40 Of The Best Movies To Stream On Peacock In April

    Fences, Being John Malkovich, Bring it On and more great titles you'll want to queue up on the NBC streaming service in April.

    Jonathan Mazzei
    by Jonathan Mazzei

    BuzzFeed Contributor

    We hope you love the shows and movies we recommend! Just so you know, BuzzFeed may collect a share of revenue or other compensation from the links on this page. Oh and FYI: Platform, prices, and other availability details are accurate as of time of posting.

    1. Short Term 12 (2013)

    Brie Larson, Kaitlyn Dever riding a bike at night in Short Term 12
    Cinedigm / Courtesy Everett Collection

    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 pre-stratospheric fame, critics recognized the brilliance on display — and rightfully so.

    Watch it on Peacock for free.

    2. Black Boys (2020)

    Adolescent boy sitting with his hands together
    Never Whisper Justice / Peacock

    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.

    3. The Big Lebowski (1998)

    Jeff Bridges as The Dude, sitting in a bowling alley
    Universal Pictures / Peacock

    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 with a Premium membership.

    4. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)

    Kate Winslet's character and Jim Carrey's character in a bed by the ocean
    Focus Features / Peacock

    Brought to you by the dream team (no pun intended) Charlie Kaufman and Michel Gondry, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is a twisty love story unlike any other. Kate Winslet and Jim Carrey give phenomenally vulnerable performances as a couple who break up and decide to undergo a procedure to erase their memories of each other. Elements of sci-fi and romance are expertly melded by Gondry, who brings Kaufman’s Oscar-winning original script to life. The entire film feels like a vivid fever dream that’ll break your heart — Jon Brion's score certainly factors in here — and give you hope at the same time.

    Watch it on Peacock for free.

    5. Fences (2016)*

    Denzel Washington standing inside a house
    Paramount / Courtesy Everett Collection

    This extraordinary film written by August Wilson was based on his Pulitzer Prize-winning 1985 play of the same name, and its exploration of racism and masculinity is just as powerful onscreen as it was on the stage, thanks to stunning direction and acting from Denzel Washington, as well as powerful and emotionally raw performances from Viola Davis, Stephen McKinley Henderson, Jovan Adepo, Russell Hornsby, Mykelti Williamson and Saniyya Sidney. The story centers around Troy Maxson (Washington), a sanitation worker in 1950s Pittsburgh whose dreams of becoming a pro baseball player were laid to rest when he was deemed too old to compete by the time the major leagues began accepting Black athletes. Reeling from bitterness, Maxson struggles to make ends meet and provide for his family while coming to terms with the way his life turned out. Davis' emotionally charged performance as Rose Lee Maxson earned her an Oscar and Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actress, while nominations for Best Actor, Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Picture solidified it as a critical success — as well as an artistic one.

    Watch it on Peacock for free.

    6. Bridesmaids (2011)*

    Rose Byrne (obscured by a mannequin), Maya Rudolph, Kristen Wiig, Ellie Kemper looking at a dress in a bridal store
    Universal / Courtesy Everett Collection

    If you could use a good laugh (and couldn't we all right about now?), Bridesmaids is the perfect cinematic world to sink into. When Annie (Kristen Wiig) is asked to serve as her lifelong best friend's (Maya Rudolph) maid of honor, she is forced to confront her own struggles as she and the other bridesmaids suffer through a series of hilariously unfortunate events along the bumpy road to the wedding. The brilliant cast, featuring standout performances from Wiig, Rudolph, Rose Byrne, Ellie Kemper, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Melissa McCarthy, Rebel Wilson, Chris O'Dowd, Franklyn Ajaye, and Jill Clayburgh, brings an abundance of comedy chops, charm, and heart to the film, while the smart screenplay (by Wiig and Annie Mumolo — who recently reunited on the film Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar) deftly balances laugh-out-loud gags and touching moments that keep it feeling fresh throughout. Whether you're tuning in for the first time or coming back for another round, Bridesmaids is the wedding gift that keeps on giving.

    Watch it on Peacock for free.

