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How many hours have we all lost to the endless streaming scroll? Aiming for a little kickback, you end up perusing all the good movies on Prime Video, intent on finding just the right one, ultimately unsure what to choose in the face of overwhelming options. Fret not: The Collider staff did all that scrolling for you, scanning through the catalog in search of the best picks for an entertaining night in. We've put together a wide-ranging list of the best movies on Prime Video right now.
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 October 2024 to include Arrival.
‘Arrival’ (2016)
Rotten Tomatoes: 94% | IMDb: 7.9/10
Release Date November 10, 2016
Director Denis Villeneuve
Runtime 116 Minutes
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.
‘Monkey Man’ (2024)
Rotten Tomatoes: 89% | IMDb: 6.9/10
Release Date April 4, 2024
Runtime 113 minutes
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
‘The Breakfast Club’ (1985)
Rotten Tomatoes: 89% | IMDb: 7.8/10
Release Date February 15, 1985
Director John Hughes
Runtime 97 minutes
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
‘Theater Camp’ (2023)
Rotten Tomatoes: 87% | IMDb: 6.9/10
Theater Camp
Release Date July 14, 2023
Runtime 94 minutes
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
‘House of Spoils’ (2024)
Rotten Tomatoes: 80% | IMDb: 5.6/10
House of Spoils (2024)
Release Date September 21, 2024
Director Bridget Savage Cole , Danielle Krudy
Runtime 101 Minutes
From Night Swim to Speak No Evil, production company Blumhouse has had a strong 2024. Now, they have just one project left to arrive this year, with Bridget Savage Cole and Danielle Krudy’s House of Spoils debuting on Prime Video. The film follows Ariana DeBose’s chef, who opens her first-ever restaurant and is immediately greeted by the nightmares of the highest level of the culinary profession. Add this to the haunting by the spirit of the previous owner, and you have a recipe for hell’s kitchen. Spooky, tense, and full of frights, House of Spoils makes for the perfect Halloween treat on a dark and gloomy October night. - Jake Hodges
‘Challengers’ (2024)
Rotten Tomatoes: 88% | IMDb: 7.2/10
Release Date April 26, 2024
Cast Zendaya , Mike Faist , Josh O'Connor , Darnell Appling , Bryan Doo , Shane T Harris , Nada Despotovich , Joan Mcshane , Chris Fowler , Mary Joe Fernández , A.J. Lister , Connor Aulson , Doria Bramante , Christine Dye , James Sylva , Kenneth A. Osherow , Kevin Collins , Burgess Byrd , Jason Tong , Hudson Rivera , Noah Eisenberg , Emma Davis , Naheem Garcia , Alex Bancila , Jake Jensen , Konrad Ryba , Hailey Gates , Andrew Rogers , Beverly Kristenson Helton , Brad Gilbert , Sam Xu , Caleb Schneider
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
‘Planes, Trains and Automobiles’ (1987)
Rotten Tomatoes: 92% | IMDb: 7.6/10
Planes, Trains and Automobiles
Release Date November 26, 1987
Director John Hughes
Runtime
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
‘Election’ (1999)
Rotten Tomatoes: 92% | IMDb: 7.2/10
Release Date April 23, 1999
Director Alexander Payne
Runtime 103minutes
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
‘In the Heights’ (2021)
Rotten Tomatoes: 94% | IMDb: 7.3/10
In the Heights
Release Date June 10, 2021
Runtime 120
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
‘Drive-Away Dolls’ (2024)
Rotten Tomatoes: 63% | IMDb: 5.4/10
Release Date February 23, 2024
Director Ethan Coen
Runtime 84 minutes
Directed by Ethan Coen from a screenplay he co-wrote with Tricia Cooke, Drive-Away Dolls marks Coen’s first narrative film without his brother Joel Coen and his second solo directorial work. Set in 1999, Drive-Away Dolls follows the story of two best friends, Jamie and Marian, who embark on a spontaneous road trip from Philadelphia to Tallahassee, Florida, searching for a fresh start. But the trip and their plans quickly go awry when they find a group of clumsy criminals on their tail. Margaret Qualley and Geraldine Vishwanathan star as Jamie and Marian, leading an ensemble cast that includes Beanie Feldstein, Colman Domingo, Pedro Pascal, Bill Camp, Matt Damon, and C. J. Wilson in important supporting roles. Though the film received mixed reviews from critics, it has been praised for the performances and on-screen chemistry of Qualley and Vishwanathan. With hilarious situations, psychedelic sequences, and plenty of heart, Drive-Away Dolls is a fun, exciting road trip comedy full of crazy adventures and dark humor.
