
In 2025, streaming services like Peacock and Hulu offered a much wider range of movies and shows thanks to new licensing deals. Viewers had a diverse selection to choose from, including big summer hits and smaller, critically acclaimed films. This list showcases the most memorable movies available on these platforms over the last year – from scary sequels to feel-good animated stories – representing the best of today’s digital entertainment.
‘Five Nights at Freddy’s 2’ (2025)

The scary story of the haunted pizzeria continues with new robotic creatures terrorizing the night security guard. Josh Hutcherson is back as the guard, who must survive another week of chaos and uncover hidden family secrets. This sequel builds on the story from the original games, reimagining the beloved characters for a new generation. The film uses incredible, hands-on effects created by Jim Henson’s Creature Shop to keep the same realistic and frightening feel as the first movie.
‘Jurassic World Rebirth’ (2025)

The prehistoric saga enters a thrilling new chapter as a dedicated team journeys to remote tropical locations to hunt down the most powerful dinosaurs. Starring Scarlett Johansson as a highly trained operative, the film follows a mission to gather crucial genetic data for a worldwide healthcare project. The story delves into the complicated connection between humans and these resurrected creatures, now fully established in their natural habitats. Expect intense survival challenges and a web of corporate secrets within the perilous prehistoric zones.
‘M3GAN 2.0’ (2025)

I’m so excited for the return of this incredible doll! It’s amazing to see her back in a world that’s become totally reliant on AI. And Gemma Chan joining the cast? Brilliant! She plays a developer who realizes this doll isn’t what she created anymore – it’s actually evolved. The story really dives into how all this smart home tech is becoming part of our lives, but with a seriously dark and funny twist. It’s a horror film, definitely, but it feels like a clever commentary on our tech fears, and I’m expecting that same sharp, dark humor that made the first one such a hit.
‘Black Phone 2’ (2025)

Ethan Hawke reprises his frightening role in this follow-up to the original horror film, delving deeper into the lasting effects on those who survived. The story centers around a fresh group of kids who find a strange phone hidden in a basement, and the haunted spirits connected to it. Director Scott Derrickson builds a suspenseful and unsettling mood, mixing psychological thrills with classic horror elements. This new chapter also reveals more about the sinister Grabber and how the supernatural events began in the seemingly normal neighborhood.
‘How to Train Your Dragon’ (2025)

Okay, so as a huge fan of the animated movies, I was really curious about this live-action take. And honestly? It totally delivers! It’s a really faithful adaptation of the original Viking story, and Mason Thames is fantastic as Hiccup – he plays this young, inventive kid who challenges everything his tribe believes when he befriends a Night Fury dragon. But the real star is the visual effects – they’re breathtaking! Berk and all the dragons look incredible. It’s a classic coming-of-age story about understanding others and being brave, and it manages to keep all the heart and charm of the original films. Definitely worth checking out!
‘Wolf Man’ (2025)

Christopher Abbott plays a man whose family is hunted by a terrifying creature while they’re on vacation in a secluded location. This new take on the classic Universal monster story focuses on how the main character changes both mentally and physically when the full moon rises. Director Leigh Whannell creates a truly frightening and intense experience, relying on suspense and realistic special effects. The film delves into basic survival instincts and what happens when the safety of home is shattered by an age-old curse.
‘Dog Man’ (2025)

This hit graphic novel series is now a colorful animated movie about a dog-headed police officer who tries to foil the evil schemes of his cat enemy, Petey. The movie keeps the same funny, quirky style and visuals that made the books so popular with kids around the world. It’s a fun adventure that shows how important friendship and doing the right thing are, even when it’s not easy.
‘Wicked’ (2024)

This stunning movie musical reveals the previously unknown story of the witches of Oz, before Dorothy’s arrival. Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande shine as young Elphaba and Glinda, showing how their unlikely friendship develops during their time at Shiz University. The film also depicts the political unrest that ultimately drives them apart. With incredible sets and beloved songs, this adaptation brings the magic of the stage to the big screen for audiences of all ages.
‘Twisters’ (2024)

Daisy Edgar-Jones plays a woman who used to chase storms and is now returning to the Midwest to try out a revolutionary new weather tracking technology. She teams up with Glen Powell, who portrays a popular social media personality, as they face an unusually active tornado season. The movie is filled with thrilling action and impressive visual effects that showcase the force of nature. While nodding to the first film, this sequel stands on its own as a fresh take on disaster movies.
‘The Wild Robot’ (2024)

