35 Of The Best Movies To Stream On Peacock In April

Office Space, What’s Love Got to Do with It, It's Complicated, and more great titles you'll want to stream this month.

1. Anthony (2020)

Peacock

When Black teenager Anthony Walker was killed in an unprovoked racist attack by two white men in 2005, the world was sickened and mourned the loss of a life that had only just begun. In the wake of the 18-year-old's brutal murder, his mother, Gee Walker, approached her friend, screenwriter and producer Jimmy McGovern, and asked him to write about this horrifying loss. The result is a powerful look at what might have been, highlighting the positive impact Anthony made in his 18 years and imagining what his life might have looked like had it not been tragically cut short. Toheeb Jimoh and Rakie Ayola give tremendous performances as Anthony and his mother, respectively, and the film's structure makes even the happiest scenes heartbreaking and evocative. This Peacock original is simply a must-watch.

Watch it on Peacock with a Premium membership.

2. *Apollo 13 (1995)

Universal Pictures / Courtesy Everett Collection

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 — brings 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 with a Premium membership.

3. Betty White: First Lady of Television (2018)

Peacock

Peacock is offering the chance to spend a little more time with Betty White — who died last December, mere weeks before her 100th birthday  — with the 2018 PBS documentary Betty White: First Lady of Television. In it, we get a joyful journey through her extraordinary life and career, reminding us why we love her so darn much. If your main exposure to Betty was as America’s lovable, raunchy, and intensely memeable grandmother, you’re missing out on just how talented she’s always been. She was one of the first women to produce and star in her own sitcom, and she excelled at playing a variety of different characters while bringing her trademark timing, delivery, and masterful ad-libbing to each and every one — something the doc shows through charming footage as well as gushing testimonials from friends and costars. There’s a warmth and lightness throughout Betty White: First Lady of Television that makes it feel more like a loving celebration than an in-depth biography, but as we work toward coming to terms with living in a world without Betty in it, maybe that's exactly what we need right now.

Watch it on Peacock with a Premium membership.

4. The Big Lebowski (1998)

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This highly quotable comedy is a Coen brothers cult classic, stuffed to the brim with their characteristically witty dialogue, absurd plot twists, colorful characters, and trippy visuals. Jeff Bridges is magnetic as “The Dude,” a lovable stoner whose carefree lifestyle of bowling and vibing out to some Creedence is interrupted by a case of mistaken identity that leads to him getting caught up in a truly bizarre conspiracy full of millionaires, nihilists, porn directors, and other kooky characters around LA. John Goodman, Steve Buscemi, Julianne Moore, John Turturro, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Tara Reid, and countless others take this brilliantly zany film to the next level, and — fair warning — you’ll probably wanna go bowling after you finish watching it.

Watch it on Peacock for free.

5. Black Boys (2020)

Peacock / Everett Collection

This documentary celebrates Black youths and explores Black male identity in America through sports, education, and criminal justice. Director Sonia Lowman, who has a background in activism and whose first film, 2017's Teach Us All, looked at segregation and racial inequities in American schools, came to this project with two main approaches: One was to explore how Black men are viewed by society, which included acknowledging and grappling with her own limited understanding and prejudices that often go unexamined as a white woman who considers herself to be liberal and progressive. But the main focus was telling the stories of Black men and women in America across multiple generations and presenting as full a picture of the Black male experience as possible, avoiding the two-dimensional version often shown in media. Highlighting the persistent racism and dehumanization that Black boys and men face, Black Boys provides an urgent conversation about opportunity, equity, and ultimately humanity.

Watch it on Peacock with a Premium membership.

6. Boy Erased (2018)

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Following his work in Oscar-nominated pictures like Lady Bird and Manchester by the Sea, Lucas Hedges plays Jared Eamons, the son of a small-town Baptist pastor (Russell Crowe), who is pressured to attend a conversion therapy program after being outed as gay to his parents. Hedges is remarkable in the role, offering a subtle but mesmerizing window into the heart and mind of a conflicted teen grappling with his sexuality, faith, and the approval of his family. His strong chemistry with his onscreen mother, played by the excellent Nicole Kidman, brings the story to life, as does Kidman and Crowe's moving portrayal of parents caught between their religious values and their love for their son. Critics questioned the praise for a well-acted but somewhat muted film on this subject matter from a heterosexual writer-director, especially in the same year that The Miseducation of Cameron Post — an arguably better film about conversion therapy, written and directed by Desiree Akhavan, who identifies as a bisexual woman — was released with less fanfare. But while the themes are nothing new to the majority of viewers, the way Boy Erased humanizes Jared's parents while offering a look into the horrors of conversion therapy just might be the dose of reality that less progressive viewers need to understand the cruelty of these programs.