    7. Catch Me If You Can (2002)*

    Leonardo Di Caprio in Catch Me If You Can walking through an airport with a bevy of female flight attendants around him
    DreamWorks / Courtesy Everett Collection

    Catch Me If You Can is based on the true story of Frank Abagnale, a forger and con artist who managed to steal millions of dollars...all before the age of 19. Leonardo DiCaprio brilliantly embodies Abagnale, sliding into various aliases — doctor, lawyer, pilot, etc. — with ease and charm, and Steven Spielberg's direction keeps the somewhat complex plot feeling light by injecting moments of humor into the suspenseful wild goose chase between Abagnale and the increasingly frustrated FBI Agent tasked with tracking him down (portrayed by the always excellent Tom Hanks). The cast is rounded out with great performances from Christopher Walken, Amy Adams, Nathalie Baye, and Martin Sheen, and while some of the real-life facts are exaggerated for the screen, this movie is an exhilarating glimpse into one of the most successful cons in history.

    Watch it on Peacock with a Premium membership.

    8. Being John Malkovich (1999)*

    Two people looking at each other as one exits a tiny elevator
    USA Films / Courtesy Everett Collection

    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.

    9. Prince: Sign o' the Times (1987)

    Prince performing onstage
    Cineplex-Odeon Films / Peacock

    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.

    10. The Constant Gardener (2005)*

    Ralph Fiennes and Rachel Weisz holding hands in a scene from The Constant Gardener
    Focus Films / Courtesy Everett Collection

    This 2005 political thriller is faithfully based on John le Carré's book of the same name, following Justin, a British diplomat (Ralph Fiennes) in Kenya, as he tries to solve the murder of his wife Tessa (Rachel Weisz), a social justice activist, while uncovering a conspiracy with far-reaching effects. Alternating between flashbacks and present day, The Constant Gardener tells the story of Tessa and Justin's love while exploring themes of "Big Pharma" corruption and capitalism — loosely based on a real-life case in Kano, Nigeria. Weisz's excellent performance earned her an Oscar and Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actress, and the movie got noms for Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Director, Best Motion Picture — Drama, Best Original Score, and Best Film Editing. While the acting, cinematography, suspenseful plot, and themes of social justice garnered critical acclaim, the film has also received criticism for its reliance on white savior tropes, prevalent in many movies of its time.

    Watch it on Peacock for free.

    11. Lost in Translation (2003)

    Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson's characters sitting together
    Focus Features / Peacock

    Director Sofia Coppola offers a melancholic character study of two strangers who experience an unlikely connection when their paths cross in Tokyo. Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson are both exceptional in their roles as fading movie star and conflicted newlywed, respectively, and Coppola’s balance of humor and poignancy creates the perfect emotional foundation for her visually gorgeous and artfully composed 2003 film that earned her an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay and a nom for Best Director and Best Picture.

    Watch it on Peacock for free.

    12. A Beautiful Mind (2001)

    Russell Crowe's character peers through a window
    Universal Pictures / Peacock

    Inspired by the life of John Forbes Nash Jr., A Beautiful Mind takes us on the Nobel Prize winner's journey from international acclaim through his struggles with mental illness. It's a stirring and absorbing work, often leaving viewers to sift through the facts and delusions that haunted the mathematician — making them feel all the more real. Jennifer Connelly's heartbreaking performance as Nash's supportive wife earned her an Oscar and Russell Crowe was nominated for his compelling portrayal of the mathematical genius. The movie also walked away with wins for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, as well as nominations for its editing, score, and makeup.

    Watch it on Peacock for free.

    13. Schindler's List (1993)

    Universal Pictures / Courtesy Everett Collection

    A vivid look at one of the most atrocious acts recorded in human history, Schindler’s List follows businessman Oskar Schindler's (Liam Neeson) efforts to save his Jewish workers from being killed by the SS. Filmed in gritty black and white, this historical drama presents the horrors of the Holocaust with intense realism, earning the film seven Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director. Its masterful depiction of fierce compassion’s battle with true evil solidifies it as a masterpiece deserving of its longevity. Many consider it to be Steven Spielberg's finest work and a testament to those who lost their lives. Its importance cannot be overstated and it is a film that should continue to be viewed by future generations.

