66 Of The Best Movies To Stream On Peacock In April (2025)

Director:Michael McCullers

Cast:Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Greg Kinnear, Dax Shepard, Romany Malco, Maura Tierney, Holland Taylor, and Sigourney Weaver

Genre:Comedy

Rating:PG-13

Runtime: 1h 39m

Rotten Tomatoes:63% (Critics), 55% (Audience)

One of comedy's most beloved dynamic duos, Amy Poehler and Tina Fey have worked together plenty. They hosted Weekend Update on SNL, they hosted the Golden Globes several times, they starred in Sisters. My favorite of their collaborations, however, is this comedy about an uptight woman (Fey) who hires a free spirit (Poehler) to be her surrogate. The two are initially at odds, but over their nine months together, they form a bond and realize that each has plenty to learn from the other. It's a classic comedy trope executed brilliantly by the pair with so many quotable lines thrown in along the way.—Matthew Huff

Director: Paul Feig

Cast: Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, Rose Byrne, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Ellie Kemper, Melissa McCarthy, and Chris O'Dowd

Genre: Comedy

Rating: R

Runtime: 2h 5m

Rotten Tomatoes: 89% (Critics) 76% (Audience)

BRB. I'm just going to take a quick break from writing this list. I had lunch at a Brazilian steakhouse and am not feeling...

...I'm back. Please, no questions. Disregard anything you may have seen or heard. Back to the task at hand. Bridesmaids, the tale of wedding season madness, written by Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo (Barb and Star for the uniformed) and directed by Paul Feig, is one of the greatest comedies of the 21st century. Annie (Wiig) is in a heated rivalry with fellow bridesmaid Helen (Byrne) over the best friendship of the bride Lillian (Rudolph). From the Spanish wedding party toast to the drunken airplane scene, the film delivers laughs from start to finish. The supporting cast (including Oscar nominee Melissa McCarthy) bolster the hilarious leads even more. And we can't forget Jon Hamm. And Wilson Phillips! Ope. The steak is making a comeback, just gonna skip out again.—Matthew Huff

Director:Ang Lee

Cast:Heath Ledger, Jake Gyllenhaal, Linda Cardellini, Anna Faris, Anne Hathaway, Michelle Williams, and Randy Quaid

Genre:Drama/Western/Romance

Rating:R

Runtime: 2h 14m

Rotten Tomatoes:88% (Critics), 82% (Audience)

It's hard for us now, living in 2023 where queer characters are appearing in films and on TV fairly regularly (although certainly not enough), to remember how transgressive a movie about gay cowboys was back in 2005. A full 10 years before gay marriage was legalized and right on the tails of the AIDS epidemic, to see two Hollywood actors in a queer love story was remarkable. Brokeback Mountainis certainly not an easy film to watch, but it remains a necessary one as anti-LGBTQ+ legislation continues to be created across America. Watching two men struggle, and ultimately fail, to find their place in the world is heart-wrenching and hopefully a story that we can soon call a thing of the past.—Matthew Huff

Director:Michel Gondry

Cast:Jim Carrey, Kate Winslet, Kirsten Dunst, Mark Ruffalo, Elijah Wood, and Tom Wilkinson

Genre:Science Fiction/Romance/Drama

Rating:R

Runtime: 1h 48m

Rotten Tomatoes:92% (Critics), 94% (Audience)

Like all films written by Charlie Kaufman (the mind behind Being John Malkovich and Adaptation), Eternal Sunshineis nearly impossible to describe. Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet deliver remarkable performances in this science fiction romance that plays with time and memory. The story is non-linear, Kate has blue hair, and the film won the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay. Really you're just going to have to take my word that it's good and settle into the couch to watch.—Matthew Huff

Director:Dennis Dugan

Cast:Adam Sandler, Christopher McDonald, Julie Bowen, and Carl Weathers

Genre:Sports Comedy

Rating:PG-13

Runtime: 1h 32m

Rotten Tomatoes:61% (Critics), 85% (Audience)

Yes, I know that sports are supposedly difficult, but I swear they are just all either hitting things, throwing things, or catching things. And if you can do some of those (I cannot), then you're good at them all. My point is proven here in Happy Gilmorewhich is about a hockey player who takes up golf rather successfully because (like I said) they're about hitting things. Golf, hockey, baseball, tennis, badminton, all the same. This is classic Adam Sandler and proves why he's such a comedy force. His wrestling match with Bob Barker alone is worth the watch.—Matthew Huff

Director:M. Night Shyamalan

Cast:Dave Bautista, Jonathan Groff, Ben Aldridge, Nikki Amuka-Bird, Kristen Cui, Abby Quinn, and Rupert Grint

Genre:Apocalyptic Horror

Rating:R

Runtime: 1h 40m

Rotten Tomatoes:67% (Critics), 64% (Audience)

M. Night Shyamalan is a truly outlandish director. His movies are always, without fail, completely bonkers, and you've got to love him for it. While this one is less campy fun and more philosophical misery, it's still worth the watch if you are a Shyamalan fan, or just want a moral quandary to discuss over dinner. The premise here is pretty simple, a doomsday cult arrives at a cottage where two dads and their daughter are staying. The cult present the fathers with a choice: either kill one of them or let the whole world be destroyed in an apocalypse. While not as good as The VillageorThe Sixth Sense, Knock at the Cabinis a fascinating character study, and also stars Ben Aldridge, who I am bound and determined to marry. Watch my Twitter for the romance to begin.—Matthew Huff

Director:Bennett Miller

Cast:Brad Pitt, Jonah Hill, and Philip Seymour Hoffman

Genre:Sports Drama

Rating:PG-13

Runtime: 2h 13m

Rotten Tomatoes:94% (Critics), 86% (Audience)

Here’s the thing aboutMoneyball. I went to see it in college with a straight boy I had a crush on fully expecting to hate it because it’s a sports movie about baseball (which I truly know nothing about). When I tell you I was ENGROSSED in this story about hacking the MLB’s scouting system in order to create a great team on a tiny budget. I was so fascinated by the whole process, I forgot I who I was sitting next to. Brad Pitt is bringing all his charisma to this Michael Lewis adaptation, and Jonah Hill, Robin Wright, and the late great Philip Seymour Hoffman round out the cast nicely. If you’re a sports fan, give it a watch. And if you’re not a sports fan, give it a watch.—Matthew Huff

Director:Joel Crawford

Cast:Antonio Banderas, Salma Hayek, Harvey Guillen, Florence Pugh, Olivia Colman, and John Mulaney

