The 45 Best Movies on Amazon Prime Video Right Now (December 2024)

What's more, we'll be updating the list regularly with additional picks, so you won't run out of viewing material any time soon. The list spans genres, decades, and ratings, so there should be a little something for everyone, but if you can't find what you're looking for below (and you're a multi-platform streamer), be sure to check out our picks for the best TV shows and best movies on Netflix.

Disclaimer: These titles are available on US Prime Video.

Editor's note: This article was updated December 2024 to include The Bikeriders.

‘The Bikeriders’ (2023)

Rotten Tomatoes: 80% | IMDb: 6.7/10

One of the very few movies to be inspired by a photo book, The Bikeriders follows a Midwestern motorcycle club known as The Vandals as they descend into criminal chaos. Caught among the chaos is new member Kathy (Jodie Comer), who is inspired to join by her fondness for member Benny (Austin Butler). An interesting dive into hierarchies and romance, The Bikeriders is one of the more underrated movies in recent memory. Directed by Jeff Nichols, each passing scene is fueled by genuinely intriguing drama, all culminating in a brilliantly crafted ending. - Jake Hodges

Watch on Prime Video

‘Almost Famous’ (2000)

Rotten Tomatoes: 91% | IMDb: 7.9/10

This iconic coming-of-age tale set in the 1970s follows budding young journalist William (Patrick Fugit) and his first assignment for Rolling Stone magazine — to follow around the band Stillwater. However, little does William know that, while trying to discover the ins and outs of the lives of musicians, he will instead learn even more about himself. Featuring one of the best musical moments in modern memory, Almost Famous is a gorgeous, touching tale that will make you laugh and cry. The movie earned four Oscar nominations and even picked up the Academy Award for Best Screenplay. - Jake Hodges

Watch on Prime Video

‘Abigail’ (2024)

Rotten Tomatoes: 83% | IMDb: 6.6/10

Directed by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett (and not to be confused with the 2023 horror of the same name), Abigail follows the titular 12-year-old ballerina (Alisha Weir) after she is kidnapped by a group of criminals. However, when held captive over a single night, Abigail starts to claim her revenge. In a year of incredible horror, Abigail managed to stand out thanks to a fantastic style and immersive central performances. A thrilling, pulse-pounding story in the spirit of Ready or Not, Abigail is a bloody romp. - Jake Hodges

Watch on Prime Video

'Val' (2021)

Rotten Tomatoes: 94% | IMDb: 7.6/10

The celebrity documentary has become a staple of mainstream viewing over the last few years, with this particular example centering on the life of the Hollywood icon Val Kilmer. From unseen home footage from his childhood to an unfiltered look at his time as an actor from Batman to Top Gun, Val wades through the hundreds of hours of content from his life to cherry-pick a selection of moments that beautifully encapsulate the spectrum of experience of the beloved performer.

Directors Ting Poo and Leo Scott take a saturated genre and breathe new life into it with a storytelling style that feels straight out of an experimental piece. Raw and intimate, no punches are pulled in the depiction of Kilmer’s life, with the movie feeling like both an ode to the actor and a deep dive into some of the dangers of living such a high-profile life. Serving as a producer on the project, Val Kilmer himself adds a genuine sense of memory to the movie, creating an aura of nostalgia that will leave you in contemplative silence as the credits roll. - Jake Hodges

Watch on Prime Video

‘My Old Ass’ (2024)

Rotten Tomatoes: 91% | IMDb: 7.5/10

One of the most underrated new arrivals in 2024, My Old Ass tells the unique tale of young Elliott (Maisy Stella), who ends up coming face-to-face with her future self (Aubrey Plaza) after a mushroom trip sends her to the edge. A laugh-a-minute comedy with plenty to say about love, nostalgia, and longing, My Old Ass is a wonderful showcase of the talents of its lead pairing. Of course, Plaza is already beloved, but the film should long stand as the breakout moment for Stella, with the world of cinema now at her feet. - Jake Hodges

Watch on Prime Video

‘Airplane!’ (1980)