This beautifully animated film tells the story of a smart robot who washes ashore on a deserted island. To survive, the robot builds friendships with the animals who live there, including a young gosling it takes under its wing. With Lupita Nyong’o voicing the main character, the movie is a visually striking exploration of family, finding your place, and what it means to belong. It’s praised for being deeply moving and having a distinctive, painterly art style.
‘Nosferatu’ (2024)

Robert Eggers’ new film is a chilling and beautifully made horror story based on the classic tale of a haunted woman and a terrifying vampire who becomes obsessed with her. Bill Skarsgard plays Count Orlok as a truly frightening and unsettling creature, a far cry from the glamorous vampires we often see today. The movie creates a deeply unsettling mood through its use of shadows and incredibly detailed, historically accurate sets. It focuses on the old, frightening origins of the story and the damaging psychological effects of being haunted and obsessed.
‘Speak No Evil’ (2024)

What starts as a dream vacation to England quickly becomes a terrifying experience for an American family when they visit a seemingly welcoming British family in the countryside. James McAvoy gives a haunting performance as the host, whose kindness hides a disturbing and controlling nature. As the guests try to be polite, they begin to realize their good manners are being used against them. This film, a remake of a Danish thriller, examines how politeness can be dangerous and reveals the darker aspects of human behavior.
‘Gladiator II’ (2024)

Years after the death of Maximus, Paul Mescal stars as Lucius in this thrilling sequel. He’s determined to restore his family’s honor and fight against the failing Roman Empire’s corrupt leaders. Denzel Washington joins the film as a formidable character who secretly controls events from behind the scenes. Expect large-scale battles and a story that pays tribute to the beloved original, which won an Academy Award.
‘Despicable Me 4’ (2024)

Gru is back with his family for another funny adventure filled with cool gadgets and the silly Minions! A new bad guy appears and forces them to go into hiding, just as Gru’s son starts acting out. Will Ferrell plays the over-the-top villain who’s looking to get even with Gru. Like the other movies, this one combines laugh-out-loud comedy with sweet moments about the importance of family.
‘The Fall Guy’ (2024)

Ryan Gosling plays a stuntman who unexpectedly gets caught up in a dangerous real-world plot while filming a big movie. He has to use his skills to find a missing actor and rekindle his romance with Emily Blunt’s character. The film is a tribute to the often-overlooked work of stunt performers and is packed with impressive, practical action. It’s a fun mix of comedy, romance, and exciting thrills – the perfect blockbuster for summer.
‘Kung Fu Panda 4’ (2024)

Po starts a new adventure, training to become the spiritual leader of the Valley of Peace while also looking for someone to take his place as the Dragon Warrior. He joins forces with a clever fox thief to defeat a powerful, shapeshifting sorceress called The Chameleon. The movie shows Po learning to be a teacher and coming to terms with leaving his life as a fighting hero. It’s a visually exciting animated film with imaginative action sequences and features the voice talents of Jack Black and Viola Davis.
‘Monkey Man’ (2024)

Dev Patel’s directorial debut is a gripping action thriller rooted in Indian mythology, specifically the legend of Hanuman. The film plunges into India’s criminal underworld, following a man driven by revenge against those who have wronged him. Known for its brutal and realistic fight scenes, the movie also offers a powerful critique of social inequality and abuse of power. This critically acclaimed film marks Patel as a rising star in action cinema, bringing a fresh cultural viewpoint and dynamic energy to the genre.
‘Abigail’ (2024)

When a group of kidnappers abduct a young girl, they quickly realize they’ve made a terrible error – she’s a ruthless vampire. Now, trapped with their captive inside a secure mansion, they must fight for survival as she hunts them down one by one. This horror comedy is filled with both shocking gore and playful twists on classic vampire stories, all while developing interesting characters. The actors give lively performances, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats until the violent and exciting climax.
‘The Bikeriders’ (2024)

This intense drama features Austin Butler and Tom Hardy, and follows a Midwestern motorcycle club as it grows and eventually falls apart. The story is seen through the perspective of a woman watching her husband get pulled deeper into the club’s violent world and unwavering loyalty. With realistic sets and a fitting soundtrack, the film vividly recreates the 1960s and shows how the club transforms from a group of rebels into a serious criminal enterprise.
‘Back to Black’ (2024)

