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From animated romps to pulsepounding thrillers, there's something on the streamer for everyone. The 20 best movies on Peacock

From animated romps to pulse-pounding thrillers, there's something on the streamer for everyone.

The 20 best movies on Peacock

From animated romps to pulse-pounding thrillers, there's something on the streamer for everyone.

By Kevin Jacobsen

and James Mercadante

on October 9, 2025 5:53 a.m. ET

An undead man in 'Night of the Living Dead'; Daniel Kaluuya as Otis 'OJ' Haywood Jr. in 'Nope'; Cate Blanchett as Lydia Tár in 'Tár'. Credit:

Pictorial Parade/Getty; Universal Pictures; Focus Features

In case its branding mascot and rainbow palette weren't a dead giveaway, Peacock is the streaming service owned and operated by NBCUniversal, which means it has access to a trove of titles that draw from Universal Studios' deep well of content.

But what does that mean for you? Well, alongside its TV series and live sports offerings, Peacock features classic movies such as *Night of the Living Dead *(1968) and *Black Christmas* (1974) alongside contemporary favorites like *Nope* (2022) and *The Phoenician Scheme* (2025). As with any streamer, its wealth of options can feel overwhelming, so allow EW to point you in the right direction.

Here are the 20 best movies on Peacock right now.

The Bad Guys (2022)

Mr. Shark (voice: Craig Robinson), Mr. Piranha (voice: Anthony Ramos), Mr. Snake (voice: Marc Maron), Mr. Wolf (voice: Sam Rockwell), and Ms. Tarantula (voice: Awkwafina) in 'The Bad Guys'.

DreamWorks Animation LLC

Based on the graphic novel series of the same name, *The Bad Guys* is essentially a melding of *Zootopia* and *Ocean's Eleven*. The dazzling heist comedy tells the story of a group of animal criminals that are finally caught and given the chance to reform themselves. While most of the gang is only pretending to go the straight and narrow, their leader, Mr. Wolf (voiced by Sam Rockwell), finds himself genuinely inspired to become better. The DreamWorks film features a stunning blend of 2-D and 3-D animation in the style of 2018's *Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse*, giving it that kinetic comic-book feel. —*Kevin Jacobsen***** Where to watch *The Bad Guys*: Peacock

**Director:** Pierre Perifel

**Cast:** Sam Rockwell, Marc Maron, Awkwafina, Craig Robinson, Anthony Ramos, Richard Ayoade, Zazie Beetz, Alex Borstein, Lilly Singh

Black Christmas (1974)

Olivia Hussey as Jess Bradford in 'Black Christmas'. Everett Collection

This slasher classic still holds up as one of the most chilling horror films of all time. A group of sorority sisters' good tidings of comfort and joy are interrupted by repeated profane phone calls, leading to one of them being murdered in the attic. This kicks off a horrifying series of events as they try in vain to get the police to determine the source of the call while they are picked off one by one. There have been two attempts at remaking *Black Christmas* in the 21st century, but neither has approached the level of paranoia and dread of the '70s original. —*K.J.*

Where to watch *Black Christmas*: Peacock**

**Director: **Bob Clark

**Cast:** Olivia Hussey, Keir Dullea, Margot Kidder, John Saxon

Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy (2025)

Renée Zellweger as Bridget Jones and Leo Woodall as Roxster McDuff in 'Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy'.

Jay Maidment/Universal

Bridget Jones is back for one last hurrah, with this decidedly more poignant, Emmy-nominated final installment in the franchise. Renée Zellweger reprises her role as the titular plucky TV producer, who is now the mother of two children and mourning the unexpected death of her husband, Mark Darcy (Colin Firth). Finally ready to start dating again, she enters into a romance with a younger man (Leo Woodall) while also finding herself drawn to one of her son's teachers (Chiwetel Ejiofor). *Mad About the Boy* is much more mature compared to its predecessors, though it retains much of the series' cheeky humor and Zellweger's performance remains a highlight. —*K.J.*

Where to watch *Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy*: Peacock

**Director:** Michael Morris

**Cast:** Renée Zellweger, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Leo Woodall, Jim Broadbent, Isla Fisher, Colin Firth, Hugh Grant

Downton Abbey (2019)