Genre:Animated Adventure

Rating:PG

Runtime: 1h 42m

Rotten Tomatoes:95% (Critics), 94% (Audience)

I'm just going to start by saying that Puss in Boots: The Last Wishwas the best animated film of 2022 and should have won the Oscar. The fact that it did not shows that the Academy is biased against Shrek-related content. While I initially had no desire to see this movie (and still have never seen the original Puss in Boots), I was absolutely floored by how incredible it is. Puss is on his last life (as cats have nine) and thus must go on an expedition to earn a wish that will replenish his life count. As you can imagine, however, there are plenty of other fantasy characters who also want the wish, so the film is a mad-dash scavenger hunt to find it. The voice cast is remarkable (Shrek knows how to cast a movie), and the combination of wit and humor with heart feels fresh in the world of Pixar and Minions. Plus, listening to Florence Pugh say "Baby" is worth the price of admission.—Matthew Huff

Director:Gary Winick

Cast:Jennifer Garner, Mark Ruffalo, Judy Greer, and Andy Serkis

Genre:Romantic Comedy

Rating:PG-13

Runtime:1h 37m

Rotten Tomatoes:65% (Critics), 70% (Audience)

I'm not sure if most 13-year-olds want to be 30-year-olds, because when I was 13, I thought 30 was one foot in the grave (whereas now I'm shouting at everyone that 30 is still "SO YOUNG"), but Jenna wants to be 30 badly in this body-swapping? time-traveling? prophetic? rom-com. Humiliated at her 13th birthday, Jenna wishes to become 30 and wakes up as Jennifer Garner with the mind of a 13-year-old. The result lends itself to countless jokes (including Jenna's obsession with the "Thriller" dance), but 13 Going on 30is an unexpectedly epic romance. Both as a new teen and as a thirtysomething, she is paired with Matt (Mark Ruffalo in the adult version), and watching that romance flourish is incredibly satisfying. Especially with the "death of the rom-com" being decried constantly, this is a wonderful old-school throwback to when the genre was oh-so popular. —Matthew Huff

Director:Paul Weitz

Cast:Jason Biggs, Chris Klein, Eugene Levy, Natasha Lyonne, Thomas Ian Nicholas, Seann William Scott, Tara Reid, Mena Suvari, and Eddie Kaye Thomas

Genre:Coming-of-Age/Comedy

Rating:R

Runtime:1h 35m

Rotten Tomatoes:61% (Critics), 61% (Audience)

By this point in 2023, American Pieis probably mostly known for its series of progressively raunchier, straight-to-DVD sequels, but back in 1999 when the original arrived in theaters, it was a bonafide hit. The high school comedy, as so many do, revolves around a group of friends attempting to lose their virginity by graduation day. And thus begins a mad dash to have sex with crushes, girlfriends, foreign exchange students, and one ill-fated pie. Especially in the years since its release, many of the cast members have gone on to become Hollywood A-listers with Schitt's Creek's Eugene Levy, How I Met Your Mother's Alyson Hannigan, Poker Face's Natasha Lyonne, The White Lotus's Jennifer Coolidge, and Star Trek's John Cho all making appearances. The film may be a little cringe, but it really stands as a testament to just how darn horny every high schooler is. — Matthew Huff

Director:Terry McDonough

Cast:Toheeb Jimoh, Rakie Ayola, Julia Brown, Robinah Kironde

Genre:Drama

Rating:TV-14

Runtime:1h 24m

Rotten Tomatoes:100% (Critics), 100% (Audience)

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. —J.M.

Director:Ron Howard

Cast:Tom Hanks, Kevin Bacon, Bill Paxton, Gary Sinise, Ed Harris, and Kathleen Quinlan

Genre:Drama

Rating:PG

Runtime:2h 20m

Rotten Tomatoes: 96% (Critics), 87% (Audience)

Houston, we have a problem.Or, as this Ron Howard-directed film shows, actually a number of problems in swift succession. The nine-time Oscar-nominated Best Picture contender tells the true story of the ill-fated NASA mission attempting to be the third ship to touch down on the moon. When a liquid oxygen tank stirring fan causes one tank to explode (don't you hate it when that happens?), the three astronauts abort any attempt to land on the moon and instead just fight to stay alive.TitanicresearcherBill Paxton,America's dadTom Hanks, and Kevin Bacon (who you are connected with in less than six people) are an energetic and charismatic trio to watch, and that score will keep you on the edge of your seat. Also, I think about this sadistic game show square peg/round hole moment all the time. It's basicallyChoppedbut in outer space. —MH

Director:James Gray

Cast:Anne Hathaway, Jeremy Strong, Banks Repeta, Jaylin Webb, and Anthony Hopkins

Genre:Coming-of-Age/Drama

Rating:R

Runtime:1h 54m

Rotten Tomatoes: 75% (Critics), 48% (Audience)

One of last year's festival standouts is James Gray'sArmageddon Time. Starring Jeremy Strong andmy beloved Anne Hathaway,the film is the latest in a string of nostalgic, autobiographical musings from auteur directors focused on their childhoods (RomaandBelfastboth got plenty of Oscar attention). Set in Queens, New York in the 1980s, the film follows a young Jewish boy as he switches schools and begins to feel pressure from an outside world that's thornier than what he has experienced in the safety of his home. It's a smartly written and expertly acted film with powerful performances from Hathaway, Strong, and Anthony Hopkins. While it never gained traction in this year's awards race, it's a beautiful coming-of-age narrative that interrogates the biases that even the best families maintain. —MH

Director:Robert Zemeckis

Cast:Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Lea Thompson, and Crispin Glover

Genre:Science Fiction

Rating:PG

Runtime:1h 56m

Rotten Tomatoes: 97% (Critics), 94% (Audience)

Suburban shopping mall parking lots are magical places. You can learn to parallel park there, you can make out with your high school boyfriend there, and of course, you canuse your time-travel machine there. In the '80s classic, Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox) and Doc Brown (Christopher Lloyd) meet up together in the Twin Pines Mall's parking lot. Marty drives the DeLorean time machine into the past, meets his parents as high schoolers, and must find a way back to the future (and the mall parking lot). The timeless classic spawned two sequels and decades worth of "MARTY" impressions. —MH

Director:Steve Boettcher

Cast:Betty White

Genre:Documentary

Rating:TV-14

Runtime:56m

Rotten Tomatoes:75% (Audience)

Peacock is offering the chance to spend a little more time with Betty White — who died in December of 2021, 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 White was as America’s lovable, raunchy, and intensely memorable grandmother, you’re missing out on just how talented she always was. She was one of the first women to produce and star in their 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 everyone — 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 White in it, maybe that's exactly what we need right now. —J.M.

