As October rolls in and the spooky season takes hold, Peacock is rolling out the red carpet for fans of classic monster mayhem. Among the platform's horror offerings, one particular gem has resurfaced: Van Helsing, the 2004 action-adventure that saw Hugh Jackman trade his Wolverine claws for a mechanized crossbow. Directed by Stephen Sommers—the same visionary behind the 1999 blockbuster The Mummy—this film is a high-octane tribute to the Universal Classic Monsters, and it's now available to stream alongside its spiritual siblings.
A Stylish Spin on Classic Horror
In Van Helsing, Jackman steps into the boots of Gabriel Van Helsing, a mysterious monster hunter employed by the Catholic Church to rid Europe of supernatural threats. With his long black trench coat, wide-brimmed hat, and an arsenal of gadgets, he cuts an imposing figure—even if his own past is as shadowy as the creatures he pursues. The plot sends him to Transylvania to confront Count Dracula, played with theatrical flair by Richard Roxburgh, who plots to expand his vampiric empire. Along the way, Van Helsing crosses paths with a Wolf Man (Will Kemp) and Frankenstein's Monster (Shuler Hensley), forcing him to question his loyalties and the very nature of good and evil.
Kate Beckinsale co-stars as Anna Valerious, a warrior princess whose family has sworn to destroy Dracula. Together, they form a dynamic duo that blends action and horror with a healthy dose of early-2000s cheese. While Van Helsing may not reach the heights of Sommers' The Mummy, it captures the same pulpy energy that made those Brendan Fraser-led adventures so beloved. The film's lavish sets—from the cobblestone streets of a Transylvanian village to the gothic grandeur of Dracula's castle—are a feast for the eyes, even when the plot veers into the absurd.
A Cult Classic Worth Revisiting
Critics were divided upon release, with Roger Ebert famously calling it "silly" but also "spectacular and fun" in his three-star review. That assessment still holds up. Van Helsing is unapologetically over-the-top, embracing its monster-mash premise with gleeful abandon. It's the kind of film that doesn't take itself too seriously, and that's precisely why it remains a guilty pleasure for many.
Despite its cult following, Van Helsing never spawned the franchise that Universal likely hoped for. A sequel was rumored, and a TV series set in Transylvania was reportedly in development, but neither materialized. In hindsight, it's a missed opportunity—especially given the interconnected universe that Sommers seemed to be building. Imagine a crossover where Jackman's Van Helsing teams up with the O'Connells from The Mummy to take on Imhotep or another ancient evil. It's a tantalizing thought that fans still dream about.
For now, though, we can enjoy Van Helsing as a standalone adventure. And with Peacock now hosting it alongside The Mummy trilogy and The Scorpion King, it's the perfect time for a monster movie marathon. If you're craving more of Jackman's action-hero charm, you might also check out his Robin Hood reimagining, which has found a second life on Apple TV+. And for those who appreciate the era's blockbuster spectacle, our list of the 2000s' most iconic blockbusters is a nostalgic trip worth taking.
So, whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer curious about the hype, Van Helsing is a wild ride that delivers exactly what it promises: a monster-filled, action-packed good time. And if you're feeling extra adventurous, don't forget the animated prequel, Van Helsing: The London Assignment, which details his hunt for Mr. Hyde. It's a deep cut that adds even more depth to this underrated corner of monster lore.