The cast of 'Downton Abbey'. Nick Briggs/Carnival Film & Television

After six seasons of transporting viewers back to post-Edwardian era England, *Downton Abbey* made the jump to cinema with this well-received continuation. In a storyline fitting of the big screen, the lords and ladies and their staff prepare for a visit from King George V and Queen Mary. Naturally, there's plenty that goes awry, including an assassination attempt that nearly changes the course of history forever. But don't be alarmed: Fans shouldn't expect too much of a change from the warm-blanket vibes of the original series. As EW's critic writes, "Solving problems in *Downton*-world is like unknotting a tangled necklace: There may be difficulties, but rest assured that by the 122-minute mark, as above, so below; all will be right and dreamy with the Abbey." —*K.J.*

Where to watch *Downton Abbey*: Peacock

**EW grade:** B

**Director:** Michael Engler

**Cast:** Hugh Bonneville, Laura Carmichael, Jim Carter, Raquel Cassidy, Brendan Coyle, Michelle Dockery, Kevin Doyle, Michael C. Fox, Joanne Froggatt, Matthew Goode, Harry Hadden-Paton, Robert James-Collier, Allen Leech, Phyllis Logan, Elizabeth McGovern, Sophie McShera, Lesley Nicol, Maggie Smith, Imelda Staunton, Penelope Wilton

Drag Me to Hell (2009)

Alison Lohman as Christine Brown in 'Drag Me to Hell'. Melissa Moseley/Universal

After a five-year stint helming the original *Spider-Man* trilogy, Sam Raimi returned to his horror roots with this devilishly fun supernatural thriller. Alison Lohman stars as Christine, an ambitious bank loan officer who denies an extension on a mortgage requested by an elderly woman, who then puts a curse on her. As Christine comes to find out, the curse involves three days of torment before being dragged to Hell — literally. After trying to find solutions, she comes to realize the kind of sacrifice she must make to lift the curse.

EW's critic called *Drag Me to Hell* "a deftly unified freak show that keeps intensifying as its wormy-devil images keep spewing." While the film wasn't as big of a box office performer as some were expecting, critics were effusive in their praise. "Going back to his roots," writes EW's critic, "Raimi has made the most crazy, fun, and terrifying horror movie in years." —*K.J.*

Where to watch *Drag Me to Hell*: Peacock

**EW grade:** A

**Director:** Sam Raimi

**Cast:** Alison Lohman, Justin Long, Lorna Raver, Dileep Rao, David Paymer, Adriana Barraza**

Edward Scissorhands (1990)

Johnny Depp as Edward Scissorhands in 'Edward Scissorhands'.

Some of the best fairy tales have an element of darkness, as Tim Burton's gothic fantasy drama proves. Edward (Johnny Depp) is a humanoid creation whose inventor died before he could replace his scissor-blade hands. Having lived alone in a dilapidated mansion for years, Edward is invited into the home of a friendly saleswoman as he attempts to integrate into a society that doesn't always understand him. It's a gorgeous film with an aching compassion for the plight of its protagonist.****As EW's critic writes, "The romanticism has a personal dimension — for Edward is, of course, Burton's surreal portrait of himself as an artist: a wounded child converting his private darkness into outlandish pop visions." —*K.J.*

Where to watch *Edward Scissorhands*: Peacock

**EW grade:** A–

**Director:** Tim Burton

**Cast:** Johnny Depp, Winona Ryder, Dianne Wiest, Anthony Michael Hall, Kathy Baker, Robert Oliveri

Emma. (2020)

Anya Taylor-Joy as Emma Woodhouse in 'Emma.'. Focus Features

Jane Austen's Regency era social commentaries continue to find new life centuries later through movie and television adaptations. While some filmmakers remain as faithful as possible to her text, others adopt a more modern approach, utilizing the conventions of contemporary trends. Autumn de Wilde falls into the latter camp, giving her version of the tale of clever matchmaker Emma Woodhouse (Anya Taylor-Joy) a self-aware irony. EW's critic praises de Wilde's "sweet alchemy of bringing together something old and something new — as serenely breezy to the end as her beloved heroine." —*K.J.***

Where to watch *Emma.*: Peacock

**EW grade:** B+

**Director:** Autumn de Wilde

**Cast:** Anya Taylor-Joy, Johnny Flynn, Josh O'Connor, Callum Turner, Mia Goth, Miranda Hart, Bill Nighy

Fahrenheit 9/11 (2004)

President George W. Bush reading to students in a classroom, as the terrorist attacks were taking place on Sept. 11, 2001, as seen in 'Fahrenheit 9/11'.