‘Lisa Frankenstein’ (2024)
Rotten Tomatoes: 52% | IMDb: 6.1/10
Release Date February 9, 2024
Director Zelda Williams
This spooky twist on the coming-of-age genre sees the titular Lisa (Kathryn Newton) start life at a new school following a tragic event. Struggling to fit in despite her sister’s best efforts, Lisa accidentally becomes the holder of a deadly secret: A corpse in the local cemetery has come to life. A wonderful mix of drama and comedy, Lisa Frankenstein is an endearing tale that warms hearts whilst also chilling bones. The plot itself has surprises galore, handing this tale of reviving the dead a refreshing, life-giving twist. Newton is superb among a memorable ensemble cast, with this a juicy addition to your Halloween watchlist. - Jake Hodges
‘Atomic Blonde’ (2017)
Rotten Tomatoes: 79% | IMDb: 6.7/10
Release Date July 26, 2017
Runtime 115 minutes
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
‘Polite Society’ (2023)
Rotten Tomatoes: 91% | IMDb: 6.6/10
Release Date April 28, 2023
Director Nida Manzoor
Cast Priya Kansara , Ritu Arya , Renu Brindle , Seraphina Beh
Runtime 104 minutes
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
‘The Magnificent Seven’ (2016)
Rotten Tomatoes: 64% | IMDb: 6.9/10
The Magnificent Seven
Release Date September 14, 2016
Runtime 132
Directed by Antoine Fuqua and written by Nic Pizzolatto and Richard Wenk, The Magnificent Seven is a 2016 Western action film inspired by the eponymous 1960 film, which was, in turn, a remake of Akira Kurosawa’s Seven Samurai (1954). Set in 1879, The Magnificent Seven follows Sam Chisolm, a famous U.S. Marshal warrant officer who sets his sights on a corrupt industrialist controlling the Old West town of Rose Creek, planning a deadly face-off alongside an eclectic group of gunslingers. Academy Award-winner Denzel Washington stars as Chisolm, leading an ensemble cast that includes Chris Pratt, Ethan Hawke, Vincent D'Onofrio, Lee Byung-hun, Manuel Garcia-Rulfo, Martin Sensmeier, and Peter Sarsgaard in major roles. The Magnificent Seven premiered at the 2016 Toronto International Film Festival and received mixed-to-positive reviews from critics, with praise for the film’s casting, action pieces, and background score by composer James Horner. The film went on to find moderate success at the box office as well. The highlight of the movie is Denzel Washington, whose characterization of Sam Chisolm has been favorably compared to the 1960 film’s Chris Adams and real-life African-American lawman Bass Reeves.
‘The Beekeeper’ (2024)
Rotten Tomatoes: 71% | IMDb: 6.4/10
Release Date January 12, 2024
Runtime 105 minutes
Directed by David Ayer, The Beekeeper stars action icon Jason Statham as the titular beekeeper, Adam Clay. However, these are not normal beekeepers and are, in fact, highly-trained agents in a classified program. With vengeance on his mind following a tragedy, Clay uses his unlikely set of skills to stop at nothing to hunt and kill those responsible. What you see is what you get with The Beekeeper, and it is all the better for it. The movie is an action fan's dream, a thrill ride with gutsy one-liners and explosive set pieces. Statham is as Statham-esque as he has ever been in a role designed meticulously for his best assets and is surrounded by an ensemble that equally understands the assignment. For a popcorn flick to throw on and simply enjoy, The Beekeeper is a perfect choice. - Jake Hodges
'I Am: Celine Dion' (2024)
Rotten Tomatoes: 100% | IMDb: 8.0/10
Release Date June 25, 2024
Director Irene Taylor
Runtime 102 Minutes
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.
'Oppenheimer' (2023)
Rotten Tomatoes: 93% | IMDb: 8.3/10
Release Date July 21, 2023
Runtime 180 minutes
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
'Pearl' (2022)
Rotten Tomatoes: 92% | IMDb: 7.0/10
Pearl
Director Ti West
Runtime 103 minutes
Co-written and directed by Ti West, this award-winning horror follows the titular Pearl (Mia Goth), a young woman for whom living on her parents’ farm and caring for her father is proving loveless. Living perpetually on the edge, Pearl decides to take the leap and pursue stardom, but what ungodly consequences might her leaving safety have? As A24 projects are famous for, nothing is simple in Pearl. From the soundtrack to the performances, each detail has been meticulously designed to feel off-kilter, with Goth perfectly encapsulating that erratic unease in her performance. A prequel to the 2022 slasher X, the two make for one killer of a double feature. - Jake Hodges
'Tangerine' (2015)
Rotten Tomatoes: 96% | IMDb: 7.1/10
Tangerine
Run Time 1 hr 28 min
Director Sean Baker
Release Date January 23, 2015
Actors Kitana Kiki Rodriguez, Mya Taylor, Karren Karagulian, Mickey O'Hagan, Alla Tumanian, James Ransone
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
'Fast X' (2023)
Rotten Tomatoes: 56% | IMDb: 5.8/10
Release Date May 19, 2023
Runtime 141 minutes
The remarkable 10th installment in one of the 21st century’s biggest franchises, Fast X follows the family-loving Dom Toretto (Vin Diesel), who will do anything to protect his family, going to eye-catching lengths to protect them, all whilst actually using the word “family” 56 times. Hitting every box on the checklist of Fast and Furious movies, Fast X is a wild ride from start to finish, punctuated by eye-popping action sequences and enough explosions to win a war. Featuring a who’s who of modern-day action heroes, from Jason Statham to Jason Momoa (as well as other people not called Jason), Fast X is the perfect popcorn action flick for anyone with even a slight taste for the franchise. - Jake Hodges
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