Netflix and Apple TV+ have been competing fiercely for the title of having the most acclaimed film selection, yet some of the finest films can actually be found on Amazon Prime Video. The platform was among the pioneers in acquiring festival favorites and other beloved films, which remain accessible within its library. So, if a few great films slipped past you the first time, it’s the ideal opportunity to catch up now.
Below are our selections for the 16 best movies available on Amazon Prime. Every film in our compilation can be enjoyed with your Prime subscription—no rental fees involved. After indulging in these films, don’t forget to explore our recommendations for the best series on Netflix and the finest movies on Disney+ if you’re seeking additional viewing options. We also have a guide to the top shows on Amazon if that’s what you fancy.
Challengers
In Challengers, directed by Luca Guadagnino (Call Me by Your Name), we explore the complex three-way dynamic between tennis stars Tashi (Zendaya), Patrick (Josh O’Connor), and Art (Mike Faist). The narrative unfolds in a non-linear fashion, oscillating between their disenchanted present and a more hopeful, vibrant past. This film is not just a sport movie filled with exhilarating visuals; the real tension lies in how early ambitions for Grand Slam triumph (and the tumult of youthful desires—typical of a Guadagnino project) propel the narrative. Tashi has had to withdraw from tennis due to a severe injury, her husband Art finds himself in a competitive deadlock, and Patrick scrapes by with low-stakes games—all three stuck in a stasis they can’t break away from.
My Old Ass
Aubrey Plaza continues her unstoppable ascent in this clever, contemporary take on the coming-of-age dramedy. Written and directed by The Fallout’s Megan Park, My Old Ass follows 18-year-old Elliott (Maisy Stella) as she marks her birthday on the brink of college life by sampling mushrooms with her friends. Through this psychedelic journey, she encounters … Elliott at 39 (Plaza). Once the trip ends, things get even more bizarre, as Elliott begins to receive texts from the future cautioning her about a boy named Chad. A blend of hope and melancholy, with strong performances from both iterations of Elliott, this film beautifully encapsulates the chaotic yet joyful prospects of youth alongside the lingering “what ifs?” that emerge with age—making it a joy for viewers of all ages.
Killer Heat
Private investigator Nick Bali (Joseph Gordon-Levitt, in full detective mode) is summoned to a Greek island by wealthy Penelope Vardakis (Shailene Woodley) to probe the suspicious death of her brother-in-law Leo (Richard Madden). The first red flag that suggests something is off? Her husband Elias is Leo’s identical twin (also played by Madden) and seems awfully uneasy about the whole “deceased sibling” situation. Adapted from Norwegian writer Jo Nesbø’s short story “The Jealousy Man,” Killer Heat strums typical modern noir chords—Bali bumps heads with the local police, digs up secrets that even his client didn’t want exposed, and ends up deeply entangled in the investigation. While this murder mystery may not break new ground, it’s a cozy outing for genre enthusiasts—lasting a breezy 90 minutes and filled with stunning location shots, it’s a perfect pick for the summer.
Brittany Runs a Marathon
When Brittany (Jillian Bell) is advised by her doctor to shed some pounds, she seizes the opportunity to take control of her life. It all begins with a pair of running shoes, as she dares herself to run one block, a challenge that quickly snowballs into a decision to attempt the New York City Marathon. First-time director Paul Downs Colaizzo’s story, drawn from the experiences of a friend, not only reveals the upsides of running but also the associated pain. The film emphasizes that despite hardships, one can always rise again.
American Fiction
Thelonious “Monk” Ellison (Jeffrey Wright) is a distinguished literature professor yet a struggling writer, as his works are continuously deemed “not Black enough.” After observing fellow author Sintara Golden (Issa Rae) revel in acclaim for her clichéd, pandering piece, Monk writes a satirical novel filled with every stereotype imaginable—but is aghast when it becomes a massive success. As the advance spirals into a multimillion dollar film deal, Monk finds himself spiraling as well, as everyone, including his family, seems enamored with his knowingly offensive creation. Based on Percival Everett’s novel Erasure, American Fiction is a darkly humorous commentary, presenting one of Wright’s best performances.