Rotten Tomatoes: 97% | IMDb: 7.7/10

Considered one of the funniest movies ever made, Airplane! follows the farcical journey of a commercial aircraft as a bout of food poisoning incapacitates the crew and leaves one man in charge of saving the day. One of the most quotable movies of all time, Airplane! is a laugh-a-minute thrill ride that never relents on its wonderfully punchy pace. Leslie Nielsen is known as one of comedy’s best, and considering many would tout this as his most iconic performance, Airplane! is certainly worthy of its decades of plaudits. - Jake Hodges

Watch on Prime Video

‘Arrival’ (2016)

Rotten Tomatoes: 94% | IMDb: 7.9/10

Adapted from Ted Chiang’s 1998 novella “Story of Your Life,” Arrival is a science fiction drama movie directed by Denis Villeneuve and written by Eric Heisserer. Presented in a non-linear fashion, the film follows the story of a linguist attempting to find a way to communicate with mysterious aliens who have arrived on Earth for an unknown purpose. Amy Adams stars as the protagonist, Louise Banks, with Jeremy Renner, Forest Whitaker, Michael Stuhlbarg, and more in supporting roles.

Arrival had its world premiere at the 2016 Venice Film Festival, where it received great critical acclaim. The film has been praised for its direction, concepts, and Adams’ stellar performance. Fascinatingly, the movie has also received praise in academic circles, with linguists lauding the realistic depiction of language studies. Widely regarded as one of the best movies of 2016, Arrival grossed over $200 million worldwide and received eight Academy Award nominations, winning one for Best Sound Editing.

Watch on Prime Video

‘Monkey Man’ (2024)

Rotten Tomatoes: 89% | IMDb: 6.9/10

One of the unsung heroes of 2024’s cinematic slate, Monkey Man is written, directed by, and stars Dev Patel as a man — known only as Kid — who methodically enacts revenge on a sinister elitist group after his mother was murdered. A violent flick with a splash of action, Monkey Man makes for immersive viewing for those looking for an adrenaline rush, as well as those seeking affecting drama. Patel is excellent alongside a cast that never disappoints, with Monkey Man the sort of tale to bring plenty of positive surprises. Not a simple bloodthirsty action film, this has lots more to offer on an emotionally mature level. - Jake Hodges

Watch on Prime Video

‘The Breakfast Club’ (1985)

Rotten Tomatoes: 89% | IMDb: 7.8/10

This John Hughes classic follows a group of unruly teens, each based on a particular stereotype, who are thrown together for a weekend detention. Though at first, it seems they have nothing in common except their dislike of their stern teacher (Paul Gleason), the group grows to learn that there’s more between them than against them, with common ground evolving from the most unlikely of places. For those in their adolescence, The Breakfast Club should be required viewing. Speaking right to the heart of the anxieties of teenagers, The Breakfast Club both acknowledges and soothes them with a tale that touches on the very nature of being human and being kind. It’s an unquestionable classic that, thankfully, you can stream right now. - Jake Hodges

Watch on Prime Video

‘Theater Camp’ (2023)

Rotten Tomatoes: 87% | IMDb: 6.9/10

The mockumentary genre is one adored by millions, with Theater Camp a fun addition back in 2023. The movie follows AdirondACTS, a run-down theater company in upstate New York looking for much more than a quick lick of paint. With founder Joan (Amy Sedaris) in a coma, it's up to her useless son, Troy (Jimmy Tatro), to try and bring hope and a future to this failing group. A tale guaranteed to put a smile on your face, Theater Camp brings joy in abundance as the dedicated culture of amateur dramatics is shown in all its glory. Perhaps not everyone will connect to this funny flick, but for theater fans, this is one you certainly won’t want to miss. - Jake Hodges

Watch on Prime Video

‘Challengers’ (2024)

