Now is the perfect time to stream this 90s sci-fi creature feature ‣ Diverse Daily

Since the early days of cinema, creature features have been a dime a dozen. Often, this subgenre is perceived as a haven for B movies and campy performances. If you look at the statistics, it’s easy to see why that’s the assumption made by many. But when done right, a solid creature feature can be a gnarly cinematic masterpiece. King Kong (1933), The Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954), Gremlins (1984), Jaws (1975), Alien (1979), and The Thing (1982) are just a few examples of stellar monster-centric films since the dawn of Hollywood. A great monster movie establishes a beast that’s so iconic, it becomes synonymous with every aspect of the film. The famous quote, “It’s alive!” instantly evokes images of Frankenstein’s monster. The two-note bass-tone theme intro in Jaws easily conjures up thoughts of a terrifying and megalithic shark in the water.

When I pair the subgenre of “creature feature” with famous Hollywood actor Kevin Bacon, most fans of sci-fi and horror movies instantly think of Tremors. In 1990, Tremors introduced audiences to the Graboids, subterranean snakelike creatures that have managed to remain hidden until their sudden emergence during the events of the film. At its heart, the movie stirs thoughts of possible undiscovered or ancient species of animals that might exist in the dark corners and recesses of our world. There is the potential for entire ecosystems that remain untouched from human influence, and you can’t deny that it’s an intriguing idea.

One of the best monster flicks of the 90s has a new streaming home

If you haven’t seen Tremors before, now is your chance to rectify that mistake

Now, you have the opportunity to watch Kevin Bacon and company be terrorized by the Graboids as they avoid becoming these apex predators’ next meal. Tremors is streaming on Peacock, and fans of the film can enjoy it in all its nostalgic glory once again. Of course, you’ll need a Peacock subscription if you don’t have one. You can pick up the service for just $8.99/month (with ads). If you’re a student, you’re in luck. You can nab a Peacock subscription for just $5.99/month for 12 months. If you have a Walmart+ subscription, that service comes with your choice of Paramount+ or Peacock. So, you can obtain it that way. Now, unfortunately, there is no direct free trial offered from Peacock. But if you want to give the service a try and happen to have Prime Video, then you can obtain a 7-day free trial through Prime Video.

Tremors joins some of the best creature features of all time on Peacock including Frankenstein, The Bride of Frankenstein, The Wolf Man, Dracula, The Mummy, and Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey. I’m only pulling your leg on that last one. It may not be “one of the greatest,” but it is on Peacock and good ol’ Pooh bear is just as entertaining (and disturbing) as ever. Rest assured, having Tremors among the sci-fi/horror catalog available on Peacock increases the value of this subscription.

What’s so great about Tremors?

Two words: Kevin Bacon

One of the interesting aspects of Tremors is that you can’t really corner the movie into one specific genre. Yes, it’s sci-fi as it features a fictional undiscovered creature with its own ecosystem and anatomy. It also dabbles in horror as the human cast runs for their lives. Given the setting and characters established, the film also maintains neo-Western themes. It’s a giant mishmash of genres that coalesce into something purely explosive and entertaining.

The film is set in a rural town in Nevada. Val Mckee (Bacon) and Earl Basset (Fred Ward) are two blue-collar drifters preparing to head to the next town in search of work. However, a series of strange deaths deter the pair, and they’re eventually assaulted by an unknown creature. Alongside residents of the nearby town, the two fight to survive. It’s a simple narrative, but an exciting payoff in (early 90s) cinematic production. Kevin Bacon shows why he’s a star with his unshakable magnetism and talent. Tremors even features country star Reba McEntire in her first-ever onscreen role.

If you haven’t seen Tremors, it’s an easy recommendation. If you have seen Tremors and have access to Peacock, you can relive what you already indelibly know to be an engaging, fun film. Do yourself a favor and check it out.