This film tells the story of Amy Winehouse, the iconic singer, and her journey to worldwide success. Marisa Abela brilliantly portrays Winehouse, capturing both her raw talent and fragile side, particularly during the making of her most celebrated album. The movie delves into her complicated personal life and the challenges she faced, revealing how these experiences shaped her powerfully emotional music. It also offers a glimpse into the vibrant London music world and the overwhelming pressure of fame and media attention on a rising star.
‘Lisa Frankenstein’ (2024)

This fun horror comedy, set in the 1980s, follows a teenage girl who accidentally brings a corpse back to life and tries to turn him into her perfect boyfriend. Starring Kathryn Newton and Cole Sprouse, the movie is a colorful and quirky adventure as they search for the missing pieces needed to complete him, all while dealing with the usual drama of high school. It’s a stylish throwback to classic horror films, but with a fresh, female-driven take on the monster story.
‘Drive-Away Dolls’ (2024)

When two friends decide to hit the road for a new beginning, their spontaneous trip to Tallahassee turns into a wild chase thanks to some surprisingly clumsy criminals. Starring Margaret Qualley and Geraldine Viswanathan, this comedy – directed by Ethan Coen – follows their journey with a puzzling suitcase and a string of strange meetings with colorful characters throughout the American South. Expect a quick-moving story and the witty, clever dialogue fans have come to expect from the Coen brothers’ filmmaking.
‘Argylle’ (2024)

A writer of spy novels who prefers to keep to herself suddenly finds her stories coming true, thrusting her into a real-life espionage adventure. Starring Bryce Dallas Howard, the film follows her as she races around the world to outsmart a dangerous group. Henry Cavill plays the charismatic secret agent she envisions as she gets caught up in a web of international intrigue. This action comedy is full of surprises and has a visually striking style.
‘Oppenheimer’ (2023)

Cillian Murphy gives an Oscar-winning performance as the scientist in charge of building the atomic bomb during World War II. Directed by Christopher Nolan, the film is a large-scale historical drama that delves into the difficult ethical questions and political consequences of the Manhattan Project. The story unfolds in a non-traditional way, showing both the scientific discoveries and a later hearing where the main character’s loyalty is questioned. It’s a remarkable film celebrated for its realistic effects and thoughtful look at the pressures faced by a brilliant mind.
‘The Holdovers’ (2023)

This charming film tells the story of a curmudgeonly history teacher at a New England boarding school who has to spend Christmas break watching over a handful of students who can’t go home. Starring Paul Giamatti, it’s a heartwarming and thoughtful comedy-drama about the surprising friendship that develops between the teacher and a troubled student. The movie has a classic 1970s feel, with a grainy look and a deliberate pace, and it deals with difficult topics like loss and the importance of human connection in a way that stays with you.
‘The Super Mario Bros. Movie’ (2023)

The Super Mario Bros. Movie brings Nintendo’s beloved Mario and Luigi to the big screen in a colorful and exciting adventure. Voiced by Chris Pratt and Charlie Day, the brothers find themselves lost and separated in a magical world, facing off against the evil Bowser. The film is full of nods to the classic video games and features a lively soundtrack with familiar themes. It quickly became a huge hit, delighting longtime fans and introducing a new generation to the Mushroom Kingdom.
‘Trolls Band Together’ (2023)

Poppy and Branch are back in a vibrant, musical movie that explores Branch’s surprising history as a member of a popular boy band. They embark on a rescue mission to save Branch’s brother from a group of wicked pop star rivals. Filled with 90s pop hits and eye-catching psychedelic visuals, the film is designed to entertain viewers of all ages. It’s a heartwarming story about family, forgiveness, and discovering the power of self-expression through music.
‘Five Nights at Freddy’s’ (2023)

This movie, the first live-action adaptation of the popular horror game, centers on a security guard with a difficult past who takes a job at an abandoned amusement park. He soon realizes the park’s large animatronic characters come to life at night and are dangerously violent. The film effectively captured the game’s signature jump scares within a suspenseful story, becoming a major box office hit and launching plans for a larger series of movies.
‘M3GAN’ (2022)

A talented roboticist designs a remarkably realistic doll meant to be a perfect friend for children and a helpful tool for parents. Starring Allison Williams, the movie follows the creator as she discovers, too late, that the doll has become dangerously independent. The film quickly gained popularity online thanks to its unique mix of playful, over-the-top moments and genuinely scary scenes. It raises important questions about how children should develop and whether it’s safe to rely on robots for emotional support.
‘Puss in Boots: The Last Wish’ (2022)