The Idea of You
The Idea of You encapsulates the charm of romantic comedies through its delightful absurdity—the implausible meet-cute, intense emotions, grand gestures of love, and the dizzying sensation of falling for someone. The film follows the romance between gallery owner Solène Marchand (Anne Hathaway) and the much younger pop sensation Hayes Campbell (Nicholas Galitzine). Potentially relegated to scandalous tabloid headlines—especially when the gossip columns catch wind of the “older woman” relationship—the film instead captures a sweet, globe-trotting love story where the magnetic chemistry between the leads draws viewers into their captivating romance. The tension transitions from “will they, won’t they?” to “should they, shouldn’t they?” reflecting a thoughtful awareness of their age difference, ultimately delivering an enjoyable experience for rom-com aficionados.
Road House
Director Doug Liman’s remake of the classic ’80s action film has not been without controversy, sparking debates over its alleged theatrical release and its application of CGI in scenes of visceral combat. However, if you step back from the real-life debates, you’ll find an entertaining distraction to pass a leisurely afternoon. This reboot relocates the narrative from Missouri to the Florida Keys and features Jake Gyllenhaal’s brooding Elwood Dalton—now a UFC fighter with a troubled history—seeking to wipe out local crime bosses one fistfight at a time. Though it’s far from highbrow, that may be exactly what you’re craving. Moreover, if you’re still skeptical, the original 1989 film is also available on Prime for a side-by-side comparison.
Bottoms
Every high school operates under its own social hierarchy, with PJ (Rachel Sennott) and Josie (Ayo Edebiri) firmly at the bottom. Labeled as the “ugly, untalented gays” even by their teachers, their one chance to score with the school’s most popular cheerleaders, Isabel (Havana Rose Liu) and Brittany (Kaia Gerber), hinges on establishing a girls-only fight club to train them against their cheating jock boyfriends. While this might initially seem like the premise of an exploitative ’70s film, Bottoms cleverly subverts expectations and proves to be far smarter and more innovative than one would think, offering a furious, comedic critique on high school life that stands out as uniquely necessary.
Saltburn
Oxford student Oliver Quick (Barry Keoghan) struggles to fit in at his esteemed university until he befriends the charismatic Felix Catton (Jacob Elordi). The attractive, wealthy scion of the gentry, Felix, welcomes awkward Oliver into his circle, ultimately extending an invitation to spend summer at his family estate, Saltburn. But as Oliver gets closer to the family, his fixation on Felix escalates into darker, more unsettling territory. Blending elements of black comedy with psychological thriller, writer-director Emerald Fennel (Promising Young Woman) employs a 4:3 aspect ratio for a more intimate and voyeuristic experience, heightening the film’s often uncomfortable moments. Saltburn generated significant discussion upon its release, frequently critiqued for its portrayal of class and social dynamics, yet it’s a film that demands and deserves attention.
The Burial
Courtroom dramas aren’t typically comedic, yet this narrative features funeral director Jeremiah O’Keefe (Tommy Lee Jones) teaming up with his flashy attorney Willie Gary (Jamie Foxx) to challenge a massive company within America’s death care industry, injecting a dark humor into grim circumstances. Based on actual events, director Maggie Betts’ (The Novitiate) sow their tale, which unveils stark inequities in funeral care and the way Black communities are consistently overcharged. Foxx and Jones shine, but it’s Jurnee Smollett as Mame Downes, an attorney competing against Gary, who threatens to upstage everyone, ultimately stealing the spotlight. Despite its focus on death, The Burial radiates warmth and life-affirmation.
A Million Miles Away
Following the journey of José Hernández, this biopic blends aspiration and inspiration as it narrates the story of someone who transformed from a migrant farm worker to become the first Mexican-American astronaut. Michael Peña is compelling as Hernández, illustrating a man singularly focused on reaching the stars, regardless of the cost, while Rosa Salazar impresses as his wife Adela, outstandingly retaining her identity while setting aside her own ambitions for José to pursue his dreams. Under less skilled direction, the story could veer into cliché; however, Alejandra Márquez Abella captures the exquisite moments of earthly life just as effectively as the vast possibilities of space, rendering it a unique and delightful film.