Rotten Tomatoes: 88% | IMDb: 7.2/10

Luca Guadagnino’s reputation continues to grow, as does the list of his iconic movies. One such movie released in 2024 is Challengers, a tense romantic drama following the lives of former best friends Patrick (Josh O’Connor) and Art (Mike Faist) as they grow apart alongside Patrick’s former lover and Art’s wife, Tashi (Zendaya). From the outside looking in, Challengers looks to be a sports drama, but, alas, the tennis is merely a gorgeous metaphor for the fast-paced, often tactical match played between Patrick and Art. Looking on from the crowd as a coach is Tashi, playing the two men against each other to feed her own ego. Bolstered by a score for the ages from Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, Challengers is an indulgent, worthwhile experience. - Jake Hodges

Watch on Prime Video

‘Planes, Trains and Automobiles’ (1987)

Rotten Tomatoes: 92% | IMDb: 7.6/10

This classic ‘80s comedy from the legendary John Hughes stars John Candy and Steve Martin as an unlikely pair who must battle severe weather and cancellations to try and get home for Thanksgiving. With one impatient and world-weary and the other bursting with energy, bad jokes, and, terrible advice, hilarity ensues in one of the decade’s best comedies. Hughes was the master of dragging tender relationships from side-splitting slapstick, with Planes, Trains and Automobiles a perfect example of this. As time edges toward the Thanksgiving season, this is a must-have on any watchlist, especially considering the blink-and-you’ll-miss-it cameo from the iconic Kevin Bacon. - Jake Hodges

Watch on Prime Video

‘Election’ (1999)

Rotten Tomatoes: 92% | IMDb: 7.2/10

Co-written and directed by the brilliant Alexander Payne — the man behind the awards darlings Sideways and, more recently, The Holdovers — Election is the story of the academic champion Tracy Flick (Reese Witherspoon) and her campaign for class president that seems destined to win. The only person who stands in her way is teacher Jim McAllister (Matthew Broderick), who fashions his own candidate to try and beat her. Enormously fun and brilliantly quotable, Election feels like Veep if it were a teen comedy. Full of startling pace and full-throttle cynicism, this is a genre-defining piece of work that sets the tone for Payne’s remarkable subsequent filmography. - Jake Hodges

Watch on Prime Video

‘In the Heights’ (2021)

Rotten Tomatoes: 94% | IMDb: 7.3/10

This beaming musical from director John M. Chu is set in the titular neighborhood of Washington Heights, a community based in the north of Manhattan. The film follows the journey of bodega owner Usnavi (Anthony Ramos), a young man with a dream for a better future. Alas, he must look after his elderly neighbor and remain restrained by the shackles of his home. But perhaps all he needs is to realize just how special ‘home’ is. Bolstered by some toe-tapping musical numbers perfect to put a smile on your face, In the Heights is a feel-good hit with a penchant for moments of touching drama. Unlike other movie musicals, In the Heights doesn’t try to become a Broadway show, instead using its film medium to enhance the central story. - Jake Hodges

Watch on Prime Video

‘Atomic Blonde’ (2017)

Rotten Tomatoes: 79% | IMDb: 6.7/10

Directed by the ever-brilliant David Leitch, Atomic Blonde follows Charlize Theron’s Agent Lorraine Broughton, a talented Intelligence Service agent with the world at her feet. Ready to attempt her toughest mission yet, Lorraine must travel to Berlin and into the thick of international spy warfare with her life very much on the line. Fun, frantic, and full of action, Atomic Blonde is everything you could want from a Leitch movie — minus endless laughs. Theron is captivating throughout, with an equally talented ensemble managing to match her infectious energy. Fast-paced and sometimes risque, Atomic Blonde has something for everyone. - Jake Hodges

Watch on Prime Video

‘Polite Society’ (2023)

Rotten Tomatoes: 91% | IMDb: 6.6/10

Written and directed by Nida Manzoor, Polite Society is a heist movie like you’ve never seen before. The flick follows Ria Khan (Priya Kansara), a young woman with a desperate desire to save her sister Lena (Ritu Arya) from marriage. With the help of her friends, Ria hatches an ambitious scheme to restore peace to her family, but will all go to plan? An endearing, hilarious amalgamation of modern families, Polite Society is a neat balance of both entertainment and education. For those aware of Manzoor’s We Are Lady Parts, the heartfelt chaos of Polite Society will come as no surprise but be certainly welcomed. Wild and wonderful, Polite Society is a heartwarming, worthwhile way to spend 105 minutes. - Jake Hodges

