best biography movies on prime

50 Best Streaming Services With Free Trials
15 Cheapest Live TV Streaming Services for Cord-cutting
50 Best Streaming TV Services in 2023
30 Best Cable Alternatives on Roku for Cord-Cutting
30 Best Streaming Platforms For Under $10
35 Best Live TV Services on Amazon Fire TV for Cord-Cutting
50 Best Streaming Bundles in 2024
100 Must-watch movies
Best Movies on Netflix
Best Shows on Netflix
Best Miniseries on Netflix
Best Foreign-Language on Netflix
Best Movies on Tubi
Best on Kanopy
Best on Starz
CNN in 2023
Hallmark Channel
Investigation Discovery
BBC America
Fox Sports (FS1)
Hallmark Drama
Food Network
Nickelodeon
Hallmark Movies & Mysteries
Fox Business Network
History Channel
Animal Planet
Disney Channel
Disney Junior
Discovery Channel
Paramount Network
ABC News Live
National Geographic
Cartoon Network
NFL Network
MTV in 2024
Comedy Central
Travel Channel

30 Best True-story-based Movies On Amazon Prime

They say art imitates life, especially in the case of movies that are based on a true story. Whether you’re interested in historical events or iconic biopics, here are the best true story-based movies and shows to stream now.

11 Best Services to Watch ESPN live Without Cable
8 Best Services to Watch CNN Without Cable in 2023
13 Best Services to Watch Hallmark Channel Without Cable
10 Best Services to Watch Bravo Without Cable

1. The Intouchables , 2012

Genre : Comedy, Drama

Actor : Absa Diatou Toure, Alba Gaïa Kraghede Bellugi, Alba Gaïa Bellugi, Anne Le Ny, Antoine Laurent, Audrey Fleurot, Benjamin Baroche, Camila Samara, Caroline Bourg, Christian Ameri, Clotilde Mollet, Cyril Mendy, Dominique Daguier, Dorothée Brière, Elliot Latil, Émilie Caen, François Bureloup, François Caron, François Cluzet, Grégoire Oestermann, Hedi Bouchenafa, Ian Fenelon, Jean-François Cayrey, Jérôme Pauwels, Joséphine de Meaux, Joséphine de Meaux, Marie-Laure Descoureaux, Michel Winogradoff, Nicky Marbot, Omar Sy, Philippe Pozzo di Borgo, Pierre-Laurent Barneron, Renaud Barse, Salimata Kamate, Sylvain Lazard, Thomas Solivérès, Yun-Ping He

Director : Eric Toledano, Olivier Nakache

10 Best Live TV Services That Offer Free Trial
6 Best Services to Get an ESPN Free Trial

2. Love & Mercy , 2015

If you're a fan of the Beach Boys' legacy, or you want to find out more about Wilson, the person, this movie will give you what you need. It has been widely praised as being true to the facts – even by Bryan Wilson himself. But thanks, in part, to the incredible writing by Oscar-nominated Oren Moverman and the work of director Bill Pohlad, this is much more than a fact-based fictionalization of a famous musician's biography. It is a singularly convincing account of the artistic process and the effects of mental illness.

Love and Mercy tells the tale of two Bryan Wilsons: the first of a young and slightly square-looking musical pioneer in the 1960s, when Wilson was working on Pet Sounds, the Beach Boys' most ambitious and ground-breaking album. Paul Dano's performance here is nothing short of perfect. And, second, the tale of the tormented, middle-aged Bryan Wilson, played by John Cusack, during a time when he was under treatment for his deteriorating mental health in the late 1980s. The juxtaposition of these two very different people and the brilliant performances of Cusack and Dano will completely absorb you and change the way you look at things. A unique and beautiful film!

Genre : Drama, History, Music

Actor : Bill Camp, Brett Davern, Brian Wilson, Carolyn Stotesbery, Dee Wallace, Diana Maria Riva, Dylan Kenin, Elizabeth Banks, Erica Jenkins, Erik Eidem, Erin Darke, Fred Cross, Gary Griffin, Graham Rogers, Haylee Roderick, Jake Abel, Jeff Galfer, Jeff Meacham, Joanna Going, John Cusack, Johnny Sneed, Kenny Wormald, Max Schneider, Misha Hamilton, Nick Gehlfuss, Paul Dano, Paul Giamatti, Ragon Miller, Tyson Ritter, Wayne Bastrup

Director : Bill Pohlad

Rating : PG-13

3. The Imposter , 2012

Genre : Crime, Documentary, Mystery

Actor : Adam O'Brian, Adam O' Brian, Adam O'Brian, Alan Teichman, Anna Ruben, Carey Gibson, Cathy Dresbach, Charlie Parker, Frederic Bourdin, Ivan Villanueva, Ken Appledorn, María Jesús Hoyos, Mary Twala, Nicholas Barclay

Director : Bart Layton

2 Best Services to Get a Big Ten Network (BTN) Free Trial
45 Best Streaming Free Trials on Roku

4. 24 Hour Party People , 2002

Here’s a biopic that focuses on capturing the feel of the era it depicts, rather than all the facts — and is all the better for it. 24 Hour Party People takes the same punk approach to storytelling as its subjects did to music, playfully throwing off the dull constraints that often make based-on-a-true-story movies feel like uninspired celluloid translations of a Wikipedia page.

In the film’s opening scene, Steve Coogan’s Tony Wilson breaks the fourth wall to address us directly and semi-spoil the movie’s ending. But it doesn’t matter, because the ride is so fun: we’re taken on an immersive trip through the heyday of the Manchester music scene: the births of Joy Division, New Order, the Happy Mondays, and Wilson’s Factory Records label and legendary Hacienda nightclub, an incubator for acid house and rave culture. The era’s hedonism is brought to life by the movie’s frenetic editing, documentary-style cinematography, and strobe-heavy visuals. For all its onscreen anarchy, though, the movie remarkably never feels loose or self-indulgent. Its irreverence is grounded by the ironic filter of the meta filmmaking, which frequently breaks the fourth wall to draw attention to its own conceits. A refreshing rejection of biopic tropes, but also a thrilling transportation into and evocation of the Madchester era.

Genre : Comedy, Drama, Music

Actor : Andy Serkis, Chris Coghill, Christopher Eccleston, Daniel Lestuzzi, Danny Cunningham, Darren Tighe, Dave Gorman, Elizabeth Kelly, Enzo Cilenti, Fiona Allen, Helen Schlesinger, John Simm, John Thomson, Kate Magowan, Keith Allen, Kenny Baker, Kieran O'Brien, Lennie James, Margi Clarke, Mark E. Smith, Martin Hancock, Naomi Radcliffe, Neil Bell, Paddy Considine, Paul Popplewell, Peter Gunn, Peter Kay, Ralf Little, Raymond Waring, Rob Brydon, Ron Cook, Rowetta, Sean Cernow, Sean Harris, Shirley Henderson, Simon Pegg, Smug Roberts, Steve Coogan, Toby Salaman, Tony Wilson

Director : Michael Winterbottom

13 Best Services to Watch History Channel Without Cable
7 Best Services to Watch FOX Without Cable

5. One Night in Miami... , 2020

This stagelike historical drama is about a meeting between Malcolm X, Jim Brown, Sam Cooke, and Muhammad Ali, the night Ali became world champion and announced he became Muslim.

And here is the thing: Malcolm X and Muhammed Ali have been portrayed many times in film, but never with this much nuance. Their relationship with each other is often frictional and their relationship to their faith is recognizable: they're not always sure about it, and they take breaks.

Ali smuggles alcohol without Malcolm knowing, Malcolm is accused of being obsessed with celebrity (and later of colorism), Jim Brown is insecure about being an actor, and Sam Cooke wishes he wrote a Bob Dylan song.

Genre : Drama

Actor : Aaron D. Alexander, Alan Wells, Aldis Hodge, Ashley LeConte Campbell, Beau Bridges, Chris Game, Christian Magby, Christopher Gorham, Dave Pileggi, Derek Roberts, Dustin Lewis, Eli Goree, Emily Bridges, Hunter Burke, Jason Ament, Jeremy Anderson, Jeremy Pope, Joaquina Kalukango, John Curran, Kevin Reid, Kingsley Ben-Adir, Lance Reddick, Lawrence Gilliard Jr., Leslie Odom Jr., Mark Allan Stewart, Matt Fowler, Michael Imperioli, Nathan Siebring, Nicolette Robinson, Nola Epps, Pierce Lackey, Randall Newsome, Robert Stevens Wayne

Director : Regina King

8 Best Services to Get a Hallmark Channel Free Trial
3 Best Services to Get a TNT Free Trial

6. Honey Boy , 2019

There is so much power to this story based actor Shia Laboeuf’s life. As a kid, he lived with his father on the road during the filming of Even Stevens and other star-making roles. His dad was a war veteran who goes to bikers’ AA meetings and who had a brief acting career himself. He was full of anger that made Laboeuf later suffer from PTSD, but which he was able to perceive in a fascinating way.

Putting Laboeuf’s fame aside, this is an incredible movie on emotionally abusive parent-child relationships. It’s a universal story. With Shia Laboeuf as his father and Lucas Hedges as current-day Laboeuf.

Actor : Al Burke, Ben Maccabee, Byron Bowers, Clifton Collins Jr., Craig Stark, Dorian Brown Pham, Eli Santana, FKA Twigs, Giovanni Lopes, Graham Clarke, Greta Jung, Kara C. Roberts, Kingston Vernes, Laura San Giacomo, Leana Chavez, Lucas Hedges, Ludwig Manukian, Maika Monroe, Martin Starr, Natasha Lyonne, Noah Jupe, Paulina Lule, Sandra Rosko, Shia LaBeouf

Director : Alma Har'el, Alma Har'el

11 Best Services to Watch Lifetime Without Cable
10 Best Services to Watch ESPN2 Without Cable

7. Women Talking , 2022

Not much happens in Women Talking, but what it lacks in action it more than makes up for in message. As the wronged women of an insular Christian colony decide whether they should leave or stay in their community, valuable points on each side are raised and debated fiercely. Are the men at fault or is there a bigger problem at hand? Is it sacrilegious to refuse forgiveness? Will leaving really solve anything?

The women of this ultraconservative and anti-modern community may not know how to read or write, but years of toiling away on land, family, and faith have made them wise beyond their years, which makes their discussion all the more captivating and powerful. Relevant themes, coupled with director Sarah Polley’s poetic shots and the cast’s all-around stellar performances, make Women Talking a uniquely compelling and timeless watch.

Genre : Crime, Drama

Actor : August Winter, Ben Whishaw, Caroline Gillis, Claire Foy, Eli Ham, Emily Mitchell, Frances McDormand, Jessie Buckley, Judith Ivey, Kate Hallett, Kira Guloien, Liv McNeil, Lochlan Ray Miller, Marcus Craig, Michelle McLeod, Nathaniel McParland, Rooney Mara, Shannon Widdis, Shayla Brown, Sheila McCarthy, Vivien Endicott Douglas, Will Bowes

Director : Sarah Polley

3 Best Services to Get a ESPNU Free Trial
5 Best Services With an NFL Network Free Trial

8. I'm Not There , 2007

I’m Not There is an unusual biopic in that it never refers to its subject, Bob Dylan, by name. Instead, Todd Haynes’ portrait of the singer mimics his constant reinvention by casting six separate actors to play as many reincarnations of the same soul. It’s an ingenious spin on a usually stale genre, one that liberates the film from the humdrum restrictions of a literal retelling of Dylan's life.

If there’s anyone who warrants such an inventive approach to biography, it’s Dylan, whose public and private personas are so numerous that it’s only by angling six different mirrors at him that Haynes can hope to catch some of his essence. Impressionistic editing toggles freely between these vignettes, each visually distinct: from the 11-year-old Woody Guthrie-obsessive (Marcus Carl Franklin) and the black-and-white Super 16mm-shot poet (Ben Whishaw) to the aging cowboy outlaw (Richard Gere), all by way of Christian Bale, Heath Ledger, and Cate Blanchett’s incarnations. To be sure, this is a somewhat challenging film, reflecting, in places, the enigmatic surrealism of Dylan’s lyrics and his refusal to be pinned down to one thing. But, as Blanchett’s embodiment says, “Mystery is a traditional fact,” and that’s no more true than of Dylan, making Haynes’ film a fascinatingly fitting spiritual biopic.

Genre : Drama, Music

Actor : Al Vandecruys, Alison Folland, Andrew Shaver, Andrew Simms, Angela Galuppo, Arthur Holden, Ben Whishaw, Benz Antoine, Bill Croft, Bob Dylan, Brett Watson, Bruce Greenwood, Cate Blanchett, Catherine Colvey, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Christian Bale, Clarice Byrne, Craig Thomas, Daniel Richard Giverin, Danny Blanco Hall, David Cross, David Gow, Dennis St John, Dominic James, Don Francks, Emmanuel Schwartz, Eric Newsome, Eugene Brotto, Fanny La Croix, Garth Gilker, Gordon Masten, Graham Cuthbertson, Greg Kramer, Heath Ledger, Hélèna Laliberté, Holly Uloth, Ivan Freud, Jane Gilchrist, Jane Wheeler, Jason Cavalier, Jean-Loup Yale, Jennifer Rae Westley, Jesse Todd, Jessica Kardos, Jim James, Jodie Resther, Joe Cobden, Joey Burns, John Koensgen, Julianne Moore, Kathleen Fee, Kathryn Kostlivy, Kim Gordon, Kim Roberts, Kris Kristofferson, Kristen Hager, Kyle Gatehouse, Kyle Switzer, Larry Day, Leif Anderson, Leigh Ann Taylor, Lina Roessler, Lisa Bronwyn Moore, Lorne Brass, Maggie Castle, Marcus Carl Franklin, Marie-Julie Rivest, Mark Camacho, Matt Holland, Matthew Boylan, Matthew Harbour, Max Walker, Melantha Blackthorne, Michelle Williams, Mike Caruso, Nathalie Girard, Noel Burton, Patrick Costello, Paul Cagelet, Paul Johnston, Paul Spence, Pauline Little, Peter Friedman, Phyllis Gooden, Pier Paquette, Pierre Leblanc, Pierre-Alexandre Fortin, Richard Gere, Richard Jutras, Richard Robitaille, Richie Havens, Rob Burns, Roc LaFortune, Sharlene Royer, Shaun Balbar, Shawn Baichoo, Steve Godin, Susan Glover, Terry Haig, Thiéry Dubé, Tim Post, Trevor Hayes, Tyrone Benskin, Vito DeFilippo, Wyatt Bowen, Yolonda Ross

Director : Todd Haynes

9 Best Services to Watch Fox Sports (FS1) Without Cable
8 Best Services to Watch TNT Without Cable

9. The Big Sick , 2017

A revelation of a movie, both in filmmaking and commercial success. While little-known abroad, it has made more than $42 million in US Box Office revenue out of a tiny $5 million budget. Kumail Nanjiani, stand-up comedian and star of the show Silicon Valley, tells his own story of romance with his now-wife Emily V. Gordon (who co-wrote the movie). Because it is based on a true story, and because it is the product of the love of both its writers and stars, this movie is incredibly heartfelt. It is also timely, addressing heavy themes such as identity, immigration, and family relationships. Not to mention it is absolutely hilarious. And it's produced by Judd Apatow. Trust me and go watch it.