Lionsgate/Courtesy Everett Collection

Michael Moore, known for his award-winning documentaries *Roger & Me* (1989) and *Bowling for Columbine* (2002), delivered another cinematic juggernaut with this audacious and controversial documentary. *Fahrenheit 9/11* — crowned with the Palme d'Or and holding the title of America's highest-grossing documentary — fearlessly scrutinizes the Bush administration's exploitation of post-9/11 paranoia to advance unjust wars in Afghanistan and Iraq instead of seeking the terrorist attack's true perpetrators.

As EW's critic notes, "*Fahrenheit 9/11* offers a catharsis for the audience. Dazzlingly assembled, at once reckless and insightful, the movie filters the actions of the Bush administration through a nose-thumbing outrage that might have been irresponsible if Moore's own words weren't girded by images that spoke 1,000 more." *—James Mercadante*

Where to watch *Fahrenheit 9/11*: Peacock

**EW grade:** B+

**Director:** Michael Moore

M3GAN (2022)

Amie Donald as M3GAN in 'M3GAN'. Universal Pictures

This campy sci-fi spooker doesn't take itself too seriously, even if the titular doll is a serious threat to those who cross her owner. After robotics expert Gemma (Allison Williams) develops an artificial intelligence-powered doll named M3GAN for her grieving niece, Cady (Violet McGraw), the dangerously smart humanoid starts to exhibit possessive qualities. And God forbid anyone who poses even a minor threat to Cady. EW's critic calls *M3GAN* "a scampering Blumhouse caper that turns out to be blithely self-aware, negligibly jump-scary, and mostly very fun," and audiences seemed to agree — the film grossed nearly $100 million at the U.S. box office. —*K.J.*

Where to watch *M3GAN*: Peacock

**EW grade:** B+

**Director:** Gerard Johnstone

**Cast:** Allison Williams, Violet McGraw, Ronny Chieng, Jenna Davis, Amie Donald

Memento (2001)

Guy Pearce as Leonard Shelby in 'Memento'.

Everett Collection

*Memento* was Christopher Nolan's first mainstream foray into noodling with notions of time. Guy Pearce plays Leonard Shelby, a man who suffers from amnesia following the murder of his wife. Seeking justice, Leonard tries to make sense of his life while his failing short-term memory prompts him to tattoo important information on his body and take photographs with a Polaroid camera.**** The film cleverly uses both chronological and non-linear editing interchangeably, putting the viewer in the protagonist's mind as we try to put together an elaborate puzzle. "*Memento* has a spooky repetitive urgency that takes on the clarity of a dream," writes EW's critic. "It's like an Oliver Sacks case study played as malevolent film noir." —*K.J.*

Where to watch *Memento*: Peacock

**EW grade:** A

**Director:** Christopher Nolan

**Cast:** Guy Pearce, Carrie-Anne Moss, Joe Pantoliano

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Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris (2022)

Lesley Manville as Ada Harris in 'Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris'. Liam Daniel/Focus Features/Courtesy Everett Collection

Comedies aimed at older audiences can sometimes feel cheap and condescending these days. Not so with this unabashedly sweet dramedy about a London cleaner named Ada Harris (Lesley Manville). A widow, she receives a pension that gives her the means to travel to Paris in the hope of purchasing a Dior dress, though she struggles to fit in with the snobbish world of haute couture upon her arrival. Manville gives a lovely, multifaceted performance (which earned her a Golden Globe nomination) as a woman pursuing her desires, even with the odds stacked against her. —*K.J.***

Where to watch *Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris*: Peacock

**Director:** Anthony Fabian

**Cast:** Lesley Manville, Isabelle Huppert, Lambert Wilson, Alba Baptista, Lucas Bravo, Ellen Thomas, Rose Williams, Jason Isaacs

Night of the Living Dead (1968)

Karl Hardman as Harry Cooper, Marilyn Eastman as Helen Cooper, and Kyra Schon as Karen Cooper in 'Night of the Living Dead'.