Director:Joel Coen

Cast:Jeff Bridges, John Goodman, Julianne Moore, Steve Buscemi, David Huddleston, John Turturro, and Philip Seymour Hoffman

Genre:Crime/Comedy

Rating:R

Runtime:1h 57m

Rotten Tomatoes: 79% (Critics), 93% (Audience)

From Fargoto Burn After Reading, the Coen brothers are experts at crafting crime plots in which multiple parties, each missing key details, end up screwing everyone (including themselves) over. In what many argue is their best film, an assault and kidnapping go awry when the nefarious party attempt a coup on a millionaire named Lebowski and end up getting the slacker/bowling aficionado played by Jeff Bridges. The cast is a murderer's row of talent including Coen faves like John Goodman, Steve Buscemi, and John Turturro. An instantly quotable film, once you watch for the first time, you'll suddenly understand jokes you've been hearing for years. —MH

Director:Alfred Hitchcock

Cast:Rob Taylor, Jessica Tandy, Suzanne Pleshette, and Tippi Hedren

Genre:Horror / Thriller

Rating:PG-13

Runtime:1h 59m

Rotten Tomatoes:94% (Critics), 83% (Audience)

In general, birds are pretty uneventful creatures. Sure a seagull might snag your sandwich on the beach or a pigeon might poop on your head, but they are not animals to be afraid of. Legendary horror director, Alfred Hitchcock, however, recognized that while a lone bird could do little damage, a massive flock could murder a human with ease. Thus is the premise of his terrifying "monster" movie in which birds unexpectedly begin to attack California locals. The scene where a woman takes refuge in a phone booth (not an option any longer, I'm afraid) is especially memorable and launched a generation of bird-phobic individuals. Who knows when a group of sparrows might decide to eat you for breakfast? —Matthew Huff

Director:Sonia Lowman

Genre:Documentary

Rating:NR

Runtime:1h 35m

Rotten Tomatoes:86% (Critics), 72% (Audience)

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'sTeach 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 of 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. —J.M.

Director: Nicholas Stoller

Cast: Billy Eichner, Luke MacFarlane, TS Madison, Monica Raymund

Genre: Comedy, Romance

Rating: R

Runtime: 1h 55m

Rotten Tomatoes: 88% (Critics), 90% (Audience)

Bobby (Billy Eichner) is a successful podcaster and tastemaker in New York’s LGBTQ community who prides himself on being single. Until he meets Aaron (Luke MacFarlane), who he starts to connect with despite initially judging him as boring. Bros flopped at the box office but that had little to do with the quality of the film, as it proved to be one of the best romantic comedies in recent memory (unfortunately, that’s a genre that people are rarely willing to go to the movie for anymore). Hopefully, Eichner gets another opportunity on the big screen, as he successfully showed off his talent as both an actor and a writer. —B.H.

Director:Martin Scorsese

Cast:Robert De Niro, Nick Nolte, Jessica Lange, Joe Don Baker, Robert Mitchum, and Gregory Peck

Genre:Psychological Thriller

Rating:R

Runtime:2h 8m

Rotten Tomatoes:75% (Critics), 77% (Audience)

Cape Fear is not a movie for the faint of heart. While Martin Scorsese is certainly no stranger to movies about violent criminals (Goodfellas, The Irishman, and The Departed all jump instantly to mind), this might be his most terrifying film. Teaming up with his frequent collaborator Robert De Niro, Scorsese remakes the classic 1962 Gregory Peck thriller about a rapist who seeks revenge on his faulty defense attorney after being released from jail. De Niro is terrifying as the vile Max Cady, stalking Sam Bowden (Nolte) and his family in a slow, highly choreographed revenge plot. While the movie is uncomfortable, De Niro is mesmerizing, especially since he's been playing mostly kindly grandfathers of late. Plus, if you are a Scorsese fan, this is another film from his stacked filmography to check off your list. —MH

Director: Martin Scorsese

Cast: Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, Sharon Stone, James Woods, Don Rickles

Genre: Drama, Crime

Rating: R

Runtime: 2h 57m

Rotten Tomatoes: 79% (Critics), 93% (Audience)

In the early '70s, the Chicago mafia sends Sam Rothstein (Robert De Niro) to oversee the day-to-day casino and hotel operations at the Tangiers Casino in Las Vegas, as well as tough-as-nails enforcer, Nicky (Joe Pesci), to help ensure Ace doesn't run into too many problems. While the duo experiences immense success during their time in the desert, they can't help but get themselves into trouble as well, including run-ins with the law and Sam's incredibly tumultuous relationship with Ginger (Sharon Stone). This may not be as iconic as that other mob movie involving Scorsese, De Niro, and Pesci, but Casino is a genuine epic that examines the greed, ambition, and corruption hiding behind the facade of the American Dream. —B.H.

Director:Peter Lord, Nick Park

Cast:Julia Sawalha, Mel Gibson, Lynn Ferguson, Imelda Staunton, Jane Horrocks

Genre:Animation, Kids, Comedy

Rating:G

Runtime:1h 25m

Rotten Tomatoes:96% (Critics), 65% (Audience)

Chicken Run is the brainchild of four-time Oscar winner Nick Park and codirector 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 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. —J.M.

Director:Fernando Meirelles

Cast:Ralph Fiennes, Rachel Weisz, Danny Huston, Bill Nighy, and Pete Postlethwaite

Genre:Drama/Thriller

Rating:R

Runtime:2h 8m

Rotten Tomatoes: 83% (Critics), 82% (Audience)

Look, I'll just say it. If you're in love with Ralph Fiennes in a movie and he wants to go to Africa, DON'T DO IT. It didn't end well for poor Kristin Scott Thomas inThe English Patient, and it doesn't end well for Rachel Weisz here. Whether a gardener or a patient, he is bad news. In this film, he plays a British diplomat to Kenya, who is trying to solve the murder of his wife (Weisz). Alternating between present day and flashbacks, the film slowly unravels the mystery, handing Weisz a meaty role (and Oscar win) in the process. —MH

Director:Michael Cimino

Cast:Robert De Niro, John Cazale, John Savage, Meryl Streep, and Christopher Walken

Genre:War Drama

Rating:R

Runtime:3h 3m

Rotten Tomatoes:86% (Critics), 92% (Audience)

