Peacock is offering the chance to spend a little more time with Betty White — who died in December, 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 memeable 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 every one — 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.

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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’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 boys and men face, Black Boys provides an urgent conversation about opportunity, equity, and ultimately humanity. —J.M.

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Jim Carrey fans have reason to rejoice with the addition of Bruce Almighty to Peacock’s roster, a perfect vehicle for Carrey and his beloved bag of zany comedic tricks (which ultimately save this flawed script from becoming overly saccharine). When Bruce Nolan’s (Carrey) stalled career receives another blow, he turns his wrath toward God, asking why the omnipotent being would treat him so badly. Turns out that God (played by Morgan Freeman, with his characteristic warmth) takes offense to this claim, and offers Bruce all of his powers for a week to see if he can do a better job. Bruce takes him up on this offer — unaware of how his newfound abilities will affect his relationship with his girlfriend, Grace (the excellent Jennifer Aniston), his career, and the rest of the world that depends on him. This 2003 movie is also notable for Steve Carell’s supporting role as Evan Baxter before he found wider fame via The Office, Anchorman, The 40-Year-Old Virgin, and the Bruce Almighty spinoff, Evan Almighty, in the years following. If you’re looking for a feel-good comedy that taps the talents of its cast of familiar faces, this laugh-filled option is worth your time. —J.M.

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Peacock offers yet another Coen brothers classic that subverts genre conventions and audience expectations, this time fusing elements of political thriller and dark comedy into something, well, very Coen brothers-y. When a disk containing a former CIA analyst’s (John Malkovich) memoirs falls into the hands of two gym employees (the fantastic Frances McDormand and perfectly cast Brad Pitt), they hatch a moneymaking scheme that, naturally, spins out of control. The winding, absurd plot is brought to life by an all-star cast, featuring McDormand, Pitt, and Malkovich along with George Clooney, Tilda Swinton, Richard Jenkins, and J.K. Simmons. And the clever writing and direction make the whole thing a joyful romp you’ll happily follow down into the rabbit hole. —J.M.

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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 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. —J.M.

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While hoping to reconnect with his estranged wife at her company’s Christmas party, police detective John McClane (Bruce Willis) finds himself forced into the role of reluctant hero after the guests are taken hostage by a group of radicalized German terrorists. This remains one of the most celebrated action movies of all time, as Willis brings an everyman energy to McClane that, at the time, felt like a breath of fresh air in a genre that usually went way over the top. McClane is not some superhuman specimen who is impervious to pain, so he has to rely on his resourcefulness and grit to stay alive and save the day. Plus, Alan Rickman delivers an all-time villain performance as Hans Gruber, the ruthless leader of the terrorist group who needs to take down McClane to pull off his master plan. —B.H.

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With a new sequel set to arrive in early summer, there’s no better time to get up to speed on Downton Abbey. Fortunately, Peacock offers not only all six seasons of the original television series but also the 2019 movie. For fans of the popular British series, the two-hour movie feels like a comforting and welcome return of old friends, with much of the original cast appearing, including Maggie Smith, Hugh Bonneville, Jim Carter, Michelle Dockery, Elizabeth McGovern, and countless others. For those unfamiliar, the film may be a bit baffling, but it will encourage first-time viewers to go back to the beginning to discover what they’ve been missing out on all these years. In the movie, we find the Crawleys preparing for a visit from the King and Queen of England, and all of the scandal, romance, and intrigue that comes with it. The production values are grand, the acting is fantastic, the unmistakably British comedy is delightful as always, and the drama is, as ever, deliciously soapy. One can only hope that the forthcoming sequel packs as rich a story as this decadent and dazzling offering. —J.M.

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Kathy (Hong Chau) heads to her deceased sister’s house to prepare it for sale but is surprised when her son Cody (Lucas Jaye) starts to bond with Del (Brian Dennehy), an elderly widower living next door. Only 83 minutes long, Driveways is a concise but powerful story about the importance of human connection as we see through Del the toll that isolation can take on a person. Driveways also turned out to be the final film of Dennehy’s career, as he died a month before its release, and critics praised it as a fitting last performance for the renowned actor. —B.H.

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Early in her reign over a dangerously pided 1558 England, Elizabeth I finds her power constantly threatened by the state, church, and men around her — but she is far too intelligent and wise to be defeated. Two words for the portrait presented in this film: Cate Blanchett. Her Oscar-nominated turn as a young Elizabeth in this celebrated historical drama catapulted her to international acclaim, and deservedly so. Blanchett gives a complex performance devoid of caricature, and director Shekhar Kapur ensures that the film remains highly entertaining and exciting throughout, avoiding the overly stuffy, clichéd pitfalls of other period pieces. The costumes, makeup, and sets are all phenomenal, and the excellent supporting cast — including Geoffrey Rush (The King’s Speech and Shakespeare in Love), Christopher Eccleston (King Lear and 28 Days Later), Joseph Fiennes (Shakespeare in Love), and Lord Richard Attenborough — contributes to the sense of paranoia that grows throughout this dark and imaginative portrait, which earned Oscar noms for Best Picture, Actress, Art Direction, Cinematography, Costume Design, and Dramatic Score, as well as a win for Best Makeup. —J.M.