Watch it on Peacock with a Premium membership.

7. *Bruce Almighty (2003)

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Jim Carrey fans have reason to rejoice with the addition of Bruce Almighty to Peacock's roster, a perfect vehicle for Carrey and his beloved bag of zany comedic tricks (which ultimately save this flawed script from becoming overly saccharine). When Bruce Nolan's (Carrey) stalled career receives another blow, he turns his wrath to God, asking why the omnipotent being would treat him so badly. Turns out that God (played by Morgan Freeman, with his characteristic warmth) takes offense to this claim, and offers Bruce all of his powers for a week to see if he can do a better job, which Bruce takes him up on — unaware of how his newfound abilities will affect his relationship with his girlfriend, Grace (the excellent Jennifer Aniston), his career, and the rest of the world that depends on him. This 2003 movie is also notable for Steve Carell's supporting role as Evan Baxter before he found wider fame via The Office, Anchorman, The 40-Year-Old Virgin, and the Bruce Almighty spinoff, Evan Almighty, in the years following. If you're looking for a feel-good comedy that taps the talents of its cast of familiar faces, this laugh-filled option is worth your time.

Watch it on Peacock with a Premium membership.

8. *Burn After Reading (2008)

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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 with a Premium membership.

9. Chicken Run (2000)

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

Watch it on Peacock with a Premium membership.

10. Casino (1995)

Universal / Courtesy Everett Collection

This 1995 epic crime drama is another strong offering from Martin Scorsese, full of excellent performances from its star-studded cast, impressive production value, attention to detail, and a whole lotta violence. When a mafia enforcer (Joe Pesci) and a gambling expert (Robert De Niro) butt heads over a casino empire and an ex-sex worker (Sharon Stone), their friendship devolves into something much more dangerous in this film based on Nicholas Pileggi's 1995 nonfiction book Casino: Love and Honor in Las Vegas. Stone is quite possibly at her best in a role that earned her an Oscar nom, while both De Niro and Pesci are almost as endlessly watchable as they were in Goodfellas. Sure the mafia storyline is well-worn territory for Scorsese, but this ambitious film packs enough decadent Vegas spectacle and fly-on-the-wall glimpses into the dangerous lives of its characters to keep both fans and newcomers entertained throughout its lengthy running time.

Watch it on Peacock with a Premium membership.

11. Downton Abbey (2019)

Focus Features / courtesy Everett Collection

With a new sequel set to arrive in early summer, there's no better time to get up to speed on Downton Abbey. Fortunately, Peacock offers not only all six seasons of the original television series, but the 2019 movie as well. For fans of the popular British series, the two-hour movie feels like a comforting and welcome return of old friends, with much of the original cast appearing, including Maggie Smith, Hugh Bonneville, Jim Carter, Michelle Dockery, Elizabeth McGovern, and countless others. For those unfamiliar, the film may be a bit baffling, but will encourage first-time viewers to go back to the beginning to discover what they've been missing out on all these years. In the movie, we find the Crawleys preparing for a visit from the king and queen of England, and all of the scandal, romance, and intrigue that comes with it. The production values are grand, the acting is fantastic, the unmistakably British comedy is delightful as always, and the drama is, as ever, deliciously soapy. One can only hope that the forthcoming sequel packs as rich of a story as this decadent and dazzling offering. 

Watch it on Peacock with a Premium membership.

12. *Elizabeth (1998)

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Early in her reign over a dangerously divided 1558 England, Elizabeth I finds her power constantly threatened by the state, church, and men around her — but she is far too intelligent and wise to be defeated. Two words: Cate Blanchett. Her Oscar-nominated turn as a young Elizabeth in this celebrated historical drama catapulted her to international acclaim, and deservedly so. Blanchett gives a complex performance devoid of caricature, and director Shekhar Kapur ensures that the film remains highly entertaining and exciting throughout, avoiding the overly stuffy, clichéd pitfalls of other period pieces. The costumes, makeup, and sets are all phenomenal, and the excellent supporting cast — including Geoffrey Rush (The King's Speech and Shakespeare in Love), Christopher Eccleston (King Lear and 28 Days Later), Joseph Fiennes (Shakespeare in Love), and Lord Richard Attenborough — contributes to the sense of paranoia that grows throughout this dark and imaginative portrait that earned Oscar noms for Best Picture, Actress, Art Direction, Cinematography, Costume Design, and Dramatic Score, as well as a win for Best Makeup.