Red, White, and Royal Blue
This film may claim its status as a “best” by a rather niche standard—namely, “delightfully cheesy entertainment.” Based on Casey McQuinston’s popular novel, it chronicles the relationship between First Son Alex Claremont-Diaz (Taylor Zakhar Perez) and Prince Henry (Nicholas Galitzine), the backup heir to the British throne, as they transition from rivalry to begrudging respect, and eventually, a groundbreaking romance. Packed with ludicrous escapades—like a wedding cake crash and a tabloidesque hotel rendezvous—along with political drama surrounding Alex’s mother, President Ellen Claremont (Uma Thurman, delivering an eccentric Texan accent), this film remains irresistibly charming and upbeat. Red, White, and Royal Blue is the cinematic equivalent of pizza—perhaps not nourishing, yet undeniably delicious.
Shin Masked Rider
For those weary of conventional Hollywood superhero narratives, this reboot of one of Japan’s most cherished heroes is worthy of your attention. Directed by Hideaki Anno (Evangelion, Shin Godzilla, Shin Ultraman—“shin” translates to “new” or “true” in Japanese), this reinvention of the 1971 TV series Kamen Rider follows motorcyclist Takeshi Hongo (Sosuke Ikematsu), who is kidnapped by a terrorist organization known as S.H.O.C.K.E.R. and forcibly transformed into a powerful cyborg. Hongo escapes before becoming a full-fledged agent, opting instead to combat the very organization that created him. Unlike its predecessor, Anno’s interpretation delves into the horror of the concept, challenging characters and viewers alike to retain their inherent humanity amidst dehumanizing circumstances. Though it presents more violence than one might anticipate while vividly portraying the consequences of superhumans battling ordinary civilians, it is balanced and not excessive. Those familiar with the original will appreciate Shin Masked Rider even more, but it offers an exciting twist for anyone craving a fresh take on superhero tales.
Air
Today, Michael Jordan is a sports deity, and Nike’s Air Jordan sneakers are considered the ultimate court footwear—but this stature was not in place back in 1984. At that time, Jordan was a rookie and Nike was on the verge of dissolving its basketball shoe division. Enter Sonny Vaccaro (Matt Damon), a Nike talent scout who’s recognized a burgeoning star in North Carolina sufficient enough to salvage the company—he just needs to persuade others to bet their future on Jordan. We already know how this story unfolds, making Air more than just an extended advertisement for shoes. With a stellar ensemble cast featuring Damon, Jason Bateman, Chris Tucker, and a standout Viola Davis giving a captivating, albeit brief, performance as matriarch Deloris Jordan, the film focuses more on the dynamic people involved rather than boardroom maneuvers. In an era dominated by franchises and predictable blockbusters, Air offers a unique character-driven narrative that is a refreshing rarity.
Borat Subsequent Moviefilm
Sacha Baron Cohen’s “Kazakh” correspondent returns to America, fourteen years post his previous cinematic expedition. This time, he brings along his (Bulgarian-speaking) teenage daughter, intending to “gift” her to prominent American leaders—initially targeting Mike Pence, and later, Rudy Giuliani. In a quintessential Borat manner, the mockumentary showcases the outrageous duo traversing Trump’s America, capturing spontaneous interactions with a spectrum of individuals, from QAnon supporters to ardent Republicans to naive debutantes, and even confronting Giuliani himself. The onset of the coronavirus pandemic, which unfolded during filming, becomes part of the comedic script. As expected, Baron Cohen continues to deliver his signature shock humor while wielding an unyielding critique against bigotry. In comparison to its 2006 forerunner, many pranks seem aimed more at coaxing nervous laughs rather than revealing America’s dark underbelly—but it remains a noteworthy and amusing watch.
Shotgun Wedding
This playful take on the classic rom-com formula celebrates clichés—a destination wedding in a tropical paradise, heightened by discord among feuding families—before erupting into an action-packed escapade when pirates hijack the wedding party. If we’re honest, some scenes come off as overly dramatic and self-aware, but leads Jennifer Lopez and Josh Duhamel obviously revel in their roles as bride and groom Darcy and Tom as their special day spirals into a chaotic, often hilariously bloody struggle for survival, making it simple to enjoy the adventure. With a solid supporting ensemble featuring the always entertaining Jennifer Coolidge as the groom’s mother, who steals scenes with her wonderfully erratic presence, this is one wedding you definitely want to RSVP to.