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Based on Cameron Crowe’s book about his real-life experiencing of going undercover as a student at a Clairemont High School in the late ’70s, Fast Times at Ridgemont High quickly became one of the definitive high school films in the American cinematic canon for its grounded and realistic depiction of the teen experience. Through Ridgemont‘s ensemble cast, viewers get a reminder of the frivolous journey of surviving high school, including dating struggles, clashes with authoritarian teachers, and generally having no clue what the hell you’re doing. But the film also touches on more serious topics — most notably, abortion — to remind you of the real-life stakes of a time in life when most of us felt invincible. —B.H.

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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. —J.M.

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As we anxiously await the recently announced Nancy Meyers Netflix film, It’s Complicated is here to remind us why we love her all over again. This smart romantic comedy finds magic in the love triangle between characters played by Meryl Streep, Steve Martin, and Alec Baldwin — all of whom turn in exceptionally charming performances and seem to be having a ball riffing off of each other throughout. Their combined chemistry and comedic chops make this a solidly entertaining and extremely watchable film about a successful restaurateur (Streep) who begins having an affair with her now-remarried ex-husband (Baldwin) — only to find herself also drawn to her architect (Martin). It’s Complicated received three Golden Globe noms, for Best Actress — Motion Picture Comedy or Musical (Streep), Best Motion Picture — Musical or Comedy, and Best Screenplay (Meyers). If you’re looking for some guaranteed laughs with an infectious warmth and joy that comes through the screen, rom-com queen Meyers has you covered. —J.M.

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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. —J.M.

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On his 10th birthday, a zebra named Marty realizes he’s grown bored with life at the Central Park Zoo, while his best friend, Alex the lion, along with Melman the giraffe and Gloria the hippo, enjoy their domestic bliss. After a series of mishaps including an attempted escape gone wrong, the foursome end up stranded in Madagascar and suddenly have to learn how to adjust to life in the wild. While critics were mixed on the film because it lacked the grand ambitions of Pixar or Studio Ghibli, Madagascar feels like a return to a simpler time in animation where the only goal was to entertain the viewer. The approach clearly resonated with audiences, as Madagascar earned over $500 million worldwide and spawned several sequel movies and spinoff TV shows. —B.H.

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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, 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, 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 during the times we’re living in. —J.M.

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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 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.

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Shortly after meeting, Noah (Ryan Gosling) and Allie (Rachel McAdams) fall deeply and madly in love, but their bond is put to the test due to Allie’s disapproving family and Noah’s going off to war. But through all of the obstacles thrown their way, true love endures. As withi most Nicholas Sparks stories, you can criticize The Notebook for its saccharine tone, but what makes this one stand out among the rest is the absolutely crackling chemistry between Gosling and McAdams. All the nitpicking about the red flags of the combative nature of their relationship melts away when they deliver the most iconic kiss in movie history. The Notebook is a movie that proudly wears its hopelessly romantic heart on its sleeve, as it wholeheartedly believes that love conquers all in a way that modern love stories rarely do. And it’s that earnestness that has made it one of the most celebrated cinematic romances of this century. —B.H.

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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 massive 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. —J.M.

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Gabourey Sidibe and Mo’Nique both received well-deserved Oscar noms (and a win for Mo’Nique) for their extraordinary performances in this powerful film based on the 1996 novel Push by 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 pided on 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.

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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 want to crank up the TV and get lost in some of the greatest music ever made. —J.M.

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Michael (Nicolas Cage) is a drifter who wanders into a bar in the town of Red Rock and, due to a case of mistaken identity, ends up being hired as an assassin for both a husband and wife who have it out for each other. Red Rock West was a massive flop when it was released but is secretly one of the best neo-noir films of the last 30 years. It is also the hidden gem of Cage’s filmography, as he manages to deliver a subtle yet potent performance that speaks to his unique talents as an actor. Red Rock West is a thrilling ride from start to finish that also features a killer soundtrack with country legends like Johnny Cash, Shania Twain, and Sammy Kershaw. —B.H.

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After meeting Ramona Flowers (Mary Elizabeth Winstead), the girl of his literal dreams, Scott Pilgrim (Michael Cera) discovers that in order to date her, he will have to defeat her seven evil exes. Based on the graphic novel of the same name, Scott Pilgrim is a remarkable feat of ambition and scope, as director Edgar Wright ropes in elements of manga, Bollywood, video games, comedy, and action without ever feeling as if he loses focus of the story. After bombing at the box office, Scott Pilgrim almost immediately gained cult status among cinephiles who insisted the film was ahead of its time. And it’s hard to disagree, as this action comedy still feels like a wholly original movie-watching experience. —B.H.

