30 Of The Best Movies To Stream On Peacock In January

This sweetly animated coming-to-America story from Steven Spielberg and Don Bluth takes an unexpectedly unflinching look at immigration, the American Dream and anti-Semitism — heavy topics for a children's movie, but important and relevant ones that might make you wanna give it another watch as an adult to catch all the details you missed as a kid. And despite the sometimes intense subject matter, this movie's full of enough entertaining dialogue, catchy musical numbers, and fast-paced action scenes to keep little ones engaged. The story follows a young mouse named Fievel (Phillip Glasser) as he and his Russian-Jewish family embark on a journey to the US after their home is destroyed by anti-Jewish cats. But when Fievel is separated from his family, he is befriended by a kindly cat and mouse in New York (Pat Musick and Dom DeLuise, both of whom also voiced characters in 1994's A Troll in Central Park) who are willing to help him on his search for his lost loved ones. While this 1986 film tends to rely on racial stereotypes to make its points using animal characters, its strong message and refusal to overly romanticize the sometimes harsh truths of the world we live in give it staying power in an era that continually proves that this is a story worth retelling.

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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 simply a must-watch.

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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 Polley's direction can also look forward to her forthcoming film Women Talking, starring Nomadland's brilliant Frances McDormand!

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This character-driven, romantic comedy-drama features standout performances from its ensemble cast — featuring Taye Diggs, Nia Long, Morris Chestnut, Harold Perrineau, Sanaa Lathan, and Terrence Howard — as well as sharp writing and direction from Malcolm D. Lee. When successful writer Harper (Diggs) goes to New York to be the best man at his friend Lance's (Chestnut) wedding, he arrives a little early to hang out with his friends — including Lance and his soon-to-be-bride Jordan (Long), who has a secret past with Harper. Things get complicated when it's revealed that Jordan, who works in media, has gotten ahold of an advance copy of Harper's autobiographical new book that chronicles their under-the-radar fling among other scandalous details about their friend group. What could go wrong? (Note: Fans of this movie will be glad to see that Peacock also has its excellent sequel, The Best Man Holiday (2013) and, as of February 2021, has ordered a 10-episode limited series, The Best Man: The Final Chapters, created by Lee)

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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, 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 males face, Black Boys provides an urgent conversation about opportunity, equity, and ultimately humanity.

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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.

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This meta-comedy horror movie is a smorgasbord of winking slasher-flick clichés, witty laughs, and unflinching gore, with filmmakers Drew Goddard and Joss Whedon conceiving of the film as both an homage to and critique of their favorite bloody genres. Critics praised its cleverly dense layers of references and ability to move from genuinely frightening to hilarious with ease, as well as the cast — including Chris Hemsworth, Kristen Connolly, Anna Hutchison, Fran Kranz, Jesse Williams, Richard Jenkins, and Bradley Whitford — for delivering standout performances despite the film's well-trodden concept of college friends being picked off by zombies in a remote cabin. The addition of scientists (Jenkins and Whitford) manipulating the supernatural forces brings an extra sense of mystery to the plot, which veers between by-the-numbers tropes and unexpected turns.

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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 & 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.

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If you like your horror movies to veer more toward the superhero variety, this 1990 film starring Liam Neeson and Frances McDormand is full of thrills, laughs, darkness, and ambitious action sequences that are sure to scratch that itch. When Dr. Peyton Wilder (Neeson) is attacked and left disfigured by a ruthless mobster, he undergoes treatment for his injuries that ultimately fails but unexpectedly leaves him with superhuman abilities. He channels these powers into a Phantom Avenger persona called Darkman who is able to infiltrate the criminal community thanks to his malleable facial qualities. This movie was lauded by critics for blurring the lines between horror, sci-fi, action, comedy, romance, drama, and more into a singular vision while also being more faithful to the look and style of comic books than other films of the era. If you approved of writer-director Sam Raimi's handling of superhero characters in the 2000s' Spider-Man trilogy or are fans of his horror offerings like The Evil Dead (1981) and Drag Me to Hell (2009), it's worth checking out the way he merges these various influences in Darkman.