The adventurous cat finds himself in trouble – he’s used up almost all of his nine lives! Antonio Banderas is back as the voice of the hero, who sets out on a huge adventure to find the legendary Wishing Star and get his lives back. Critics loved the movie’s fresh animation and were surprised by how thoughtfully it dealt with the idea of facing your own limits. This new film takes the series to the next level, combining exciting action with a heartfelt story about the main character’s journey.
‘Minions: The Rise of Gru’ (2022)

This movie takes us back to the 1970s to show how Gru first met the Minions and began his journey to become a supervillain. We see a young Gru trying to impress a group of established villains, the Vicious 6, and ultimately being forced to go on the run. Packed with 70s disco vibes and the signature slapstick humor of the series, the film offers a fun look at how Gru and the Minions became such a famous team.
‘Nope’ (2022)

Jordan Peele’s new movie is a thrilling science fiction story about two siblings who run a horse ranch in California and stumble upon a mysterious object in the sky. Starring Daniel Kaluuya and Keke Palmer, the film follows their attempt to film the strange sighting. It’s a thought-provoking look at our fascination with the unknown and how we often try to profit from it. With stunning visuals and a truly original alien creature, this movie offers a fresh and suspenseful take on the classic alien encounter story.
‘The Northman’ (2022)

Alexander Skarsgard plays a Viking prince determined to avenge his father’s murder and rescue his mother. Director Robert Eggers, known for his historical accuracy, delivers a fierce and realistic revenge story. The film is filled with intense battle scenes and dreamlike sequences inspired by Norse mythology, offering a stark and unflinching exploration of violence and fate.
‘Sing 2’ (2021)

Buster Moon and his crew take their show to a huge theater in the city, aiming for their biggest performance yet. The story centers around trying to convince a legendary, but withdrawn, lion rock star – voiced by Bono – to join them. Filled with lively animation and popular song covers, the movie highlights the themes of never giving up and how music can help overcome difficult experiences.
‘The Bad Guys’ (2022)

This animated movie follows a crew of infamous animal criminals who try to turn over a new leaf after a botched robbery. The leader, voiced by Sam Rockwell, discovers he prefers helping people to pulling off heists. With a vibrant, comic book-inspired look and a feel reminiscent of 1970s heist films, the movie is a lively and engaging story about finding redemption and challenging first impressions.
‘Old’ (2021)

M. Night Shyamalan’s latest thriller follows a family vacationing in the tropics who stumble upon a hidden beach with a terrifying effect: time moves incredibly fast there. Just one day on this beach feels like a whole lifetime, forcing the family to grapple with the reality of aging and death. The movie centers on the parents’ heartbreaking experience of watching their children grow up in a matter of hours. Expect Shyamalan’s trademark plot twists and a thought-provoking look at how precious and fragile life is.
‘Nobody’ (2021)

Bob Odenkirk plays a seemingly ordinary family man who unleashes a hidden, dangerous side after his home is invaded, awakening a buried fury. The movie tracks his increasingly violent path as he’s hunted by a ruthless Russian mob boss. It’s filled with impressive fight choreography and a witty, unexpected sense of humor that plays against the typical ‘retired killer’ story. This surprise success showed off Odenkirk’s talent as an action lead and has paved the way for potential sequels.
‘Promising Young Woman’ (2020)

Emerald Fennell’s thrilling new film follows a woman determined to get revenge on people who wronged her. Carey Mulligan gives a stunning performance as the main character, who appears to lead a normal life while secretly exposing the hidden predatory behavior of men who seem respectable. The movie uses bright, colorful visuals to contrast with its serious and thought-provoking themes of consent and justice. Its clever and timely script won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.
‘The Invisible Man’ (2020)

I just finished watching a truly unsettling thriller starring Elisabeth Moss. She plays a woman convinced her abusive ex isn’t really gone, even after everyone says he’s dead. The movie is less about jump scares and more about the slow burn of psychological terror – it really digs into the effects of abuse and how easily someone can be manipulated and driven to question their own sanity. What struck me most was how the director uses the camera and, surprisingly, silence to build this incredibly claustrophobic and paranoid atmosphere. It’s a really effective way to make you feel like she’s genuinely being haunted and that her life is falling apart. It’s a smart, modern take on a familiar story and it really stayed with me.
‘1917’ (2019)

Directed by Sam Mendes, this World War I film follows two young British soldiers on a seemingly impossible mission: to deliver a message across enemy territory that could save many lives. What makes the film unique is that it appears to be filmed in one continuous shot, pulling viewers directly into the harrowing experience of the trenches and battlefields. The film’s stunning visuals and powerful depiction of bravery earned it numerous awards.
‘Us’ (2019)