Genre : Comedy, Drama, Romance

Actor : Adeel Akhtar, Aidy Bryant, Alison Cimmet, Andrew Pang, Anupam Kher, Bo Burnham, Celeste Arias, Charles Gould, David Alan Grier, Ed Herbstman, Holly Chou, Holly Hunte, Holly Hunter, Isabel Shill, Jack Corrigan, Jack O'Connell, Jeff Blumenkrantz, Jeremy Shamos, Keilly McQuail, Kerry Flanagan, Kuhoo Verma, Kumail Nanjiani, Kurt Braunohler, Lauren Patten, Lawrence Ballard, Linda Emond, Marilyn Torres, Matthew Cardarople, Mitra Jouhari, Myra Lucretia Taylor, Myra Turley, Rahul Bedi, Ray Romano, Rebecca Naomi Jones, Shana Solomon, Shenaz Treasury, Shunori Ramanathan, Sophia Muller, Spencer House, Susham Bedi, Vella Lovell, William Stephenson, Zach Cherry, Zenobia Shroff, Zoe Kazan

Director : Michael Showalter

5 Best Services to Get a ESPN2 Free Trial
4 Best Services to Get a Lifetime Free Trial

10. Beautiful Boy , 2018

Actor : Amy Aquino, Amy Forsyth, Amy Ryan, Anastasia Leddick, Andre Royo, Brandon James Cienfuegos, Carlton Wilborn, Cheska Corona, Christian Convery, David Mendenhall, Edward Fletcher, Jack Dylan Grazer, Julian Works, Justin Townes Earle, Kaitlyn Dever, Kue Lawrence, LisaGay Hamilton, Mandeiya Flory, Marypat Farrell, Maura Tierne, Maura Tierney, Minerva García, Nikki Snipper, Oakley Bull, Ricky Low, Seann Gallagher, Stefanie Scott, Steve Carell, TimothÃ©e Chalamet, Timothée Chalamet, Timothy Hutton, Tom Beyer, Zachary Rifkin

Director : Felix Van Groeningen

9 Best Services to Watch CNBC Without Cable
13 Best Services to Watch TLC Without Cable

11. The Resurrection of Jake The Snake , 2015

Genre : Documentary

Actor : Adam Copeland, Aurelian Smith Jr., Chris Jericho, Cody Hall, Dustin Runnels, Gene Okerlund, Jim Duggan, Jim Ross, Page Falkinburg Jr., Scott Hall, Steve Austin, Ted DiBiase Sr.

Director : Steve Yu

5 Best Services to Get a CNN Free Trial
6 Best Services to Get a Bravo Free Trial

12. The Man Who Sold His Skin , 2021

Tunisian director Kaouther Ben Hania’s new movie is about an arrogant European artist who tattoos a Syrian man's back, essentially turning the man's body into artwork.

The man, as a commodity, is able to travel the world freely to be in art galleries, something as a simple human with a Syrian passport he couldn’t do. Seems unlikely? It’s based on a true story.

But Ben Hania is not really interested in the political statement aspect of this unlikely stunt. Instead, she looks at what this would do to a human-being, to the man's self-esteem, his relationships, and the turns his life takes. It's a fascinating movie.

Actor : Adrienne Mei Irving, Anissa Daoud, Christian Vadim, Darina Al Joundi, Fayçal Hassaĭri, Husam Chadat, Ichraq Matar, Ingo Brosch, Jacques Germain, Jan Dahdouh, Koen De Bouw, Marc de Panda, Monica Bellucci, Nadim Cheikhrouha, Najoua Zouhair, Patrick Albenque, Rupert Wynne-James, Yahya Mahayni

Director : Kaouther Ben Hania

7 Best Services to Watch ABC Without Cable
10 Best Services to Watch MSNBC Without Cable

13. Selma , 2014

The award-winning third feature by director Ava DuVernay, Selma, was released around the 50th anniversary of the historically significant marches (Selma to Montgomery) that aided the civil rights movement's efforts to assure African-American citizens can exercise their constitutional right to vote, harassment-free. The film has been celebrated not only as an artwork, but also as a historiographically accurate one. While it features the role Martin Luther King Jr. played in the marches, it does not reduce the activists' effort and struggle to make it come to fruition. With her uncompromising directorial approach, DuVernay crafts a thrilling period film that has all the markers of a well-done genre feature, but uses its mechanisms to tell an emotionally potent story about both the peaceful marches and the nation-wide outcry resulting from the violence they were met with.

Genre : Drama, History

Actor : Alessandro Nivola, Andre Holland, Carmen Ejogo, Charity Jordan, Charles Black, Colman Domingo, Common, Corey Reynolds, Cuba Gooding Jr., David Dwyer, David Oyelowo, Dylan Baker, E. Roger Mitchell, Giovanni Ribisi, Greg Maness, Harry Belafonte, Haviland Stillwell, Henry G. Sanders, Jeremy Strong, Jim France, Jody Thompson, John Lavelle, Kent Faulcon, Lakeith Stanfield, Ledisi, Lorraine Toussaint, Martin Luther King Jr., Martin Sheen, Michael Papajohn, Montrel Miller, Niecy Nash, Niecy Nash-Betts, Nigel Thatch, Omar J. Dorsey, Oprah Winfrey, Ruben Santiago-Hudson, Sammy Davis Jr., Stan Houston, Stephan James, Stephen Root, Tara Ochs, Tessa Thompson, Tim Roth, Tom Wilkinson, Tony Bennett, Trai Byers, Wendell Pierce

Director : Ava DuVernay

6 Best Services to Get a FOX Free Trial
5 Best Services to Get a Disney Channel Free Trial

14. American Animals , 2018

This crazy heist movie is told in a very original way. Because it's based on a true story, the movie (with actors and a story) is sometimes interrupted by the people it's about. The opening scene even reads: "this movie is not based on a true story, it is a true story". Two friends decide to rob their local library from rare books worth millions. They're driven by money but also by wanting something different than their monotonous everyday lives in Kentucky. The need for a change is a big theme in this movie, but the story and the way it's told never cease to be breathtakingly thrilling. American Animals stars amazing actors like Barry Keoghan (Dunkirk), Evan Peters (Kick-Ass), and many more; but perhaps equally as notable is the director: Bart Layton, who is fresh from his amazing 2012 sleeper-hit The Imposter.

Genre : Crime, Documentary, Drama, Mystery

Actor : Al Mitchell, Ann Dowd, Barry Keoghan, Ben McIntire, Blake Jenner, Bobby Akers, Debby Handolescu, Dorothy Reynolds, Drew Starkey, Elijah Everett, Eric Borsuk, Evan Peters, Fedor Steer, Gary Basaraba, Gretchen Koerner, Jack Landry, Jane McNeill, Jared Abrahamson, Jason Caceres, JD Demers, Josh Jordan, Josh Royston, Karen Wheeling Reynolds, Kelly Borgnis, Kevin L. Johnson, Lara Grice, Lauran Foster, Marlo Scheitler, Pamela Bell Mitchell, Pamela Mitchell, Spencer Reinhard, Steven 'Trainset' Curtis, Udo Kier, Warren Lipka, Wayne Duvall, Whitney Goin, William Cowboy Reed

13 Best Services to Watch HGTV Without Cable
13 Best Services to Watch Food Network Without Cable

15. Man on Wire , 2008

Man on Wire is a true technical masterpiece. You can almost feel the director telling the cameraman what angle to choose, or thinking about the questions that will generate the most resounding answers. However, this does not diminish the story this documentary tells one bit. It’s one that is glorious, riveting, and fun. It’s one where you feel like an insider to a world lived on and below wires, with high-stake risks. Hopefully the edge of your seat is comfortable, because this is where the movie will keep you till the very end.

Actor : Annie Allix, David Forman, Jean François Heckel, Jean-Louis Blondeau, Jim Moore, Mark Lewis, Philippe Petit

Director : James Marsh

3 Best Services to Get a TBS Free Trial
8 Best Services to Get a Hallmark Movies & Mysteries Free Trial

Great Movies Based on True Events
Historically Accurate Movies That Didn't Have T...
Maybe It's Not All True
Same Story from Different Angles
Movies Based on Real Murders
The Best Biopics About Real People
True Movies That Took Liberties
Movies Based on Real Politics
Movies You Didn't Know Were Based On Real People
Dark Details That Movies Left Out From The True...
Movies Based On True Stories That Were Eventual...
Movies Based On True Stories That Led To Legal ...
Crime Movies with Scarier Truths
Two Movies, Same True Story
Movies About Real Serial Killers
Interesting Details Fans Noticed In Movies That...
X-Files Eps Based in Reality
When Horror Films Exaggerated
Horror Films: What Really Happened
Movies Inspired by Grisly Scenes
12 Well-Known Movie Characters You Didn’t Reali...
The Most Controversial Teen Movies Based On Rea...

The 140+ Best Biography Movies

Biographical films explore the fascinating lives of historical figures and cultural icons. The best biography movies offer viewers a detailed look into the lives of these people, skillfully recreating stories that have shaped history and left a lasting impact on the world. With unforgettable narratives to explore, you will find these films showcase exceptional storytelling, nuanced performances, and unparalleled cinematic vision.

The best biography movies offer not just boring history, but gripping, groundbreaking, and original narratives. For instance, films like Catch Me If You Can follow the high-stakes exploits of a charming con artist, bringing together thrilling action with intriguing character development. Schindler's List, on the other hand, tackles the harrowing subject of the Holocaust, masterfully capturing the heroic efforts of one man to save lives during a dark time in history. Then there's A Beautiful Mind, which delves into the complex life of renowned mathematician John Nash, showcasing the challenges and triumphs associated with his brilliance. These films are but a few examples of the best biographical movies that excellently capture the essence of their subjects and the genre.

The lasting impact of these movies demonstrates how well they resonate with audiences, transcending time and cultural boundaries. Biographical movies not only accurately depict the lives of their subjects, but they also elevate the art of storytelling by blending truth with cinematic drama. Through these exceptional films, viewers gain fresh perspectives on the world, history, and the individuals who have shaped it, marking these biographical movies as the very best in their field.

Catch Me If You Can

Schindler's List

A Beautiful Mind

Raging Bull

The Social Network

Log in or sign up for Rotten Tomatoes

Trouble logging in?

By continuing, you agree to the Privacy Policy and the Terms and Policies , and to receive email from the Fandango Media Brands .

By creating an account, you agree to the Privacy Policy and the Terms and Policies , and to receive email from Rotten Tomatoes and to receive email from the Fandango Media Brands .

By creating an account, you agree to the Privacy Policy and the Terms and Policies , and to receive email from Rotten Tomatoes.

Email not verified

Let's keep in touch.

Sign up for the Rotten Tomatoes newsletter to get weekly updates on:

Upcoming Movies and TV shows
Rotten Tomatoes Podcast
Media News + More

By clicking "Sign Me Up," you are agreeing to receive occasional emails and communications from Fandango Media (Fandango, Vudu, and Rotten Tomatoes) and consenting to Fandango's Privacy Policy and Terms and Policies . Please allow 10 business days for your account to reflect your preferences.

OK, got it!

About Rotten Tomatoes®
Login/signup

Movies in theaters

Opening This Week
Top Box Office
Coming Soon to Theaters
Certified Fresh Movies

Movies at Home

Fandango at Home
Prime Video
Most Popular Streaming Movies
What to Watch New

Certified fresh picks

85% Speak No Evil Link to Speak No Evil
77% Beetlejuice Beetlejuice Link to Beetlejuice Beetlejuice
95% Rebel Ridge Link to Rebel Ridge

New TV Tonight

-- Emmys: Season 76
-- American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez: Season 1
-- Agatha All Along: Season 1
93% The Penguin: Season 1
-- Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story: Season 2
-- Twilight of the Gods: Season 1
-- Tulsa King: Season 2
-- High Potential: Season 1
-- Frasier: Season 2
-- A Very Royal Scandal: Season 1

Best Biography Movies to Stream at Home (2024)

Entertainment
What’s On Web

6 Best Biopics On Amazon Prime, You Can’t Miss

A biographical film or Biopic is a film where the story is told based on the real-life experiences of an Individual. This particular genre of film making has become a popular one, and over the years, we have seen many directors try out their hand at biopic films, and while many have succeeded in doing, others have failed, as making a biopic can be a jarring task for the director.

It has to be historically accurate and must stay true to the real-life experience of the individual, but must have enough drama so that the viewers are engaged. It’s a fine art of balancing the drama and the historical accuracy, and very few seem to have mastered it. In this article, we will be taking a look at the Best Biopics You can watch on Amazon Prime right now.

Best Biographies On Amazon Prime

Into the wild.

WATCH NOW ON AMAZON PRIME

Wolf Of Wallstreet

The Theory Of Everything

WATCH NOW ON AMAZON PRIME

12 Years a Slave

A Beautiful Mind

Loving Vincent

Don't Miss Reading

Entertainment 6578
Regional 3081
Unknown facts 2269
Life Style 2172
Health 1426

To revisit this article, visit My Profile, then View saved stories .

The Big Story
Newsletters
Steven Levy's Plaintext Column
WIRED Classics from the Archive
WIRED Insider
WIRED Consulting

The 21 Best Movies on Amazon Prime Right Now

A man singling and playing guitar on stage with his fans below

In Recent years, Netflix and Apple TV+ have been duking it out to have the most prestigious film offerings, but some of the best movies are on Amazon Prime Video. The streamer was one of the first to go around picking up film festival darlings and other lovable favorites, and they’re all still there in the library, so if they flew under your radar the first time, now is the perfect time to catch up.

Our picks for the 16 best movies on Amazon Prime are below. All the films in our guide are included in your Prime subscription—no renting here. Once you’ve watched your fill, check out our lists for the best shows on Netflix and best movies on Disney+ if you’re looking for something else to watch. We also have a guide to the best shows on Amazon if that’s what you’re in the mood for.

If you buy something using links in our stories, we may earn a commission. This helps support our journalism. Learn more .

A larger-than-life biopic of “The King” from director Baz Luhrmann ( Moulin Rouge ), Elvis charts Presley's meteoric rise from impoverished childhood to becoming the biggest music artist in the world. While Luhrmann brings every hip-shaking sex scandal and thrilling performance to vivid life, the heart of the movie is the increasingly fractious relationship between Elvis and his notorious manager, Colonel Tom Parker. Austin Butler is remarkable as Elvis, turning in fantastic performances that'll leave you all shook up, while Tom Hanks offers an increasingly menacing, desperate take on Parker (just try to overlook the accent). Celebrating Presley's legacy without being overly fawning, this jukebox drama is a testament to Luhrmann's singular talents as a filmmaker.

Brittany Runs a Marathon

When Brittany (Jillian Bell) is told by her doctor to lose weight, she uses it as a reason to take control of her life. She starts by putting on a pair of trainers and challenging herself to run one block, which quickly escalates into deciding to run the New York City Marathon. First-time director Paul Downs Colaizzo based the story on the experiences of his friend, and highlights not only the benefits of running but also the pain. This film shows that no matter how bad things get, you can still get back up.

American Fiction

Thelonious “Monk” Ellison (Jeffrey Wright) is a successful professor of literature but a struggling author, his books constantly rejected for not being “Black enough.” After seeing fellow novelist Sintara Golden (Issa Rae) lauded for her pandering, stereotypical work, Monk pseudonymously pens a novel filled with every lazy trope and cliché he can imagine to lampoon the situation—but is horrified when it becomes an instant success. As a massive advance turns into a multimillion-dollar movie deal, Monk spirals as everyone from the public to his own family seems to love the deliberately offensive work. Based on Percival Everett's novel Erasure, American Fiction is a darkly satirical work with a wicked sense of humor—an all-too-rare modern comedy with something to say, fronted by one of the finest performances of Wright's career.

The Idea of You

The best rom-coms tend to succeed thanks to how unrealistic they are—the improbable meet-cute, the heightened emotions, the exaggerated gestures of affection, the dizzying spin of falling head over heels for someone. It's something The Idea of You perfectly nails as it charts the relationship between successful gallery owner Solène Marchand (Anne Hathaway) and global music superstar Hayes Campbell (Nicholas Galitzine)—who also happens to be 16 years her junior. It could so easily have been cheap scandal fodder—and that’s how it’s played in-universe when the paparazzi get wind of Hayes’ relationship with the “older woman”—but as the pair embark on a globe-trotting romance, the charismatic leads serve up enough genuine chemistry to sweep the audience up in the whirlwind of it all. It’s ultimately less “will they, won’t they?” and more “should they, shouldn’t they?” thanks to a well-handled awareness of the age gap (already narrowed from the source novel by Robinne Lee), but for fans of the genre, it’s a delight.

