Forget Your Comfort Shows, Here Are 21 Hidden Gems You Probably Missed Out On

You've watched and rewatched The Office and Yellowstone; it's high time you check out these cult favorites...

There is plenty of awesome content you can find only on Peacock, from new films like Knock at the Cabin and Renfield to classic series like The Office, 30 Rock, and Yellowstone.

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But as tempting as it is to settle down with your comfort watch, there are plenty of other fantastic films and television shows flying under the radar on Peacock.

Oscilloscope Laboratories

As such, I've assembled 21 weird, wonderful, and wild hidden gems worth seeking out on Peacock ASAP.

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1. 13 Assassins (2010)

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From one of the most prolific Japanese filmmakers of all time, Takashi Miike, 13 Assassins follows twelve samurai and an eccentric hunter who plot to assassinate the Lord of the atrocious Akashi Clan in 1844. A critically lauded action epic with plenty of crossover appeal, the film's incredible spectacle and fantastic character development should make it your next must-see foreign flick.

2. Stander (2003)

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Fans of true crime stories should flock to check out Stander, based on the unbelievable yet real story of South African cop-turned-criminal Andre Stander, whose disillusionment with his government led him to pull off a string of bank robberies...using the resources of his own police department. Anchored by a stellar performance by the perpetually underrated Thomas Jane, Stander will keep you in its grip from start to finish, especially if you're unfamiliar with the wild twists and turns this particular true tale has to offer.

3. Applesauce (2015)

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Helmed by dark comedy maestro Onur Tukel (Catfight, Poundcake), Applesauce follows a pair of couples whose lives become a living hell after one of them makes an anonymous confession on a radio show, which draws the wrath of a stalker who begins sending him disturbing packages. Co-starring Max Casella (The Sopranos), Trieste Kelly Dunn (Banshee), Jennifer Prediger (Uncle Kent), and Dylan Baker (Trick 'r Treat), Applesauce may be too dark for some, but if you like your comedy with a bit of wicked irony and hysterically sharp dialogue, look no further.

4. Body Bags (1993)

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A horror anthology series that was initially developed as Showtime's answer to Tales from the Crypt, Body Bags showcases three scary stories presented by a peculiar mortician, including that of an easily-frightened college student working a night shift at a gas station, a self-conscious businessman who discovers a too-good-to-be-true hair transplant procedure, and a baseball player who receives experimental eye surgery that comes with shocking side effects. Directed by John Carpenter (Halloween) and Tobe Hooper (The Texas Chain Saw Massacre), this multifaceted horror offering is guaranteed to leave a wicked grin on your face by the time the credits roll.

5. Tammy and the T-Rex (1994)

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One of the first films of stars Denise Richards and Paul Walker, Tammy and the T-Rex follows a teenage cheerleader (Richards) whose football star boyfriend (Walker) has his brain put into the body of a robotic tyrannosaurus rex by a mad scientist (Weekend at Bernie's Terry Kiser). Chaos ensues, as one might expect; this R-rated cult comedy simply has to be seen to be believed, especially if you're in the mood for some bonkers, so-bad-it's-good cinema.

6. The Act of Killing (2012)

Drafthouse Films / Atlaspix / Alamy

A groundbreaking documentary that is not for the weak at heart, The Act of Killing turns its lens toward the perpetrators of the 1965–1966 Indonesian communist genocide, who have since become propped up by right-wing citizens and politicians as revered public figures. Instead of focusing on the horrific history with cold hard facts, filmmaker Joshua Oppenheimer instructs the perpetrators to tell their version of the events via stylized recreations, hoping that the process will force the men to finally reckon with the depth and depravity of their actions.

7. The Cooler (2003)

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An underrated indie crime drama that led to costar Alec Baldwin's first Academy Award nomination, The Cooler follows a casino worker whose job is to share his bad luck with any gambler on a hot luck streak, but finds his luck changing after pursuing a passionate romance with a cocktail waitress. Driven by stellar performances from William H. Macy, Maria Bello, and Baldwin, The Cooler is a riveting love story that'll have even the toughest guy glued to the screen and reaching for the tissue box.

8. Out of Sight (1998)

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A genuinely outstanding movie in almost every conceivable way, Out of Sight is Steven Soderbergh's brilliant Elmore Leonard adaptation that follows the intertwined paths of frustrated US Marshal Karen Sisco (Jennifer Lopez) and arrogant career criminal Jack Foley (George Clooney) following the latter's haphazard prison escape. With a legitimately outstanding ensemble cast including Don Cheadle (Iron Man II), Ving Rhames (Pulp Fiction), Steve Zahn (8-Bit Christmas), Albert Brooks (Drive), and Viola Davis (The Woman King), and exceptionally confident direction from Steven Soderbergh, the film wasn't a box office smash when it hit theaters in 1998 but has slowly built a reputation as one of the best films of the decade.

9. Residue (2015)

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Initially released as a three-episode Netflix series before being edited into a film for Peacock, Residue follows a journalist, a government spokesperson, and a troubled police officer who stumble upon paranormal phenomenon following an explosion at a nightclub that has since been deemed a quarantine zone. Written by former frequent George A. Romero collaborator John Harrison, this sci-fi/horror hybrid starring Game of Thrones' alumni Natalia Tena and Iwan Rheon is a visually captivating journey into darkness that's absolutely worth experiencing firsthand.

10. The Love Witch (2016)

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Emulating the style of 1960s European horror cinema, The Love Witch is a funny, sexy, and shocking story of a young witch who attempts to start a new life and find new love in a witchcraft-friendly town after the suspicious death of her husband. Lauded by critics and fans alike, this terrific throwback's hypnotic visual style and fantastic original script will put a spell on you if you give it a chance.