    Watch it on Peacock for free.

    14. Happy Feet (2006)*

    Dancing penguins
    Warner Bros. Pictures / Courtesy Everett Collection

    This ambitious and charming animated musical-comedy (directed by Mad Max's very own George Miller) is about a young emperor penguin named Mumble (Elijah Wood) who, like others of his kind, has to sing to attract a mate. The problem? Mumble can't sing! But what Mumble can do is tap dance, and the other penguins have never seen anything like it. Featuring a star-studded cast that includes Wood, Robin Williams, Brittany Murphy, Hugh Jackman, and Nicole Kidman, this fun, music-filled movie is great for both kids and adults. And if you want more once the credits roll, worry not! Peacock has Happy Feet Two available to stream as well! While the original was lauded for its environmentally conscious messaging, and won an Oscar for Best Animated Feature *and* a Golden Globe for Best Original Song ("The Song of the Heart" by Prince — which was also nominated for a Grammy!), it has received criticism for its use of stereotypes to portray interracial tensions.

    Watch it on Peacock for free.

    15. 1968 (2018)

    Tommie Smith and John Carlos standing on the Olympic podium with their medals around their necks
    Feelgood Entertainment / Peacock

    This NBC doc (not to be confused with CNN's four-part documentary series produced by Tom Hanks) takes us back to the turbulent social and political climate surrounding the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico, focusing on the protest of Tommie Smith and John Carlos that ultimately resulted in their dismissal from the US Olympic team. Narrated by Serena Williams, 1968 examines the confluence of sports and social issues that is just as relevant today as it was then.

    Watch it on Peacock for free.

    16. Apollo 13 (1995)

    The three astronauts in their uniforms
    Universal Pictures / Peacock

    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.

    17. I Am Big Bird: The Caroll Spinney Story (2015)

    Caroll Spinney wearing part of his Big Bird costume
    Tribeca Film / Peacock

    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.

    18. Dallas Buyers Club (2013)

    Matthew McConaughey wearing a cowboy hat and plaid shirt as Ron Woodroof
    Focus Features / Peacock

    Matthew McConaughey is at his absolute best in his portrayal of Ron Woodroof, a Texas electrician and rodeo cowboy who is shocked to discover that he has AIDS and is told he has only 30 days to live. Instead of greeting that news with despair, he reacts with defiance, looking for alternative therapies, smuggling unapproved drugs over the border, and selling treatments to the ever-growing number of people who have been utterly failed by the US medical system. While the film was praised for McConaughey's incredible physical transformation and for its heartbreaking look back to the era when the AIDS crisis was met with horrific anti-gay prejudice and a stunning lack of humanity, it also received criticism for the casting of Jared Leto in the role of a transgender woman.

    Watch it on Peacock for free.

    19. Seabiscuit (2003)

    Tobey Maguire's character rides Seabiscuit
    DreamWorks Pictures / Peacock

    Prepare to fall in love with Seabiscuit, a temperamental, undersized racehorse who defies the odds and becomes one of the most successful thoroughbreds of all time, inspiring an entire nation. A moving underdog story based on true events, this film's emotional, heartfelt journey is fleshed out by Jeff Bridges as a businessman dealing with the tragic death of his son, Tobey Maguire as an injured jockey who forms an unlikely bond with the seemingly unmanageable Seabiscuit, and Chris Cooper as a horse trainer who sees something special in both the undervalued horse and jockey. The thrilling race sequences will leave you exhilarated, but it's the emotional depth of the characters that'll stick with you and bring tears to your eyes.

    Watch it on Peacock with a Premium membership.

    20. Pride & Prejudice (2005)

    Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen's characters embrace
    Focus Features / Peacock

    Keira Knightley is outstanding as Elizabeth Bennet in this 2005 adaptation of Jane Austen's 1813 novel, and while some criticized the film for its deviations from the original text, others praised it for breathing new life into the beloved novel and for providing a fresh, modern take on the period piece. Knightley received an Oscar nomination, as did costume designer Jacqueline Durran, whose efforts to shift the film’s period to when the book was written gave it a softer 18th-century appeal, rather than an early 19th-century stiffness. Despite its occasional missteps, this film trades the stuffiness that plagues similar pieces for spirited performances that make it still worth watching today.