Meryl Streep certainly hit the ground running. The Deer Hunterwas only her second-ever film role, and the screen queen snagged her first Oscar nomination for being at the center of a love triangle with two Vietnam War veterans. The film, which won Best Picture, Director, and Supporting Actor for Christopher Walken, among its nine nominations, is a revelation separate from Streep though. Starring Robert De Niro (who was also nominated), the film focuses on a trio of Pennsylvanian steel workers who fight in the war, only to return carrying immense psychological baggage. One of the earliest anti-war Vietnam War films,The Deer Hunterdelved into the psychology of veterans in a way that numerous films would imitate in the years to come. —MH

Director: Will Gluck

Cast: Emma Stone, Stanley Tucci, Patricia Clarkson, Penn Badgley, Amanda Bynes

Genre: Comedy, Teen

Rating: PG-13

Runtime: 1h 33m

Rotten Tomatoes: 85% (Critics), 77% (Audience)

After lying about losing her virginity, Olive Penderghast (Emma Stone) finds herself at the center of gossip around school. Rather than set the record straight, Olive responds to the slut-shaming by pretending to sleep with the school's social outcasts and earns a reputation as a modern-day Hester Prynne. Considering that Stone would go on to win an Oscar and become one of the biggest actors in Hollywood, it's no surprise that she delivers a fantastic performance here that helped make Easy A a modern coming-of-age classic. It also features perhaps the greatest movie parents of all time in Patricia Clarkson and Stanley Tucci, who defy genre stereotypes by playing parents who actually get along with and try to understand their teen daughter. —B.H.

Director:Amy Heckerling

Cast:Sean Penn, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Judge Reinhold, Phoebe Cates, Brian Backer, and Robert Romanus

Genre:Coming-of-age/Comedy

Rating:R

Runtime:1h 30m

Rotten Tomatoes:78% (Critics), 80% (Audience)

You can never have enough ‘80s high school comedies, andFast Times at Ridgemont Highfits in perfectly with theFerris BuellerandBill & Teds of the world. The coming-of-age comedy was written by Cameron Crowe (who would go on to write/direct a string of successes likeJerry MaguireandSay Anything) and directed by Amy Heckerling (Clueless), so you’re in good hands. While Sean Penn’s stoner character at war with his history teacher is perhaps the most memorable p(l)ot of the movie, the main focus is on Stacy and Mark (Jennifer Jason Leigh and Brian Backer) who are trying to find their way romantically with the help of some older students. One of those meandering films that seemingly goes everywhere and nowhere at the same time, this 90-minute film is a quick treat. It’s also Nicolas Cage’s film debut! —M.H.

Director:Nicholas Stoller

Cast:Jason Segel, Kristen Bell, Mila Kunis, and Russell Brand

Genre:Comedy

Rating:R

Runtime:1h 52m

Rotten Tomatoes: 83% (Critics), 76% (Audience)

Yeah, yeah, yeah. Jason Segel, Mila Kunis, and Kristen Bell are great in this comedy about a man who goes on vacation to forget his ex-girlfriend, only to find her at the same Hawaiian resort with her new boyfriend. What kicks this gut buster into overdrive, however, is the scene-stealing turns from the supporting cast. This is, of course, the movie that launched Russell Brand (albeit with a rapid meteoric rise and fall) to American stardom as Bell's new rock star boyfriend. But we've also got Paul Rudd's dumb surf instructor, Jonah Hill's pothead waiter, and Bill Hader as the advice-hocking brother. My favorite addition to the vacation, however, are Jack McBrayer and Maria Thayer as the virgin newlyweds experiencing sex for the first time. "If God was a city planner, he would not put a playground next to a sewage system." A classic line. —MH

Director:Ron Howard

Cast:Frank Langella, Michael Sheen, Kevin Bacon, Rebecca Hall, Toby Jones, Matthew Macfadyen, Oliver Platt, and Sam Rockwell

Genre:Historical Drama

Rating:R

Runtime:2h 2m

Rotten Tomatoes: 93% (Critics), 88% (Audience)

In 1977, disgraced former President Richard Nixon sat down with British journalist David Frost for an in-depth four-part interview about Nixon's life, his presidency, and the Watergate scandal. In 2006, British playwright, and the creator of The Crown, Peter Morgan turned the interview into a play entitled Frost/Nixon, which starred Frank Langella as Nixon and Michael Sheen as Frost. The play went on to be nominated for the Tony for Best Play and won Langella a Tony. Only two years later, a filmed version of the play with the same leads arrived in theaters, where it snatched up five Oscar nominations. If you love theater, character studies, or films about journalism, this is a must-watch. Also, it's basically a longer, more American episode of The Crown, so if you're waiting for the final season and need something to watch, this is for you. —MH

Director:James Wan

Cast:Paul Walker, Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez, Dwayne Johnson, Tyrese Gibson

Genre:Action, Adventure

Rating:PG-13

Runtime:2h 17m

Rotten Tomatoes:81% (Critics), 82% (Audience)

How can we not talk about family when family's all that we got? Against all odds, The Fast & The Furious went from a fun Point Break remake with cars to one of the biggest film franchises of all time. And while you could argue the series might be reaching the point of diminishing returns, Furious 7 was undoubtedly when F & F was still at its peak, providing absolutely bonkers action while proudly wearing its massive heart on its sleeve. This is, of course, Paul Walker's final appearance in the series, as the beloved actor died in a car accident during filming. Posthumous performances are tricky, as they are often either tasteless or feel incomplete. In this case, Furious 7 is the perfect send-off for Walker, as it's nearly impossible not to cry when "See You Again" starts to play. —B.H.

Director:Francis Ford Coppola

Cast:Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan, Richard Castellano, Robert Duvall, Sterling Hayden, John Marley, Richard Conte, and Diane Keaton

Genre:Crime Drama

Rating:R

The Godfatheris often listed as the best film of all time. Except, of course, when The Godfather Part IItakes the sport. But whether you prefer watching Al Pacino take over the family mob business from Marlon Brando in Part Ior watching Al Pacino continue the business while Robert De Niro launches it in a flashback in Part II, you have to admit that the pair make the franchise untouchable when it comes to best series. And even though many people think that Part IIIwhich came out several decades later didn't live up to the first two, I would argue that it is still a great movie that only looks bad in comparison. The trilogy is constantly referenced and is definitely at the top of any must-watch list that film buffs put together. Now, all three are available on Peacock, so you really have no excuse but to watch. —M.H.

Cast:Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Tom Felton, Alan Rickman

Harry Potterfans 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 as 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 facesyou completely forgot were part of the wizarding world, like Emma Thompson, Robert Pattinson, Domhnall Gleeson, and Gary Oldman! From the early days ofThe Sorcerer's Stoneto the Alfonso Cuarón-directedPrisoner of Azkaban, all the way through the two-partDeathly Hallows, this highly bingeable series of films makes for a cozy and comforting rewatch that we could all use right about now. —J.M.

