‘M3GAN 2.0’ is the funniest movie in Peacock you (probably) haven’t seen
‘M3GAN 2.0’ is the funniest movie in Peacock you (probably) haven’t seen
This wild sci-fi action-comedy got ignored in theaters, but it absolutely pops on Peacock.
There are lots of great movies right now on Peacock, including the entire “Jurassic Park” collection. But there’s one great, funny, action-comedy that isn’t getting the love it deserves, and that’s “M3GAN 2.0.” My wife and I watched it in theaters and loved it, even while we knew it was bombing at the box office. And it was easy to tell why: it switched genres from the first movie! The first “M3GAN” was this buzzy techno-horror hit that leaned into scares, camp, and meme energy. And I loved that movie too. But the sequel is a totally different beast. It’s a sci-fi action-comedy wearing a horror sequel’s clothing, and I think that’s exactly why so many people skipped it in theaters. Now that it’s on Peacock, though, it plays like a completely different movie, and honestly, it’s one of the most entertaining under-the-radar comedies on the platform right now. Here’s why you should check it out.
Best under-the-radar comedy movie on Peacock
Why ‘M3GAN 2.0’ is the most underrated comedy movie on Peacock
The first “M3GAN” was a techno-horror movie that hit at the perfect time. It was fresh, funny, creepy, and instantly iconic. But “M3GAN 2.0” takes a hard left turn. Instead of doubling down on horror, it goes full sci-fi action-comedy. Think “Terminator 2” energy with a campy AI doll at the center. Yes, the jump is bold, and critics didn’t love it. The box office didn’t love it either because the genre shift threw people off. People heard it wasn’t a horror movie anymore and avoided it.
But here’s the twist. Audiences who did see the movie actually liked it more than the original, including me! On Rotten Tomatoes’ Popcornmeter, the sequel scores higher than the first, which is wild considering all the negative noise around its release. As a horror sequel? The movie is confusing. But when you turn it on at home without any expectations and find a very funny sci-fi action-comedy? It’s a blast. The movie leans into bigger set pieces, sharper jokes, and a M3GAN who’s less “killer doll hiding in a hallway” and more “AI superhero with attitude.” Once you accept the shift, the whole thing snaps into place.
The reason it flew under the radar really comes down to misaligned expectations and marketing that never found the right lane. The first movie had brilliant viral promos. The sequel had… a Boyz II Men song and a trailer that seemed to scream “camp” without telling anyone what the movie actually was. Combine that with a summer release window packed with huge blockbusters, and “M3GAN 2.0” never had a chance to build momentum. But none of that reflects the actual quality because the movie itself absolutely delivers. It’s bigger, sillier, and way more ambitious than it needed to be, and that’s what makes it so fun.
Story-wise, “M3GAN 2.0” swings for the fences. Instead of repeating the “doll goes rogue” setup, this one pits M3GAN against a new military-grade AI threat. To stop it, she’s resurrected and upgraded, which flips her from villain to protector in a way that completely reinvents the franchise. The movie has heart tucked under all the chaos, too. There’s real conflict between Gemma and Cady, there’s commentary about AI and control, and there’s that signature M3GAN snark that made the first movie go viral. Is it campy? Yes. Is it self-aware? Absolutely. Does it go off the rails in the most entertaining way possible? For me, 100 percent yes. And that’s why it’s worth turning on at home.
M3GAN 2.0
After the underlying tech for M3GAN is stolen and misused by a powerful defense contractor to create a military-grade weapon known as Amelia, M3GAN’s creator Gemma realizes that the only option is to resurrect M3GAN and give her a few upgrades, making her faster, stronger, and more lethal.
What is ‘M3GAN 2.0’ about?
“M3GAN 2.0” picks up two years after the events of the first movie. Gemma is still rebuilding her life, and Cady is older, tougher, and still carrying the weight of everything that happened. When a new, more dangerous AI doll named AMELIA escapes from a military project and starts causing real damage, Gemma makes the one move she never thought she’d make. She brings M3GAN back online.
What follows is a fast, chaotic, surprisingly funny ride. Instead of hiding in shadows, M3GAN is out in the open this time, dropping one-liners, fighting drones, and trying to protect Cady from something even worse than she was. The movie plays with big sci-fi ideas and then undercuts them with jokes and wild set pieces. It feels like a mix of “Terminator,” “RoboCop,” and a sugar-high superhero movie. And it all works. This movie gave Tara and me some of the biggest laughs we’ve had in theaters, up there with “The Naked Gun.” By the end, you’ve gone from laughing at the absurdity to actually rooting for the doll who once terrorized a whole neighborhood. It’s a wild pivot, but it’s also what makes the sequel so fun.
Other underappreciated comedy movies on Peacock
If you liked “M3GAN 2.0” and want more underrated comedies on Peacock, here are three movies worth streaming right now. “Vengeance” is a sharp, clever dark comedy from B.J. Novak about a New York podcaster who travels to Texas to investigate a mysterious death and ends up way over his head. “Ticket to Paradise” is a bright, easy rom-com with George Clooney and Julia Roberts doing exactly what they do best. And “Champions” is a heartfelt, funny sports comedy starring Woody Harrelson as a disgraced coach working with a team of disabled athletes, and it’s way better than most people expect. All three are fun, light, and the kind of movies that go down easy after something as wild and entertaining as M3GAN’s chaotic sequel.
Peacock
Peacock is a subscription video streaming service from NBCUniversal that includes original shows, blockbuster movies, and classic television series. Peacock is home to “Yellowstone,” “The Office,” and original hits like “Poker Face” and “Bel-Air.” You can also watch live sports and NBC programming, including the NFL, MLB, WWE, the Olympics, the Premier League, NASCAR, the French Open, college football and basketball, and the PGA Tour. Premium Plus subscribers can stream their local NBC feed in all 210 markets.