Best Movies on Peacock to Watch Right Now, Ranked

Peacock has certainly filled out an interesting niche for itself in the competitive world of streaming. For some, it’s useful as one of the biggest hubs of professional wrestling content currently available. For others, it’s a handy way to catch some of the latest theatrical releases after they wrap up their run in theaters. Peacock’s catalog of movies, however, is arguably its biggest asset, with some of the biggest names and franchises in recent history proliferating its digital coffers. Dozens upon dozens of films from all over the globe can be streamed to your heart’s content.

But with so many movies available, what should you decide to watch? To answer this, we’ve compiled a convenient selection of the best that Peacock has to offer. This list will also be periodically updated to reflect Peacock’s current offerings. From original comedies to entire film franchises, these are just some of the best movies on Peacock you can watch right now.

Updated on Feb. 19, 2024, by Soniya Hinduja: This article has been updated with additional content to keep the discussion fresh and relevant with even more information and new entries.

15 Memento (2000)

With alternative narratives told by switching between black-and-white and color sequences, this psychological mystery thriller is directed by Christopher Nolan, who adapts it from a short story written by his brother, Jonathan Nolan. It follows Leonard Shelby, a man who suffers from short-term memory loss because of a head injury. He’s on a quest for revenge against his wife’s murderer. But events from the past and future distort his reality, and he questions what is real and what isn’t.

An All-Time Great Thriller

Tinged with elements of noir, Memento is a genre-defining thriller. Most of the story unfolds in reverse, playing with time in classic Nolan fashion. With little context or clues, the movie grips and confuses its audience while also making thoughtful commentary on memory and how it empowers and cripples us at the same time. Guy Pearce delivers an incredible performance as Shelby. Memento also won a number of accolades and Academy Award nominations, cementing its status as an unforgettable thriller.

14 Night of the Living Dead (1968)

An indie horror directed by George A. Romero and the first film in a successful franchise, Night of the Living Dead takes place during a zombie apocalypse, where the dead rise from their graves and show their flesh-eating tendencies. Seven strangers seek shelter inside an isolated farmhouse in rural Pennsylvania. As the living dead surround them, they begin to fight among themselves, develop distress, and threaten their own lives before the walkers get them.

An Example of Limitations Leading to Innovation

What makes Night of the Living Dead so seminal and groundbreaking is how it reinvented horror with its shoestring budget and an isolated setting. Romero creates visceral scares and douses the narrative with social commentary. Not only does the movie have five sequels and an official remake but it has also become a source of inspiration for many filmmakers. With its use of unknown actors and black-and-white cinematography, it is rightfully recognized as the granddaddy of zombie horror movies.

13 Inside Man (2006)

Inside Man is written by Russell Gewirtz and directed by Spike Lee. Its creative premise sees a group of masked bank robbers led by Dalton Russell turning a bank heist into a hostage situation. With several innocent lives at stake, Detective Keith Frasier faces a dire challenge in negotiating their demands. He’s also forced to work alongside Madeleine White, a close associate of the bank’s founder, as they try to keep a hidden mystery about the establishment safe.

Compelling Tension, Chemistry, and Twists

Like many of his other films, Lee infuses this thriller with intricate plot twists and jarring details to keep you guessing until the very end. All the speculation is worth it because this complexly plotted film is unlike anything you have seen in the heist genre. Denzel Washington is smooth as the detective and Clive Owen brings menace and fluidity to the narrative. They are accompanied by Jodie Foster as the negotiator. The reason this movie is such an enduring one is its clever mystery and the suspenseful repartee between the leads.

12 Inception (2010)

An award-winning science fiction drama from the genius mind of Christopher Nolan, Inception centers around Cobb (Leonardo DiCaprio), a skilled thief who uses the ability to infiltrate a person’s subconscious, their dreams, to commit corporate espionage. When he is offered a chance at redemption and has a clean record, he is more than willing to take it. But there is a catch. Cobb must implant an idea into a target instead of extracting one. To achieve this exciting, challenging, and improbable feat, he assembles a team.

Style and Substance

One of the director’s smartest, most exhilarating movies is Inception. Nolan weaves this imaginative thriller in a way that is so stunning and so rewatchable that it is talked about even decades later as a multidimensional blockbuster. DiCaprio flexes his range and experience as the conflicted Cobb navigating dreams within dreams. Inception soars where some of Nolan’s other work falls short by combining deep emotional impact with the director’s signature complex, twisting plots.

11 The Holdovers (2023)

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In The Holdovers, we follow a strict, obnoxious, and borderline alcoholic, Paul Hunham, who teaches classics at a New England boarding school. During the holiday break, he is forced to supervise five students, including Angus Tully, who are staying behind for one reason or another. Also staying at the premises is Mary Lamb, the cafeteria manager whose teenage son was killed in the Vietnam War. When four of the five boys find a way to spend the holiday elsewhere, it is Tully who ends up forming an unlikely bond with Mr. Hunham.