There’s been no shortage of controversy over director Doug Liman's update of the classic ’80s action flick, from arguments over its supposed cinematic release to its use of CGI for some aspects of its bone-crunching fight scenes. Step back from the real-world drama though, and this is a fun, turn-brain-off-now way to kill a lazy afternoon. Swapping in the Florida Keys for the original’s Missouri setting, and trading Patrick Swayze’s James Dalton for Jake Gyllenhaal’s brooding Elwood Dalton—now with a tortured past as a UFC fighter, of course—this still delivers a satisfying tale of one man clearing out local crime lords, one brutal fistfight at a time. It’s far from high art, but sometimes that’s exactly what you need. If you’re still not sold, it’s worth noting that the 1989 original is also currently on Prime for you to compare and contrast.

Everybody’s Talking About Jamie

Adapted from the stage play of the same name—which in turn was based on a true story—this joyful musical charts the journey of Jamie New (Max Harwood). Bullied at school for being gay, and estranged from his homophobic father, Jamie dreams of escape through the art of drag—and when he finds a mentor in retired drag performer Hugo Battersby (a scene-stealing Richard E. Grant), he's soon on his way to bringing his inner queen “Mimi Me” to life. Rooted in Sheffield, England, it's a tale that dances between themes of class and culture while celebrating the importance of self-expression and the liberating power of drag.

Every high school has its social hierarchy, and PJ (Rachel Sennott) and Josie (Ayo Edebiri) are at the bottom of theirs. Known as the “ugly, untalented gays” even to the faculty, their only hope of getting with two of the school's most popular cheerleaders, Isabel (Havana Rose Liu) and Brittany (Kaia Gerber), is, err, setting up an all-girl fight club to teach them how to handle their cheating, disrespectful jock boyfriends. OK, it might sound like the set-up to some dodgy ’70s exploitation flick—and with an approach to violence that straddles the line between raucous and ridiculous, it's never a million miles removed from that—but Bottoms is far smarter and more subversive than its premise would suggest. Defying expectations at every turn, this is the queer, rage-filled, hilarious twist on the high school comedy you (probably) never knew you needed.

Oxford student Oliver Quick (Barry Keoghan) is having trouble fitting in at the prestigious British university—until he befriends the popular Felix Catton (Jacob Elordi). Handsome, rich, and born to the landed gentry, Felix brings the awkward, socially invisible Oliver into his circle, eventually inviting him to spend summer at the family estate, Saltburn. But as Oliver works his way into the family's graces, his obsession with Felix takes increasingly dark and deranged turns. Oscillating between black comedy and psychological thriller, writer and director Emerald Fennel ( Promising Young Woman ) frames the film in 4:3 aspect ratio for a tighter, almost voyeuristic viewing experience that makes its frequently unsettling moments even more uncomfortable. Having attracted plenty of debate since its 2023 release—not least for how it questionably navigates its themes of class and social inclusion— Saltburn was one of the year's most divisive films, but one that demands your attention.

Courtroom dramas are rarely laugh riots, but this tale of funeral home director Jeremiah O'Keefe (Tommy Lee Jones) and his flashy lawyer Willie Gary (Jamie Foxx) taking on a major player in America's "death care" system brings a dark sense of humor to already grim proceedings. This is no comedy though. Based on true events, director Maggie Betts' ( The Novitiate ) latest drama retells a real-life legal case that exposed massive inequality in funereal care and the way Black communities were being regularly overcharged. Foxx and Jones are in top form throughout, but it's Jurnee Smollett as Mame Downes, Gary's rival attorney who threatens to outpace him at every turn, whose performance threatens to steal the whole movie. For a film about death, The Burial proves warmly life-affirming.

A Million Miles Away

Charting the life of José Hernández, this biopic—based on Hernández's own book—mixes the aspirational with the inspirational as it follows its central figure's rise from, in his own words, migrant farm worker to the first Mexican-American astronaut. Michael Peña is in fine form as Hernández, painting a picture of a man almost myopically driven to reach space, no matter the cost, while Rosa Salazar impresses as his wife Adela, refusing to fade into the background even as she puts her own dreams on pause for José to chase the stars. In lesser hands, this could all be cloying—a twee tale of hard work and achieving the American Dream, with a dash of NASA promo material on the side, but director Alejandra Márquez Abella has her lens as focused on the small beauties of life here on Earth as the splendor and sheer potential of space. A rare delight.

Red, White, and Royal Blue

Look, this is clearly a “best film” by a highly specific metric—and that metric is “gloriously cheesy trash.” Adapted from Casey McQuinston's best-selling novel, this intercontinental rom-com charts the relationship between First Son Alex Claremont-Diaz (Taylor Zakhar Perez) and Prince Henry (Nicholas Galitzine), the "spare" to the British throne, going from rivals through to grudging respect, and ultimately groundbreaking romance. It's often ludicrous, including an inciting incident seeing the pair falling into a wedding cake, a tabloid-worthy tryst in a hotel room, and political intrigue surrounding Alex's mother, President Ellen Claremont (Uma Thurman, vamping scenes with a bizarre “Texan” accent), but it's all just irresistibly wholesome and upbeat. Red, White, and Royal Blue is the movie equivalent of pizza—not good for you, but still delicious.

Shin Masked Rider

If you’re sick of cookie-cutter Hollywood superhero movies, then this ground-up reboot of one of Japan’s most beloved heroes deserves your attention. Helmed by Hideaki Anno ( Evangelion , Shin Godzilla, Shin Ultraman —“shin” meaning “new” or “true” in Japanese), this revamps the 1971 TV series Kamen Rider. Like that show, it follows motorcyclist Takeshi Hongo (Sosuke Ikematsu). Kidnapped by the terrorist organization S.H.O.C.K.E.R. and forcibly converted into a powerful cyborg, Hongo escapes before being reprogrammed as an agent of the group, instead using his newfound powers to take down its forces. However, unlike the original, Anno’s approach taps into the body horror of the core concept, while also challenging his characters—and audience—to hang onto their intrinsic humanity in the face of a world trying to dehumanize them. It’s more violent than you’d probably expect, often showing the grisly outcome of regular people getting punched by superpowered cyborgs and monsters, but never gratuitous. While those with some understanding of the source material will get more out of Shin Masked Rider , it’s an exciting outing for anyone looking for something a bit fresher from their hero movies.

Sure, nowadays Michael Jordan is a bona fide sports god, and Nike’s Air Jordan sneakers are still arguably the court shoe—but that wasn’t the case back in 1984. Jordan was a rookie, and Nike was about to close down its basketball shoe division. Enter Sonny Vaccaro (Matt Damon), a talent scout for the footwear maker who has spotted a rising star in North Carolina who could turn everything around—he just needs to convince everyone else that Jordan is worth betting the company on. We all know how that panned out, so thankfully Air is more than a two-hour advert for shoes. Damon, Jason Bateman, Chris Tucker, and director Ben Affleck all deliver strong performances—only to be utterly eclipsed by Viola Davis in a magnetic and powerful, if somewhat underutilized, turn as matriarch Deloris Jordan—while Alex Convery’s script keeps the drama on the people and personalities involved, rather than the boardroom. In an age of franchises and endless blockbusters, Air is the sort of character-focused film that rarely gets made anymore, and is all the more enjoyable for it.

Borat Subsequent Moviefilm

Sacha Baron Cohen’s “Kazakh” TV reporter (even if he speaks Hebrew) travels back to the US, 14 years after his last feature-long escapade. This time Baron Cohen has brought his (Bulgarian-speaking) teenage daughter along, with the mission of giving her “as a gift” to some powerful American politicians—initially Mike Pence, then Rudy Giuliani. In classic Boratic fashion, the mockumentary follows the wacky duo on a cavalcade across Trump’s America, filming candid performances by unsuspecting characters ranging from QAnon believers to Republican activists to prim debutantes, all the way to Giuliani himself. Even the coronavirus pandemic, which struck America as the film was being shot, is subverted as a comedic plot point. Baron Cohen delivers, with the expected repertoire of shock gags and deadpanned verbal enormities, and he manages to land some punches at the expense of bigots, too. In contrast to its 2006 predecessor, many of the pranks and stunts here seem more aimed at eliciting the audience’s nervous laughter than at exposing America’s heart of darkness, but it remains a worthy—and funny—watch.

Shotgun Wedding

A raucous spin on the traditional romcom, Shotgun Wedding lures viewers with a cliché setup—a ceremony on a tropical island, with hijinks courtesy of bickering in-laws—before exploding, literally, into an action escapade as the wedding party is taken hostage by violent pirates. If we’re being honest, it’s a little hammy and self-aware in places, but leads Jennifer Lopez and Josh Duhamel are clearly having so much fun as bride and groom Darcy and Tom, whose special day turns into an often hilariously gory battle for survival, that it’s easy to be swept along for the ride. With a solid supporting cast, including the ever-entertaining Jennifer Coolidge as the mother of the groom stealing every scene she graces with her gloriously chaotic presence, this is a wedding worth RSVPing to.

Aisha (Anna Diop) is a Senegalese woman working as a nanny for a rich couple in New York City, hoping to earn enough to bring her son and cousin to join her in America. However, her future is at the mercy of her employers, who seem content to leave Aisha to raise their daughter, Rose, while often withholding her pay. As the stress of the power imbalance weighs on her, Aisha begins having strange dreams of drowning, worsened by her fears of abandoning her own child. The feature debut of director Nikyatu Jusu, Nanny contrasts the horror of the immigrant experience in modern America with something darker, while swapping the expected tropes of hope and opportunity for a palpable sadness for culture and community left behind. Nanny takes a slow-burn, psychological approach to its scares, but Diop is phenomenal throughout, and the meticulous pacing and gorgeous cinematography means every frame lingers.

Coming 2 America

Relying on nostalgia to carry new entries in long-dormant series can be risky business, but Eddie Murphy’s return to the role of Prince—now King—Akeem of Zamunda more than three decades after 1988’s Coming to America shows how to do it right. Drawn back to the US in search of a son he never knew he had, Akeem—and the audience—gets to reunite with familiar faces from the first film, before director Craig Brewer ( Hustle and Flow ) reverses the formula and tests the American characters with a trip to Zamunda. With a sharper, smarter, and more globally aware script than the original, Coming 2 America defies the odds to be a comedy sequel that stands up to the reputation of its predecessor.

Thirteen Lives

Director Ron Howard’s latest gathers a top-notch cast—including Viggo Mortensen, Colin Farrell, and Joel Edgerton—for a dramatization of the 2018 Tham Luang cave rescue, where a Thai junior soccer team and their assistant coach were trapped in the flooded cave system. As an international effort mounts to save the children, the challenges of navigating miles of underwater caverns become ever more dangerous, and Howard masterfully captures every perilously claustrophobic moment of it. A nail-bitingly tense movie with some ingeniously shot aquatic scenes, Thirteen Lives is a testament to one of the most difficult rescues ever performed.

One Night in Miami …

Based on the play of same name, One Night in Miami follows four icons of culture, music, and sports—Malcolm X, Jim Brown, Sam Cooke, and Muhammad Ali—at the height of the Civil Rights Movement, a converging and pivotal point in their lives and careers. Meeting in a motel room in the wake of Ali’s—then still Cassius Clay—heavyweight victory over Sonny Liston in 1964, the four men discuss their roles in the movement and society as a whole, all while the audience knows the weight of history is bearing down on them. The close confines of much of the film reflect its theatrical roots, but this feature directorial debut from Regina King perfectly portrays the larger-than-life personalities of its cast. Kingsley Ben-Adir is on fire as Malcolm X, with Aldis Hodge, Leslie Odom Jr., and Eli Goree—as Brown, Cooke, and Ali—all utterly magnetic.

Produced by Amazon, The Report is an engrossing depiction of the US Senate's investigation into the CIA's “enhanced interrogation” program—how it came to be, who knew about it, and how the CIA massaged the facts to support its efficacy. Adam Driver stars as Daniel Jones, the lead investigator who plowed an increasingly lonely path to the truth, battling against political resistance and CIA interference all the way. Driver is, as is his habit these days, superb, and the film's 82 percent “fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes is well earned.

Sound of Metal

Punk-rock drummer and recovering addict Ruben starts experiencing hearing loss, and it threatens to upend his entire life. Faced with an impossible choice between giving up his hearing or giving up his career, Ruben begins to spiral, until his girlfriend Lou checks him into a rehab center for the deaf, forcing him to confront his own behavior as much as the future he faces. Riz Ahmed is in spectacular form as the troubled Ruben, while Olivia Cooke’s turn as Lou, who suffers with her own demons, including self-harm, is riveting. Fittingly enough, Sound of Metal also features incredibly nuanced use of sound—and its absence—as director Darius Marder crafts one of the finest dramas in recent years.

Watch trending shows and new blockbusters Free on BINGE

All the best biography movies streaming on prime video in september 2024.

If you're looking for the best Biography Movies then you’ve come to the right place. In September 2024 Prime Video has around 153 on offer. Below are the top 20 latest and greatest Biography Movies streaming on the service

The top 20 best Biography Movies Streaming on Prime Video by rating.

The Social Network

American Gangster

The Great Debaters

BlacKkKlansman

Beautiful Boy

Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom

Public Enemies

Kill the Irishman

Becoming Jane

My Week with Marilyn

Don't Worry, He Won't Get Far on Foot

Being the Ricardos

Stream on Amazon Prime Video

Got a question about Prime Video?

What shows and movies does amazon offer, what additional perks come with my prime video subscription., more information about prime video.

Amazon Prime Free Trial
Amazon Prime Trending TV & Movies
Amazon Prime Review
Amazon Prime News
Contact Amazon Prime

Streaming TV Services with Free Trials

No Lock-in Contract
SD or HD, stream on 2 devices
Watch live Ashes, BBL, NBA + more

Basic with Ads
Stream in HD on a single device
25,000+ hours of the world's best shows & movies
30+ channels: Entertainment, Drama, Lifestyle, Comedy and News

The top 5 Biography Movies Streaming on Prime Video in Australia.

Rated: PG-13

20 Best Biopic Movies of All Time

Hollywood and other film industries have always been fascinated with the lives of famous people. That’s why we have so many biopics made right since the beginning of cinema. Not all of them are great, but we certainly have seen a fair share of really good biopic movies. From Gandhi to Zuckerberg, Hollywood has tried its hand on making biopics on people from all strata of life. Now, let’s look at the list of top biopic movies of all time. You can watch several of these best biopic movies on Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime.

20. Nixon (1995)

Hopkins had quite a run after he won the Academy Awards for ‘The Silence of the Lambs’ (1991), but the boldest work of his career was as President Richard Nixon in this outstanding bio from Oliver Stone . As one of the most polarizing figures of the seventies, Nixon was a true statesman, but a flawed and paranoid man, doomed as a world leader. He captures the wounded soul of the disgraced President in every way. Looking nothing like him, he instead captures his essence and speech pattern and becomes Nixon before our very eyes.

Read More: Best Movie Couples of All Time

19. Bugsy (1991)

Warren Beatty was always an interesting actor, but with his work here as murderous gangster Benjamin Siegel, he proved he was a great one. With movie star good looks, Siegel landed in Hollywood and quickly took over all gangland related activities and when visiting the desert, he had a vision of what became Las Vegas. Obsessed with his Flamingo Hotel in the desert, he failed to see his girlfriend was stealing from the mob, which brought Siegel down. Beatty is terrifying in his rages, deluded in his belief he can kill Mussolini, yet gentle and kind with his family and friend Meyer Lansky.

Read More: Best Animated Movies of All Time

18. Chaplin (1992)

A brilliant actor ready for the performance of his lifetime, stuck with a weak script, a cowardly director not willing to show his subject warts and all, Robert Downey Jr. still gave one of the great performances of all time, beautifully capturing Chaplin and his artistry. Sadly neither the director nor script took advantage of Downey being so far into character; the actor was gone, Chaplin remained. With an edgy actor such as Downey, why explore the more controversial aspects of his life? They had an actor ready to cut loose and they failed him.