    Watch it on Peacock for free.

    21. Away from Her (2007)

    Julie Christie and Gordon Pinsent's characters standing together outside
    Lionsgate Films / Peacock

    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.

    22. Spellbound (2002)

    A spelling bee contestant on stage
    ThinkFilm / Peacock

    This Oscar-nominated documentary follows eight young competitors in the 1999 Scripps National Spelling Bee as they and their families navigate the national spotlight and pressure to win scholarships and cash prizes that could change their lives forever. Look deeper, and you might find that Spellbound is actually an examination of the American Dream, which tells us that anyone should be able to reach the goals they are innately capable of. But watching families from different walks of life help their children prepare to compete reveals the role that social class, background, and privilege play in education and, ultimately, success. While this doc is a heartwarming and suspenseful glimpse into the world of competitive spelling and its charming young contestants, it resonates on an even larger scale that solidifies it as essential viewing.

    Watch it on Peacock for free.

    23. Burn After Reading (2008)

    Brad Pitt's character with his arms in the air
    Focus Features / Peacock

    Peacock offers yet another Coen brothers classic that subverts genre conventions and audience expectations, this time fusing elements of political thriller and dark comedy into something, well, very Coen brothers-y. When a disc containing a former CIA analyst's (John Malkovich) memoirs falls into the hands of two gym employees (the fantastic Frances McDormand and perfectly cast Brad Pitt), they hatch a moneymaking scheme that, naturally, spins out of control. The winding, absurd plot is brought to life by an all-star cast, featuring McDormand, Pitt, and Malkovich along with George Clooney, Tilda Swinton, Richard Jenkins, and J.K. Simmons. And the clever writing and direction make the whole thing a joyful romp you'll happily follow down into the rabbit hole.

    Watch it on Peacock for free.

    24. Chicken Run (2000)

    Rocky the Rooster flying in the sky
    DreamWorks Pictures / Peacock

    Chicken Run is the brainchild of four-time Oscar winner Nick Park and Peter Lord, who are beloved for being the team behind Wallace & Gromit. They bring a palpable sense of joy and adventure to this Claymation film, as we root for a charming group of chickens scheming to escape from an evil farmer who intends to turn them into chicken pot pies. Viewers of all ages can easily find something to love in this high-spirited comedy, packed with hilarious gags, impressive stop-motion action sequences, and a tenderness that'll grip your heart. But the story doesn't end here! News of a Netflix-backed sequel on the horizon has delighted fans and will give you something to look forward to after the credits roll.

    Watch it on Peacock for free.

    25. The Place Beyond the Pines (2013)

    Ryan Gosling's character rides a motorcycle
    Focus Features / Peacock

    The Place Beyond the Pines ambitiously tells three linear stories: The first follows a motorcycle stunt rider named Luke (Ryan Gosling) who robs banks to support his family, the second follows a policeman named Avery (Bradley Cooper) who confronts corruption in his police department, and the third follows Luke and Avery's teenage sons dealing with the aftermath 15 years later. Director Derek Cianfrance (known for the acclaimed Blue Valentine as well as HBO's I Know This Much Is True, which just earned Mark Ruffalo a Golden Globe) does an admirable job balancing these stories. And although reviews were mixed when it was released, critics singled out praise for the acting, cinematography, score, and atmosphere that, paired with its high emotional and dramatic stakes, make this an interestingly structured crime thriller worth watching.

    Watch it on Peacock for free.

    26. Anthony (2020)

    Toheeb Jimoh wearing a suit and backpack as Anthony Walker
    Peacock Original

    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 a must-watch and will stick with you long after the credits roll.

    Watch it on Peacock for free.

