Peacock has quietly assembled an impressive library of top films for streaming, offering viewers a diverse array of cinematic experiences. Far from being just a hub for original series, the platform now boasts a robust collection of movies, ranging from critically acclaimed prestige dramas to delightfully unconventional and often thrilling film recommendations. This curated selection ensures that whether your taste leans towards thought-provoking narratives or pure escapism, there’s truly something for every kind of cinephile looking for best movies on a streaming guide.
Among the standout offerings is Wes Anderson’s “Asteroid City,” a prime example of distinct directorial vision now available for Peacock streaming. While perhaps more overtly whimsical than his previous works like “The Grand Budapest Hotel” or “The French Dispatch,” its lighter tone makes it perfectly suited for a casual yet engaging home viewing experience. The narrative follows Benicio del Toro as Zsa-Zsa Korda, a ruthless businessman attempting to reform his ways after a near-fatal incident, who involves his estranged nun daughter, Liesl (Mia Threapleton), in his schemes, leading them on a perilous run from international adversaries.
This year marks the significant 50th anniversary of “Jaws,” a timeless masterpiece that forever altered the landscape of summer cinema. Even half a century later, its powerful grip on audiences, fostering a collective hesitation about the ocean, remains undiminished. This seminal work not only defined the modern summer blockbuster but has also retained its visceral impact, a testament to its enduring quality compared to its enjoyable but less impactful sequels, all of which are also part of Peacock’s extensive movie list.
For those who appreciate psychological thrillers, “A House on the Bayou” delivers a slow-burn sense of dread that is genuinely chilling. The film centers on a motionless woman, played by Okwui Okpokwasili, who mysteriously appears in a chair on an isolated property belonging to a young widow, Danielle Deadwyler, and her two children, Annie (Estella Kahiha) and Tay (Peyton Jackson). While its third act veers into a more chaotic territory, the film’s initial premise is remarkably clever, executed with beautiful cinematography that ensures a consistently unsettling and memorable experience, solidifying its place among must-watch top films.
Steven Soderbergh’s “B” exemplifies a rare breed of contemporary cinema: a sophisticated, adult-oriented film from a highly respected director, featuring a respectable mid-range budget and an ensemble of A-list stars, notably devoid of any franchise IP. Despite its artistic merits and star power—Michael Fassbender as a UK counterintelligence officer investigating a software leak, with his wife Kathryn (Cate Blanchett), also an intelligence agent, as a prime suspect—the film underperformed at the box office. This spy-versus-spy thriller is distinguished by its brisk pacing, subtle humor, and intelligent narrative, largely unfolding as a compelling battle of wits between Fassbender and Blanchett, supported by an exceptional cast including Naomie Harris, Regé-Jean Page, and Pierce Brosnan.
Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer” stands as a monumental cinematic achievement, meticulously detailing the explosive story of J. Robert Oppenheimer, the director of the Manhattan Project and the conflicted “father of the atom bomb.” This critically acclaimed drama garnered seven Academy Awards, including the coveted Best Picture, and its remarkable box office success signals a hopeful trajectory for the future of film in a post-superhero landscape, proving that complex, character-driven stories can still captivate mass audiences, making it one of the best movies currently available.
The Peacock original documentary, “The Rebellious Life of Mrs. Rosa Parks,” serves as an essential and timely reminder to re-evaluate the prevailing historical narrative surrounding this iconic civil rights figure. Contrary to the popularized image of a tired older woman, Parks was, at the time of the Montgomery bus boycott, a youthful and dedicated activist who had been meticulously planning and strategizing for years within the civil rights movement. Her profound resolve and radical political convictions are powerfully brought to light in this illuminating documentary, offering a more complete and accurate portrayal of her pivotal role.
“Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris” offers a charming and heartwarming narrative about a London cleaning lady from 1957 who becomes captivated by a client’s exquisite Dior dress. Upon coming into some unexpected money, she embarks on an adventure to Paris with the singular goal of acquiring one of her own. Her journey delightfully immerses her in the opulent world of haute couture and high culture. Lesley Manville delivers an absolutely captivating performance as the lead in this charming adaptation of Paul Gallico’s beloved 1958 novel, adding to the diverse movie list on the platform.
Writer and director Bryce McGuire expands his 2014 short film into the feature-length “Night Swim,” a horror-fantasy that, despite some mixed results, kicks off with an undeniably fun and eerie premise: a haunted swimming pool. While the film may not always maintain its suspense, Wyatt Russell and Kerry Condon deliver effective performances as the leads. The movie certainly contains several genuinely scary moments, fitting well within the broader theme of “spooky property” horror that finds a home on Peacock’s streaming guide.