Read More: Most Difficult Movies to Watch

17. Downfall (2005)

Is it possible to humanize Hitler, possibly the most hated and evil man to ever exist? Bruno Ganz did that very thing in the superb German film ‘Downfall’, which explores the last days Hitler was alive in his bunker, the Soviets not far from the heart of the city. Hands shaking, frail, obviously drugged heavily, he knows the end is near and what is coming; he knows what the reaction will be to his Death Camps. Often gentle and kind with those around him, other time he flies into a rage when his orders are not followed. In the end, the monster was all too human, just a man. An astounding, brave performance.

Read More: Best Twist Ending Movies of All Time

16. Lincoln (2012)

The moment we laid eyes on him in the opening moments of the film, and he spoke in that surprising high reedy voice, audiences felt they were encountering Abraham Lincoln, possibly the greatest American who ever lived. Daniel Day-Lewis poured over books, found descriptions of his voice, his gait, the manner in which he spoke and the deep melancholy he carried with him and brought it with him to his performance. His co-stars claimed they never met Day-Lewis until the film’s premiere; they knew only President Lincoln. This profoundly fine performance won the actor his third Academy Awards for Best Actor.

Read More: Best Women Centric Movies of All Time

15. The Aviator (2004)

As the young Howard Hughes during his Hollywood years, before the madness set in, Leonardo DiCaprio is truly outstanding. Blessed with a brilliant, inquisitive mind, he is always looking to the skies, even in his first film, ‘Hells Angels’ (1930), which he re-shot after the advent of sound. Fascinated with aviation, he built planes, making them bigger and faster, crashing one of them in downtown LA, forever damaging himself. It is a bold, outstanding performance that beautifully explores a troubled mind. The genuine fear in his eyes when he has one of his spells is truly frightening because he is never really sure if he can snap out of it.

14. The Last King of Scotland (2006)

In portraying the purely evil yet charismatic Idi Amin Dada, actor Forest Whitaker gave a performance for the ages, winning every single award available to him that year. As self appointed President, actually dictator of Uganda, he takes a young Scottish doctor under his wing and it is through that man’s eyes we see the monster appear. Whitaker is brilliant, seething with anger and contempt for those who defy him, believing himself to be a God. Terrifying.

13. Patton (1970)

As one of the greatest warriors in the history of the United States military, General George S. Patton did as he pleased often defying his superiors’ orders. George C. Scott is magnificent as Patton, one of the screen’s greatest performances and refused the Oscar he won for Best Actor. That iconic image that opens the film — Scott dwarfed by a massive flag — once seen can never be forgotten.

Read More: Best Horror Movies of All Time

12. My Left Foot (1989)

On the rise as an actor when he made this lovely, gritty film about Irish artist/writer Cristy Brown, afflicted with cerebral palsy since birth, Day-Lewis won the Academy Award and several other awards in announcing himself as a major new acting force. His eyes ablaze with intellect and purpose; his body betraying him with constant shaking, twitching, everything out of control except his left foot. The actor brings us the fierce mind that was trapped in that wretched body. Despite his affliction, he was gifted, horny and a heavy drinker. Day-Lewis is a miracle in the film.

Read More: Best Superhero Movies of All Time

11. The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)

As stock swindler Jordan Belfort, who became obscenely wealthy before the FBI brought him down, Leonardo DiCaprio gives a brilliant performance – the best of his career. The young actor brings a furious energy to the performance and brash confidence, moving through the film like a young rock star. Whether stoned on drugs , smashed out of his mind, or arguing with his gorgeous wife, the actor is a revelation and force of nature. He is electrifying from beginning to end, always in motion, scheming, descending slowly into his own hell.

Read More: Best Action Movies of All Time

10. The Social Network

Made at a time when Facebook had reached meteoric height’s, ‘The Social Network’ works as a powerful commentary on modern times and feels utterly fresh, even after six years. It deserves a place on every such list because of the treatment by David Fincher . Led by powerful performances from Jesse Eisenberg and Andrew Garfield , it is a deeply personal tale which works on so many levels, and is a study on the nature of friendship , ambition and power.

Read More: Best Comedy Movies of All Time

Helmed by Bennett Miller (who also directed ‘Foxcatcher’), ‘Capote’ chronicles the life of Truman Capote during the period when he was writing his non-fiction novel, ‘In Cold Blood’. Superbly constructed, the film feels bleak and sublime at the same time, as it tries to convey the horrors of the killings. But the movie stands out chiefly because of the honest and riveting performance by Philip Seymour Hoffman , which earned him an Academy Award for Best Actor. It is sad that we’ve lost a truly great artist.

Read More: Biggest Hollywood Hits Movies of All Time

8. Malcolm X

At a run time of 200 minutes, ‘Malcolm X’ is a long movie. But it never seems long, thanks to a phenomenal performance by Denzel Washington , and nuanced direction by Spike Lee . The film dramatizes chief events of the life of African American activist Malcolm X. The film received much skepticism and criticism even before it actually hit the screen, mainly because of the sensitive nature of the subject. But it received overwhelming critical acclaim upon release. Denzel Washington was nominated for Best Actor in a Leading Role for his standout performance, but lost out to Al Pacino , which many think was unfair on the Academy’s part.

Read More: Best Movie Villains of All Time

7. The Pianist

Roman Polanski is a director known for his technical prowess, edgy direction and excellence in handling the noir genre of cinema. But in ‘The Pianist’ , the visionary director takes his skills and gives us a devastating biographical drama. ‘The Pianist’ is the moving life-story of Władysław Szpilman, a Polish pianist and composer, portrayed by Adrien Brody , who loses his family during the Holocaust. Polanski paints a bleak, harrowing landscape – drawing from his own experiences of the war – and gives us a terrifying, yet human tale of hope and survival .

Read More: Best Time Travel Movies of All Time

Richard Attenborough’s enduring masterpiece ‘Gandhi’ is still fresh in the hearts of the millions of Indians who watched it at the time when it was released. Made on a very large-scale and featuring actors from both Hollywood and Bollywood, this biographical drama feels fiercely authentic. The direction is quite traditional, and is exactly what a biopic of this scale needed; after all, it was about an ordinary man who did extraordinary things. Sir Ben Kingsley’s commanding presence as Mahatma Gandhi is one of the pioneering examples of biopic performances.

5. The Elephant Man

David Lynch is a master of his craft, and is a tough director to watch. His body of work – original and largely cerebral – proves that beyond a shadow of doubt. But in ‘The Elephant Man’, the visionary director outdoes himself and shows us an intensely moving tale about a disfigured man trying to find his place in society. It is based on the life of Joseph Marrick, a man suffering from severe deformity. The film depicts his life in a Victorian freak show and his relation with Dr. Frederick Treves, who tends to him later, and provides him shelter. Technically brilliant, and at times quite bleak – considering the nature of the subject – the film is especially noted for the make-up done on John Hurt for him to look the part. It is historically quite significant because the Academy was criticized for failing to recognize the efforts gone in the make-up process, and only after this film was the category for Best Make-up introduced.

Read More: Best Overrated Movies of All Time

4. Raging Bull

There are boxing movies and then there is ‘Raging Bull’ . This Martin Scorsese gem is the biographical account of the boxer Jake LaMotta, his rise to fame and his personal struggles. Scorcese pours his heart out in this picture, which is so perfectly crafted that it works both as a sports movie , and as a tragic drama. Robert De Niro gave an explosive and riveting performance as Jake LaMotta, rightfully taking home the Best Actor Oscar for this role. Shot entirely in Black and White , the movie came out in the same year as ‘The Elephant Man’, competing for the Best Picture award. Unfortunately, neither of the two won the award, which went to ‘Ordinary People’.

Read More: Biggest Box Office Disasters of All Time

3. Goodfellas

Hailed by many as the second best gangster movie ever, (first being ‘The Godfather’ ) ‘Goodfellas’ is a riveting crime drama based on a non fictional book Wiseguy, chronicling the rise and fall Henry Hill, a crime family associate. Plumbing the obscene depths of crime, ‘Goodfellas’ is an enduring tale about loyalty, betrayal and the corrupting nature of power. Martin Scorsese delivers perfection in this ageless film, which boasts of marvelous performances by Ray Liotta, Robert De Niro, and the swashbuckling Joe Pesci (who took home the Best Actor in a Supporting Role Oscar for his performance.)

Read More: Best Heist Movies of All Time

2. Schindler’s List

I won’t say much about ‘Schindler’s List’ here. Widely regarded as one of the best pictures in the history of cinema, ‘Schindler’s List’ is Steven Spielberg’s masterpiece, and is truly a work of art. With the Second World war as the backdrop, with the Nazi terror achieving terrible heights, ‘Schindler’s List’ is a moving tale about one man’s change of heart, and how he becomes a messiah. But, oh, it still doesn’t occupy the top spot on this list. Wonder why? Well, scroll down to find out which film holds that honor.

Read More: Best Visually Stunning Movies of All Time

1. Lawrence of Arabia

A film so grand and epic in scope that it commands multiple viewings. Really, get a Blu-ray and watch it on a big screen TV. Made in 1962, ‘Lawrence of Arabia’ is David Lean’s magnum opus. It is a riveting saga about the life of British archaeologist T.E Lawrence and the role he played during the Arab revolt against the Ottoman Empire. Everything about this movie is beautiful in a terrific, haunting way, crafted by a film-maker at the peak of his powers. The melodious score by Maurice Jarre, the authentic, breathtaking cinematography by F.A Young (the desert never looked so mesmerizing ), and a powerful performance by the-then newcomer Peter O’ Toole , make this movie one of the greatest films of all time . Its influence can still be felt in modern biopics.

Read More: Best Screenwriters of All Time

The 73 Best Movies on Amazon Prime Video Right Now (August 2024)

The latest laugher from Bridesmaids director Paul Feig has landed on Prime Video

Amazon Prime Video hasn't had a very interesting year with its slate of original movies, especially of late, but what has come to Prime Video this year has been solid, including the 2024 Oscar winner American Fiction , which earned the Best Adapted Screenplay award along with four other nominations including Best Picture. But it's not just the prestige stuff here — Amazon's also got plenty of pulpier fare, like the Jake Gyllenhaal-starring remake of Road House , and the action comedy Jackpot! , the latest movie from Bridesmaids director Paul Feig.

Just to let you know how we put this list together: In order to keep the list as relevant as possible, we're putting the most importance on new releases, Prime Video originals, and critics' favorites. But we're also adding our own personal spin on the list, with underrated gems we're recommending to our friends, classic favorites, and important selections that highlight diverse voices. We'll be updating the list regularly.

Last updated on Aug. 28; the most recent additions are at the top.

Disclaimer: When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

For fans of: Laughing at murder, other Paul Feig movies like Bridesmaids and Spy

John Cena and Awkwafina, JACKPOT!

Director: Paul Feig Stars: Awkwafina, John Cena, Simu Liu, Machine Gun Kelly Genre: Comedy, action Rating: R Metacritic score: 41

Awkwafina and John Cena (how often do co-star names rhyme?) star in Jackpot! , which is essentially a comedy version of The Purge — Awkwafina wins the lottery, but she'll have to survive until midnight in order to claim her winnings. And that's not gonna be easy, since in this story it's perfectly legal for anyone to murder her and take the money themselves. So she teams up with a protection agent, played by John Cena, who will try to save her life in return for a cut. Jackpot isn't director Paul Feig's best film — he set an impossible standard for himself with stuff like Bridesmaids and Spy — but it is another warmly funny little action movie that's filled with energetic performances. - Phil Owen [ Trailer ]

The Lord of the Rings Trilogy

For fans of: Fantasy stuff, Tolkien vibes

Viggo Mortensen, Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers

Director: Peter Jackson Stars: Elijah Wood, Viggo Mortenson, Ian McKellan, Sean Astin, Orlando Bloom, Andy Serkis, Liv Tyler, Cate Blanchett, Billy BOyd, Dominic Monaghan, Christopher Lee Genre: Fantasy Rating: PG-13 Metacritic score: 91 for Fellowship of the Ring , 87 for Two Towers , 94 for Return of the King

As the second season of The Rings of Power finally arrives, it's the perfect time to revisit Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings trilogy, which is one of the greatest adaptations of a novel in the history of cinema. Jackson's rendition of Frodo's quest to destroy the One Ring and end the tyranny of Sauron has been profoundly influential over the past two decades. This trilogy is at least partially responsible for the recent popular trend of films that carry a song-like rhythm — a la Denis Villeneuve's Dune movies or George Miller's Furiosa — and you can bet that these three films are going to be pillars of Hollywood filmmaking for a very long time. -Phil Owen [ Trailer ]

American Fiction

For fans of : Stories that break the fourth wall, quirky comedies with something to say, things that are good

Jeffrey Wright, American Fiction

Director: Cord Jefferson Stars: Jeffrey Wright, Tracee Ellis Ross, Erika Alexander, John Ortiz, Sterling K. Brown, Issa Rae Genre: Comedy, drama, satire Rating: R Metacritic score: 81

American Fiction isn't the easiest movie to try to sum up in a blurb, but we'll do our best. Jeffrey Wright stars as a well-to-do Black author who attempts to satirize what he sees as stereotypcally acceptable "Black" literature, only for everybody to treat the result as a serious and sincere work that earns tons of acclaim — and from there, it gets weird. American Fiction plays like if Spike Lee's Bamboozled was given a Charlie Kaufman-esque, fourth-wall-breaking makeover, and it's impossible not to be enthralled by this flick. - Phil Owen [ Trailer ]

The Idea of You

For fans of : Swoony rom-coms with heart, Anne Hathaway mothering

Nicholas Galitzine and Anne Hathaway, The Idea of You

Director: Michael Showalter Stars: Anne Hathaway, Nicholas Galitzine Genre: Romantic comedy Rating: R Metacritic score: 68

You may have first heard of The Idea of You because of its male lead Hayes Campbell's ( Nicholas Galitzine ) uncanny resemblance to Harry Styles. Hayes sings in a wildly popular boy band, just like Styles did, and he too has a penchant for dating older women. But the film, based on Robinne Lee's book of the same name, deserves to be recognized apart from that comparison. To start, the chemistry between Galitzine's Hayes and Anne Hathaway 's Solène Marchand is undeniable. Solène is a 40-year-old single mom who never imagined attending Coachella but finds herself in the VIP lounge for a meet-and-greet with August Moon — Hayes' group —thanks to her teenage daughter. And after she serendipitously walks into the 24-year-old lead singer's trailer, the two begin a whirlwind romance. The Idea of You is a weightier film than some others in the genre because of how it dives into issues like the age-gap double standard and the obstacles to women in their 30s and 40s finding happiness. But for the most part, it feels like a light, breezy walk on the beach. - Kat Moon [ Trailer ]

For fans of : Fist fights, Jake Gyllenhaal, highly kinetic action sequences

Jake Gyllenhaal, Road House

Director: Doug Liman Stars: Jake Gyllenhaal, Daniela Melchior, Billy Magnusson, Joaquim de Almeida, Post Malone, Conor McGregor Genre: Action Rating: R Metacritic score: 57

The original Road House (starring Patrick Swayze and also included with Prime Video) became a cult classic after circulating on cable for years — it did OK at the box office and not so OK with critics when it was released in theaters in 1989. So it's not really that big of a concern that the new Road House , starring Jake Gyllenhaal, only got mixed reviews. Like that original film leaned on Swayze's charm to function, the new Road House is a delightful little action flick that leans heavily on Gyllenhaal's immense charisma, and ole Jakey G. is just as much fun as he always is. And while Conor McGregor isn't quite on Gyllenhaal's level in terms of his acting chops, he's got the exact right amount of screen presence and general menace to pretty much rule as a bad guy enforcer. This movie just works, even if we might wish they'd cooled it on the CGI a little bit. -Phil Owen [ Trailer ]

For fans of: Fight clubs, high schools

Ayo Edebiri and Rachel Sennott, Bottoms

Director: Emma Seligman Stars: Ayo Edebiri, Rachel Sennott, Ruby Cruz, Havana Rose Liu, Nicholas Galitzine Genre: Comedy Rating: R Metacritic score: 74

