Harsh Vardhan
Welcome to a cinematic journey through the most mature movies available on Peacock. Peacock offers a wide selection of films that explore the depths of the human psyche. From romantic dramas to pulse-pounding thrillers to emotional explorations, this article delves into a curated list of films that will leave you yearning for more. Whether you’re seeking a steamy date night or a solo adventure into the world of adult cinema, Peacock has a treasure trove of delights waiting for you.
14. The Killer (2024)
From legendary director John Woo comes a fast-paced action thriller that pins an assassin against a cop in a cat-and-mouse game filled with dangerous traps. In ‘The Killer,’ hitwoman Zee’s (Nathalie Emmanuel) latest objective spirals into chaos after she grows conscience for an innocent girl. The same girl is also a breadcrumb for police inspector Sey (Omar Sey) in his ongoing investigation of a drug case. As the two try to work things out, they are forced to face each other time and again in the middle of life-threatening situations. Packed with action in true John-Woo style, ‘The Killer’ is an entertaining flick that can be streamed here.
13. Short Term 12 (2013)
Destin Daniel Cretton’s award-winning independent drama ‘Short Term 12’ stars Brie Larson as Grace Howard, a young supervisor at the titular home for troubled teenagers. The film explores Grace’s professional and personal life as she tries to balance the two, with one often affecting or taking a toll on the other. Each teenager brings a new set of issues to the table that she and her boyfriend/co-worker Mason (John Gallagher, Jr.) must handle while caring for their own relationship.
Acclaimed for its intimate treatment of the subject matter that Cretton based on his own time as a worker at a teenage home, ‘Short Term 12’ is an emotional rollercoaster that is bound to stay with you for a long time. You can watch it here.
12. Endings, Beginnings (2019)
Directed by Drake Doremus, this sober romance follows 30-something Daphne (Shailene Woodley), who, in her attempt to cope with her breakup, decides to take a sabbatical from men. However, fate seems to have something opposite in store for her as she soon meets two polar opposite men, Jack (Jamie Dornan) and Frank (Sebastian Stan), who are each other’s friends, who are attracted to her. With despair, which stems from losing out on the love of a partner and a parent (thanks to an estranged mother) as her baggage, Daphne bounces to-and-fro between Jack and Frank as each seems to like a side of her that she too wants to explore more of and find what she really wants. To see if Daphne finds a way out of this emotional vacuum, you can watch this semi-improvised drama here.
11. Teenage Cocktail (2016)
Directed by John Carchietta, ‘Teenage Cocktail’ follows two young girls, Annie (Nichole Bloom) and Jules (Fabianne Therese), both high school students, who fall for each other and decide to run away from their homes and celebrate freedom. However, they realize that finance is an issue, which is why they decide to make money through webcam modeling. What begins as a lucrative income soon turns into an act with unexpected consequences that sometimes take a violent shape. An inebriating take on youth, love, passion, and the uncertainties that all these bring, ‘Teenage Cocktail’ can be streamed right here.
10. Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer (1986)
This psychological horror crime drama is inspired by the life of serial killer Henry Lee Lucas, aka The Confession Killer, who confessed to having killed around 600 people. The film follows a guy named Henry (Michael Rooker) who, after being released from prison due to the murder of his mother, goes on a killing spree across America. A psychopath, by all means, he feels nothing while killing people but behaves normally with his prison mate Otis (Tom Towles) and his sister Becky (Tracy Arnold). How the three get along and what their exploits are are what we get to see in this extremely gruesome film that doesn’t hold back from the nature of the ruthless killer. You can stream the film here.
9. The Last Seduction (1994)
‘The Last Seduction,’ a neo-noir thriller directed by John Dahl, is a riveting exploration of manipulation, power, and greed. Linda Fiorentino’s iconic performance as the cunning femme fatale Bridget Gregory is unforgettable, as she plots to steal a stash of money from her estranged husband and embarks on a trail of deception and betrayal. The film’s dark, edgy atmosphere and sharp, unpredictable plot captivate viewers with a sense of suspense and moral ambiguity. Supported by a strong ensemble cast including Peter Berg and Bill Pullman, the movie’s unapologetically seductive protagonist and the web of intrigue she weaves make ‘The Last Seduction’ a modern classic in the noir genre. You may watch the film here.
8. Sirens (1994)
The year it came out, Playboy called it one of the best erotic films of the year. Directed by John Duigan, ‘Sirens’ is based on the life of renowned Australian artist/author/boxer Norman Lindsay. Set in the period between the end of World War I and the beginning of World War II, it shows Anthony (Hugh Grant), a priest, and his wife Estella (Tara Fitzgerald) paying a visit to an artist named Norman Lindsay (Sam Neill) after the church tells the former to persuade and prevent Lindsay from exhibiting a blasphemous painting. But when they reach the artist’s home, they are bombarded with conversations about sex and sexuality. This also takes a toll on the couple as they realize that they have so much to know and “explore” about each other. If you want to be a part of the erotic experience, you can stream the film here.
