker, Emily. But we all know who really owns this movie. It's Meryl's show. It sounds ridiculous to complain about someone who has won three Oscars not winning an Oscar but, seriously, how the hell did Streep not win for her iconic work as Miranda?
Watch it on Peacock.
6.E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
Director: Steven SpielbergCast: Henry Thomas, Drew Barrymore, C. Thomas Howell, Dee Wallace, Peter CoyoteGenre: Science Fiction, FamilyRating: PGRuntime: 1h 54mRotten Tomatoes: 99% (Critics), 72% (Audience)
Alien invasion movies usually revolve around the idea of extraterrestrial beings trying to either enslave humanity or take over the world. But E.T. goes in the opposite direction, with director Steven Spielberg telling the story of a kindhearted alien who develops a bond with a young boy named Elliott (Henry Thomas) after he is accidentally left behind by his fellow martian botanists. This movie won't scare you, but there's a decent chance it will make you cry, as Elliott and E.T.'s devotion to each other embodies everything good about humanity, despite the fact that one of them technically isn't human.
Watch it on Peacock.
7.The Godfather (1972)
Director: Francis Ford CoppolaCast: Al Pacino, Marlon Brando, James Caan, Robert Duvall, Diane KeatonGenre: Drama, CrimeRating: RRuntime: 2h 57mRotten Tomatoes: 97% (Critics), 98% (Audience)
What can I really say about a movie that has been praised, discussed, and analyzed ad nauseam in the 50 years since its initial release? The Godfather is, simply put, a masterpiece in filmmaking in every possible sense of the word. The performances are impeccable, the dialogue is endlessly quotable, and despite its almost three-hour runtime, it breezes by thanks to nearly every scene being in contention for the best in movie history. From the opening declaration of, "I believe in America," to the iconic baptism at the end, there is not a second wasted in what is rightly considered by many to be the pinnacle of movie-making.
Watch it on Peacock.
8.The Godfather: Part II (1974)
Director: Francis Ford CoppolaCast: Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton, John CazaleGenre: Drama CrimeRating: RRuntime: 3h 20mRotten Tomatoes: 96% (Critics), 97% (Audience)
Sequels, by their very nature, are a difficult gambit, as they tend to be lesser copies of the original. And that tightrope walk becomes an outright suicide mission when you are making a sequel to perhaps the greatest film ever made. Yet, The Godfather: Part II manages to pull off this impossible mission so successfully that it has sparked decades of debate over which is the greatest in the trilogy (if anyone ever argues for Part III, take them to the mattresses). As we watch Michael Corleone (Al Pacino) struggle to maintain power while holding onto what little humanity he has left, we also get to watch the rise of Vito (Robert De Niro) from an immigrant orphan to one of the most feared and respected men in the country.
Watch it on Peacock.
9.Halloween Ends (2022)
Director: David Gordon GreenCast: Jamie Lee Curtis, Andi Matichak, James Jude Courtney, Will PattonGenre: HorrorRating: RRuntime: 1h 51mRotten Tomatoes: N/A
Will we finally get to see Michael Myers die? That's the biggest question longtime Halloween fans likely have heading into the third and supposedly final chapter of the part-sequel, part-reboot trilogy from David Gordon Green. Myers has survived just about everything imaginable over several decades to the point where he appears to be invincible, including taking down a literal angry mob at the end of the last movie. If anybody can take out Myers for good, it is presumably Laurie Strode (Jamie Lee Curtis). The two seem destined for a showdown to end all showdowns here, but regardless of what happens, don't expect Myers to be gone forever, as he continues to be a cash cow that Hollywood can't resist.
Watch it on Peacock on October 14.
10.Insidious (2011)
Director: James WanCast: Patrick Wilson, Rose Byrne, Ty Simpkins, Barbara Hershey, Lin ShayneGenre: HorrorRating: RRuntime: 1h 41mRotten Tomatoes: 66% (Critics), 62% (Audience)
Shortly after moving into a new home, Josh (Patrick Wilson) and Renai (Rose Byrne) Lambert are devastated and confused when their son Dalton falls into a coma for seemingly no reason. Things get even worse when the comatose Dalton (Ty Simpkins) becomes a vessel for a variety of evil and demonic spirits. Director James Wan had already established himself as a force in the horror genre, but Insidious made him one of the most sought-after directors in the movie industry. Despite a microscopic budget of just over $1 million, Insidious earned over $100 million worldwide, becoming one of the biggest horror hits of this century and spawning an incredibly profitable franchise.