This indie film came out in theaters last August, but unless you are a subscriber to MGM+, which you are not, it hasn't been available on your streaming subscriptions until recently. The premise — a high school sex comedy mixed with... Fight Club !?!? — is truly deranged, but it somehow works as two teenage lesbians start a brutal women's self-defense club to give them the tools to beat up the football team. It satirizes as it pulverizes, challenging stereotypes while saying something meaningful between delivering haymakers. Bodies Bodies Bodies ' Rachel Sennott and The Bear 's Ayo Edebiri star. - Tim Surette [ Trailer ]

For fans of: Action, cars, #family

Jason Momoa, Fast X

Director: Louis Leterrier Stars: Vin Diesel, Jason Momoa, Michelle Rodriguez, Jason Statham, Tyrese Gibson, Ludacris, Sung Kang, Nathalie Emmanuel Genre: Action Rating: PG-13 Metacritic score: 56

The Fast & Furious movies have been a pop culture mainstay for two decades, but all good things must come to an end. And Fast X is the beginning of the end for this franchise, starting us down the home stretch that will presumably end with Vin Diesel riding off into the sunset to meet up with Paul Walker in car heaven at the end of the next movie. We're not there yet, though, and we're grateful for that, because Jason Momoa's man-child of a villain is the most fun baddie this franchise has ever had. -Phil Owen [ Trailer ]

For fans of: Lifestyles of the rich and eccentric

Barry Keoghan, Saltburn

Director: Emerald Fennell Stars: Barry Keoghan, Rosamund Pike, Jacob Elordi, Richard E. Grant Genre: Drama, Comedy, Thriller Rating: R Metacritic score: 61

If you saw Promising Young Woman , Emerald Fennell 's polarizing (and, nevertheless, Oscar-winning) 2020 directorial debut, you already know that she's the kind of director who really likes making people talk. She's done it again, and to an even greater degree, with Saltburn , her Talented Mr. Ripley -esque salute to the aughts. Barry Keoghan stars as Oliver Quick, a poor Oxford student who gets drawn into the alluring world of the wealthy when he buddies up to Felix ( Jacob Elordi ), a classmate from an aristocratic family who takes pity on his less fortunate friend by inviting Oliver to spend the summer at his eccentric family's estate. Or is Oliver less fortunate? Come to find out the answer to that question, stay for a deliciously clueless performance from Rosamund Pike . - Allison Picurro [ Trailer ]

Asteroid City

For fans of: Well-framed shots, A-listers dressed oddly

Jason Schwartzman and Tom Hanks, Asteroid City

Director: Wes Anderson Stars: Jason Schwartzman, Tom Hanks, Margot Robbie, Steve Carell Genre: Comedy Rating: PG-13 Metacritic score: 75

Every time Wes Anderson directs a new film, at least one critic inevitably calls it " the most Wes Anderson movie Wes Anderson has ever made ." That might actually be true of Asteroid City , his latest. Anderson's quirky, dollhouse style is at an all-time high in this story that depicts the fateful events of a teen astronomy convention in a retrofuturistic version of 1955. The sprawling cast features perfectly droll performances from Jason Schwartzman , Tom Hanks , Margot Robbie , Steve Carell , and more, while the meta narrative ( Asteroid City is also the name of a televised play within the movie) adds zany texture. It often plays like a live-action cartoon, as Anderson's best movies tend to. - Allison Picurro [ Trailer ]

Polite Society

For fans of: Martial arts movies, sisters

Priya Kansara, Polite Society

Director: Nida Manzoor Stars: Priya Kansara, Ritu Arya Genre: Action, Comedy Rating: R Metacritic score: 75

There's no movie that can't be punched up with a little martial arts aided by wires and pulleys, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon style, right? This action comedy from We Are Lady Parts creator Nida Manzoor follows a young British-Pakistani woman who dreams of being a stuntwoman and has a sneaking suspicion that her sister's impending marriage to a hunk might mask her future in-laws' secretly terrible motives. Naturally, this leads to some Shaolin fight sequences, a plot that veers way off course yet still stays on brand with the nuttiness, and a delightful central story about the love between two sisters. - Tim Surette [ Trailer ]

Totally Killer

For fans of: The '80s, time travel, maniacal masked murderers

Olivia Holt, Totally Killer

Director: Nahnatchka Khan Stars: Kiernan Shipka, Olivia Holt, Julie Bowen Genre: Horror, Comedy, Sci-Fi Rating: R Metacritic score: 63

Chilling Adventures of Sabrina 's Kiernan Shipka sticks with humorous horror in this original film from the reliable Nahnatchka Khan , the creator of Don't Trust the B---- in Apt. 23 , Always Be My Maybe , and Fresh Off the Boat . Shipka's Jamie is a young woman who time travels back to 1987, right around the time her mom's friends were stalked and murdered by a mask-wearing maniac. So what does she do? She tries — with the help of the teenage version of her mom ( Olivia Holt ) — to stop the murders, despite any potential Back to the Future erasure of her existence that may happen. - Tim Surette [ Trailer ]

Sitting in Bars with Cake (2023)

For fans of: Tragi-friend-coms, bawling

Odessa A'zion and Yara Shahidi, Sitting in Bars with Cake

Director: Trish Sie Stars: Odessa A'zion, Yara Shahidi, Ron Livingston, Bette Midler, and Martha Kelly Genre: Drama, Comedy, Romance Rating: PG-13 Metacritic score: 66

A pair of friends (A'zion and Shahadi) take cakes into bars as a way to get out in the world and break the ice with strangers, but their lives change when one gets a tragic diagnosis. This one's based on a true story and is being called a Beaches for today's kids, so you know what to expect: female friendship, some romance, and a lot of crying. This is for a specific audience; you know who you are! - Tim Surette [ Trailer ]

Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves (2023)

For fans of: Rooting for the creepy doll, satires on commercialism, Child's Play but better

Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves

Director: John Francis Daley and Jonathan M. Goldstein Stars: Chris Pine, Michelle Rodriguez, Hugh Grant, Justice Smith, Regé-Jean Page, Sophia Lillis Genre: Fantasy, Comedy, Action Rating: PG-13 Metacritic score: 72

Expecting a good time while watching the famous tabletop role-playing game come to life is hardly a roll of the dice. This movie is always entertaining, moving forward with a combination of adventure, action, humor, and decent special effects. Chris Pine plays a rogue on the run looking for some nerdy object (a magical helm, a tablet that can bring back the dead, some stuff like that, it doesn't matter), and he's accompanied by other D&D classes, like Michelle Rodriguez 's barbarian, Justice Smith 's sorcerer, Sophia Lillis ' shapeshifting druid, and Regé-Jean Page 's paladin. Its focus on fun means anyone can enjoy it, even those who don't know what a gelatinous cube is. - Tim Surette [ Trailer ]

M3GAN (2022)

Director: Gerard Johnstone Stars: Allison Williams, Violet McGraw, Ronny Chieng, Jenna Davis, Amie Donald Genre: Science-fiction, Horror Rating: PG-13 Metacritic score: 72

AI will kill us all! But first it will be our best friend. On premise alone — M3GAN is about a lifelike toy doll prototype that goes to extreme lengths to protect its child owner — this 2022 film seems like stinky garbage, but the Blumhouse film wisely leans into the goofiness to become a sharp satire of technology and consumerism. The PG-13 rating also means it's good for young teens and older tweens, but there's an unrated version available if you want a little more blood. -Tim Surette [ Trailer ]

Creed III (2022)

For fans of: Boxing beefcakes

Michael B. Jordan, Creed III

Director: Michael B. Jordan Stars: Michael B. Jordan, Jonathan Majors, Tessa Thompson, Phylicia Rashad Genre: Drama Rating: PG-13 Metacritic score: 73

Michael B. Jordan stars in and directs the third movie to rise from the ashes of the Rocky franchise, this time following Adonis Creed (Jordan) as he prepares to fight his former childhood friend, Damian Anderson (Majors), years after an event changed both of their lives. Though not as acclaimed as the first two movies, it's still wildly entertaining, with bruising boxing sequences and a blistering performance from Jordan. -Tim Surette [ Trailer ]

For fans of: Acting!

Cate Blanchett, Tár

Director: Todd Field Stars: Cate Blanchett Genre: Drama Rating: NR Metacritic score: 92

Cate Blanchett's powerhouse performance and Todd Field's script and keen direction launched Tár into the discussions for best film of 2022, with many major prestigious film critics associations naming it their favorite. It was nominated for Best Picture, Best Actress, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and more at the Oscars (but didn't win any), further establishing it as a cinephile's favorite. As for what it's about, Blanchett plays an internationally renowned orchestra conductor whose career is disrupted by accusations of misconduct. -Tim Surette [ Trailer ]

She Said (2022)

For fans of: Journalism, #MeToo stories

Zoe Kazan and Carey Mulligan, She Said

Director: Maria Schrader Stars: Zoe Kazan, Carey Mulligan, Patricia Clarkson, Andre Braugher Genre: Drama Rating: NR Metacritic score: 74

The two reporters — Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey — behind the New York Times investigation into the sexual abuse committed by film producer Harvey Weinstein are at the center of this award-winning drama based on the 2019 book of the same name. Zoe Kazan and Carey Mulligan star as Kantor and Twohey, who exposed one of the biggest names in Hollywood, caused a sea change in the entertainment industry, and ushered in one of the biggest social movements in history as #MeToo helped women come together against sexism and abuse. -Tim Surette [ Trailer ]

For fans of: Sneakers, business deals, Michael Jordan's mom

Ben Affleck, Air

Director: Ben Affleck Stars: Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Viola Davis, Jason Bateman, Chris Tucker, Chris Messina Genre: Drama Rating: R Metacritic score: 73

Ben Affleck 's film about Nike's seismic business decision to build a basketball shoe brand around some guy named Michael Jordan is a sharp look at the start of sports marketing and risky business endeavors that paid off. It's also kind of a Nike ad. But with a solid screenplay, some great acting by a tremendous cast, and Affleck's ability to blend comedy into corporate affairs, it's a... slam dunk. -Tim Surette [ Trailer ]

Judy Blume Forever (2023)

For fans of: Superfudge , free speech

Judy Blume, Judy Blume Forever

Director: Davina Pardo and Leah Wolchok Stars: Judy Blume Genre: Documentary Rating: NR Metacritic score: 79

Beloved author Judy Blume is the star and focus of this documentary about her life as one of the most popular young adult fiction writers ever. Speaking with fans like Molly Ringwald, Samantha Bee, and Lena Dunham, Judy Blume Forever explores the impact she had on young women's lives and the closed-minded controversy surrounding her openness in writing about teenage sexuality. -Tim Surette [ Trailer ]

Bros (2022)

For fans of: Rom-coms updated for today

Billy Eichner and Luke MacFarlane, Bros

Director: Nicholas Stoller Stars: Billy Eichner, Luke Macfarlane, Bowen Yang, Debra Messing Genre: Comedy, Romance Rating: R Metacritic score: 72

Billy Eichner wrote and plays the romantic lead of this well-reviewed gay rom-com, which sees a podcast host (Eichner) about to launch an LGBTQ+ museum in New York City when his already busy life is disrupted by another single gay man ( Luke Macfarlane ). Though both are wary of commitment, they are drawn together anyway. -Tim Surette [ Trailer ]

Top Gun: Maverick (2022)

For fans of: Speed, old people looking younger than you

Stream Top Gun: Maverick at home, thanks to Prime Video

Director: Joseph Kosinski Stars: Tom Cruise, Tom Cruise, Tom Cruise, and Tom Cruise Genre: Action, Drama Rating: PG-13 Metacritic score: 78

You've seen Top Gun: Maverick on the big screen, but have you seen it on your phone!?!? Relive all the intense IMAX action and dripping masculinity on your six-inch screen now that it's on Prime Video. -Tim Surette [ Trailer ]

Shotgun Wedding (2023)

For fans of: J-Lo, J-Du, J-Cool

Jennifer Lopez and Josh Duhamel, Shotgun Wedding

Director: Jason Moore Stars: Jennifer Jopez, Josh Duhamel, Jennifer Coolidge Genre: Action, Comedy, Romance Rating: R Metacritic score: 42

What makes a good movie anyway? Rave reviews from critics? Meaningful contributions to society? A talking dog? The Prime Video original movie Shotgun Wedding has none of that, but it does have Jennifer Lopez and the newest fan-favorite Jenny from the block, Jennifer Coolidge. And it has Jennifer Lopez fighting off pirates after they invade her wedding, leading to double crosses and comical violence. This isn't a good movie, but it is a Jennifer Lopez movie that can't be found anywhere else, so it's on the list. -Tim Surette [ Trailer ]

Wildcat (2022)

For fans of: Tough guys and cute kittens, weeping

Director: Melissa Lesh and Trevor Frost Stars: Harry Turner, Samantha Zwicker, an ocelot Genre: Documentary Rating: R Metacritic score: 71

I don't have a bunch of tattoos, and I've never been to war, but I do love cats, which is enough for me to relate to this documentary about an Afghanistan War veteran whose PTSD drives him to the jungles of South America. There, he meets a nature conservationist running a wildlife refuge, where he bonds with an ocelot kitten. The young purr box helps him heal as he finds himself teaching it how to hunt, protecting it from humans threatening the environment, and finding something that doesn't judge him. This is for anyone who's ever had a furry friend. BRING A HANKIE! -Tim Surette [ Trailer ]

Nanny (2022)

For fans of: Horror, the melting pot

Anna Diop, Nanny

Director: Nikyatu Jusu Stars: Anna Diop, Michelle Monaghan, Morgan Spector Genre: Horror Rating: NR Metacritic score: 72

Thanks to new voices in Hollywood, we've become introduced a fresh, thrilling subgenre of film: immigrant horror stories. Most of them have been pretty good (Netflix's His House and No One Gets Out Alive use their unique perspective well), and that continues with Nanny , the debut film from writer/director Nikyatu Jusu about an undocumented West African nanny caring for a New York couple's child and preparing for the arrival of her own child, whom she left behind. The horror comes when a strange presence threatens her reality. It's a visually impressive debut about family, societal issues, and gender. -Tim Surette [ Trailer ]

Your Christmas or Mine? (2022)

For fans of: Shlocky holiday films, wacky in-laws

Asa Butterfield, Your Christmas or Mine?