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This unconventional horror-comedy-adventure movie impressively stretches its tiny budget to create a bold visual world of its own. Writer-director Bill Watterson's imaginative debut starts with a frustrated artist named Dave (Nick Thune) who winds up getting trapped in a cardboard fort he built in his living room while his girlfriend, Annie (Meera Rohit Kumbhani), was out of town. When Annie returns, she calls on a group of friends and quirky characters to help rescue Dave, but they soon find out that the fort is somehow much bigger once they are inside, *and* it's packed with deadly traps and creatures. The maze itself is possibly the true star of this quirky indie flick, which uses practical effects to immerse audiences in gorgeous, whimsical sets, inside of which a once-straightforward-seeming plot goes off the rails and asks that you join in on its absurd journey. You'll be glad you did.

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In Mike Birbiglia's second directorial effort, a New York improv troupe begins to experience turmoil when one of their members finds sudden success outside of their group (and the rest must come to terms with the fact that they are not  headed for a big break). Critics praised the film for being both uproariously funny and rooted in sobering reality, full of poignant moments that never feel forced. While the movie's celebration of improv will no doubt be rewarding for fans of the art form, its honest exploration of friendship, success, failure, and, ultimately, life has a lot to offer for all viewers. It shows us that success doesn't look the same for everyone, and reminds us why that's ok. And in a world where a huge chunk of our time is spent scrolling through heavily curated versions of our peers' achievements, that's a message worth remembering.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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 a fading movie star and a 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.

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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.

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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 documentarylike 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.

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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.

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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.

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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 wanna crank up the TV and get lost in some of the greatest music ever made.

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Often considered one of the greatest films of all time, Alfred Hitchcock's 1960 classic is a master class in artful horror. Its iconic performances, brilliant direction, and chilling score set the tone for countless horror movies to come and is still thrilling and shocking viewers decades later. Helpful tip: You might wanna consider taking a shower before watching this movie instead of after. Trust us.

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Jamie Foxx became the second actor to win an Oscar, Golden Globe, BAFTA, SAG, and Critics Choice Award for the same performance, thanks to his electrifying portrayal of Ray Charles in this biopic about the legendary soul musician. The film follows Charles from his childhood, where he experiences the trauma of losing both his younger brother and his sight, through his rise to stardom, where he redefines soul music and becomes one of the most influential musicians of all time. Foxx became so deeply immersed in the role that it's often easy to forget that you're not watching Charles himself on screen. And the excellent soundtrack features a mix of Charles' greatest hits along with energetic live cuts that remind viewers just how much of a genius he was behind the keys. Like most biopics, Ray fictionalizes certain elements and characters, but Foxx's powerful performance combined with Charles' essential music make this film worth going back to.

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Despite bombing at the box office, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World earned positive reviews from critics for its inventive visual style and humor while gaining a cult following of viewers who were delighted by its flashy video game special effects, indie-punk soundtrack, and genre-busting style. Michael Cera plays Scott Pilgrim, a bass guitarist for a garage-rock band who falls for Ramona Flowers (Mary Elizabeth Winstead), an Amazon delivery girl he saw in a dream. The problem is, in order to be with Ramona, Scott must defeat all seven of her evil exes one by one. The expertly choreographed fight scenes and spellbinding comic book imagery make this cinematic adaptation of Bryan Lee O'Malley's graphic novel series an electrifying watch from start to finish. If you're willing to suspend your disbelief and strap in for the ride, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World will dazzle you with its pop culture mashup charms.

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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 (available to Premium members only).

This Oscar-nominated historical drama chronicles the 1965 Selma-to-Montgomery voting rights marches initiated and directed by James Beve (Common) and led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (David Oyelowo), Hosea Williams (Wendell Pierce), and John Lewis (Stephan James). Spectacular direction from Ava DuVernay transports viewers to this pivotal moment in the Civil Rights Movement, and the expertly crafted script (co-written by DuVernay and Paul Webb) does a brilliant job of capturing the events despite being unable to use King's actual speeches due to copyright reasons. Oyelowo is magnetic in the leading role, deftly portraying both the monumentally public and intimately private sides of Dr. King throughout this gripping, brutal, and effective glimpse into US history. Common, John Legend, and Rhymefest wrote the protest song "Glory" for the film, referencing both the historic marches as well as the 2014 shooting of Michael Brown by a police officer in Ferguson, Missouri. The song, which went on to win an Oscar and Golden Globe for Best Original Song, connects the struggles examined in the film to current events, making it clear that this movie isn't only about the past. It's about the present. It's about the future. And everyone should see it.

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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. 

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

Watch it on Peacock for free.