Watch it on Peacock.
11.Saw (2004)
Director: James WanCast: Cary Elwes, Danny Glover, Monica Potter, Tobin Bell, Michael EmersonGenre: HorrorRating: RRuntime: 1h 43mRotten Tomatoes: 50% (Critics), 84% (Audience)
Jigsaw and the Saw lore have become such an integral part of the horror DNA, that it's difficult to explain how shocking it was when the first movie came to theaters. In the early 2000s, the genre was suffering from a lack of innovation but Saw's inventive story of one man's incredibly warped and tortuous sense of justice felt like a refreshing breath of fresh air for horror fans. With a budget of less than a million dollars, Saw become an all-out phenomenon, earning over $100 million at the box office and birthing a franchise that is still pumping out movies to this day.
Watch it on Horror.
12.Tremors (1990)
Director: Ron UnderwoodCast: Kevin Bacon, Fred Ward, Finn Carter, Michael Gross, Reba McEntireGenre: Horror, ComedyRating: PG-13Runtime: 1h 35mRotten Tomatoes: 88% (Critics), 75% (Audience)
Despite their similarities, mixing horror and comedy often falls flat in a way that leaves the audience laughing at how unscary the movie is. But Tremors is a rare success, as the story of a couple of handymen and a seismologist facing off against giant, prehistoric, flesh-eating, worm-like monsters works both comedically and in terms of drumming up scares. Tremors was a bit of a flop upon its release but it has gained a dedicated cult following of fans who champion the movie as an entertaining thrill ride anchored by strong performances from Kevin Bacon, Fred Ward, and Finn Carter.
Watch it on Peacock.
What to Watch:
13.Anthony (2020)
Director: Terry McDonoughCast: Toheeb Jimoh, Rakie Ayola, Julia Brown, Robinah KirondeGenre: DramaRating: TV-14Runtime: 1h 24mRotten Tomatoes: 100% (Critics), 100% (Audience)
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. —J.M.
Watch it on Peacock with a Premium membership.
14.The Bad Guys (2022)
Director: Pierre PerifelCast: Sam Rockwell, Zazie Beets, Marc Maron, Awkwafina, Craig RobinsonGenre: Animation, KidsRating: PGRuntime: 1h 39mRotten Tomatoes: 88% (Critics), 93% (Audience)
Mr. Wolf (voiced by Sam Rockwell) has spent his whole life being bad, establishing himself as an infamous lawbreaker by leading a gang of dastardly criminal animals that includes a safe-cracking snake, hacker tarantula, and master-of-disguise shark. But after accidentally helping an old lady during a heist, Mr. Wolf starts to question his life of malfeasance and wonders if he would be happier if he committed his life to doing good instead of being the Big Bad Wolf. The Bad Guys is a fun, surprisingly heartfelt movie that parents will enjoy as much as their kids, as it is packed with jokes and a nice message about becoming the best version of yourself. —B.H.
Watch it on Peacock with a Premium membership.
15.Betty White: First Lady of Television (2018)
Director: Steve BoettcherCast: Betty WhiteGenre: DocumentaryRating: TV-14Runtime: 56mRotten Tomatoes: 75% (Audience)
Peacock is offering the chance to spend a little more time with Betty White — who died in December of 2021, 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 White was as America’s lovable, raunchy, and intensely memorable grandmother, you’re missing out on just how talented she always was. She was one of the first women to produce and star in their 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 everyone — 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 White in it, maybe that's exactly what we need right now. —J.M.
Watch it on Peacock with a Premium membership.
16.Black Boys (2020)
Director: Sonia LowmanGenre: DocumentaryRating: NRRuntime: 1h 35mRotten Tomatoes: 86% (Critics), 72% (Audience)
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 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 that Black boys and men face, Black Boys provides an urgent conversation about opportunity, equity, and ultimately humanity. —J.M.
Watch it on Peacock with a Premium membership.