Film Publicity Archive/United Archives via Getty

With a budget just over $100,000, George Romero's indie horror masterpiece transformed the zombie genre, reshaping these once-subjugated creatures into autonomous, flesh-craving fiends while forever etching them into pop culture (and paving the way for future undead favorites like *The Walking Dead*). Revolving around a group of unlikely survivors holed up in an abandoned farmhouse, this film unravels as they fend off an onslaught of ravenous ghouls storming the area. *Night of the Living Dead* didn't just make cinematic history; it gnawed its way into the collective consciousness, birthing a thriving franchise with five sequels from 1978 to 2009, which all carry Romero's iconic directorial touch. *—J.M.*

Where to watch *Night of the Living Dead*: Peacock

**Director:** George Romero

**Cast:** Duane Jones, Judith O'Dea, Karl Hardman, Marilyn Eastman, Judith Ridley, Keith Wayne, Kyra Schon

Nope (2022)

Daniel Kaluuya as Otis 'OJ' Haywood Jr. in 'Nope'. Universal

Jordan Peele's brand of sharp, socially minded horror is filtered through a sci-fi lens in his gripping third feature. *Nope* follows the Haywood siblings — O.J. (Daniel Kaluuya) and Emerald (Keke Palmer) — who own a ranch in Hollywood that is one day visited by a mysterious entity from the sky. A series of twists and turns unfold from there, but suffice it to say, Peele's mind for both spectacle and substance is on full display. As EW's critic observes, "it's clear he's absorbed a lifetime of *Close Encounters* lore, and much darker visitations too." —*K.J.***

Where to watch *Nope*: Peacock

**EW grade:** B+

**Director:** Jordan Peele

**Cast:** Daniel Kaluuya, Keke Palmer, Steven Yeun, Michael Wincott, Brandon Perea, Keith David

The Northman (2022)

Alexander Skarsgård as Prince Amleth in 'The Northman'. Focus Featues/Moviestore/Shutterstock

After undergoing months of brutal training set to '80s Italo music, Alexander Skarsgård sculpted himself into a colossal and wrathful Viking warrior prince in Robert Eggers' adaptation of the Norse legend that inspired Shakespeare's *Hamlet* (and, much later, *The Lion King*). In a less Disney-esque twist, Prince Almeth receives a sobering message from a Seeress — played by Icelandic pop icon Björk in her return to acting after a two-decade hiatus — who urges him to fulfill his oath of vengeance against his uncle, the culprit behind his father's death and his mother's abduction.

A visually dazzling spectacle, *The Northman* is described by EW's critic as "Eggers' biggest film in both scope and budget," and "a sprawling summit-of-the-gods epic shot through with rich, hallucinatory set pieces, and movie stars in wild Pagan wiggery." —*J.M.*

Where to watch *The Northman*: Peacock

**EW grade:** B

**Director:** Robert Eggers

**Cast:** Alexander Skarsgård, Nicole Kidman, Claes Bang, Anya Taylor-Joy, Ethan Hawke, Björk, Willem Dafoe

The Phoenician Scheme (2025)

Michael Cera as Bjorn, Benicio Del Toro as Zsa-Zsa Korda, and Mia Threapleton as Liesl in 'The Phoenician Scheme'.

Courtesy of TPS Productions/Focus Features

Wes Anderson's playful new comedy, *The Phoenician Scheme*, centers on a business magnate (Benicio Del Toro) who hopes to bequeath his estate to his nun daughter (Mia Threapleton). But first, he hopes to cement his legacy with a world-spanning scheme, while trying to assuage angry investors and dodge assassination attempts. Like many of Anderson's films, *The Phoenician Scheme* features an all-star cast including Del Toro, Michael Cera, Tom Hanks, Scarlett Johansson, Benedict Cumberbatch, and Bryan Cranston. But the main attraction is Anderson himself, whose unique visual palette, intentionally stilted dialogue, and wry comic wit are on full display here. —*K.J.*

Where to watch *The Phoenician Scheme*: Peacock

**Director:** Wes Anderson

**Cast:** Benicio Del Toro, Mia Threapleton, Michael Cera

Point Break (1991)

Keanu Reeves as Johnny Utah and Patrick Swayze as Bodhi in 'Point Break'. Everett Collection

