Matt Damon has had a career full of iconic roles, but few are as unsettling as his turn in The Talented Mr. Ripley. The 1999 psychological thriller, which co-stars Gwyneth Paltrow, Jude Law, Cate Blanchett, and the late Philip Seymour Hoffman, is currently streaming on Peacock—but only until June 1, 2026. After that, you'll need to find another way to watch this masterclass in suspense.
Directed by the late Anthony Minghella and based on Patricia Highsmith's novel, the film follows Damon's Tom Ripley, a charming but deeply disturbed young man who becomes obsessed with a wealthy playboy (Law) in 1950s Italy. What starts as a simple errand spirals into a web of lies, identity theft, and murder. Damon's performance is slippery and unnerving, earning the film a Certified Fresh 85% critics' score on Rotten Tomatoes, with an 80% audience approval.
The movie was a critical and commercial hit, grossing nearly $130 million worldwide on a $40 million budget. It earned five Oscar nominations, including Best Picture and Best Supporting Actor for Law, though Damon was surprisingly overlooked by both the Academy and BAFTAs. Still, the film's legacy endures as one of the most stylish and tense thrillers of the late '90s.
If you haven't seen it, now is the perfect time to catch up before it leaves Peacock. And if you're a fan of Damon's work, you might also enjoy Ridley Scott's 'The Martian' with Matt Damon Surges on Peacock in May 2026, which is also streaming on the platform. For those who love a good thriller, check out our list of Underrated Thrillers You Need to Watch Right Now for more hidden gems.
Interestingly, a new adaptation of Highsmith's novel premiered on Netflix in 2024, written and directed by Scott Frank and starring Andrew Scott as Ripley. That version, shot in black-and-white, earned rave reviews for its atmospheric tension and Scott's chilling performance. But for many, Damon's original remains the definitive take—a glossy, sun-drenched nightmare that lingers long after the credits roll.
Damon's next big project is Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey, set for a July 2026 release. It's shaping up to be one of the most ambitious films of the year, but before that, make time for the movie that proved Damon could be both a star and a chameleon. The Talented Mr. Ripley is a must-watch for anyone who appreciates a slow-burn psychological thriller with a killer cast and an unforgettable lead performance.
Don't wait until the last minute—stream it on Peacock before June 1, 2026. And for more streaming recommendations, check out Why Prime Video's 'The Devil's Hour' Is Your Must-Watch Weekend Thriller.