Director:Chris Sanders and Dean DeBlois

Cast:Jay Baruchel, Gerard Butler, Craig Ferguson, America Ferrera, Jonah Hill, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, T.J. Miller, and Kristen Wiig

Genre:Animation/Science Fiction/Action

Rating:PG

Runtime:1h 38m

Rotten Tomatoes: 99% (Critics), 91% (Audience)

IDK why you would ever want to kill a dragon when they are so darn cute, but the Viking warriors in this film franchise really have it out for the ickle-wickle, cutey-patootie fire breathers. In fact, the whole existence of the Viking crew seems to be hunting down and murdering dragons (I mean, truly get a life). But of course, when Hiccup, a young Viking, finally captures his first dragon, he is smitten with how freaking adorable the little guy is and decides to be his bestie rather than his butcher. Thus begins a lifelong friendship and three films' worth of hijinks as Hiccup tries to convince everyone that Toothless the dragon is a friend, not foe, and so are all his dragon buddies. I will also say that my sister probably watched this move 500 times one summer when I was home from college, andthe scoreSLAPS even as you're watching the closing scene for the fourth time in a day. —MH

Director:Dave LaMattina,Chad N. Walker

Cast:Caroll Spinney, Frank Oz, Roscoe Orman, Sonia Manzano

Genre:Documentary, Biography

Rating:NR

Runtime:1h 30m

Rotten Tomatoes:84% (Critics), 80% (Audience)

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 proved 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 continued 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. —J.M.

Director:Barry Jenkins

Cast:KiKi Layne, Stephan James, Colman Domingo, Teyonah Parris, Michael Beach, Dave Franco, Diego Luna, Pedro Pascal, Ed Skrein, Brian Tyree Henry, and Regina King

Genre:Drama / Romance

Rating:R

Runtime:1h 59m

Rotten Tomatoes:95% (Critics), 71% (Audience)

Barry Jenkins is a masterful storyteller and a beautiful artist, a combination that's harder to find in film directors than you may think. After Moonlightwon Best Picture and Jenkins took home the Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay, he returned to theaters with If Beale Street Could Talk, a sweeping NYC-set romance based on a James Baldwin novel. Beale Streetis a feast for the senses with its lush camerawork and magnificent score, but it also boasts some of 2018's finest acting. Jenkins (who led Mahershala Ali to his first Oscar), knows how to direct, and Regina King, who also won an Oscar, is astonishing while Brian Tyree Henry, Colman Domingo, and even The Last of Us's Pedro Pascal pop up to steal scenes. Should have been nominated for Best Picture, IMHO. —MH

Director:Christian Papierniak

Cast:Mackenzie Davis, Alia Shawkat, Haley Joel Osment, Carrie Coon

Genre:Comedy, Drama

Rating:NR

Runtime:1h 26m

Rotten Tomatoes:55% (Critics), 60% (Audience)

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 the party 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. —J.M.

Director:Steven Spielberg

Cast:Sam Neill, Laura Dern, Jeff Goldblum, Richard Attenborough, Bob Peck, Martin Ferrero, B. D. Wong, Samuel L. Jackson, and Wayne Knight

Genre:Science Fiction/Action

Rating:PG-13

Runtime:2h 6m

Rotten Tomatoes: 91% (Critics), 91% (Audience)

The oldest film to earn a billion dollars in theaters isJurassic Park.Steven Spielberg's dinosaur park-gone-wrong sci-fi adventure is so darn amazing, that it's managed to convince studios to make five bad sequels. From the epic John Williams score to the incredible practical effects to the brilliantly paced script, the film is a masterpiece from start to finish. Laura Dern, Sam Neill, and Jeff Goldblum are perfectly cast as the leads with the supporting cast turning out great work as well. The raptors in the kitchen are terrifying. The T-rex chase scene is one of the best action sequences in film history. This is a perfect film. Truly no notes. I'll be quoting"when you gotta go, you gotta go"until the end of time. —MH

Director:Tom Shadyac

Cast:Jim Carrey, Maura Tierney, Jennifer Tilly, Swoosie Kurtz, Amanda Donohoe, Anne Haney, and Justin Cooper

Genre:Comedy

Rating: PG-13

Runtime:1h 27m

Rotten Tomatoes:83% (Critics), 75% (Audience)

You got to love a comedy with a ridiculous premise, and Jim Carrey is the king of executing those (looking at you,Ace Ventura). In Liar Liar, Carrey plays Fletcher Reede,a slimy lawyer who has made his entire career off of constantly lying. When he awakes to realize that he is only able to tell the truth, however, his entire life starts to crumble around him. He can't lie in court, lie to his girlfriends, or lie to his family. Instead, he has to be honest, and of course, while this is disastrous in the short term, we watch Reede slowly learn the importance of the truth and come to accept that maybe lying isn't always the best way to live. —M.H.

Director:Geeta Gandbhir & Sam Pollard

Genre:Documentary

Rating:NR

Runtime:1h 29m

Rotten Tomatoes:TBD

More than likely you've heard of the Black Panthers, the Black power political party that rose to notoriety in the '60s and '70s by demanding equal rights for Black people. However, what you probably don't know (or at least I didn't), is that much of the Black Panther Party's creation stems from the work in one tiny Mississippi county to allow Black people the right to vote. This documentary, which details the violent, racist environment in "Bloody Lowndes" county, a county where not a single Black was registered to vote, and the grassroots effort to change that, is as informative as it is mesmerizing. This civil rights narrative feels as timely as ever and sheds light on another piece of history that should be more widely known than it is. —MH

Director:Gerard Johnstone

Cast:Allison Williams, Violet McGraw, and Ronny Chieng

Genre:Horror

Rating:PG-13

Runtime:1h 42m

Rotten Tomatoes: 93% (Critics), 78% (Audience)

Everyone's favorite murderous, trench-coat-wearing, arm swirling, dead-eyed, AI doll has finally arrived on Peacock. In not one, but two versions, you can now watch Allison Williams try to pawn off parenting her niece to a terrifying doll only to watch as the doll murders neighbors, school children, and pet dogs in an attempt to earn her owner's love and support. While the theatrical version was rather tame for a horror film, earning a rating of only PG-13, a new, slightly longer cut on Peacock bumps the rating up. In a new version, M3GAN is not only more foul-mouthed, but there's no cutting away as she viciously takes down her adversaries. Even if you saw M3GAN in theaters and made a TikTok imitating her dance, you still need to check out the unrated version. (And then you should probably destroy your Alexa). —MH