Director: Jim O'Hanlon Stars: Asa Butterfield, Cora Kirk, Daniel Mays, David Bradley Genre: Rom-com, Christmas Rating: PG-13 Metacritic score: n/a

Need some Christmas jolly? But also want some relationship folly? Try this British holiday film about a young man ( Asa Butterfield ) who can't bear to be apart from his girlfriend on Christmas, so he decides to surprise her at her family's house. Alas, she decided to do the same thing, so they end up spending the holiday with each other's families. It's not a Christmas classic, but it will do the trick if you're looking for a little tug of the heart. -Tim Surette [ Trailer ]

Good Night Oppy (2022)

For fans of: Human accomplishments, human connections, robots

Good Night Oppy

Director: Ryan White Genre: Documentary Rating: PG Metacritic score: 65

The closest thing we have to a real-life Wall-E is the Mars rover Opportunity, which landed on the Red Planet in 2004 for a 90-day mission but ended up operating for almost 15 years. This documentary film tells its story and the bond that the NASA operators formed with it, and will leave you wondering why you're crying over a robot throughout its wondrous 105 minutes. It's already won the Critics Choice Documentary Award for best feature, and it's got a real shot at an Oscar nomination at the 2023 Academy Awards. -Tim Surette [ Trailer ]

My Policeman (2022)

For fans of: Harry Styles

Harry Styles and Emma Corrin, My Policeman

Director: Michael Grandage Stars: Harry Styles, Emma Corrin, David Dawson, Linus Roache, Gina McKee, Rupert Everett Genre: Drama, Romance Rating: R Metacritic score: 49

The British film My Policeman is getting a wide range of reviews from critics and audience members alike, but don't let that stop you from rummaging through this period romance for clues about Harry Styles ' relationship with Olivia Wilde and who maybe spat on whom at the Don't Worry Darling movie premiere. Styles plays a British cop who is the pointy end in a love triangle that features his to-be wife ( Emma Corrin ) and a museum curator ( David Dawson ), with their messy love stuff played out over two timelines as they try to mend the past much later in life (with different actors). According to critics, the clandestine homosexual relationship in a time where we were far from progressive should be the fuel for this movie's engine, but the actors and woeful mood make this less enjoyable than your average sad love story. -Tim Surette [ Trailer ]

Torn Hearts (2022)

For fans of: Country music, mind games

Katay Sagal, Torn Hearts

Director: Brea Grant Stars: Katey Sagal, Abby Quinn, and Alexxis Lemire Genre: Horror, Thriller Rating: Not Rated Metacritic score: 59

Brea Grant follows up her well-received 2022 black comedy horror 12 Hour Shift with this winky thriller about two aspiring female country music artists who see an opportunity to advance their careers with a visit to a reclusive music legend (Sagal). But what looks like a perfect match to record a new song turns into a series of mental and physical games that test just how far the two are willing to go for fame. Yep, a shotgun is involved. -Tim Surette [ Trailer ]

The Northman (2022)

For fans of: Drinking the blood of your enemies out of their skulls

Alexander Skarsgard, The Northman

Director: Robert Eggers Stars: Alexander Skarsgard, Nicole Kidman, Anya Taylor-Joy, Claes Bang Genre: Drama, Action Rating: R Metacritic score: 82

Robert Eggers' delightfully violent film set in Viking society was previously only streaming on Peacock, but whatever deals that were needed to bring it to Prime Video were dealt, and that's good news for you because The Northman is totally radical. Modern-day Viking Alexander Skarsgård stars as a prince out to avenge the death of his father, and he does so with both incredible patience and brutality. Eggers is one of the best filmmakers working today, and The Northman is another fine addition to his collection. -Tim Surette [ Trailer ]

Catherine Called Birdy (2022)

For fans of: Medieval teen dramedies, House Mormont

Bella Ramsey, Catherine Called Birdy

Director: Lena Dunham Stars: Bella Ramsey, Andrew Scott, Billie Piper Genre: YA Drama, Comedy Rating: PG-13 Metacritic score: 75

Did you get word from the raven? Period pieces no longer have to be stuffy, boring slogs, and can now feature today's pop hits and Gen Z lingo while still putting their main characters in elaborate gowns and powdered wigs. Lena Dunham takes her turn unstuffing the old times with this film about a young lady ( Game of Thrones ' Bella Ramsey ) in 1290 England whose parents wish to marry her off in order to regain some medieval clout, so she schemes to sabotage their plans. She's precocious, see? Billie Piper and Andrew Scott , both always delightful, also star. -Tim Surette [ Trailer ]

Dog (2022)

For fans of: Channing Tatum, dogs

Channing Tatum, Dog

Director: Channing Tatum and Reid Carolin Stars: Channing Tatum and a Belgian Malinois Genre: Drama, Comedy Rating: PG-13 Metacritic score: 61

Putting Channing Tatum and a dog together in a road trip movie is all some people need to know to want to watch this movie, but it has the added surprise of sensitivity as it tells the story of an Army vet (Tatum) racing to his fallen friend's funeral with his friend's dog in tow. It's not a must-see, but it's an easy watch that will get your emotions going without taxing your brain too much. -Tim Surette [ Trailer ]

Samaritan (2022)

For fans of: Superheroes, Sylvester Stallone beating up Robocop -type street crooks

Javon "Wanna" Walton and Sylvester Stallone, Samaritan

Director: Julius Avery Stars: Sylvester Stallone, Javon "Wanna" Walton, Dascha Polanco, Pilou Asbæk Genre: Superhero, Action Rating: PG-13 Metacritic score: 45

This dark superhero movie was supposed to save the day in 2020, but a series of delays pushed it back to 2022 and onto Amazon Prime Video instead of theaters. Sylvester Stallone stars as a superhero named Samaritan who goes into hiding for 20 years until a young boy figures out who he is and encourages him to clean up the streets once again. Reviews are... not that great, but it's Stallone, you know? -Tim Surette [ Trailer | Review ]

The Lost City (2022)

For fans of: Romancing the Stone, sweaty A-listers

Sandra Bullock and Channing Tatum, The Lost City

Director: Aaron Nee and Adam Nee Stars: Channing Tatum, Sandra Bullock, Daniel Radcliffe, Brad Pitt Genre: Adventure, Romance, Comedy Rating: PG-13 Metacritic score: 60

This throwback adventure stars Sandra Bullock as a romance novelist who gets kidnapped by an evil billionaire ( Daniel Radcliffe ) who hopes she'll lead him to a secret treasure described in one her books. The vapid male model ( Channing Tatum ) who posed for her book covers decides to come to her rescue, and you can probably guess what happens next. It's a fun film for when you have two hours and a pint of ice cream to kill. Also, Patti Harrison is in it! -Tim Surette [ Trailer ]

Thirteen Lives (2022)

For fans of: Ron Howard drama, real-life heroism, confined spaces

Thira "Aum" Chutikul and Viggo Mortensen, Thirteen Lives

Director: Ron Howard Stars: Viggo Mortenson, Collin Farrell, Joel Edgerton Genre: Drama Rating: PG-13 Metacritic score: 66

Ron Howard directs this thriller film about the 2018 Tham Luang Thai cave rescue of a boys soccer team and its coach by an international group of cave divers. It's one of three projects about the rescue, including National Geographic's already released (and excellent) documentary The Rescue , which focused on the divers and the rescue efforts and is on Disney+, and Netflix's upcoming limited series Tham Luang , which focuses on the rescuees. This film covers the whole shebang, with Viggo Mortensen , Colin Farrell , and Joel Edgerton playing the heroes. -Tim Surette [ Trailer ]

Licorice Pizza (2021)

For fans of: The '70s, first loves

Cooper Hoffman and Alana Haim, Licorice Pizza

Director: Paul Thomas Anderson Stars: Cooper Hoffman, Alana Haim, Sean Penn, Bradley Cooper Genre: Drama, Comedy Rating: R Metacritic score: 90

One of 2021's most cherished films is Paul Thomas Anderson 's teen romance, which was nominated for three Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Original Screenplay. Set in 1973 in Southern California's San Fernando Valley, it follows a 15-year-old actor ( Cooper Hoffman ) and his budding relationship with an early-20s photographer's assistant ( Alana Haim ). -Tim Surette [ Trailer ]

Anything's Possible (2022)

For fans of: Queer teen romance, coming-of-age stories

Eva Reign and Abubakr Ali, Anything's Possible

Director: Billy Porter Stars: Eva Reign, Abubakr Ali, Renée Elise Goldsberry, Genre: Romance Rating: PG-13 Metacritic score: 65

The ridiculously talented Billy Porter makes his feature film directorial debut with this sweet high school coming-of-age story about a trans girl ( Eva Reign ) and the boy ( Abubkar Ali ) who musters up the courage to ask her out, even though he knows the drama it will cause at school. Important casting note: The inimitable Renée Elise Goldsberry is in this. -Tim Surette [ Trailer ]

Don't Make Me Go (2022)

For fans of: Father-daughter tearjerkers, internet boyfriend John Cho

John Cho and Mia Isaac, Don't Make Me Go

Director: Hannah Marks Stars: John Cho, Mia Isaac, Kaya Scodelario, Jemaine Clement Genre: Drama, Comedy Rating: R Metacritic score: 60

If you have a condition that doesn't allow you to cry, this John Cho film may be the cure. Cho stars as a single dad who, after discovering he has a terminal illness (but not a terminal list), embarks on a road trip from California to New Orleans with his teenage daughter to attend his 20-year college reunion. Road trip movies are like totally metaphors, man. This one's about getting to the end and growing up. But be warned: A controversial twist ending has many beating their heads against the wall. -Tim Surette [ Trailer ]

House of Gucci (2021)

For fans of: Glamour, excess, Lady Gaga

Lady Gaga and Adam Driver, House of Gucci

Director: Ridley Scott Stars: Lady Gaga, Adam Driver, Jared Leto, Jeremy Irons, Jack Huston, Salma Hayek, Al Pacino Genre: Drama, Crime Rating: R Metacritic score: 59

House of Gucci , the extravagant crime drama that strutted through theaters late last year, is now on Prime Video. The movie, which tells the tragicomic story of how the Gucci family lost ownership of the fashion brand, is directed by Ridley Scott and stars Lady Gaga , Adam Driver , Al Pacino , and Jared Leto doing the Jared Leto thing of being unrecognizable under layers of prosthetics. If you didn't venture out to see it in theaters, you can now watch it for free at home, where you can imitate Lady Gaga's Italian accent without offending anyone. -Liam Mathews [ Trailer ]

Marry Me (2022)

For fans of: J. Lo, Owen Wilson's whole thing, Instagram Live

Jennifer Lopez and Owen Wilson, Marry Me

Director: Kat Coiro Stars: Jennifer Lopez, Owen Wilson, Sarah Silverman, Maluma, Michelle Buteau Genre: Comedy, Romance, Music Rating: PG-13 Metacritic score: 51

There's no help for people who don't see the joy in Marry Me . It's a classic Jennifer Lopez rom-com, with J. Lo essentially playing herself — uh, sorry, playing Kat Valdez, a famous pop star who gets stood up by her fiancé (played by Maluma) on the night of their livestreamed hybrid concert/wedding (normal!) and picks a random regular Brooklyn dad (Owen Wilson) out of the audience to marry instead. And wouldn't you know it, they fall in love for real. But they live in two different worlds! Listen, I didn't say it broke the mold, I just said I had a good time watching it. -Allison Picurro [ Trailer ]

No Time to Die (2021)

For fans of: Bond... James Bond

Daniel Craig and Ana de Armas, No Time to Die

Director: Cary Fukunaga Stars: Daniel Craig, Rami Malek, Léa Seydoux, Ana de Armas, Naomie Harris, Jeffrey Wright, Lashana Lynch, Ralph Fiennes, Ben Whishaw Genre: Action, Adventure, Thriller Rating: PG-13 Metacritic score: 68

No Time to Die is neither the best nor the worst Daniel Craig Bond movie, but it does mark his final appearance as the character, which makes it significant. It's a lengthy, stylish, occasionally inexplicable film that picks up after Bond has left active service with MI6 and is just trying to enjoy living a quiet life as a normal, extraordinarily handsome man. But you can't make a Bond movie about that, so it's all very quickly disrupted when the CIA recruits him to hunt down a mysterious and dangerous villain (Rami Malek). -Allison Picurro [ Trailer ]

Emergency (2022)

RJ Cyler and Donald Elise Watkins, Emergency

Director: Carey Williams Stars: Sabrina Carpenter, Donald Elise Watkins, RJ Cyler Genre: Drama, Comedy Rating: R Metacritic score: 75

This Amazon film will likely get lost in the noise of the high-profile releases, but do not let it slip by if you're a fan of party comedies. The indie film follows a pair of young Black college seniors (RJ Cyler and Donald Elise Watkins) ready to let loose in a string of parties before spring break when they discover an unconscious white girl in their apartment, with no idea how she got there. Realizing the bad optics of the situation, they (and their Latino roommate) set out to return her to safety without their good intentions being misinterpreted. The movie got great reviews when it did the festival circuit earlier this year. - Tim Surette [ Trailer ]

All the Old Knives (2022)

Thandiwe Newton and Chris Pine, All the Old Knives

Director: Janus Metz Pederson Stars: Thandiwe Newton, Chris Pine, Jonathan Pryce, Laurence Fishburne Genre: Drama, Thriller Rating: R Metacritic score: 63

All the Old Knives sounds like a Knives Out sequel set in a nursing home (that's a free idea for Rian Johnson), but it's actually a thriller starring Chris Pine and Thandiwe Newton as spies who are also ex-lovers. I have no complaints about that concept. Based on the novel of the same name by Olen Steinhauer, who wrote the film's screenplay, the movie follows Pine's Henry Pelham as his investigation into a CIA mole becomes entangled in his history with Newton's Celia. Laurence Fishburne and Jonathan Pryce also star. Pine promoted this one in a series of to-die-for outfits . - Kelly Connolly [ Trailer ]

Master (2022)

Regina Hall, Master

Director: Mariama Diallo Stars: Regina Hall, Amber Gray, Zoe Renee Genre: Drama/Horror Rating: R Metacritic score: 67

Regina Hall gives one of the best performances of her career in this horror movie about racism in the vein of Get Out . She plays a professor at a prestigious, predominately white New England university with a historical connection to the Salem Witch Trials and a legacy of racism that continues into the present. She, a Black first-year student ( Zoe Renee ), and another Black faculty member ( Amber Gray ) experience racism at the school as a literal haunting. It's an assured debut film from writer-director Mariama Diallo (a Yale graduate) that's adept at scares and social commentary. -Liam Mathews [ Trailer ]

Lucy and Desi (2022)

Desi Arnaz and Lucille Ball, Lucy and Desi

Director: Amy Poehler (yes, that Amy Poehler) Stars: Lucille Ball, Desi Arnaz Genre: Documentary Rating: NR Metacritic score: 75

Sure, Nicole Kidman played a great Lucille Ball in Aaron Sorkin 's biopic Being the Ricardos (also on Amazon), but have you seen Lucille Ball play Lucille Ball? Amy Poehler directs this documentary looking at the lives of I Love Lucy 's stars, both on set and at home. (Not to be confused with Lucy and Desi: A Home Movie , a 1993 documentary directed by Lucy and Desi's daughter, Lucie Arnaz, that is also on Amazon.) - Tim Surette [ Trailer ]

The Protégé (2021)

Maggie Q and Michael Keaton, The Protégé

Director: Martin Campbell Stars: Maggie Q, Michael Keaton, Samuel L. Jackson Genre: Action, Thriller, Crime Rating: R Metacritic score: 48

Look, if you tell me Maggie Q is starring in an action movie, I'm pretty much already on board. Here, she stars as a contract killer who vows to get brutal, bloody revenge on the people who killed her mentor ( Samuel L. Jackson ). Along the way, she becomes entangled in a game of cat and mouse with another ruthless criminal ( Michael Keaton ), and the two of them have such effortless chemistry it'll make you forget about the movie's shortcomings. The Protégé received middling reviews when it was released in theaters, but the fight scenes are well choreographed spectacles that make it the ideal watch when you want to turn your brain off. - Allison Picurro [ Trailer ]

Book of Love (2022)

Sam Claflin and Verónica Echegui, Book of Love

Director: Analeine Cal y Mayor Stars: Sam Claflin, Verónica Echegui Genre: Comedy, Romance Metacritic score: 44

In this silly, sweet romantic comedy, Sam Claflin plays the kind of character Hugh Grant would've played back in the '90s: an uptight British romance author who learns that his latest (and not very good) novel has become a huge hit in Mexico, spurring him to travel there for a book tour. He only realizes after he arrives that the Spanish version of his book has actually been rewritten into a much spicier story that's way more interesting than his original story, all thanks to Maria ( Verónica Echegui ), the woman who translated it. This is the kind of classic rom-com premise that I can't help being utterly endeared by. -Allison Picurro [ Trailer ]

I Want You Back (2022)

For fans of: Jenny Slate, Charlie Day, ill-advised schemes

Jenny Slate, Charlie Day, I Want You Back

Director: Jason Orley Stars: Charlie Day, Jenny Slate, Gina Rodriguez, Manny Jacinto, Scott Eastwood Genre: Comedy, Romance Rating: R Metacritic score: 62

It's a Jenny Slate rom-com; it's a Charlie Day rom-com; it's a combination Jenny Slate-Charlie Day rom-com! And that means it's actually funny. I Want You Back pairs up two of Hollywood's most reliable chaos agents as a pair of strangers who bond over being recently dumped, then team up to win back their exes by destroying their new relationships. It's a solid romantic comedy that actually feels fresh, and who doesn't love a messy scheme? - Kelly Connolly [ Trailer ]