17.The Blair Witch Project (1999)
Director: Daniel Myrick, Eduardo SánchezCast: Heather Donahue, Michael C. Williams, Joshua LeonardGenre: HorrorRating: RRuntime: 1h 27mRotten Tomatoes: 86% (Critics), 56% (Audience)
Found footage has become a staple in the horror genre, with Paranormal Activity, Cloverfield, and countless others owing a debt of gratitude to The Blair Witch Project. It may not be the first found-footage horror film, but Daniel Myrick and Eduardo Sánchez's film undoubtedly popularized the format. The story is simple: Three aspiring filmmakers head into the woods of Maryland to create a documentary around a local legend known as the Blair Witch. As the trio ventures deeper into the woods, they begin to have strange experiences (hearing children's laughter and noticing items have gone missing) that leave them wondering if the legend of the Blair Witch is real or if it's all in their heads. Despite being made on a shoestring budget of less than half a million dollars, the movie feels so realistic, that at the time of its release, many viewers legitimately believed that they were watching a documentary. —B.H.
Watch it on Peacock.
18.Chicken Run (2000)
Director: Peter Lord, Nick ParkCast: Julia Sawalha, Mel Gibson, Lynn Ferguson, Imelda Staunton, Jane HorrocksGenre: Animation, Kids, ComedyRating: GRuntime: 1h 25mRotten Tomatoes: 96% (Critics), 65% (Audience)
Chicken Run is the brainchild of four-time Oscar winner Nick Park and codirector 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 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. —J.M.
Watch it on Peacock with a Premium membership.
19.Downton Abbey: A New Era (2022)
Director: Simon CurtisCast: Hugh Bonneville, Laura Carmichael, Jim Carter, Michelle Dockery, Brendan CoyleGenre: DramaRating: PGRuntime: 2h 5mRotten Tomatoes: 86% (Critics), 97% (Audience)
The latest entry into the Downton Cinematic Universe is officially here and proves that Downton continues to be the most delicious and exquisite comfort food possible, as creator Julian Fellowes knows how to build a world as well as anyone. A New Era was a quiet hit when it hit theaters, earning $90 million at the worldwide box office and getting rave reviews from critics and fans alike. Whether you missed it on the big screen or simply want to spend some more time in England in the early 20th Century, now is your chance. —B.H.
Watch it on Peacock with a premium membership.
20.Drag Me to Hell (2009)
Director: Sam RaimiCast: Alison Lohman, Justin Long, Lorna Raver, David Paymer, Dileep RaoGenre: HorrorRating: RRuntime: 1h 39mRotten Tomatoes: 92% (Critics), 62% (Audience)
To prove herself to her boss in hopes of earning a promotion, bank loan officer Christine Brown (Alison Lohman) denies an elderly woman's request to extend her mortgage. This turns out to be a bad decision, as the woman puts a curse on Christine that will result in her being banished to hell for eternity in three days. As Christine tries to figure out how to break the curse and save herself from damnation, she is relentlessly tormented by a demon. Sam Raimi made a name for himself and his ability to blend comedy and horror with the Evil Dead franchise, and he proves here that no filmmaker is better at having a blast while making people go through the most horrific experiences imaginable. —B.H.
Watch it on Peacock.
21.Driveways (2019)
Director: Stephen NorringtonCast: Hong Chau, Lucas Jaye, Brian Dennehy, Laurent Rejto, Stan CarpGenre: DramaRating: NRRuntime: 1h 23mRotten Tomatoes: 99% (Critics), 83% (Audience)
Kathy (Hong Chau) heads to her deceased sister's house to prepare it for sale but is surprised when her son Cody (Lucas Jaye) starts to bond with Del (Brian Dennehy), an elderly widower living next door. Only 83 minutes long, Driveways is a concise but powerful story about the importance of human connection as we see through Del the toll that isolation can take on a person. Driveways also turned out to be the final film of Dennehy's career, as he died a month before its release, and critics praised it as a fitting last performance for the renowned actor. —B.H.
Watch it on Peacock for free.
22.Furious 7 (2015)
Director: James WanCast: Paul Walker, Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez, Dwayne Johnson, Tyrese GibsonGenre: Action, AdventureRating: PG-13Runtime: 2h 17mRotten Tomatoes: 81% (Critics), 82% (Audience)
How can we not talk about family when family's all that we got? Against all odds, The Fast & The Furious went from a fun Point Break remake with cars to one of the biggest film franchises of all time. And while you could argue the series might be reaching the point of diminishing returns, Furious 7 was undoubtedly when F & F was still at its peak, providing absolutely bonkers action while proudly wearing its massive heart on its sleeve. This is, of course, Paul Walker's final appearance in the series, as the beloved actor died in a car accident during filming. Posthumous performances are tricky, as they are often either tasteless or feel incomplete. In this case, Furious 7 is the perfect send-off for Walker, as it's nearly impossible not to cry when "See You Again" starts to play. —B.H.