*Point Break* is an early-'90s film through and through, a cops and robbers crime drama with some of the hottest actors of the era that's also a lot about surfing. Keanu Reeves stars as the brilliantly named Johnny Utah, a detective tasked with going undercover to bust a group of surf-loving bank robbers. But, as Johnny immerses himself in that particular subculture, he finds himself curiously drawn to it, particularly because of the group's charismatic leader, Bodhi (Patrick Swayze).**** Critics were mixed at the time (EW's own gave it a C+), but, as time has passed, we've come to appreciate its earnest sensibilities and director Kathryn Bigelow's thoughtful examination of male friendships, while still delivering as traditional popcorn entertainment. —*K.J.*

Where to watch *Point Break*: Peacock

**Director:** Kathryn Bigelow

**Cast:** Patrick Swayze, Keanu Reeves, Gary Busey, Lori Petty

Psycho (1960)

Anthony Perkins as Norman Bates in 'Psycho'.

Universal/Courtesy Everett Collection

Alfred Hitchcock's seminal 1960 masterpiece is more than just its famous, oft-parodied shower scene. *Psycho* is as effective as it is because the director plays with audience expectations, setting up Marion Crane (Janet Leigh) as our protagonist only to switch perspectives in dramatic fashion a third of the way through. When the terrifying Norman Bates (Anthony Perkins) enters the picture, we are no less than enthralled, more than 60 years after its release. —*K.J.*

Where to watch *Psycho*: Peacock

**Director:** Alfred Hitchcock

**Cast:** Anthony Perkins, Janet Leigh, Vera Miles, John Gavin, Martin Balsam

Shrek (2001)

Princess Fiona (voice: Cameron Diaz) and Shrek (voice: Mike Myers) in 'Shrek'.

DreamWorks/Courtesy Everett

Once upon a time, in a swamp far, far away, Mike Myers graced us by voicing DreamWorks' misanthropic ogre. He was living the dream, basking in the solitude of his boggy sanctuary, until a horde of storybook creatures — a talking donkey, three little pigs, seven dwarves, and more — decide to crash the party after being ousted from the kingdom by Lord Farquaad (John Lithgow). To reclaim his peace and quiet, Shrek must rescue a certain red-haired princess, all for the sake of Farquaad's romantic fantasies. A fairy tale that brims with unexpected friendships, laugh-out-loud moments, and enough layers to rival an onion, *Shrek* is an animated delight you just can't ogre-look. —*J.M.***** Where to watch *Shrek*: Peacock******EW grade:** A–******Directors:** Andrew Adamson, Vicky Jenson******Cast:** Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz, John Lithgow, Vincent Cassel, Conrad Vernon**

Tár (2022)

Cate Blanchett as Lydia Tár in 'Tár'. Focus Features

*Tár* is a psychological drama so well written that it convinced some viewers its protagonist was real. The spellbinding film centers on Lydia Tár (Cate Blanchett), a celebrated conductor and instructor whose life unravels after damning allegations come out regarding her misbehavior with students. Writer-director Todd Field skillfully explores complex themes, from power dynamics to cancel culture and the generational divide, without ever feeling heavy-handed. The film earned widespread acclaim from critics (including EW's own), and received six Oscar nominations, including Best Picture and Best Actress for Blanchett's towering performance. —*K.J.*

Where to watch *Tár*: Peacock

**EW grade:** A

**Director:** Todd Field

**Cast:** Cate Blanchett, Noémie Merlant, Nina Hoss, Mark Strong**

The Thing (1982)

Kurt Russell as R.J. MacReady (left) in 'The Thing'. Everett Collection

John Carpenter's *The Thing* remains a treasured classic by horror enthusiasts, even if moviegoers at the time of its release in 1982 were turned off by its grotesque visuals. But, if anything, that initial audience rejection added to its legend. The film centers on a group of American researchers in Antarctica who discover a shapeshifting humanoid alien. Because of its ability to mutate, the men soon realize they can no longer trust each other and descend into paranoia.

EW ranked *The Thing* as Carpenter's second-best film (behind *Halloween*, naturally), stating that "combining that creepiness [of the visual effects] with Carpenter's directorial acumen and the atmospheric soundtrack by Ennio Morricone, viewers may rightfully argue that this is the most effective film in Carpenter's catalog." *—K.J.*

Where to watch *The Thing*: Peacock

**Director:** John Carpenter

**Cast:** Kurt Russell, Wilford Brimley, T.K. Carter, David Clennon, Keith David

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