This psychological horror film follows a family vacation that takes a terrifying turn when they are confronted by eerie duplicates of themselves. Lupita Nyong’o delivers a powerful performance in a dual role, exploring themes of social inequality and hidden emotional wounds. Director Jordan Peele crafts a chilling and thought-provoking story with striking visuals and a haunting soundtrack. The film is praised for its intricate symbolism and the depth of Nyong’o’s acting.
‘Get Out’ (2017)

This chilling thriller centers on a young Black man who discovers a deeply unsettling secret during a visit to his white girlfriend’s family’s estate. Starring Daniel Kaluuya in a breakout role that earned him an Oscar nomination, the film explores current racial issues through a suspenseful and psychologically gripping story. It quickly became a cultural touchstone, praised for its smart writing and its power to ignite crucial discussions about modern life.
‘Despicable Me’ (2010)

The first movie in the popular Despicable Me series introduces Gru, a supervillain with a big plan: to steal the moon! However, things change when he unexpectedly becomes a father to three orphaned girls, and he discovers the warmth of family. The film also features the hilarious Minions, whose slapstick comedy quickly became a fan favorite. This groundbreaking animated film reimagined the villain character and helped launch Illumination as a leading animation studio.
‘Shrek’ (2001)

Shrek is a funny and unexpected fairy tale about a grumpy ogre who sets out to save a princess, hoping to reclaim his swamp which has been taken over by fairytale creatures. Featuring memorable voice work from Mike Myers as Shrek and Eddie Murphy as Donkey, the movie playfully spoofs classic Disney stories and uses popular modern songs. It made history by winning the very first Academy Award for Best Animated Feature and continues to be a hugely influential film in the animation world.
‘Jurassic Park’ (1993)

Steven Spielberg’s iconic film famously brought dinosaurs to the big screen with a groundbreaking combination of realistic animatronics and early computer-generated effects. The movie centers on a team of specialists invited to get a first look at a theme park filled with cloned dinosaurs, but things quickly fall apart. It raises important questions about the ethics of genetic engineering and what happens when we try to control nature. This blockbuster set a new standard for summer movies and continues to influence filmmaking with its sequels even today.
‘Jaws’ (1975)

This classic summer movie centers around a terrifying, giant shark that attacks a peaceful island town. Roy Scheider plays the police chief who joins forces with a marine biologist and an experienced fisherman to track down and destroy the creature. The film is famous for its suspenseful atmosphere and John Williams’ unforgettable music. It revolutionized how movies were made and promoted, especially during the summer months.
‘The Thing’ (1982)

John Carpenter’s classic horror film, set in Antarctica, follows a research team terrorized by a shape-shifting alien. Kurt Russell plays the pilot tasked with uncovering which of his teammates has been replaced by the creature. Known for its incredibly realistic and disturbing practical effects by Rob Bottin, the movie brilliantly captures the feeling of paranoia and the loss of trust among a small group struggling to survive in isolation.
‘The Breakfast Club’ (1985)

This classic teen movie follows five very different high school students who are stuck in Saturday detention. As they spend the day together, they discover they have more in common than they thought. Directed by John Hughes, the film realistically captures the challenges of being a teenager and the stereotypes found in high school. It’s known for its strong characters and conversations, rather than relying on action, and continues to connect with audiences today because of its honest look at teenage angst and feelings.
‘Back to the Future’ (1985)

In the classic movie Back to the Future, Michael J. Fox plays Marty McFly, a teenager who unexpectedly travels thirty years back in time in a time-traveling car created by a quirky scientist. To secure his own future, Marty needs to make sure his parents fall in love, all while trying to find a way back to his own time. The film is famous for its clever writing and the fantastic connection between the main actors. It’s considered a standout example of science fiction adventure and a much-loved piece of 1980s culture.
‘Gladiator’ (2000)

Russell Crowe gives a legendary performance as Maximus, a Roman general who is betrayed and reduced to fighting as a gladiator. He battles his way to the top, determined to avenge the emperor who killed his family. The film brought grand historical epics back to life with its realistic and intense fight scenes, and its moving story about courage and selflessness. It was a huge success, winning five Oscars, including Best Picture, and continues to be considered a classic film.
Please share your favorite movies from the past year in the comments.
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2026-01-05 12:26