    27. Erin Brockovich (2000)

    Julia Roberts holding a baby as Erin Brockovich
    Universal Pictures / Peacock

    Julia Roberts is unforgettable in her Oscar-winning portrayal of Erin Brockovich, a legal clerk and activist who fought to hold energy corporation Pacific Gas and Electric responsible for their role in the Hinkley groundwater contamination incident. While there's debate around how some of the plot lines up with the real-life facts, screenwriter Susannah Grant and director Steven Soderbergh do an excellent job balancing the legal drama with Brockovich's own emotional story arc. They mix in enough humor and inspiration to make this powerful film a consistently engaging watch. Both earned Oscar noms for Best Original Screenplay and Best Director, and the film also nabbed a nomination for Best Picture and Best Supporting Actor for Albert Finney, who played Brockovich's attorney Ed Masry. Keep an eye out for Soderbergh, who has been tapped for the Herculean task of producing the pandemic Oscars next month!

    Watch it on Peacock with a Premium membership.

    28. The Sit-In: Harry Belafonte Hosts the Tonight Show (2020)

    Harry Belafonte interviewed in the present day
    Peacock Original

    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 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.

    29. A Serious Man (2009)

    Michael Stuhlbarg's character holding a briefcase
    Focus Features / Peacock

    Peacock is proving to be a consistent source for Coen brothers classics, with yet another offering from their catalog of celebrated films. Michael Stuhlbarg plays a physics professor who begins to question his Jewish faith as his life crumbles around him. He goes to three different rabbis to seek advice but struggles to find answers to the philosophical questions growing inside him. As usual, the Coen brothers balance bleakness with humor in what has been considered one of their most mature films. It also helped launch Stuhlbarg's career to a new level, which led to him somehow managing to be in Call Me By Your Name, The Shape of Water, The Post, AND Fargo — all in 2017!

    Watch it on Peacock for free.

    30. Izzy Gets the F Across Town (2018)

    Mackenzie Davis's character wearing a blood-splattered white jacket
    Shout Studios / Peacock

    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.

    31. The Breakfast Club (1985)

    Molly Ringwald's character smiling while eating food
    Universal Pictures / Peacock

    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 Sunday 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 for free.

    32. Children of Men (2006)

    Clive Owen's character in Children of Men
    Universal Pictures / Peacock

    This sci-fi action-thriller is set in 2027, when 18 years of human infertility have threatened mankind with extinction. A cautionary tale featuring impressive long-take chase sequences, this film's excellent cast includes Clive Owen, Julianne Moore, Clare-Hope Ashitey, Michael Caine, and Chiwetel Ejiofor, but succeeds largely due to Alfonso Cuarón's outstanding direction. Driven by anti-patriarchal rage, this tale of a dystopian future where men kill for the control of the refugee-born last baby on Earth and women die to protect it is still relevant today and earned itself three Oscar noms upon release. For anyone interested in Cuarón's work before his excellent Netflix original Roma, this one is definitely worth a watch.

    Watch it on Peacock for free.

    33. A Most Beautiful Thing (2020)

    The Manley High rowing team
    50 Eggs / Peacock

    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 focuses 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.

    34. Intolerable Cruelty (2003)*

    Paul Adelstein, Edward Herrmann, George Clooney
    Universal Pictures / Courtesy Everett Collection

    Peacock adds another Coen brothers offering to the list, this time starring George Clooney as Miles Massey, a shrewd, high powered divorce lawyer who meets his match in the cunning Marylin Rexroth (Catherine Zeta-Jones) — the soon to be ex-wife of one of his clients. Both give excellent performances, bringing the zingy one-liners and witty wordplay of the film to life, and the cast is elevated further by Cedric the Entertainer's hilarious turn as a rambunctious and decidedly unsubtle P.I. specializing in infidelity cases and Billy Bob Thornton as a Texas oil tycoon. While it may be one of the Coen brothers' more uneven films, there's a lot to enjoy in this screwball romantic comedy that takes an unflattering look at marriage and divorce among the rich and powerful through the lens of creators more than willing to warp the genre to meet their well-worn style.

    Watch it on Peacock for free.