Watch on Prime Video

'I Am: Celine Dion' (2024)

Rotten Tomatoes: 100% | IMDb: 8.0/10

A 2024 documentary film directed by Irene Taylor, I Am: Celine Dion explores the life and career of iconic Canadian singer Celine Dion. Besides Dion's personal life and her many accomplishments, the film also talks about her battles with stiff-person syndrome, a rare neurological condition. A soundtrack for the film was also released, which includes 13 essential hits and seven original score tracks. Unlike most documentaries about contemporary musicians, I Am: Celine Dion has received amazing reviews from critics for the honesty with which it portrays its subject. Instead of being just another PR exercise, the documentary provides a raw behind-the-scenes look at the legendary singer and her struggle with a debilitating but little-known illness. The film is also a big hit with audiences, becoming Prime Video’s number one most-watched movie at the time of its release. Moving and inspirational, I Am: Celine Dion is the story of a star many recognize but whose personal struggles very few truly know about.

Watch on Prime Video

'Oppenheimer' (2023)

Rotten Tomatoes: 93% | IMDb: 8.3/10

One-half of 2023’s biggest double feature, Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer is a biopic about the man behind the atomic bomb, flicking between the moments that informed his choices and the consequences he faced after them. Most likely the most successful movie of 2023 by several metrics, Oppenheimer is a marvel of cinema, showcasing the very best in modern filmmaking technology. It isn’t just a fascinating technical piece, though, with an Academy Award-winning Cillian Murphy and many others delivering captivating performances thanks to a sometimes bombastic but always considered script. Considering his incredible catalog, it’s hard to call this Nolan’s magnum opus, but there is certainly a fair argument to make such a claim. - Jake Hodges

Watch on Prime Video

'Tangerine' (2015)

Rotten Tomatoes: 96% | IMDb: 7.1/10

One of the most innovative movies of the 2010s, Tangerine follows Sin-Dee (Kitana Kiki Rodriguez), a woman returning to Tinseltown after 28 days away. With Christmas on the horizon, her holiday spirit is crushed after learning that the love of her life has cheated on her, which sets Sin-Dee on a mission to track him down at any cost. On its surface, Tangerine is already an immersive and gorgeous flick that oozes style and substance. However, when learning that the entire project was shot on the iPhone 5s, it becomes a masterpiece. Indulgent and inventive, Tangerine is early proof of the genius of its creator, Sean Baker, with the most recent Cannes Film Festival seeing the filmmaker pick up the Palm d’Or for his movie Anora. - Jake Hodges

Watch on Prime Video

'American Fiction' (2023)

Rotten Tomatoes: 93% | IMDb: 7.5/10

Based on Percival Everett’s 2001 novel Erasure, American Fiction is a comedy-drama film written and directed by Cord Jefferson in his feature directorial debut. The movie stars Jeffrey Wright as a frustrated novelist whose attempt at satirizing stereotypical "Black" books is mistaken for serious literature. The movie boasts a talented ensemble cast, featuring Tracee Ellis Ross, Issa Rae, Sterling K. Brown, John Ortiz, Erika Alexander, Leslie Uggams, Adam Brody, and Keith David. American Fiction premiered at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival, where it received critical praise and won the People's Choice Award. The movie has received several awards and nominations, including the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay. It’s a smart, witty piece of storytelling that’s been named one of the top 10 films of 2023 by the American Film Institute. Jeffrey Wright delivers a delightful and committed performance as he navigates the many turns of this insightful yet absurdly humorous journey. For fans of sharp, clear-eyed satire, American Fiction is a movie with a lot to say and a great way of saying it.

Watch on Prime Video