Watch it on Peacock.
23.The Hangover (2009)
Director: Todd PhillipsCast: Bradley Cooper, Zach Galifianakis, Ed Helms, Justin Bartha, Heather GrahamGenre: ComedyRating: RRuntime: 1h 39mRotten Tomatoes: 79% (Critics), 84% (Audience)
Remember comedies? It can be hard to imagine now, but there was a time when funny movies were every bit as essential to the DNA of summer moviegoing as the latest entry in whatever franchise is popular at the time. And perhaps the last truly blockbuster comedy was The Hangover, a movie that managed to blow away expectations and become one of the highest-grossing R-rated films ever made. With its simple plot (guys wake up in Vegas to find their friend is missing but don't remember how they lost him), fantastic chemistry between Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, and Zach Galifianakis (who rightly became a breakout star after this), and a few genuine surprises, The Hangover holds up as one of the most laugh-out-loud comedies of the century. Just do yourself a favor and skip the sequels, which mostly suck. —B.H.
Watch it on Peacock.
24.The Harry Potter Series (2001–11)
Cast: Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Tom Felton, Alan Rickman
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 as 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. —J.M.
Watch it on Peacock for free.
25.I Am Big Bird: The Caroll Spinney Story (2015)
Director: Dave LaMattina, Chad N. WalkerCast: Caroll Spinney, Frank Oz, Roscoe Orman, Sonia ManzanoGenre: Documentary, BiographyRating: NRRuntime: 1h 30mRotten Tomatoes: 84% (Critics), 80% (Audience)
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 proved 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 continued 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. —J.M.
Watch it on Peacock for free.
26.Izzy Gets the F*ck Across Town (2018)
Director: Christian PapierniakCast: Mackenzie Davis, Alia Shawkat, Haley Joel Osment, Carrie CoonGenre: Comedy, DramaRating: NRRuntime: 1h 26mRotten Tomatoes: 55% (Critics), 60% (Audience)
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 the party 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. —J.M.
Watch it on Peacock for free.
27.Jurassic Park (1993)
Director: Steven SpielbergCast: Sam Neill, Laura Dern, Jeff Goldblum, Richard Attenborough, Bob PeckGenre: Action, AdventureRating: PG-13Runtime: 2h 6mRotten Tomatoes: 92% (Critics), 91% (Audience)
By the time Jurassic Park was coming to theaters, Steven Spielberg had already firmly established himself as the undisputed master of the blockbuster. With Jaws, E.T., Indiana Jones, and so many others, he proved that nobody understands the art of the spectacle quite like him. But if there were somehow any lingering doubts about Spielberg's unparalleled ability to entertain audiences, they disappeared immediately here. Nearly 30 years later, Jurassic Park remains a nearly perfect viewing experience, as it manages to be funny, scary, exciting, and even touching all at the same time. It is also a tribute to the power of practical effects, as the dinosaurs stand as incredibly realistic to this day, and the movie looks better than about 99 percent of the CGI-heavy blockbusters currently being made. —B.H.
Watch it on Peacock.
28.Jurassic World Dominion (2022)
Director: Colin TrevorrowCast: Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard, Sam Neill, Laura Dern, Jeff GoldblumGenre: Action, AdventureRating: PG-13Runtime: 2h 27mRotten Tomatoes: 29% (Critics), 77% (Audience)
In the third and final film of the second Jurassic trilogy, Owen (Chris Pratt) and Claire (Bryce Dallas Howard) must once again save the day. Dinos and humans are trying to co-exist but, obviously, a little chaos shakes that up. Thankfully, they're not alone, as Jeff Goldblum, Sam Neill, and Laura Dern return to reprise their roles and, unsurprisingly, the OG Jurassic crew end up stealing the show. Could this be the end of the Jurassic cinematic universe? I have my doubts because much like life, this franchise finds a way. Plus, it doesn't hurt that even without much love from critics, these movies simply will not stop making obscene amounts of money. Turns out people like dinosaurs. Who knew? —B.H.
Watch it on Peacock.