Watch it on Peacock with a Premium membership.

13. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)

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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.

14. Fried Green Tomatoes (1991)

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This charming film based on Fannie Flagg's 1987 novel Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe stars Kathy Bates as Evelyn Couch, an unhappy housewife whose life begins to change when she befriends an old woman in a nursing home named Ninny Threadgoode (Jessica Tandy). Ninny regales Evelyn with colorful tales from her past, mostly about the bond between her free-spirited sister-in-law Idgie (Mary Stuart Masterson) and her friend Ruth (Mary-Louise Parker) in the long-abandoned Southern town of Whistle Stop. We watch these relationships deepen as the film bounces back and forth between the present day and the past, leaving us with a funny and moving portrait of female friendships — mostly thanks to the fantastic chemistry between the members of the excellent ensemble cast. Tandy received a Best Supporting Actress nom from the Oscars, and the film also nabbed a nom for Best Adapted Screenplay (Flagg and screenwriter Carol Sobieski). Despite its tendency to lean into predictability, Fried Green Tomatoes is an uplifting, warm-hearted collection of stories brought to life by engaging characters and magnetic performances. If you’re looking for something that’ll make you laugh, cry, and call your best friend to tell them you love them — this is the movie for you.

Watch it on Peacock for free.

15. The Harry Potter Series (2001–11)

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Harry Potter fans can rejoice because all seven films in the franchise are available here. And if you haven't seen them yet, what are you waiting for? The opportunity to rewatch everyone's favorite Hogwarts attendees grow from uncertain students of magic to full-on heroes is too good to miss, and you'll fall in love with the star-studded cast all over again. Seriously. Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Maggie Smith, Alan Rickman, Richard Harris, Helena Bonham Carter, and many, many more make this set of films feel like hanging out with old friends. And you might even see some famous faces you completely forgot were part of the wizarding world, like Emma Thompson, Robert Pattinson, Domhnall Gleeson, and Gary Oldman! From the early days of The Sorcerer's Stone to the Alfonso Cuarón–directed Prisoner of Azkaban, all the way through the two-part Deathly Hallows, this highly bingeable series of films makes for a cozy and comforting rewatch that we could all use right about now.

Watch it on Peacock with a premium membership.

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

Copper Pot Pictures / 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 80s. Though the sentimental soundtrack can sometimes cause it to drift into saccharine territory, it does nothing to sour this affectionate portrait that's sure to leave you with a smile on your face when you need it the most.

Watch it on Peacock for free.

17. *It's Complicated (2009)

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As we anxiously await the recently announced Nancy Meyers Netflix film, It's Complicated is here to remind us why we love her all over again. This smart romantic comedy finds magic in the love triangle between characters played by Meryl Streep, Steve Martin, and Alec Baldwin — all of whom turn in exceptionally charming performances and seem to be having a ball riffing off of each other throughout. Their combined chemistry and comedic chops make this a solidly entertaining and extremely watchable film about a successful restauranteur (Streep) who begins having an affair with her now re-married ex husband (Baldwin) — only to find herself also drawn to her architect (Martin). It's Complicated received three Golden Globe noms, for Best Actress — Motion Picture Comedy or Musical (Streep), Best Motion Picture — Musical or Comedy, and Best Screenplay (Meyers). If you're looking for some guaranteed laughs with an infectious warmth and joy that comes through the screen, the rom-com queen Nancy Meyers has you covered.

Watch it on Peacock with a Premium membership.

18. Izzy Gets the F Across Town (2018)

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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.

19. *Megamind (2010)

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This refreshing twist on the superhero movie succeeds due to outstanding animation and top-notch voice acting from its star-studded cast, featuring Will Ferrell, Brad Pitt, Tina Fey, Jonah Hill, David Cross, and Ben Stiller. When Megamind (Ferrell) — the most brilliant supervillain in the world — becomes depressed after finally defeating his arch-nemesis, Metro Man (Pitt), he creates a new superhero from Metro Man's DNA. But when this new "hero" becomes even more of a villain than Megamind himself, Megamind discovers that maybe there's a hero inside of him after all.