An Instant Classic

This recent comedy-drama is a beautiful movie with a bittersweet ending. Directed by Alexander Payne and starring Paul Giamatti, Dominic Sessa, and the phenomenal Da’Vine Joy Randolph, it displays everyday people navigating uncertainty and life with resilience and empathy. Stuck together, the characters really get a chance to see each other beyond surface niceties. Sometimes tragic, sometimes dramatic, and always tinged with a hint of humor, the movie has some genuinely touching scenes worth praising. With all the love it is getting during award season, The Holdovers is sure to become a classic.

10 Shrek (2001)

Adapted from a children’s picture book of the same name, Shrek follows the misadventures of the hero, a rebellious ogre, who just wants to be left alone in his swamp. But when the evil Lord Farquaad intrudes on his land, he teams up with a detective donkey and embarks on a quest to rescue Princess Fiona. What follows is a hilarious journey that turns every fairy tale group around its head because the world is blessed by an outstanding on-screen couple in Shrek and Fiona.

The Beginning of a Legendary Series

There’s no way one can doubt the legacy of Shrek and how it transformed animation movies with self-aware twists on a classic storybook. Not only did the movie help in establishing DreamWorks Animation as a fierce competitor to Disney and Pixar, but it also found new fun in poking at conventions and delivering offbeat humor and recognizable characters. The voice performances of comedy legends like Mike Myers and Eddie Murphy were so impressive that they appealed to both children and adults. Plus, it paved the way for a franchise that is beloved by fans even decades later.

9 Dunkirk (2017)

Reigning as the highest-grossing World War II until 2023, when Oppenheimer broke the record, Dunkirk is Christopher Nolan’s vivid depiction of the true events of Operation Dynamo that took place in 1940 during the Battle of France. It documents the evacuation of Allied soldiers from the beaches and harbor of Dunkirk as they were under fire from German forces. A number of soldiers and civilians band together on land, sea, and air for the mission with equal amounts of intrigue and urgency.

A Timeless War Epic

Dunkirk brought Nolan his first directing Oscar nomination and even though he did not win the award, it became one of history’s most celebrated war films. With his sublime direction, he puts us straight into the tense and relentless rescue mission. With his signature cinematography and minimal dialogue, he allows the actual scale of the events to unfold in front of our eyes. The ensemble cast — made of Fionn Whitehead, Cillian Murphy, Tom Hardy, Harry Styles, and Barry Keoghan — does an outstanding job at showcasing the humanity behind these acts of bravery and leaving a lasting impact on the viewers.

8 Despicable Me (2010)

A highly entertaining animation comedy produced by Illumination, Despicable Me follows Felonious Gru, a criminal mastermind who wishes to become the greatest supervillain. He and his army of Minions hatch a plan to achieve this feat by stealing the moon. So he adopts three adorable orphan girls as part of a distraction. However, things take a sharp turn when the girls end up melting Gru’s cold heart and start seeing him as a parental figure.

An Unexpected Animated Triumph

Winning the hearts of audiences and critics alike, Despicable Me burst onto the scene as an animated wonder. It had everything one would expect from the medium – fresh humor, an ingenious plot, heartwarming themes of found family, and the most adorable characters. From Steve Carell’s evil Gru to the scene-stealing Minions, every element had the viewers smiling from ear to ear. Over a decade and two sequels later, the movie is still contagious and funny.

7 Train to Busan (2016)

Train to Busan documents a routine commute of a workaholic father that goes horribly wrong. On his daughter’s birthday, Seok-woo decides to take her to meet her mother, and they board the train from Seoul to Busan. That’s when a zombie outbreak overruns South Korea and threatens the safety of millions. When one infected person gets on the train, the passengers have no choice but to band together and battle the undead as more and more travelers get attacked and turn into zombies.

A Must-Watch for Zombie Lovers

Director Yeon Sang-ho, who is known for creating introspective adult animated films, rose to international fame by creating this infinitely rewatchable zombie horror movie. Within the tight train corridors, this emotional and exciting ride unfolds at a breakneck pace. What sets Train to Busan apart from other zombie flicks is how it finds humanity in the most intense and gruesome scenarios. From start to finish, there’s a display of pulse-pounding action and camaraderie. The visual effects are simply fantastic and the underlying theme of parenthood is what evokes the most emotions.

6 Pride & Prejudice (2005)

Taking you to 19th-century England is this breathtaking romance. Centered around the Bennett sisters, Pride & Prejudice directs its entire focus on the headstrong Elizabeth Bennett, who is pestered by her mother, Mrs. Bennett to find a wealthy and good-looking suitor. She clashes with the handsome yet arrogant Mr. Darcy. As Elizabeth and Darcy engage in a battle of wits and misunderstandings, the question is: Will they ever overcome their prejudice about one another and see them for who they really are?