    35. Jerry Maguire (1996)*

    Tom Cruise and Cuba Gooding Jr.
    Sony Pictures Releasing / Courtesy Everett Collection

    Jerry Maguire follows its titular character (Tom Cruise), a slick sports agent whose life-changing epiphany about his role in a business he sees as being filled with dishonesty leads to him being fired and starting his own management firm. Single mother Dorothy Boyd (played skillfully by the excellent Renee Zellweger) joins him in this venture, which leads to romance between the two stars, and Cuba Gooding Jr. gives a fantastic, Oscar-winning performance, bringing depth to the character of Rod Tidwell, a swaggering wide receiver whose dissatisfaction with his own contract leads to him being Maguire's lone client. This Cameron Crowe-directed, romantic comedy-drama sports film was a smash hit when it came out in 1996, nabbing Oscar noms for Best Picture, Best Actor (Cruise), Best Original Screenplay, and Best Film Editing, and its dazzling performances make it still worth watching today.

    Watch it on Peacock for free.

    36. The Wiz (1978)*

    Nipsey Russell, Ted Ross, Diana Ross, Michael Jackson in The Wiz
    Universal / Courtesy Everett Collection

    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.

    37. Beethoven (1992)*

    Dean Jones and Beethoven, the dog
    Universal / Courtesy Everett Collection

    For those of us who have spent the past year stuck in a home *without* a dog to distract us from our worries, this flawed, yet charming movie about a lovably wacky and destructive St. Bernard is just what the doctor ordered. Kids will be overjoyed by the movie's sunny energy (and the adorably shaggy pooch), and adults who loved the movie when they were kids themselves might be pleasantly surprised by the entertaining acerbic asides from Bonnie Hunt and Charles Grodin, who bring a comedic edge to this family film that might've slipped past young viewers the first time around. True fans will be delighted to discover that Peacock has also added the sequel, Beethoven’s 2nd, to their roster, offering up another adventure with their favorite doe-eyed dog.

    Watch it on Peacock for free.

    38. Bring it On (2000)*

    Kirsten Dunst in Bring It On
    Universal / Courtesy Everett Collection

    The first in a series of cult-favorite cheerleading movies (the first three of which are now available on Peacock) follows a high school cheerleading squad from San Diego eying a national championship. But when newly elected team captain Torrance (Kirsten Dunst) discovers that the team's impressive routine has actually been stolen from an East Compton hip-hop squad, headed by Isis (Gabrielle Union), their road to glory takes a shady turn. Many of the cast members went on to even greater fame, including Dunst, Union, Eliza Dushku, Jesse Bradford, Clare Kramer, Lindsay Sloane — and, let's please not forget Solange Knowles. While some aspects of this 2000 comedy haven't aged well, its still-relevant take on cultural appropriation gives it staying power, mixed with strong acting and cheer routines that are sure to dazzle viewers, even 21 years later.

    Watch it on Peacock for free.

    39. Despicable Me (2010)*

    Gru and the minions
    Universal / Courtesy Everett Collection

    Everyone's favorite reformed super-villain is now on Peacock, as are his lovable minions! When criminal mastermind Gru (the always charming Steve Carell) hatched a plan to steal the moon, he never foresaw that his biggest obstacle would be three adorable orphan girls who want him to be their dad. Voiced by a star-studded cast, including Carell, Jason Segel, Russell Brand, Miranda Cosgrove, Kristen Wiig, Will Arnett, and Julie Andrews, this animated comedy-adventure is full of goofy fun, turning the villain trope on its head and creating fan-favorite characters that would eventually be given the full franchise treatment. Kids and adults will be equally charmed by this fresh and funny first installment that just wants to remind you that love can defeat evil after all.

    Watch it on Peacock with a Premium membership.

    40. How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days (2003)*

    Kate Hudson and Matthew McConaughey
    Paramount / Courtesy Everett Collection

    When advice columnist, Andie Anderson (Kate Hudson) embarks on a new piece about how to get a man to leave you in 10 days, she finds a worthy subject in executive Ben Berry (Matthew McConaughey) who is engaging in a little experiment of his own — proving that he can make any woman fall in love with him in 10 days. You can probably guess where this is all going, but it's still a fun ride to get there. This classic rom-com comes loaded with the questionable gender politics you might sadly expect from, well, a 2003 rom-com, but the goofy hi-jinks and palpable chemistry between its talented leads give it enough feel-good charm to make it worth the watch.

    Watch it on Peacock for free.

    * denotes title has been newly added for April

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