Watch it on Peacock for free.

20. *Minority Report (2002)

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Steven Spielberg's Minority Report — based on a short story by iconic science fiction writer, Philip K. Dick — has aged remarkably well in many ways. Its depiction of a dystopian 2054 still feels sleek, futuristic, and even more prescient than when it first arrived on screens in 2002. The US in Minority Report is a full-blown surveillance state where ads scan your retinas and call out your name in the mall, stores put your picture on a giant screen and announce your shopping history when you walk through the doors, commuters doom scroll through the news on their personal devices, and the police use a psychic technology to arrest killers before they commit their murder. Tom Cruise plays the head of this so-called “Precrime Unit,” but his world begins to unravel when he’s accused of the future murder of a man he’s never met in this intriguing and exhilarating thriller about a future that's perhaps not quite distant enough.

Watch it on Peacock with a Premium membership.

21. A Most Beautiful Thing (2020)

50 Eggs Films / Courtesy Everett Collection

An inspiring documentary about the Manley High rowing team, A Most Beautiful Thing tells the tale of a group of young Black men from the West Side of Chicago who, despite many being from rival gangs, came together to row the same boat, altering their trajectories forever. Thoughtfully directed by filmmaker, attorney, and Olympic rower Mary Mazzio and narrated by Common, this doc keeps its focus on its subjects, who tell their own stories, which glisten with joy and optimism even in the face of heartbreaking trauma. At its core, A Most Beautiful Thing shows the healing potential of sports and offers a powerful message that is incredibly necessary in the times we live in.

Watch it on Peacock for free.

22. Night of the Living Dead (1968)

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Often regarded as the first modern zombie movie and one of the greatest and scariest movies of all time, 1968's Night of the Living Dead was initially met with controversy and scorn in response to its extreme violence and gore as well as the casting of Duane Jones, a Black man, in the leading role. Writer-director George Romero has said that choosing Jones had nothing to do with race and that he was simply the best actor who auditioned, but intentional or not, this choice added layers of social commentary to the plot. It also further cemented the film's legacy by directly influencing movies like Get Out and nodding back to zombies' roots in Black culture — while presenting a depiction of the undead that would go on to set the standard for how zombies have appeared in media ever since. Despite being flawed and dated at times, this groundbreaking horror movie is still remarkably effective. Its limited budget and presentation in stark black-and-white give it an almost documentary-like atmosphere, making the horrors that unfold all the more horrifying — and influencing not just countless zombie flicks but also filmmakers, across a variety of genres, with small budgets and big ideas.

Watch it on Peacock for free.

23. Notting Hill (1999)

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This 1999 rom-com about an unlikely romance between an American celebrity (Julia Roberts) and a London bookseller (Hugh Grant) earned positive reviews from reviewers and audiences alike. Critics praised the well-told love story for being clever and funny, and the likable leads for their strong performances and undeniable chemistry, as their characters struggle to reconcile their vastly different lifestyles despite falling deeper in love. Is the movie somewhat flawed and unrealistic? Absolutely! But whether you view it as a comment on the nature of celebrity, or simply as a heartwarming love story, its charms are powerful enough to make every rewatch well worth it. If this is your first time, maybe wait until after watching to read about Hugh Grant's idea for a sequel that some fans have found...depressing.

Watch it on Peacock for free with a premium membership.

24. *Office Space (1999)

20th Century Fox Film Corp. /  Courtesy: Everett Collection

If you've ever suffered from the ennui that comes with working a soul-sucking job where you spend most of your day stuck in a cubicle wishing you could be literally anywhere else, Office Space is here to tell you you're not alone. This hilarious takedown of corporate office culture initially flopped at the box office, but has since developed a cult following and critical acclaim thanks to its almost frighteningly accurate depiction of workplace misery combined with an outrageous revenge plot and colorful characters brought to life by Ron Livingston, Jennifer Aniston, Gary Cole, and Stephen Root. Despite coming out 22 years ago, this zany comedy from Mike Judge (Beavis and Butt-Head, King of the Hill, Idiocracy, Silicon Valley) feels just as relevant today to anyone who's ever had a case of the Mondays, and will remind you why you fell in love with WFH all over again.