Director:Eric Darnell and Tom McGrath

Cast:Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, David Schwimmer, Jada Pinkett Smith, Sacha Baron Cohen, Cedric the Entertainer, and Andy Richter

Genre:Animation/Comedy

Rating:PG

Runtime:1h 26m

Rotten Tomatoes:55% (Critics), 66% (Audience)

While this film has most recently been brought up as the cinematic connection point between Chris Rock and Jada Pinkett Smith (who play Marty the zebra and Gloria the hippo respectively) who were both involved withThe Slap(TM), it was previously known mostly for introducing the world to King Julien and"I Like to Move It Move It."The children's film about four animals escaping the Central Park Zoo in order to return to their home in Africa is an animated classic that spawned two sequels, a spinoff, and several TV shows. I'm unsure how it was passed over for the Best Animated Feature Oscar the year it was released, but its clever script and great voice performances (including David Schwimmer as an anxious giraffe) make it top-tier viewing (especially if you are trying to entertain a kid). —M.H.

Director:Phyllida Lloyd

Cast:Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth, Stellan Skarsgard, Julie Walters, Dominic Cooper, Amanda Seyfried, and Christine Baranski

Genre:Musical/Romantic Comedy

Rating:PG-13

Runtime:1h 49m

Rotten Tomatoes: 55% (Critics), 66% (Audience)

Good luck finding a film more infused with joy than Mamma Mia!(I mean it has an exclamation point in its name for goodness sake). The film adaptation of the ABBA jukebox musical is jam packed with peppy songs from the Swedish supergroup packaged around a delightful plot. Sophie (Amanda Seyfried) is getting married, and since she doesn't know who her father is, she invited all three of her mother's (Meryl Streep) former lovers to the wedding to suss them out. Everyone is singing and dancing around a beautiful Greek island without a care in the world, and I have argued that the film contains some of the best musical scenes in recent memory. Plus, Mamma Mia! Here We Go Againis perhaps even better than the original, so you've got two remarkable camp films to enjoy. —MH

Director:Alex Lehmann

Cast:Pete Davidson, Kaley Cuoco, Deborah S. Craig, Sierra Fisk

Genre:Romance, Comedy

Rating:NR

Runtime:1h 30m

Rotten Tomatoes:57% (Critics), 60% (Audience)

After an eight-year run on Saturday Night Live, where his offscreen antics arguably got more attention than what he actually did on the show, Pete Davidson officially left the sketch show. And the recently single comedian's first post-SNL project is Meet Cute. Not much is known about the rom-com thus far, but the plot suggests a somewhat fantastical nature, asSheila (Kaley Cuoco) uses a time machine to redo a first date she had with Gary (Pete Davidson) from the previous night. While Davidson has put together a solid film career so far, including delivering a hilarious supporting performance inBodies Bodies Bodiesthis summer, it will be interesting to see how he does as a romantic lead. —B.H.

Director:Mary Mazzio

Cast:Common

Genre:Documentary

Rating:NR

Runtime:1h 25m

Rotten Tomatoes:100% (Critics), 100% (Audience)

The inspiring documentary,A Most Beautiful Thing,tells the tale of the Manley High rowing team, a group of young Black men from the West Side of Chicago who, although many of them are 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 as they 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 during the times we're living in. —J.M.

Director:George Romero

Cast:Duane Jones, Judith O'Dea, Karl Hardman, Keith Wayne

Genre:Horror

Rating:NR

Runtime:1h 36m

Rotten Tomatoes:96% (Critics), 87% (Audience)

Often regarded as the first modern zombie movie, and one of the greatest and scariest movies of all time, 1968'sNight of the Living Deadwas 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 likeGet 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. —J.M.

Director: Jordan Peele

Cast: Daniel Kaluuya, Keke Palmer, Steven Yeun, Michael Wincott, Brandon Perea

Genre: Horor, Science-Fiction

Rating: R

Runtime: 2h 15m

Rotten Tomatoes: 82% (Critics), 69% (Audience)

Jordan Peele has already established himself as one of the most innovative and original filmmakers in Hollywood, and that reputation only grew with Nope, his third directorial film. OJ (Daniel Kaluuya) and Em (Keke Palmer) Haywood are struggling to keep their family Hollywood horse-wrangling business alive and seize upon the opportunity to capture footage of an unidentified flying object that appears at their family ranch. The movie is wildly inventive both visually and in terms of storytelling, firmly showing that Peele is a one-of-a-kind voice and visionary in the film industry. And Nope proved to be a hit with both critics and audiences alike, earning rave reviews and making over $170 million at the global box office. —B.H.

Director:Deborah Riley Draper

Cast:Isiah Thomas, Carl Lewis

Genre:Documentary

Rating:NR

Runtime:1h 30m

Rotten Tomatoes:100% (Critics), 49% (Audience)

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 massive inequality both at home and overseas. The tale of how track-and-field star Jesse Owens's four gold medal wins dismantled Hitler's Aryan-supremacy delusion has long been mythologized, butOlympic Pride, American Prejudice delves deeper into theother 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 PresidentFranklin 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 — withreactions to political protests, anti-marijuana laws rooted in systemic racism, and the banning of swim caps designed for Black hairjust 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. —J.M.

Director:Jonathan Demme

Cast:Tom Hanks, Denzel Washington, Jason Robards, Mary Steenburgen, and Antonio Banderas

Genre:Legal Drama

Rating:PG-13

Runtime:2h 5m

Rotten Tomatoes:81% (Critics), 89% (Audience)

In the early 1990s whenPhiladelphiahit theaters, the AIDS crisis was still ravaging the world, taking the lives of thousands (many of whom were gay men) every year. The stigma, misinformation, and lack of treatment made the disease terrifying to much of the general public, whose fear was coupled with homophobia spread by the anti-gay movement of the religious right. This all madePhiladelphiathat much more urgent, the storyof a man with AIDS fighting for his life while also fighting to win a lawsuit against his former employer for firing him because he was a gay man with the disease. The heartbreaking film is historic for being one of the first mainstream pictures to tackle the AIDS crisis and for helping to sway public opinion about the disease. Tom Hanks won his first Oscar for the role and is supported by an all-star cast, including Denzel Washington and Antonio Banderas. While the film uses some unfortunate cliches by today's standards and casts straight men in gay roles, I think these can be excused given the era in which the film was made and what it was attempting to do on behalf of the queer community. A monumental piece of history that is worth revisiting this month. —MH

Director:Lee Daniels

Cast:Gabourey Sidibe, Mo'Nique, Paula Patton, Mariah Carey, Lenny Kravitz

Genre:Drama

Rating:R

Runtime:1h 49m

Rotten Tomatoes:92% (Critics), 81% (Audience)

Gabourey Sidibe andMo'Nique both received well-deserved Oscar noms (and a win forMo'Nique) for their extraordinary performances in this powerful film based on the 1996 novelPushby 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 dividedon some of its messaging, but one thing most viewers agreed on was that the fearless performances at its center were an absolute triumph. —J.M.