29.Meet Cute (2022)
Director: Alex LehmannCast: Pete Davidson, Kaley Cuoco, Deborah S. Craig, Sierra FiskGenre: Romance, ComedyRating: NRRuntime: 1h 30mRotten Tomatoes: 57% (Critics), 60% (Audience)
After an eight-year run on Saturday Night Live, where his offscreen antics arguably got more attention than what he actually did on the show, Pete Davidson officially left the sketch show. And the recently single comedian's first post-SNL project is Meet Cute. Not much is known about the rom-com thus far, but the plot suggests a somewhat fantastical nature, as Sheila (Kaley Cuoco) uses a time machine to redo a first date she had with Gary (Pete Davidson) from the previous night. While Davidson has put together a solid film career so far, including delivering a hilarious supporting performance in Bodies Bodies Bodies this summer, it will be interesting to see how he does as a romantic lead. —B.H.
Watch it on Peacock.
30.A Most Beautiful Thing (2020)
Director: Mary MazzioCast: CommonGenre: DocumentaryRating: NRRuntime: 1h 25mRotten Tomatoes: 100% (Critics), 100% (Audience)
The inspiring documentary, A Most Beautiful Thing, tells the tale of the Manley High rowing team, a group of young Black men from the West Side of Chicago who, although many of them are 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 as they 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 during the times we're living in. —J.M.
Watch it on Peacock for free.
31.My Best Friend's Wedding (1997)
Director: P.J. HoganCast: Julia Roberts, Dermot Mulroney, Cameron Diaz, Rupert EverettGenre: Romance, ComedyRating: PG-13Runtime: 1h 45mRotten Tomatoes: 73% (Critics), 73% (Audience)
In 1997, Julia Roberts was at the height of her rom-com powers, and she proved herself to be the genre's GOAT with My Best Friend's Wedding. What is really remarkable about this movie is that Jules (Roberts) is an objectively terrible person who decides to break up an engagement between two people who are happily in love because she decides out of nowhere that she's in love with Michael (Dermot Mulroney), the groom-to-be. But even as you are watching Jules manipulate everyone around her and lie to get what she wants, you still love her because Roberts is just that damn charming. And for that reason, she deserves credit alongside James Gandolfini (The Sopranos), Jon Hamm (Mad Men), and Bryan Cranston (Breaking Bad) for delivering an all-time great antihero performance. —B.H.
Watch it on Peacock.
32.Night of the Living Dead (1968)
Director: George RomeroCast: Duane Jones, Judith O'Dea, Karl Hardman, Keith WayneGenre: HorrorRating: NRRuntime: 1h 36mRotten Tomatoes: 96% (Critics), 87% (Audience)
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. —J.M.
Watch it on Peacock for free.
33.Olympic Pride, American Prejudice (2016)
Director: Deborah Riley DraperCast: Isiah Thomas, Carl LewisGenre: DocumentaryRating: NRRuntime: 1h 30mRotten Tomatoes: 100% (Critics), 49% (Audience)
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 massive inequality both at home and overseas. The tale of how track-and-field star Jesse Owens's 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. —J.M.
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34.Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire (2009)
Director: Lee DanielsCast: Gabourey Sidibe, Mo'Nique, Paula Patton, Mariah Carey, Lenny KravitzGenre: DramaRating: RRuntime: 1h 49mRotten Tomatoes: 92% (Critics), 81% (Audience)
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. —J.M.
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35.Prince: Sign o' the Times (1987)
Director: Prince, Albert MagnoliCast: Prince, Sheila E., Sheena Easton, Dr. FinkGenre: Music, DocumentaryRating: PG-13Runtime: 1h 25mRotten Tomatoes: 81% (Critics), 92% (Audience)
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. —J.M.
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36.Psycho (1960)
Director: Alfred HitchcockCast: Anthony Perkins, Vera Miles, Janet Leigh, John GavinGenre: Horror, ThrillerRating: RRuntime: 1h 49mRotten Tomatoes: 96% (Critics), 95% (Audience)
Alfred Hitchcock remains one of the most celebrated filmmakers in history, and a plethora of his movies have landed on Peacock. If you don't know where to start, might I suggest keeping it simple and rolling with his most popular film, Psycho. Marion Crane (Janet Leigh) is on the run after embezzling $40,000 and ends up staying at Bates Motel, a quiet little spot located off the highway. During her stay, however, she is murdered by a mysterious stranger. Over 60 years later, this is still one of the most perfectly-crafted thrillers ever made, from the iconic shower scene to the twist ending that will still give you chills. —B.H.