11. Faults (2014)

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From the peculiar mind of filmmaker Riley Stearns (The Art of Self-Defense), Faults surrounds a low-rent "deprogrammer" (Leland Orser) who is hired by a desperate couple to rescue and rehabilitate their daughter (Mary Elizabeth Winstead), who they believe has been brainwashed by a dangerous and exploitative cult. A mix between psychological thriller and off-beat comedy, Faults is a mental and emotional rollercoaster that will keep you guessing at every single turn.

12. Shrink (2017)

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A victim of the collapse of doomed comedy streaming service Seeso, Shrink is a hysterically funny and sadly short-lived sitcom following a clinical therapist in training who begins treating patients in his parent's garage. Co-created by and starring The Righteous Gemstones' resident scene-stealer Tim Baltz, Shrink deserves your attention as it's definitely one of the funniest shows that you probably haven't seen.

13. Zero Charisma (2013)

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A critically lauded indie comedy that was largely overlooked upon its release in 2013, Zero Charisma showcases the life of an ill-tempered tabletop game master (Sam Eidson) who begins to spiral in his professional and personal lives after becoming consumed by his jealousy of his games' newest recruit (Garrett Graham). A frequently funny (and, occasionally, all-too-real) character study in the world of Dungeons & Dragons-esque role play gaming, Zero Charisma captures a multidimensional, warts-and-all glimpse of "nerd culture" often not seen in the feature film space.

14. The Invitation (2015)

Drafthouse Films / Atlaspix / Alamy

Not to be confused with the 2022 spin on Dracula starring Nathalie Emmanuel, The Invitation surrounds a grief-stricken man (Logan Marshall-Green) who suspects that something sinister is happening in the shadows of a dinner party hosted by his estranged ex-wife (Tammy Blanchard). Placing the audience in the uncomfortable and anxious shoes of the film's paranoid protagonist, The Invitation turns the screws on the viewer and raises the tension to a fever pitch; it's also a fantastic fright film for those who prefer suspense over gore in their horror offerings.

15. Taboo (2017)

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A mysterious period drama from Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight, as well as star Tom Hardy and his father, novelist Chips Hardy, Taboo follows an abrasive and unrelenting businessman whose appearance after a lengthy sabbatical in Africa shakes up the corrupt financial, political, and criminal systems in 19th-century London. Also populated by a killer supporting cast including Jessie Buckley (The Lost Daughter), Oona Chaplin (Game of Thrones), Stephen Graham (The Irishman), and Jonathan Pryce (The Crown), Taboo sports a darker flavor than most period pieces but is nonetheless undeniably compelling.

16. Nemesis (1992)

Greenleaf Productions

An explosive cyberpunk action-thriller from the late, great Albert Pyun (Cyborg), Nemesis surrounds an android ex-special operative who is tasked with assassinating his former lover, who has become the leader of an anti-government separatist group. The film can be a little convoluted at times, but if you're looking for some old-school action goodness with loads of awesome practical effects and shoot-'em-up set pieces, turn off your brain and throw on this bad boy.

17. World’s Greatest Dad (2009)

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In one of his final leading performances, Robin Williams plays a single father who seizes an unexpected opportunity following an unthinkable yet humiliating tragedy in World's Greatest Dad. Directed by Williams's longtime friend and collaborator, Bobcat Goldthwait, this critically-acclaimed satirical comedy plays like the warped, funhouse mirror version of Dear Evan Hansen, and allows Williams to tap into both his comedic and dramatic strengths.

18. The Endless (2017)

Well Go USA Entertainment / Via youtube.com

The world at large may have become familiar with Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead from their recent small screen work with Marvel Studios, but these masters of trippy genre fare have been killing it for years, including with their eerie 2017 film The Endless, which puts the filmmakers in front of the camera as well. A mix between creepy horror, wondrous sci-fi, and touching drama, The Endless follows two brothers who receive a videotape that proves the suicide cult they escaped in their youth is still alive, sending them on a mind-bending journey to return to the camp that remained the source of their lingering trauma. 

19. Detroit (2017)

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From visionary director Kathryn Bigelow (Zero Dark Thirty), Detroit is an uncompromising and harrowing depiction of the Algiers Motel tragedy, which occurred in Detroit during the 12th Street Riot of 1967. Bolstered by an extraordinary cast that includes John Boyega, Will Poulter, Anthony Mackie, Algee Smith, Hannah Murray, and John Krasinski, Detroit is a heavy and intense watch, but ultimately one most should watch to understand a dark chapter in American history (that's not even that far away if we're being honest) that doesn't nearly get enough attention.

20. The American Scream (2012)

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One of this writer's favorite types of documentary is "deep dives into oddly competitive subcultures," and The American Scream is among the best of them. The sophomore directorial effort of Michael Stephenson (star of Troll 2 and filmmaker behind Best Worst Movie), The American Scream surrounds three families in the town of Fairhaven, Massachusetts, who have devoted their lives to creating "home haunts," which are extravagant, often hand-crafted haunted attractions on their own properties. Digging into the various challenges and sacrifices each family makes in their incredibly specific yearlong endeavor, The American Scream is a really fascinating look into a world that literally exists next door to you.

21. MacGruber (2021)

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Witnessing the evolution of the MacGruber movie from box office disaster to cult classic comedy has been one of the true blessings in pop culture in recent years, which is why this writer was so excited for the series continuation to hit Peacock in 2021. Unfortunately, the absurd and hilarious adventures of the inept super spy came and went with little fanfare in an incredibly annoying case of history repeating itself, but with the show just as funny as the movie, I'm hoping that the side-splitting series continues to find an audience in the streaming space ASAP.