7. Ted (2012)
A must-watch fantasy comedy drama helmed by Seth MacFarlane, ‘Ted’ explores the R-rated friendship between John Bennett (Mark Wahlberg), an adult, and his childhood teddy bear who came to life due to his wish, AKA Ted (Seth MacFarlane has voiced). While the two have been best pals for more than 25 years, John’s love life with Lori (Mila Kunis) threatens their friendship as Ted has to leave. Why? Because the couple has decided to move in together. Can Ted survive on his own? Moreover, is John ready to take on the responsibilities of a husband after enjoying a hedonistic lifestyle with his buddy all his life? ‘Ted’ is one of the highest-grossing R-rated comedy films of all time and a necessary addition to any adult movies list. You can watch it here.
6. Mapplethorpe (2019)
‘Mapplethorpe’ is a biographical drama directed by Ondi Timoner that explores the life of the provocative American photographer Robert Mapplethorpe. The film delves into Mapplethorpe’s journey through the art world, capturing his controversial and erotic photographic work, which often celebrated male nudes and explicit themes. The film stars Matt Smith as Robert Mapplethorpe and offers a gritty portrayal of his turbulent life, creative vision, and exploration of sexuality, particularly in the vibrant and sexually charged art scene of New York City in the 1970s and 1980s. Through its unflinching portrayal of Mapplethorpe’s controversial art, the film certainly qualifies as erotic, but it also dives into the complexities of artistic freedom and self-expression. You can stream it here.
5. Intuition (2015)
In ‘Intuition,’ the narrative unfolds with Dr. David Francis, a workaholic relationship therapist, attempting to assist Kenny in navigating trust issues. Unbeknownst to the doctor, Kenny is entangled in an affair with David’s fiancée, Karen. As the plot thickens, the film explores the intricate dynamics of betrayal and deception within the confines of therapeutic sessions, creating a tense and emotionally charged storyline that keeps audiences engaged. ‘Intuition’ skillfully delves into the complexities of human relationships, unraveling a web of secrets that challenges the boundaries of trust and fidelity. You can watch the film here.
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4. The Love Witch (2016)
What’s interesting and attractive about this horror comedy flick is that it is shot in the Technicolor style that was prevalent during the 60s and 70s, which is a tribute to that era and a commentary on gender roles. Brilliantly helmed by Anna Biller, who wrote, edited, produced, and directed as well as composed the score, ‘The Love Witch’ tells the story of a modern-day witch/femme fatale, Elaine, who uses her magical potions and spells to manipulate men to find true love. But rather than bringing men close to her, she ends up killing them every time, apparently inadvertently. Will her search for her Prince Charming come to an end? Or will the bodies of men keep on piling up? To know the answer, you can stream the film right here.
3. Metroland (1998)
‘Metroland,’ directed by Philip Saville, is a steamy drama adapted from Julian Barnes’ novel of the same name. This coming-of-age film dives into the complex themes of nostalgia, desire, and the allure of a freewheeling past. The enticing narrative unfolds in 1970s suburban London, exploring the life of Chris (played by Christian Bale), a content family man whose world is rocked by the sudden return of his once wild and charismatic friend, Toni (played by Lee Ross). As the two men rekindle their hedonistic past, ‘Metroland’ explores the steamy and hot themes of temptation, infidelity, and the intoxication of a rebellious youth, offering a compelling and provocative examination of life’s sensuous temptations. You can stream the film here.
2. Bound (2015)
‘Bound,’ directed by Jared Cohn, is a provocative erotic thriller that explores the complexities of BDSM relationships. This intense film navigates themes of passion, power, and desire, drawing its audience into a web of sensuality and suspense. Starring Charisma Carpenter and Daniel Baldwin, it tells the story of a woman who, after a chance encounter with a charismatic millionaire, becomes entangled in a world of BDSM and sexual exploration. As the plot unfolds, ‘Bound’ places a strong emphasis on the exploration of sexual and BDSM themes, taking viewers on a journey that’s both enticing and psychologically gripping, offering a unique and provocative take on the complexities of desire and control. You can watch the movie here.
1. The Bikeriders (2023)
Jeff Nichols’ ‘The Bikeriders’ is pretty much the ultimate movie for bikeriders or anyone who loves bikes. With a star-studded cast that includes Tom Hardy, Austin Butler, Jodie Comer, and Norman Reedus, the film is a fictional take on the lives of the members of the Outlaws Motorcycle Club, the oldest biker club in the world (renamed to Vandals Motorcycle Club in the film).
It shows the rise of the club, led by Johnny Davis (Hardy), and the conflict within the gang after outsiders, forming new Chapters of the club, threaten the original group’s way of living. An authentic yet cutting-edge take on the motorcycle culture, ‘The Bikeriders’ is a thrilling “ride” bent more on crashing than slowing down, and rightfully so. You can watch it here.
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