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37.Shaolin (2011)
Director: Benny Chan Chi-ShunCast: Andy Lau, Nicholas Tse, Jackie Chan, Fan Bingbing, Jing WuGenre: Action, HistoryRating: RRuntime: 2h 11mRotten Tomatoes: 74% (Critics), 71% (Audience)
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. —J.M.
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38.Shaun of the Dead (2004)
Director: Edgar WrightCast: Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Kate Ashfield, Lucy Davis, Dylan MoranGenre: Comedy, HorrorRating: RRuntime: 1h 37mRotten Tomatoes: 92% (Critics), 93% (Audience)
Shaun (Simon Pegg) is a thirty-something slacker who spends his days hanging out with his even lazier and more directionless best pal, Ed (Nick Frost). Shortly after Shaun is dumped by his girlfriend, a zombie apocalypse begins, and he must do everything he can to survive and keep his loved ones alive. The film is not technically the directorial debut of Edgar Wright, but Shaun of the Dead is certainly what put him on the map as one of the great comedic filmmakers of the 21st century. While the laughs never stop coming, what really sets Wright apart is how Shaun of the Dead is legitimately a great zombie movie in its own right. —B.H.
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39.Short Term 12 (2013)
Director: Destin Daniel CrettonCast: Brie Larson, Kaitlyn Dever, LaKeith Stanfield, Rami Malek, John Gallagher Jr.Genre: DramaRating: RRuntime: 1h 36mRotten Tomatoes: 98% (Critics), 92% (Audience)
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 rightly so. —J.M.
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40.Shrek (2001)
Director: Andrew Adamson, Vicky JensonCast: Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz, John LithgowGenre: Animation, FamilyRating: PGRuntime: 1h 29mRotten Tomatoes: 88% (Critics), 90% (Audience)
I don't need to tell you what Shrek is about. Everyone knows what Shrek's about. Two decades later, this post-modern, irreverent takedown of fairy tales remains as culturally relevant as ever, with Shrek becoming a consistent source of meme fodder and online discourse. But does the movie itself actually hold up? In a word, absolutely. The jokes are still hilarious, the soundtrack is still banger after banger, and the voice performances are among the best of this century. And even though the movie postures itself as the crude antithesis to Disney's saccharine sentimentality, Shrek secretly wears its heart on its sleeve, with a sweet message about self-acceptance hiding behind the fart jokes and pop culture references. —B.H.
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41.Shrek 2 (2004)
Director: Andrew Adamson, Kelly Asbury, Conrad VernonCast: Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz, Antonio Banderas, Julie AndrewsGenre: Animation, FamilyRating: PGRuntime: 1h 32mRotten Tomatoes: 89% (Critics), 69% (Audience)
Despite Shrek' s enormous success by every conceivable metric, when a sequel was announced, it was hard not to wonder if it would prove to be a one-hit-wonder. Thankfully, that was decidedly not the case, as Shrek 2 not only kept the magic of the original alive, it arguably surpassed it to become the best entry in the Shrek franchise. How did Dreamworks manage to pull this off? By understanding exactly what made the first Shrek work (lovable characters, dope soundtrack, pop culture galore), while also adding several fun new elements that helped take the series to unprecedented heights. As a result, Shrek 2 was an all-out cultural juggernaut, becoming the highest-grossing film of 2004 and holding the title of the highest-grossing animated film ever in the United States for over a decade. —B.H.
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42.They/Them (2022)
Director: John LoganCast: Kevin Bacon, Anna Chlumsky, Carrie Preston, Theo Germaine, Austin CruteGenre: Mystery, HorrorRating: NRRuntime: 1h 41mRotten Tomatoes: 34% (Critics), 21% (Audience)
A group of queer campers arrives at an LGBTQ+ conversion camp where Owen Whistler (Kevin Bacon) promises to "help them find a new sense of freedom." Things take a psychologically dark turn quickly but get even darker when a serial killer starts picking off victims. John Logan, the three-time Oscar-nominated screenwriter responsible for Gladiator and The Aviator, wrote and directed this fresh take on the slasher film. They/Them has received mixed reviews from critics so far (although some loved it), but if there's one genre that critics have a history of being wrong about, it's horror, so give it a chance and make up your own mind. —B.H.