Beloved for Good Reason

Jane Austen’s novels have long been an inspiration for filmmakers to churn out gold-standard movies. This one is directed by Joe Wright, who does the impossible by breathing fresh life into Austen’s most cherished story. It is led by the very beautiful Kiera Knightley, who brings an independent spirit to Lizzy, while Matthew Macfayden turns Darcy from a mere character on paper to a swoon-worthy lead. Moreover, the gorgeous cinematography and the iconic dialogue are what make Pride & Prejudice so good.

5 The Age of Adaline (2015)

A romantic fantasy directed by Lee Toland Krieger, The Age of Adaline revolves around the titular character who survived a near-death experience eight decades before the present day and became doomed to remain 29 years old forever. While some would see the ability to never age as a blessing, Adaline lives in perpetual isolation and denies herself the pleasure and pain of getting close to someone. However, her world is turned upside down when falls in love with Ellis Jones, a philanthropist.

A Swoon-Worthy Romance

Starring Blake Lively in one of her most memorable roles, The Age of Adaline is a sweet and charming movie. It explores one person’s desire for love and compassion while also reminding the audience that true beauty lies in the hope for a better tomorrow. With rich character drama, tender emotion, and stunning visuals of changing historical backdrops, the movie is sure to sweep you off your feet. Especially if you are a hopeless romantic.

4 American Psycho (2000)

Considered controversial even before it was adapted on screen, American Psycho is a psychological thriller set in late 1980s New York. It stars Christian Bale as Patrick Bateman, a handsome investment banker who leads a double life as a ruthless killer. His violent fantasies and uncontrollable lust for blood often lead him to brutally murder his female colleagues. Gripped by status and money, it isn’t long before Bateman’s veneer cracks.

Gruesome, Twisted Satire

Bret Easton Ellis penned the notorious and twisted novel in 1991, which became the inspiration for the movie. Despite claiming the material was too dark and unsettling, it was director Mary Harron and producer Edward R. Pressman who wanted to see this film come to fruition. As for its big-screen success, part credit goes to Bale’s haunting and psychotic portrayal of unchecked masculinity. The movie is also infused with sharp social satire and unflinching scenes of gore. Even two decades later, American Psycho remains timeless.

3 Point Break (1991)

In Point Break, Keanu Reeves plays the role of an undercover FBI agent named Johnny Utah, his mission is to infiltrate a gang of bank robbers who have been carrying out a series of clever heists across south California. As Utah bonds with the group’s leader, Bodhi, he also gains a newfound appreciation for his adrenaline-fueled lifestyle. Soon, he loses sight of his job and reconsiders his own ways of living.

Perfectly Paced Fun

Comprising all the elements that make a ‘90s actioner work for the audience – like surfing, crime, love, brotherhood, and fight sequences – Point Break is very stylish in its visuals. Along with Reeves, we see Patrick Swayze in a career-making performance as Bodhi. Director Kathryn Bigelow establishes a backdrop of surfboarding and skydiving to make the film more stunning, with themes of moral dilemmas and counter-culture rebellion also taking center stage. Overall, Point Break is a movie to put on when you simply want to have a good time.

2 Sleepless in Seattle (1993)

A quintessential romantic comedy from the ‘90s, Sleepless in Seattle is directed by Nora Ephron and it stars Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan as the main leads. The premise goes as follows: When eight-year-old Jonah sees his father, Sam, unable to get over the loss of his wife, he decides to get him to share his grief on a national radio talk show. Annie, the woman on the other side, hears his story and finds herself touched. Enough to fly to Seattle to look for Sam.

An Iconic Heartwarming Romance

Warm and gentle from start to finish, the movie is a valentine to soulmates and second chances. Ephron, who is known for her phenomenal direction, infuses some magical moments and some humorous ones to make the crazy good plot more genuine. Hanks and Ryan are perfectly cast. Their sweet chemistry combined with the beautiful portrait of ‘90s New York City is sure to have you rooting for a happily ever after.

1 Oppenheimer (2023)

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Christopher Nolan’s phenomenal biographical thriller had everyone stunned. The movie offers a glimpse into the life of J. Robert Oppenheimer, the physicist appointed by Lt. Gen. Leslie Groves Jr. during the Second World War in an attempt to create something that would end the war. As the head of the Manhattan Project, Oppenheimer is seen racing to develop the world’s first nuclear weapon. Comprising scientific breakthroughs, political tension, moral dilemmas, and personal sacrifices, Oppenheimer is an achievement.

Impactful and Harrowing

Nolan is a visionary filmmaker and his absorbing drama about the historical events that changed the course of the future in a way that’s still resonant is among his most engaging works. Under his precise and thoughtful lens, Cillian Murphy’s character emerges as a complex figure. Accompanying him are several A-listers, like Robert Downey Jr., Emily Blunt, Florence Pugh, and Matt Damon. What makes the film so impressive is the visual grandeur, the sound effects, and that it treats its subject with care and gravity.