A Hero (2021)

For fans of: International films, twisty morality tales

Amir Jadidi, A Hero

Director: Asghar Farhadi Stars: Amir Jadidi, Mohsen Tanabandeh, Sahar Goldoost Genre: Drama, Thriller Rating: PG-13 Metacritic score: 82

The latest movie from Iranian filmmaker and two-time Oscar-winner Asghar Farhadi is this tense morality tale that's getting rave reviews from critics. It follows a man (Amir Jadidi) whose debt has landed him in jail, but a chance discovery of some gold coins while on furlough turns him into a national hero when he decides to return the bag of coins to its rightful owner. But beneath this seeming act of altruism lie questions of the man's true intentions. -Tim Surette [ Trailer ]

Being the Ricardos (2021)

For fans of: Aaron Sorkin, backstage drama

Nicole Kidman and Javier Bardem, Being the Ricardos

Director: Aaron Sorkin Stars: Nicole Kidman, Javier Bardem, J.K. Simmons, Nina Arianda, Tony Hale, Alia Shawkat Genre: Biography, Drama, History Rating: R Metacritic score: 60

Ever want to see Aaron Sorkin stuff the mouths of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz with his wordy monologues? Sorkin wrote and directed Being the Ricardos , a biopic following I Love Lucy 's Ball and Arnaz during a critical moment in their careers when Ball was accused of being a communist and the gossip rags wondered if their relationship was on the fritz. Early reviews are middling, but the draw here is watching Nicole Kidman as Ball and Javier Bardem as Arnaz, accompanied by J.K. Simmons , Tony Hale , Alia Shawkat ( Arrested Development reunion!), and Nina Arianda . - Tim Surette [ Trailer ]

Encounter (2021)

For fans of: Aliens, bugs, aliens that look like bugs

Lucian-River Chauhan, Riz Ahmed, and Aditya Geddada, Encounter

Director: Michael Pearce Stars: Riz Ahmed, Octavia Spencer, Rory Cochrane, Janina Gavankar Genre: Sci-Fi, Thriller Rating: R Metacritic score: 57

Riz Ahmed follows up his Oscar-nominated turn in last year's The Sound of Metal with this paranoid sci-fi thriller that looks like a mix of Take Shelter and War of the Worlds . Ahmed plays Malik Khan, a decorated Marine who takes his two sons and goes AWOL to protect them from an alien threat – and military operatives who are trying to make sure the secret of that threat doesn't get out. It comes from writer-director Michael Pearce, who made the excellent 2017 psychological thriller Beast , so you can bet there will be some gut-punching twists and some meaty material for Ahmed to work with. The supporting cast includes Octavia Spencer , Janina Gavankar , and Rory Cochrane . -Liam Mathews [ Trailer ]

The Electrical Life of Louis Wain (2021)

For fans of: Benedict Cumberbatch, cats

Benedict Cumberbatch and Toby Jones, The Electrical Life of Louis Wain

Director: Will Sharpe Stars: Benedict Cumberbatch, Claire Foy, Andrea Riseborough, Toby Jones Genre: Biography, Drama, History Rating: PG-13 Metacritic score: 63

Benedict Cumberbatch plays the eccentric late 19th and early 20th century artist Louis Wain, known for his cat portraits, who falls for his sisters' governess ( Claire Foy ), in this fanciful biographical drama. Reviews for the film have been polite but rarely glowing — which is to be expected from a film created and directed by the dark and whimsical Will Sharpe ( Flowers ) — but it's got Benedict Cumberbatch and cats, so there are a lot of very online people who will certainly love it. Plus, Olivia Colman narrates. - Kelly Connolly [ Trailer ]

Everybody's Talking About Jamie (2021)

For fans of: Musicals, sweet coming-of-age stories

Max Harwood, Everybody's Talking About Jamie

Directors: Dan Gillespie Sells, Jonathan Butterell, and Tom MacRae Stars: Max Harwood, Lauren Patel, Sarah Lancashire, Richard E. Grant, Ralph Ineson, Sharon Horgan Genre: Biography, Drama, Comedy, Musical Rating: PG-13 Metacritic score: 62

This stage-to-screen musical film is destined to set your heart aflame -- provided you aren't a hateful malcontent -- as it tells the story of a 16-year-old high schooler's journey against bullying and toward realizing his dream to become a drag queen. It's been reviewed positively with critics likening it to Billy Elliott , and is exactly the feel-good salve you're desiring. - Tim Surette [ Trailer ]

The Big Sick (2017)

For fans of: Pre-Marvel Kumail Nanjiani, heartfelt rom-coms

Kumail Nanjiani and Zoe Kazan, The Big Sick

Director: Michael Showalter Stars: Kumail Nanjiani, Zoe Kazan, Ray Romano, Holly Hunter Genre: Drama, Comedy, Romance Rating: R Metacritic score: 86

This romantic comedy is based on the actual love story between Kumail Nanjiani and his wife, Emily V. Gordon. Nanjiani plays the fictionalized version of himself while Zoe Kazan plays the fictionalized version of Emily, whose sudden diagnosis with adult-onset Still's disease — and the coma she falls into — throws a major wrench into their burgeoning relationship. While Kumail and Emily's story is undoubtedly the thing that drives The Big Sick , Ray Romano and Holly Hunter , who play Emily's parents, are the movie's grounding forces. You'll probably walk away from this mostly wishing they could adopt you. -Allison Picurro [ Trailer ]

Cinderella (2021)

For fans of: Pop songs, using the phrase "so bad it's good"

Nicholas Galitzine and Camila Cabello, Cinderella

Director: Kay Cannon Stars: Camila Cabello, Idina Menzel, Billy Porter, Minnie Driver, Nicholas Galitzine, Pierce Brosnan Genre: Fantasy, Comedy, Romance, Family, Musical Rating: PG Metacritic score: 41

Did we need another Cinderella re-telling? Probably not, but here's this movie anyway. In this latest version, Camila Cabello plays the fairy tale heroine, now going by simply "Ella," as an aspiring fashion designer with big dreams the traditional society she lives in just isn't ready for. She gets help from her fairy godparent ( Billy Porter ), pushes back against her evil stepmother ( Idina Menzel ), and belts out a lot of classic pop tunes you already know, because this confounding movie is also a jukebox musical. If all of that doesn't turn you off, you're definitely ready for Cinderella , girlboss edition. It's not "good," per se, but the baffling choices will certainly make you laugh. This could be a new camp classic in the making. -Allison Picurro [ Trailer ]

Annette (2021)

For fans of: Adam Driver, creepy puppet babies, A Star Is Born

Adam Driver and Marion Cotillard, Annette

Director: Leos Carax Stars: Adam Driver, Marion Cotillard, Simon Helberg, Devyn McDowell Genre: Drama, Romance, Musical Rating: R Metacritic score: 67

If you care at all about film festivals, you've probably already heard of Annette , but if you haven't, listen carefully: This is a musical where Adam Driver , speaking in an even lower register than usual, plays Henry, a stand-up comedian who falls in love with Marion Cotillard 's Ann, an opera singer. Their relationship declines after the birth of their mysteriously prodigious daughter Annette (who is played, confoundingly, by a puppet), and from there it becomes A Star Is Born by way of Marriage Story , but with a touch of surrealism. It's a fast-paced, hallucinatory rollercoaster that is certainly not for everyone, but will definitely have you walk away reeling. -Allison Picurro [ Trailer ]

Borat Subsequent Moviefilm (2020)

For fans of: Sequels, the way Borat says "my wiiiiife"

Sacha Baron Cohen, Borat Subsequent Moviefilm

Director: Jason Woliner Stars: Sacha Baron Cohen, Maria Bakalova Genre: Comedy Rating: R Metacritic score: 68

It's hard not to be wary when a beloved character is resurrected for a second go-around years later, but Borat Subsequent Moviefilm (full title Borat Subsequent Moviefilm: Delivery of Prodigious Bribe to American Regime for Make Benefit Once Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan ) is the rare sequel that works. Sacha Baron Cohen returns as Kazakh journalist Borat, and the international fame he's racked up since the first film has hurt more than helped his home country. In an attempt to redeem Kazakhstan, he returns back to America with the hopes of delivering a gift to former President Donald Trump (this movie was released right before the 2020 election, which does admittedly give some of the jokes a ten-second expiration date), but more compelling than all of that is Borat's legitimately sweet relationship with his daughter, Tutar (Maria Bakalova, who absolutely earned the Oscar nomination she received for her performance), who accompanies him on his mission, much to his chagrin. Honestly, the Rudy Giuliani stuff is the least interesting thing about this movie. It's good! Wa wa wee wa indeed. -Allison Picurro [ Trailer ]

Get Duked! (2019)

For fans of: Trainspotting, psychedelics

Director: Ninian Doff Stars: Eddie Izzard, Kate Dickie, Samuel Bottomley, Viraj Juneja, Rian Gordon, Lewis Gribben Genre: Action, Horror, Comedy, Music Rating: R Metacritic score: 69

This 2019 British black comedy film will easily remind you of Danny Boyle's bonkers classic Trainspotting , and it should: three Scottish teens with a knack for partying and doing drugs get into trouble. In Get Duked! , they're joined by a do-gooder and wander the Highlands to win the Duke of Edinborough Award, a survival challenge that turns boys into men, but they get stuck in the middle of a hunt-or-be-hunted situation with Eddie Izzard playing a psycho with a sniper rifle. Believe it or not, it gets weirder from there. Hilarious, ridiculous, and packed with social commentary, this would be regular viewing in weed smoke-filled dorm rooms of the late-'90s. - Tim Surette [ Trailer ]

The Handmaiden (2016)

For fans of: Deception, but in a sexy way

Director: Chan-wook Park Stars: Kim Min-hee, Kim Tae-ri, Ha Jung-woo, Cho Jin-woong Genre: Drama, Thriller, Romance Rating: Not rated Metacritic score: 84

The Handmaiden is one of those movies where every character is scamming another character, resulting in an exciting, dramatic thriller. It starts out as a film about a Korean con man ( Ha Jung-woo ) who devises a pan to seduce a Japanese heiress ( Kim Min-hee ) out of her inheritance. He enlists the help of a pickpocket ( Kim Tae-ri) to act as the heiress' maid and confidant, tasking her with encouraging marriage between the two. Things begin to get more dangerous as deeper relationships develop in the messy, intertwined trio, which is all I want to say without actually spoiling the plot's genius twists. What you should know going in is that this movie was directed by Park Chan-wook , who gave us the brutal, bloody Oldboy , so you should expect some gruesome imagery. -Allison Picurro [ Trailer ]

Jolt (2021)

For fans of: Kate Beckinsale violently brutalizing goons

Kate Beckinsale, Jolt

Director: Tanya Wexler Stars: Kate Beckinsale, Bobby Cannavale, Laverne Cox, Stanley Tucci, Jai Courtney Genre: Action, Comedy Rating: R Metacritic score: 48

Kate Beckinsale could have coasted in her career and played a lonely single mom who gets wooed by a hunk in various rom-coms, but thank god she's decided to be a butt-kicking action hero instead. In Jolt , she plays a woman with a unique condition that you'll only find in movies: If she doesn't electroshock herself with a custom-made harness, she loses her temper and starts to beat the sh-- out of everyone. Let's just say she doesn't always get the jolt she needs in time... a lot. There's also a scene in which she throws babies, and there are many swift kicks to the groin. Dumb fun, good time. - Tim Surette [ Trailer ]

Late Night (2019)

For fans of: Comedies about going to work, Emma Thompson wearing suits

Director: Nisha Ganatra Stars: Emma Thompson, Mindy Kaling, Max Casella, Hugh Dancy Genre: Comedy, Drama Rating: R Metacritic score: 70

Mindy Kaling and Emma Thompson star in this extremely sweet-hearted movie, written by Kaling, about a talk show host (played by Thompson) whose popularity is waning as she ages. To help freshen up her writers' room and stop the network from replacing her, she hires a new, inexperienced writer (Kaling). Some of the jokes and job responsibilities admittedly delve a little too far into the inside baseball territory — a lot of importance is placed on Kaling's character becoming co-monologue writer, for example — but overall, Late Night is a fun movie about the lengths women have to go to in order to be taken seriously in their careers. -Allison Picurro [ Trailer ]

One Child Nation (2019)

For fans of: Learning about history without opening a book

One Child Nation

Directors: Nanfu Wang, Zhang Lynn Genre: History, Documentary Rating: R Metacritic score: 85

This award-winning documentary will teach you all about a painful chapter in China's history via the one-child policy, which lasted from 1979 to 2015. Real people who lived through such a devastating period speak on their experiences, and the film delves into the damaging effects of government propaganda. Interestingly, One Child Nation is given a personal touch by co-director Nanfu Wang, who weaves stories of her own experience as a new mother in with the documentary's overall narrative. -Allison Picurro [ Trailer ]

One Night in Miami... (2020)

For fans of: Historical figures, monologues

Director: Regina King Stars: Kingsley Ben-Adir, Eli Goree, Aldis Hodge, Leslie Odom Jr. Genre: Drama Rating: R Metacritic score: 83

Directed by Regina King and based on a play by Kemp Powers, One Night in Miami... tells a dramatized account of a 1964 meeting between Malcolm X ( Kingsley Ben-Adir ), Muhammad Ali ( Eli Goree ), Sam Cooke ( Leslie Odom Jr. ), and Jim Brown ( Aldis Hodge ). They spend the night in a Miami hotel room together and end up arguing for a good portion of it, about X's belief that Cooke has sold out by pandering to white audience with his music, and Ali's, referred to in the film as Cassius Clay, decision to convert to Islam and change his name. It's an interesting movie that succeeds in peeling back the curtain on four pretty untouchable cultural icons, revealing more about their anxieties, inner lives, and ambitions than the average biopic would. -Allison Picurro [ Trailer ]

Pink: All I Know So Far (2021)

For fans of: P!nk, acrobatics, good music

Director: Michael Gracey Genre: Biography, Music, Documentary Rating: Not rated Metacritic score: 60

What do you know about Pink? (Or, sorry, P!nk, as she apparently prefers to be addressed.) You're probably aware she has the voice of an angel, and that she really, really loves singing while performing aerial tricks, but you might not know much beyond that. This documentary is a highly personal look into her life as a mother. Expect a lot of very sweet scenes of her carting her young children around on tour, some emotional behind the scenes interviews, and to be blown away by her sheer vocal range. It's a fun watch for Pink devotees and new fans alike. -Allison Picurro [ Trailer ]

Small Axe (2020)

For fans of: Social justice stories, period pieces

Director: Steve McQueen Stars: John Boyega, Letitia Wright, Michael Ward, Amarah-Jae St. Aubyn, Sheyi Cole, Kenyah Sandy Genre: Drama Rating: R Metacritic scores: 90 , 95 , 84 , 77 , 87

Small Axe is peak prestige television in that it's not actually television at all, but instead it's an anthology collection of five films directed by Steve McQueen . Every installment focuses on London's West Indian community in the years between 1969 and 1982, and each stars a great group of actors that includes John Boyega , Letitia Wright , Jack Lowden , and more. The stories don't overlap, but they all do a beautiful job of building out the world, and deal with issues and themes that impact the community, like police brutality, education, and what it means to be part of British society as a person of West Indian descent. On one hand, yes, five films is a lot to ask of viewers, but on the other, it just so happens that McQueen is an incredible director with a strong vision and every one is worth your time. If you only want to try one, give "Lovers Rock," a romance centered around a reggae house party, a spin. -Allison Picurro [ Trailer ]

Sound of Metal (2020)

For fans of: Heavy metal band t-shirts, being emotional

Director: Darius Marder Stars: Riz Ahmed, Olivia Cooke, Paul Raci Genre: Drama, Music Rating: R Metacritic score: 82