Director: Joe Wright

Cast: Keira Knightley, Matthew Macfadyen, Rosamund Pike, Brenda Blethyn, Donald Sutherland

Genre: Romance, Drama

Rating: PG

Runtime: 2h 8m

Rotten Tomatoes: 87% (Critics), 89% (Audience)

Elizabeth Bennet (Keira Knightley) is one of five sisters, and given that they are all growing up in Victorian England, their mother is fixated on one thing: ensuring they all marry wealthy men and rise above their station. Of the many Jane Austen film adaptations, Pride & Prejudice ranks among the best due to capturing Austen's legendary wit and social commentary while showcasing a fantastic leading performance from Knightley. And it is literally impossible to overstate the masterful range of Matthew Macfadyen, who you would never believe is the same guy that plays Tom in Succession. —B.H.

Director:Prince, Albert Magnoli

Cast:Prince, Sheila E., Sheena Easton, Dr. Fink

Genre:Music, Documentary

Rating:PG-13

Runtime:1h 25m

Rotten Tomatoes:81% (Critics), 92% (Audience)

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. —J.M.

Director:Anne Fletcher

Cast:Sandra Bullock, Ryan Reynolds, Malin Akerman, Craig T. Nelson, Mary Steenburgen, and Betty White

Genre:Romantic Comedy

Rating:PG-13

Runtime:1h 48m

Rotten Tomatoes: 45% (Critics), 68% (Audience)

One could argue (and I will) thatThe Proposalis our most recent great rom-com. The genre, which thrived in the '80s and '90s, has been largely overlooked as of late, and no one has successfully topped the Ryan Reynolds-Sandra Bullock vehicle. In it, the heartless, all-business head of a publishing company (Bullock) demands that her kindly assistant (Reynolds) marry her in order to avoid her deportation back to Canada. As part of the ruse, however, she must return home to his native Alaska to spend time with his family. And as the laws of the rom-com dictate, the once-enemies fall in love along the way. It should also be noted that this is the film responsible for the Betty White renaissance of the early 2010s. How could you not love a sassy ole granny? —MH

Director:Alfred Hitchcock

Cast:Anthony Perkins, Vera Miles, John Galvin, Martin Balsam, John McIntire, and Janet Leigh

Genre:Psychological Thriller / Horror

Rating:R

Runtime:1h 49m

Rotten Tomatoes:96% (Critics), 95% (Audience)

No horror film has engrained itself in the public consciousness quite as much as Psycho, Alfred Hitchcock's classic evening-at-the-motel-gone-wrong nightmare. When Marion Crane (Janet Leigh) arrives at the Bates Motel late one evening, she decides to take a shower. As we all know by now, she is murdered by a mysterious assailant to a terrifying score and with copious amounts of chocolate syrup spiraling down the drain. The mystery of who murdered Marion and why then unravels with shocking twist after twist leaving the audience stunned. The prequel series Bates Motelis also available on Peacock, and the two present a compelling duology for your viewing pleasure (and horror). —MH

Director:Benny Chan Chi-Shun

Cast:Andy Lau, Nicholas Tse, Jackie Chan, Fan Bingbing, Jing Wu

Genre:Action, History

Rating:R

Runtime:2h 11m

Rotten Tomatoes:74% (Critics), 71% (Audience)

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. —J.M.

Director:Maria Schrader

Cast:Carey Mulligan, Zoe Kazan, Patricia Clarkson, Andre Braugher, Jennifer Ehle, Samantha Morton, and Ashley Judd

Genre:Biographical Drama

Rating:R

Runtime:2h 9m

Rotten Tomatoes:88% (Critics), 91% (Audience)

One of this fall's buzziest debuts in the leadup to awards season wasShe Said, the story of Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey, the pair ofNew York Timesjournalists who tirelessly researched and finally reported on the Harvey Weinstein sexual assault allegations. As a New York-based story about two New York journalists that was largely shot in New York, a premiere anywhere other than the Big Apple would have been nonsensical. As a New York journalist myself, the film was 100% accurate as it concerns constantly carrying 800 bags, scarfing down food while you walk on the street, and answering emails while in the bathroom of your friend's birthday party. Zoe Kazan and Carey Mulligan are good, as always, as the leads, and it will be aSpotlight/The Post-like contender at the Oscars next year. As a journalist who loves journalist movies, I will say that I thoroughly loved every second of this one. Plus, as the starting point of the modern #MeToo movement, it feels like an incredibly important piece of history to know. —MH

Director:Destin Daniel Cretton

Cast:Brie Larson, Kaitlyn Dever, LaKeith Stanfield, Rami Malek, John Gallagher Jr.

Genre:Drama

Rating:R

Runtime:1h 36m

Rotten Tomatoes:98% (Critics), 92% (Audience)

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 rightly so. —J.M.

Director:M. Night Shyamalan

Cast:Bruce Willis, Toni Collette, Olivia Williams, and Haley Joel Osment

Genre:Psychological Thriller

Rating:PG-13

Runtime:1h 47m

Rotten Tomatoes: 86% (Critics), 90% (Audience)

If you are one of the 12 people left on earth who doesn't know the twist ending ofThe Sixth Sense,then please, for the love of god, go watch this movie. I'm not going to spoil it, but not everyone is as considerate as moi regarding 20-year-old spoilers. But I will say that Haley Joel Osment's "I see dead people" means that he can see ghosts. They're chatting him up and passing along messages they'd like relayed to their living loved ones. Of course, he sees the terrifying Mischa Barton ghost, but he also imparts a message from his grandmother to his mom (Toni Collette) in thisOscar nomination-earning scene. I don't know if we have a definitive ranking, but I'm willing to go out on a limb and say that HJO in this film might be the cutest medium ever? —MH

Director:Michael Showalter

Cast:Jim Parsons, Ben Aldridge, Sally Field, and Bill Irwin

Genre:Romance / Drama

Rating: PG-13

Runtime:1h 52m

Rotten Tomatoes:84% (Critics), 97% (Audience)