Watch it on Peacock with a Premium membership.

25. Olympic Pride, American Prejudice (2016)

Peacock

The 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin were set against the background of white nationalism in Germany, with Hitler and the Nazi Party's rise to power causing the US to be conflicted about sending American Jewish and Black athletes to compete. This effective documentary focuses on the 18 Black athletes from the US who participated — using historical footage, interviews, and news coverage, as well as conversations with surviving family members, to paint a compelling picture of the experiences of some of the nation's greatest athletes during a time when their lives were affected by inequality both at home and overseas. The tale of how track-and-field star Jesse Owens' four gold medal wins dismantled Hitler's Aryan-supremacy delusion has long been mythologized, but Olympic Pride, American Prejudice delves deeper into the other 17 Black competitors' stories, highlighting their remarkable achievements despite racism from the American coaching staff, and following them through their return to the US, where they were greeted with scant job opportunities and President Franklin D. Roosevelt's reported refusal to shake their hands in fear of alienating Southern voters. As Black athletes continue to face astonishing inequality and racism in the current age — with reactions to political protests, anti-marijuana laws rooted in systemic racism, and the banning of swim caps designed for Black hair just a few of the ways Black people in sports are unfairly targeted — this documentary remains a vital look at the underbelly of racism that persists in the US and global sporting world today.

Watch it on Peacock for free.

26. Precious: Based on the Novel by Sapphire (2009)

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Gabourey Sidibe and Mo'Nique both received well-deserved Oscar noms (and a win for Mo'Nique) for their extraordinary performances in this powerful film based on the 1996 novel Push by Sapphire. This movie is a complex portrait of a young woman named Claireece "Precious" Jones (Sidibe) who deals with her devastating circumstances by escaping into daydreams of a much better life. We find her at age 16 living with her abusive mother in 1987 Harlem, unable to read or write, and pregnant for the second time by her rapist father. Because of this pregnancy, Precious is transferred to an alternative school, and her life is impacted by a sympathetic teacher (Paula Patton), a social worker (Mariah Carey), and a kind nursing assistant (Lenny Kravitz) — all of whom give her hope for a better future. Audiences and critics were divided on some of its messaging, but one thing most viewers agreed on was that the fearless performances at its center were an absolute triumph.

Watch it on Peacock with a Premium membership.

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

Moviestore Collection Ltd / Alamy Stock Photo

This collection of highlights from Prince's 1987 European concert tour is thankfully here to hold you over if you've been desperately missing live concerts this year. Written and directed by Prince himself, Sign o' the Times transports us to the Purple One's commercial peak, jam-packed with colossal hits (including the title track, "Little Red Corvette," "I Could Never Take the Place of Your Man," and "U Got the Look"), colorful visuals, and electrifying performances that'll make you want to crank up the TV and get lost in some of the greatest music ever made.

Watch it on Peacock for free.

28. Shaolin (2011)

Variance Films / Well Go USA / Alamy

When a ruthless general (Andy Lau) is betrayed by his sworn brother (Nicholas Tse), he seeks salvation at a Shaolin temple, where he decides to become a monk to atone for his past misdeeds — but his dangerous past isn't as far behind him as he might think. This ambitious, epic Hong Kong drama is more about introspection than hand-to-hand combat, although there is enough of both — plus a comedic supporting performance from Jackie Chan — to keep viewers engaged. The action set pieces are impressive and elaborate, while the anti-violence sentiment and compassionate Buddhist philosophy set it apart from other action period pieces, offering a path to enlightenment for even the most brutal warlords. 

Watch it on Peacock for free.

29. Short Term 12 (2013)

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 before their stratospheric fame, critics recognized the brilliance on display — and rightfully so.

Watch it on Peacock for free.