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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. —J.M.

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I don’t need to tell you what Shrek is about. Everyone knows what Shrek‘s about. Two decades later, this postmodern, irreverent takedown of fairy tales remains as culturally relevant as ever, with Shrek becoming a consistent source of meme fodder and online discourse. But does the movie itself actually hold up? In a word: absolutely. The jokes are still hilarious, the soundtrack is still banger after banger, and the voice performances are among the best of this century. And even though the movie postures itself as the crude antithesis to Disney’s saccharine sentimentality, Shrek secretly wears its heart on its sleeve, with a sweet message about self-acceptance hiding behind the fart jokes and pop culture references. —B.H.

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Despite Shrek‘s enormous success by every conceivable metric, when a sequel was announced, it was hard not to wonder if it would prove to be a one-hit wonder. Thankfully, that was decidedly not the case, as Shrek 2 not only kept the magic of the original alive but arguably also surpassed it to become the best entry in the Shrek franchise. How did DreamWorks manage to pull this off? By understanding exactly what made the first Shrek work (lovable characters, dope soundtrack, pop culture galore), while also adding several fun, new elements that helped take the series to unprecedented heights. As a result, Shrek 2 was an all-out cultural juggernaut, becoming the highest-grossing film of 2004 and holding the title of the highest-grossing animated film ever in the United States for over a decade. —B.H.

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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 rightly so. —J.M.

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FBI Special Agent Kate Macer (Emily Blunt) is asked to join a Joint Task Force created to take the leader of the Sonora drug cartel in Mexico but quickly finds herself entangled in a mess of betrayal, corruption, and ulterior motives. Before he made himself a household name with Dune, director Denis Villeneuve put himself on the map as one of the most innovative and exciting minds in moviemaking with this action thriller. And following her career-turning performance in Edge of Tomorrow, Blunt made it clear with her outstanding work here that she is one of the greatest action stars of the last decade. —B.H.

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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, but also imparts frustration over how many of the issues of the time have yet to be resolved. Belafonte, now 95, 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. —J.M.

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Tom Ripley (Matt Damon) is sent to Europe by shipping magnate Herbert Greenleaf (James Rebhorn) to track down Greenleaf’s son Dickie (Jude Law) and convince him to return to the United States. But when Tom ends up befriending Dickie instead, he becomes determined to leave behind his old life and join the world of the social elite. The entire cast is unbelievable (including Philip Seymour Hoffman, who gives one of his patented “leave ’em wanting more” performances), but the movie owes its success to the fantastic work by Damon and Law. Damon plays Tom with such painful desperation that you sympathize with him even as he pes deeper into his dark side, while Law is overflowing with charisma in a way that makes you sympathize with Tom’s sociopathic obsession with Dickie. And even if the plot does absolutely nothing for you, chances are you will love this movie because of how beautiful it is, in every sense of the word. After all, who doesn’t want to watch gorgeous people wear stunning outfits as they gallivant around the most beautiful beaches in the world? —B.H.

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If you’ve recently felt that gnawing feeling that the US is overwhelmingly controlled by billionaires and corporations out of touch with the needs of…uh…nonbillionaires, this documentary is a beacon of light that’ll remind you that you can still have faith in our democratic systems. Director Norah Shapiro presents an inspiring and engaging portrait of Ilhan Omar, a young, hijab-wearing mother of three who arrived in the US at age 12 as a refugee, on her journey from community activist to becoming the first Somali Muslim woman to be elected to state office in the United States. Thanks to intimate, behind-the-scenes footage of Omar’s first political campaign, we get a fly-on-the-wall glimpse into how she connects with voters, disrupts the system, and works tirelessly to fight for a better country for everyone. There’s no doubt that she’s become a controversial figure, but whether or not you consider yourself a supporter of hers, this documentary goes beyond the headlines to offer a more personal look at a political powerhouse whose story is far from over. —J.M.

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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. —J.M.

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This Peacock Original documentary from filmmakers Cary Grant Jr. and Lathan Hodge is an examination of fatal encounters between police and Black Americans. It highlights the personal stories of George Floyd, Philando Castile, Eric Garner, and others who have been killed by the police while following their families as they take action to combat police brutality. Much of the film is made up of disturbing, vital dashcam and phone camera footage, but it also takes time to examine the issues police departments face from within and how good cops, chiefs, community leaders, and politicians are trying to undo the problematic policies, archaic tactics, and culture of systemic racism that run deep in the law enforcement community. The debate about how to make these changes is far from over, but this documentary does an excellent job of showing us how important it is that this conversation continues, while amplifying the voices of the victims and their families, making it an essential film for all viewers. —J.M.

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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. —J.M.

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