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43.The Thing (1982)
Director: John CarpenterCast: Kurt Russell, Wilford Brimley, Keith David, T.K. Carter, Donald MoffatGenre: Horror, Science FictionRating: RRuntime: 1h 48mRotten Tomatoes: 83% (Critics), 92% (Audience)
A group of researchers based in Antarctica come into contact with an alien life form that has the ability to perfectly imitate any other life form. As the crew tries to figure out how to stop this evil thing, they also have to figure out who can and can't be trusted. Despite being a box office bomb that derailed John Carpenter's rise up the ladder of success in Hollywood, The Thing has been the subject of massive cultural re-appreciation in the 40 years since its release. These days, it's not just widely considered the best picture in Carpenter's stacked filmography, it's become a popular shortlist answer for the greatest movies ever made. And it's tough to argue with that, as The Thing is a flawless film that continues to thrill and terrify each new generation of movie fans. —B.H.
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44.Train to Busan (2016)
Director: Yeon Sang-hoCast: Gong Yoo, Jung Yu-mi, Ma Dong-seok, Choi Woo-shikGenre: Horror, ThrillerRating: RRuntime: 1h 58mRotten Tomatoes: 94% (Critics), 89% (Audience)
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. —J.M.
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45.Vengeance (2022)
Director: B.J. NovakCast: B.J. Novak, Ashton Kutcher, Issa Rae, Boyd Holbrook, Dove CameronGenre: Comedy, MysteryRating: RRuntime: 1h 47mRotten Tomatoes: 80% (Critics), 86% (Audience)
Ben (B.J. Novak) is a journalist who heads to Texas to attend the funeral of a girl he hooked up with who has died of a drug overdose. However, once he arrives, Ben is told that the girl was actually murdered and is asked to investigate her suspicious death. As he digs deeper, Ben starts to unravel an increasingly absurd thread that goes in several directions you wouldn't expect. Novak's distinctly dark comedic voice is on full display here, as he wrote and directed Vengeance along with starring in it. The movie also has a stellar supporting cast, including Issa Rae, Ashton Kutcher, and J. Smith-Cameron. —B.H.
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46.Uncut Gems (2019)
Director: Josh & Benjamin SafdieCast: Adam Sandler, LaKeith Stanfield, Julia Fox, Idina Menzel, Kevin GarnettGenre: DramaRating: RRuntime: 2h 15mRotten Tomatoes: 91% (Critics), 52% (Audience)
The Safdie Brothers had spent years establishing themselves as exciting, up-and-coming directors, but they fully put themselves on the map with Uncut Gems. Watching Howard Ratner (Adam Sandler) try to stay one step ahead while simultaneously digging himself into a deeper hole is an absolute masterclass in anxiety. If you needed any more proof that the Oscars are increasingly out of touch, just watch Sandler's performance here and try to figure out how the hell he did not even land a nomination. The rest of the cast is also fantastic, as even Kevin Garnett delivers one of the better athlete-playing-themselves performances in recent movie memory. —B.H.
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47.Waves (2019)
Director: Trey Edward ShultsCast: Kelvin Harrison Jr., Taylor Russell, Sterling K. Brown, Alexa Demie, Lucas HedgesGenre: DramaRating: RRuntime: 2h 15mRotten Tomatoes: 84% (Critics), 81% (Audience)
As a teenager, it's easy to feel invincible. It's all fun and games, right? But the reality is that actions you take at that age have consequences for yourself and the people around you. In Waves, that harsh truth is explored with brutal clarity through the Williams family. Tyler (Kelvin Harrison Jr.) is a popular high schooler, but his life takes a dramatic turn when his wrestling career ends because of an injury and his girlfriend, Alexis (Alexa Demie), tells him she is pregnant. As he struggles to accept these realities, as well as his domineering father, Tyler is weighed down by substance abuse, unchecked anger issues, and toxic masculinity. Things quickly spin out of control, and the viewer gets a devastating reminder of how one bad decision can destroy so many lives. —B.H.
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48.Winter’s Bone (2010)
Director: Debra GranikCast: Jennifer Lawrence, John Hawkes, Kevin Breznahan, Dale Dickey, Sheryl LeeGenre: DramaRating: RRuntime: 1h 39mRotten Tomatoes: 94% (Critics), 76% (Audience)
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. —J.M.
Watch it on Peacock for free.
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