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

Peacock

This doc unearths a largely forgotten but monumental 1968 week in late-night television, when Johnny Carson stepped aside to let legendary entertainer and activist Harry Belafonte temporarily take over The Tonight Show to address the social and political tumult the country was experiencing. His guest list included Martin Luther King Jr., Sen. Robert F. Kennedy, actor and activist Paul Newman, Native American folk singer Buffy Sainte-Marie, folk singer Leon Bibb, singer Petula Clark, and many of the top Black stars of the time, including Aretha Franklin, Lena Horne, Dionne Warwick, Freda Payne, Diahann Carroll, and Nipsey Russell. While much of the footage has sadly been lost, what remains is full of hope and inspiration, as well as frustration over how many of the issues of the time have yet to be resolved. Belafonte, now 94, is interviewed throughout, as are Warwick, Sainte-Marie, Clark, Whoopi Goldberg, Tamron Hall, Questlove, and New York Times critics Bill Carter and Wesley Morris, who add context and give modern-day reflections on an important week of television that remains just as relevant today.

Watch it on Peacock with a Premium membership.

31. Time for Ilhan (2018)

Peaock

If you've recently felt that gnawing feeling that the US is overwhelmingly controlled by billionaires and corporations out of touch with the needs of…uh…non-billionaires, this documentary is a beacon of light that'll remind you that you  can still have faith in our democratic systems. Director Norah Shapiro presents an inspiring and engaging portrait of Ilhan Omar, a young, hijab-wearing mother of three who arrived in the US at age 12 as a refugee, on her journey from community activist to becoming the first Somali Muslim woman to be elected to state office in the United States. Thanks to intimate, behind-the-scenes footage of Omar’s first political campaign, we get a fly-on-the-wall glimpse into how she connects with voters, disrupts the system, and works tirelessly to fight for a better country for everyone. There’s no doubt that she’s become a controversial figure throughout her career, but whether or not you consider yourself a supporter of hers, this documentary goes beyond the headlines to offer a more personal look at a political powerhouse whose story is far from over.

Watch it on Peacock for free.

32. Train to Busan (2016)

Well Go USA Entertainment / Courtesy Everett Collection

If you enjoyed Gong Yoo's appearance as "the Salesman" in Netflix's smash hit Squid Game, you can watch him in the leading role of this South Korean action-horror film, which has been called one of the best zombie movies of all time, and with good reason. Writer-director Yeon Sang-ho pulls no punches, offering up a smattering of well-developed characters, expertly staged action, and a healthy dose of social and political commentary in this thrilling movie about a man (Yoo), his estranged daughter (Kim Su-an), and other passengers trapped on a speeding train during a zombie apocalypse. Critics lauded the film's unique take on the genre, which makes excellent use of the train's cramped quarters, wringing out brilliantly choreographed action and heartfelt emotion at every turn. And while it certainly reuses the same tropes that have plagued the crowded zombie genre for some time now, it does so with so much energy and style that it makes every element feel fresh, terrifying, and unexpectedly moving.

Watch it on Peacock for free.

33. Use of Force: The Policing of Black America (Peacock Original)

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This documentary from filmmakers Cary Grant Jr. and Lathan Hodge is an examination of fatal encounters between police and Black Americans. It highlights the personal stories of George Floyd, Philando Castile, Eric Garner, and others who have been killed by the police, while following their families as they take action to combat police brutality. Much of the film is made up of disturbing, vital dash-cam and phone camera footage, but it also takes time to examine the issues police departments face from within and how good cops, chiefs, community leaders, and politicians are trying to undo the problematic policies, archaic tactics, and culture of systemic racism that run deep in the law enforcement community. The debate about how to make these changes is far from over, but this documentary does an excellent job of showing us how important it is that this conversation continues while amplifying the voices of the victims and their families, making it an essential film for all viewers.

 Watch it on Peacock with a Premium membership.

34. *What’s Love Got to Do with It (1993)

RGR Collection / Alamy Stock Photo

This film about the life of legendary soul singer, Tina Turner, hinges on incredible performances from its two leads — Angela Bassett as Tina and Laurence Fishburne as Ike Turner, Tina's physically abusive husband and musical partner. Both received well-deserved Oscar nominations, and Bassett won a Golden Globe for her brilliantly nuanced portrayal of the "Queen of Rock and Roll". Fishburne's exceptional talents are also on display in the way he brings depth to a truly unsympathetic role. What’s Love Got to Do with It does not shy away from the darkness of Tina and Ike's marriage, but it also celebrates Tina's escape and rise to solo success — leaving viewers with an experience that is both troubling and triumphant. 

Watch it on Peacock with a Premium membership.

35. Winter’s Bone (2010)

Allstar Picture Library Ltd. / Alamy Stock Photo

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.

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* Denotes title has been newly added to Peacock for April.

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