Hollywood has finally decided to give us some gay love stories on the big screen and while this one is a bit more rom-dram than rom-com ("spoiler alert" it's about a man dying of cancer), it's still a pleasure to see queer love on the big screen. Based on Michael Ausiello's memoir Spoiler Alert: The Hero Dies, the film follows a pair of NYC gays who fall in love (despite one harboring a Smurf shrine) only to find out that one of them is dying. And while the film will undoubtedly cause you to cry your eyes out, it also contains plenty of fun comedic moments. Sally Field demonstrates yet again that she is a force of hilarity, and Ben Aldridge is wonderful as the hot, dying, photographer boyfriend. I didn't even hate Jim Parsons, which is something I thought impossible post-Hollywood. Go get a box of Kleenex and have a watch. —MH

Director:Todd Field

Cast:Cate Blanchett, Noémie Merlant, Nina Hoss, and Julian Glover

Genre:Psychological Drama

Rating:R

Runtime:2h 38m

Rotten Tomatoes:91% (Critics), 73% (Audience)

If there is a singular performance to watch from 2022 it is Cate Blanchett's in TÁR. Playing the unraveling acclaimed conductor, Lydia Tár, Blanchett gives a tour de force, gobbling up the screen for nearly three hours as her character tumbles in a swift fall from grace. She insults Julliard students, psychologically intimidates children, and she talks endlessly about Mahler. The performance is an undeniable tour de force, cementing Blanchett into the pantheon of the greatest living actors. Will she become only the 8th actor to earn three Oscars? It's possible. Even if she doesn't, it will be her 8th nomination, and at only 53, she will certainly break more records in her career. Perhaps she'll soon EGOT like Lydia. —MH

Director:John Logan

Cast:Kevin Bacon, Anna Chlumsky, Carrie Preston, Theo Germaine, Austin Crute

Genre:Mystery, Horror

Rating:NR

Runtime:1h 41m

Rotten Tomatoes:34% (Critics), 21% (Audience)

A group of queer campers arrives at an LGBTQ+ conversion camp where Owen Whistler (Kevin Bacon) promises to "help them find a new sense of freedom." Things take a psychologically dark turn quickly but get even darker when a serial killer starts picking off victims. John Logan, the three-time Oscar-nominated screenwriter responsible for Gladiator and The Aviator, wrote and directed this fresh take on the slasher film. They/Them has received mixed reviews from critics so far (although some loved it), but if there's one genre that critics have a history of being wrong about, it's horror, so give it a chance and make up your own mind. —B.H.

Director:Yeon Sang-ho

Cast:Gong Yoo, Jung Yu-mi, Ma Dong-seok, Choi Woo-shik

Genre:Horror, Thriller

Rating:R

Runtime:1h 58m

Rotten Tomatoes:94% (Critics), 89% (Audience)

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. —J.M.

Director:Judd Apatow

Cast:Amy Schumer, Bill Hader, Brie Larson, Colin Quinn, John Cena, Tilda Swinton, and LeBron James

Genre:Romantic Comedy

Rating:R

Runtime:2h 5m

Rotten Tomatoes:84% (Critics), 66% (Audience)

I love a rom-com. I love a choreographed dance. I love a grand gesture. This Amy Schumer vehicle delivers all three to perfection. The film follows Amy (an aptly named Schumer), a promiscuous alcoholic who finds herself in a relationship with Aaron (Bill Hader) and is trying desperately not to screw it up.Trainwreckis so delightful because neither Hader nor Schumer seem like traditional rom-com leads, and both are playing quirkier humans than we typically see in these roles. It also delivers a fun performance from LeBron James (because Aaron is his doctor), which made me think we might have another athlete-turned-actor on our hands until I witnessed the atrocity that is Space Jam 2. This is also your reminder that Schumer is a brilliant actor, as proved by her work in The Humanslast year. —M.H.

Director:M. Night Shyamalan

Cast:Bryce Dallas Howard, Joaquin Phoenix, Adrien Brody, William Hurt, Sigourney Weaver, and Brendan Gleeson

Genre:Thriller/Horror

Rating:PG-13

Runtime:1h 49m

Rotten Tomatoes: 43% (Critics), 57% (Audience)

Controversial opinion: I not only think thatThe Villageis one of M. Night Shyamalan's best films; I also think it's just a really good film in general. Members of an old-timey Pennsylvania town live in fear of evil creatures stalking the woods around their village. They must never go out at night. They must never wear red because it attracts the monsters. The horror film is full of suspense as an all-star cast including (sorry for listing all these names, but this is insane) Bryce Dallas Howard, Joaquin Phoenix, Adrien Brody, William Hurt, Sigourney Weaver, Brendan Gleeson, Cherry Jones, Judy Greer, and Jesse Eisenberg serve Puritan realness as they try not to get eaten. Pooh-pooh the twist ending all you like, but I think the whole idea is actually very intriguing, and you can't tell me some of these monster shots aren't terrifying. —MH

Director:Debra Granik

Cast:Jennifer Lawrence, John Hawkes, Kevin Breznahan, Dale Dickey, Sheryl Lee

Genre:Drama

Rating:R

Runtime:1h 39m

Rotten Tomatoes:94% (Critics), 76% (Audience)

This quietly gripping film, directed by Debra Granik, is set in therural Ozarks of Missouri, whereteenager 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 fromGranik 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 Bonealso earned Best Picture, Adapted Screenplay, and Supporting Actor Oscar noms (John Hawkes for his powerful and compelling portrayal of Ree'smeth-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. —J.M.

Director:Kathryn Bigelow

Cast:Jessica Chastain, Jason Clarke, Joel Edgerton, Jennifer Ehle, Mark Strong, Kyle Chandler, Edgar Ramirez, and James Gandolfini

Genre:Thriller

Rating:R

Runtime:2h 37m

Rotten Tomatoes:91% (Critics), 80% (Audience)

Prior to Zero Dark Thirty, the main thing I knew about the capture of Osama Bin Laden was that Obama, Biden, and Hilary were all in a bunker somewhere watching it happen. However, the film, directed by The Hurt Locker's Kathryn Bigelow tells the in-depth story of what went into finding one of the world's most elusive men. The tale is a harrowing one and recent Oscar winner Jessica Chastain is at the center of the search. While this isn't quite a journalism movie, it's in an adjacent genre as a bunch of brilliant professionals try to untangle the clues and figure out just how best to subdue the terrorist behind September 11. If you're looking for a war movie that's less battle and more intrigue, this one's for you. —MH