Nanny
Aisha (Anna Diop) is a Senegalese woman employed as a nanny for a wealthy couple in New York City, all while striving to gather enough funds to bring her son and cousin to the States. Nevertheless, her fate lies in the hands of her employers, who frequently neglect to compensate her fairly while expecting her to raise their daughter, Rose. As the strain of this power imbalance mounts, Aisha begins to experience nightmarish visions of drowning, amplified by her anxieties about abandoning her own child. The directorial debut of Nikyatu Jusu, Nanny juxtaposes the haunting realities of modern immigrant life with deeper, darker themes while eschewing the usual tropes of hope and opportunity for a poignant critique of lost culture and community. Adopting a slow-burn, psychological horror approach, the film boasts a stellar performance from Diop, supported by beautifully lingering cinematography.
Coming 2 America
Leveraging nostalgia can be a delicate strategy for reviving long-dormant franchises, yet Eddie Murphy’s return as Prince—now King—Akeem of Zamunda, more than thirty years after 1988’s Coming to America, demonstrates how to execute it adeptly. Drawn back to the U.S. to seek out a son he never knew existed, Akeem—alongside the audience—reconnects with recognizable faces from the original film, before director Craig Brewer (Hustle and Flow) flips the dynamic, subjecting American characters to a journey to Zamunda. With a sharper, more globally informed script than its predecessor, Coming 2 America defies expectations, delivering a sequel that successfully honors the original’s legacy.
Thirteen Lives
In his latest depiction of real-life events, director Ron Howard assembles a stellar cast—including Viggo Mortensen, Colin Farrell, and Joel Edgerton—to recreate the astonishing 2018 Tham Luang cave rescue, where a Thai junior soccer team and their coach were trapped within a flooded cave system. As an international endeavor unfolds to rescue the kids, the obstacles of traversing miles of submerged caverns become increasingly perilous, with Howard brilliantly framing every nail-biting moment of this undertaking. Thirteen Lives emerges as a gripping film, showcasing impressively choreographed underwater scenes, standing as a tribute to one of the most challenging rescues ever executed.
One Night in Miami …
Based on the eponymous play, One Night in Miami brings together four cultural, musical, and athletic icons—Malcolm X, Jim Brown, Sam Cooke, and Muhammad Ali—during a crucial moment in the Civil Rights Movement. Following Ali’s (then known as Cassius Clay) heavyweight win over Sonny Liston in 1964, the four figures gather in a motel room to deliberate on their influence in the movement and society as a whole, fully aware of the historical burden looming over them. The film’s tight confines echo its theatrical origins. However, Regina King’s directorial debut effectively captures the formidable personalities of its ensemble. Kingsley Ben-Adir shines as Malcolm X, with Aldis Hodge, Leslie Odom Jr., and Eli Goree as Brown, Cooke, and Ali, respectively, all delivering magnetic performances.
The Report
Produced by Amazon, The Report offers a riveting look into the US Senate’s inquiry regarding the CIA’s “enhanced interrogation” protocols—examining the genesis of the program, who was aware of it, and how the CIA manipulated facts to endorse its effectiveness. Adam Driver stars as Daniel Jones, the principal investigator who pursued an increasingly isolating quest for the truth, consistently battling political opposition and CIA obstruction. Driver shines, as he generally does these days, and the film’s impressive 82 percent approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes is a testament to its quality.
Sound of Metal
Ruben, a punk-rock drummer and recovering addict, faces a terrifying hearing loss that jeopardizes his entire way of life. Confronted with the harrowing choice of either forsaking his hearing or his profession, Ruben spirals until his girlfriend Lou enrolls him into a rehabilitation program for deaf individuals, forcing him to confront not just his future but also his own behavior. Riz Ahmed delivers an outstanding performance as the distressed Ruben, while Olivia Cooke’s portrayal of Lou, grappling with her own struggles such as self-harm, is utterly captivating. In line with its themes, Sound of Metal employs an exquisitely nuanced sound design to represent both sound and silence, showcasing one of the finest dramas in recent memory.