I am of the opinion that Riz Ahmed gave the best performance of 2020 as a heavy metal drummer losing his hearing in Sound of Metal , and he very correctly earned an Oscar nomination for it. As Ruben, he explores the emotional trauma of sudden deafness — literally, as it plays out in the film, one minute he can hear perfectly, and the next everything is muffled — and the importance of finding community as he goes to live in a rural home for deaf recovering addicts in order, run by Joe (Paul Raci, also rightfully Oscar-nominated for his work). The way the film utilizes sound design is nothing short of incredible, and most notably, director Darius Marder cast many actual Deaf actors who help bring the story to life. -Allison Picurro [ Trailer ]

Suspiria (2018)

For fans of: Witches, dancers, witchy dancers, Tilda Swinton

Director: Luca Guadagnino Stars: Dakota Johnson, Tilda Swinton, Mia Goth Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Fantasy, Horror Rating: R Metacritic score: 64

Luca Guadagnino directs this remake of the 1977 Dario Argento horror classic. Dakota Johnson stars as Susie, a seemingly fresh-faced dancer who travels from Ohio to Berlin to study at an elite dance academy and is quickly named head dancer. As Suspiria unfolds, and as more students and teachers are found dead or go missing entirely, and it becomes increasingly clear that something very sinister and supernatural is going on underneath the surface. Also, Tilda Swinton plays three roles, and for one of them she gets to dress up as an old man. It's kooky, it's campy, and it's also very, very scary. -Allison Picurro [ Trailer ]

Sylvie's Love (2020)

For fans of: Tessa Thompson, period romance

Tessa Thompson and Nnamdi Asomugha, Sylvie's Love

Director: Eugene Ashe Stars: Tessa Thompson, Nnamdi Asomugha Genre: Drama, Romance, Music Rating: PG-13 Metacritic score: 74

If sweeping romance is your thing, Sylvie's Love should be your next watch. Set in New York City in 1962, Tessa Thompson stars as Sylvie, an aspiring TV producer who strikes up a summer romance with a saxophonist (Nnamdi Asomugha) who works at her father's record store. Life eventually drags them apart, and they both go on without each other for a while, only to reunite years later to find that their connection remains just as strong. -Allison Picurro [ Trailer ]

The Tomorrow War (2021)

For fans of: Independence Day , action broken up with passable humor

Chris Pratt, Keith Powers, and Sam Richardson, The Tomorrow War

Director: Chris McKay Stars: Chris Pratt, Yvonne Strahovski, J. K. Simmons, Betty Gilpin, Sam Richardson Genre: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi, Drama, Thriller, War Rating: PG-13 Metacritic score: 45

A muscly and brainy Chris Pratt stars as a scientist who, along with thousands of others, is zapped 30 years into the future to help future soldiers fight an alien invasion and save the human race. Yeah, if that insane logline doesn't turn you off then you should enjoy this popcorn flick that doesn't take itself too seriously — as evidenced by the many one-liners from comedians Sam Richardson , Mike Mitchell , and Mary Lynn Rajskub — but doesn't skimp on hours of soldiers unloading clips into grotesque aliens. It'll remind you of Starship Troopers without that sharp commentary. -Allison Picurro [ Trailer ]

Uncle Frank (2020)

For fans of: Road trips, Paul Bettany's American accent

Paul Bettany, Sophia Lillis, and Peter Macdissi, Uncle Frank

Director: Alan Ball Stars: Paul Bettany, Sophia Lillis, Peter Macdissi, Judy Greer, Steve Zahn Genre: Drama, Comedy Rating: R Metacritic score: 58

This movie is a little bit like if someone tried to update Little Miss Sunshine and focus primarily on Steve Carell's character, but in a good way. Beth ( Sophia Lillis ) moves from her small North Carolina hometown to good ol' New York City, and immediately crashes into her favorite uncle's life. She finds out that Frank ( Paul Bettany ) is gay and has been living with his boyfriend Wally ( Peter Macdissi ) for years, while successfully keeping it a secret from the rest of their family. And because this is a movie, the secret is of course put in jeopardy when Frank's father dies and he, Beth, and Wally embark on a road trip to attend the funeral. Uncle Frank balances its comedic and dramatic moments well, and your heart will ache during the flashbacks to Frank's adolescence, where he was first confronted with his family's homophobia. Plus, an always perfect Judy Greer co-stars. -Allison Picurro [ Trailer ]

For fans of: Intimate portraits of '80s icons

Val Kilmer, Val

Directors: Leo Scott, Ting Poo Genre: Documentary Rating: R Metacritic score: 73

Val Kilmer gets the autobiographical treatment in this intimate documentary about his life and career. Kilmer lends his own home movies he's taken over the years to the film — which includes videos from the set of Batman Forever , and footage of younger versions of Sean Penn and Kevin Bacon just hanging out — and provides a look at his struggle with throat cancer, from which he's still recovering and has left him using a prosthesis in order to speak. It's more revealing than the standard celebrity doc. -Allison Picurro [ Trailer ]

The Vast of Night (2019)

For fans of: That '80s and '90s sci-fi feel, first-time directors making a huge splash

Sierra McCormick, The Vast of Night

Director: Andrew Patterson Stars: Sierra McCormick, Jake Horowitz Genre: Sci-Fi, Drama, Mystery, Thriller, Fantasy Rating: PG-13 Metacritic score: 84

This 2019 science-fiction film from director Andrew Patterson is one of the best directorial debuts of the last decade, with Patterson's keen eye able to bring to life a small town experiencing strange phenomena from the sky. Featuring some truly incredible continuous shots featuring hundreds of extras and one of my favorite intimate cinematic scenes featuring just one person on screen , The Vast of Night is a film school student's dream that follows a young switchboard operator and a disc jockey in 1950s New Mexico trying to find the source of unidentified sounds, and it's an entrancing thriller from the opening shot to the closing seconds. - Tim Surette [ Trailer ]

Things you buy through our links may earn Vox Media a commission.

The 30 Best Movies on Amazon Prime Video Right Now

This list is regularly updated as movies rotate on and off of Amazon Prime Video . *New additions are indicated with an asterisk.

Amazon has a little bit of everything on their streaming service, but they don’t have an interface that makes it particularly easy to find any of it. They also love to rotate out their selection with reckless abandon, making it hard to pin down what’s available when you want to watch a movie. It’s the kind of digital minefield that demands a guide. That’s where we come in! This regularly updated list will highlight the best films currently on Prime Video, free for anyone with an Amazon Prime account, including classics and recent hits. There’s truly something here for everyone, starting with our pick of the week.

This Week’s Critic’s Pick

King of new york.

Year: 1990 Runtime: 1h 43m Director: Abel Ferrara

The amazing Abel Ferrara directed this crime epic that oozes with style. Three decades after its release, it’s still one of the most cited films of this kind of its era. One of the main reasons for that is the cast. Christopher Walken leads the way as the legendary drug lord Frank White, but the whole ensemble here is amazing, including Laurence Fishburne, David Caruso, Wesley Snipes, Steve Buscemi, and Giancarlo Esposito.

How We Pick Our Films

Critic Brian Tallerico watches and writes about movies and TV every day. To curate this list, he dives into Prime Video’s catalogue to surface acclaimed, surprising, or otherwise noteworthy titles — using his taste and a lifetime of cinema study as his guide, instead of whatever the algorithm happens to be pushing. After triple-checking to make sure they’re still available, he watches each, organizes them by category, then writes his recommendation. We highlight more than just Oscar winners or popcorn flicks: These films present interesting ideas, made an impact on cinema, and changed our culture. Read on to find something to watch.

The Age of Innocence

Year: 1993 Runtime: 2h 12m Director: Martin Scorsese

Every time some troll claims that Scorsese only makes violent mob movies, they should be forced to watch this masterpiece, a period romance adapted from the 1920 novel by Edith Wharton. Daniel Day-Lewis plays Newland Archer, a wealthy New Yorker who is going to marry a woman named May (Winona Ryder) when he meets the unforgettable Countess Olenska (Michelle Pfeiffer). Sumptuously made and perfectly added, it’s one of the best films of a very good year.

Year: 1981 Runtime: 1h 47m Director: Brian De Palma

Brian De Palma’s best film stars John Travolta as a sound effects technician who is out recording sounds one night when he thinks he hears something terrifying. De Palma’s films often riff on Hitchcock, and this is his Rear Window , taking the voyeuristic elements of that film and applying them to a deeply cynical but brilliant study of violence, politics, and sex in the early 1980s.

*Born on the Fourth of July

Year: 1989 Runtime: 2h 24m Director: Oliver Stone

The director of the Best Picture-winning Platoon returned to Vietnam era with a very different film that’s more about coming home than going to war. Tom Cruise gives one of the best performances of his career as Ron Kovic, an average American kid forced into combat, who came home paralyzed and in a country that had no idea what to do with its veterans. It’s a very moving drama that landed eight Oscar nominations, including Cruise’s first, and won a second trophy for Oliver Stone.

Close Encounters of the Third Kind

Year: 1977 Runtime: 2h 14m Director: Steven Spielberg

There are a bunch of ‘70s and ‘80s classics on Amazon Prime (and on this list), but this is one of the best, a Steven Spielberg classic that may not get the same attention as his franchise starters but has held up as well as any of his most beloved films. This is probably a movie you haven’t seen since you were a kid. It plays differently if you’re now an adult. Trust us.

*Donnie Darko

Year: 2001 Runtime: 1h 53m Director: Richard Kelly

It’s a mad world in Richard Kelly’s sci-fi hit starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Drew Barrymore, Patrick Swayze, and Jena Malone. Darko made almost nothing in theaters but developed a loyal following on the home market, becoming one of the more acclaimed sci-fi films of the ‘00s. Join in the conversation that seems to constantly surround this film (and maybe Kelly will be encouraged to make another one soon — he hasn’t directed in over a decade).

Fitzcarraldo

Year: 1982 Runtime: 2h 37m Director: Werner Herzog

Werner Herzog set out to make a movie about a man who was insane enough to try and move a steamship over land from one river to another and Herzog himself was insane enough to actually try and replicate it. The result is a film that’s mesmerizing in its detail and blatant in its study of power gone mad, both in the narrative and the filmmaking. Watch Burden of Dreams after – a great doc about the crazy making of this film. (It’s on Prime too.)

House of Games

Year: 1987 Runtime: 1h 41m Director: David Mamet

Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright David Mamet made his directorial debut with this insanely clever thriller starring Lindsey Crouse and Joe Mantegna. Crouse plays a therapist who becomes fascinated with the life of a con, played by Mantegna, but Mamet always keeps his full hand hidden, only revealing the complexities and brilliance of his script one card at a time.

Year: 1999 Runtime: 1h 28m Director: Steven Soderbergh

Steven Soderbergh directs a searing performance by Terence Stamp in his thriller about a Brit who comes to California trying to find his missing daughter, and those who may be responsible for hurting her. Soderbergh rarely missteps and The Limey is one of his most underrated films, a perfectly paced angry shout of a movie that matches its captivating leading man.

Year: 1986 Runtime: 2h 1m Director: Michael Mann

Believe it or not, this Michael Mann flick isn’t regularly available for streaming subscribers, so take this chance while you can to watch one of the best from a masterful American director. Adapting Red Dragon by Thomas Harris, this is actually the first cinematic iteration of Hannibal Lecter, played here by future Succession Emmy winner Brian Cox. William Petersen is great as Will Graham, the role that Hugh Dancy would play many years later in the NBC series. This one is tense, and truly terrifying.

Year: 2001 Runtime: 1h 53m Director: Christopher Nolan

Christopher Nolan announced himself to the world with this Sundance thriller that really reshaped the indie and eventually the blockbuster landscape. Guy Pearce gives one of his best performances as a man with such severe memory loss that he has to use his body to remind himself of the details he needs to solve a mystery. It’s still so clever and riveting.

Oppenheimer

Year: 2023 Runtime: 2h 58m Director: Christopher Nolan

One of the biggest and best movies of 2023 has been doing a victory lap on the streaming services following its Oscar win for Best Picture. Of course, one of the draws of Nolan’s brilliant examination of the development of the atomic bomb was the way it played on Imax screens around the world. It’s best viewed large, loud, and in a one 3-hour chunk. So don’t break this one up and don’t watch it on your phone. Give yourself over to one of the most truly cinematic experiences of the decade.

Passion Fish

Year: 1992 Runtime: 2h 15m Director: John Sayles

The brilliant writer/director John Sayles delivered one of his most beloved films in this 1992 drama about a soap opera star (Mary McDonnell) who has been paralyzed after being hit by a cab. She returns to her family home, where she crosses paths with a nurse (Alfre Woodard) who refuses to give up on her. It’s moving in a way that feels genuine, never manipulative.

Year: 1987 Runtime: 1h 54m Director: Oliver Stone

Oliver Stone’s deeply personal and powerful film about the Vietnam War remains his best work, winning the filmmaker an Oscar for Best Director and nabbing Best Picture too. It stars Tom Berenger, Charlie Sheen, and Willem Dafoe in a story that cast a light on morality in wartime in a way that hadn’t really been seen before. It’s still incredibly moving stuff, and it always will be.

Year: 1960 Runtime: 1h 48m Director: Alfred Hitchcock

Often on lists of the best movies ever made, Alfred Hitchcock’s thriller undeniably changed the genre forever. With its drastic POV shift and stunning mid-film murder, no one had ever seen a movie that played with structure like this one before. It’s still a riveting piece of work, a movie in which one can find new tricks and joys with every single viewing. It’s a masterpiece.

Requiem for a Dream

Year: 2000 Runtime: 1h 41m Director: Darren Aronofsky

Darren Aronofsky adapted Hubert Selby Jr.’s novel of the same name into one of the most harrowing films about addiction that has ever been made. Jared Leto, Ellen Burstyn, Marlon Wayans, and Jennifer Connelly star in a film that looks at four different spirals into drug abuse and the horrors that can often come with it. The performances are unforgettable, but it’s the incredible visual confidence that Aronofsky displayed in only his second film that makes this such a riveting experience.

Saving Private Ryan

Year: 1998 Runtime: 2h 49m Director: Steven Spielberg

War movies haven’t gone anywhere, a prominent part of film history from its early days through 1917. There are certain tentpoles in that history of war movies that feel like game changers, and one came in 1998 when Steven Spielberg returned to World War II to tell a different story of history, reminding everyone in the world about the sacrifices that were made that day, and the obligation we all have to make them worthwhile.

Taxi Driver

Year: 1976 Runtime: 1h 48m Director: Martin Scorsese

One of Martin Scorsese’s early masterpieces, Taxi Driver is the wildly influential story of a man pushed off the edge of sanity, featuring a fearless performance from a young Robert De Niro. Few movies from this era are cited more than this one, and it’s not just because it touches on themes that remain timeless but that it does so in such a riveting, harrowing way. It’s unforgettable and the rare perfect film that holds up every single time you watch it.

High Tension

Year: 2005 Runtime: 1h 29m Director: Alexandre Aja

This movie is bonkers. Directed by Alexandre Aja (and sometimes called Switchblade Romance ) it stars Cecile de France and Maiwenn as two young woman who go to a secluded farmhouse, where they’re attached by a serial killer. The twist ending to this brutal film will likely either make it or break it for you. Note: Shudder also added a few other French Horror Wave films, including Inside and Martyrs —both essential for horror fans, neither for the faint of heart.

Year: 1979 Runtime: 1h 29m Director: Don Coscarelli

Another low-budget flick that produced an empire, Don Coscarelli’s totally bonkers 1979 film isn’t as much an influential genre classic as it is kind of unlike anything before or since. Who can forget the first time they saw Angus Scrimm as The Tall Man, one of the best horror characters of his era? The crazy plot here is secondary to the unforgettable imagery and style. There’s a reason it spawned four sequels and has a very loyal cult following 40 years later.

Bottle Rocket

Year: 1996 Runtime: 1h 31m Director: Wes Anderson

Made for almost nothing in the heart of Texas by an unknown young man named Wes Anderson, this 1996 comedy changed the indie landscape. Not only did it launch Anderson’s career, it introduced the world to the Wilson brothers, Owen and Luke. It’s a great film, and one that Martin Scorsese even named as one of the ten best films of the 1990s.

Year: 1996 Runtime: 1h 34m Director: Joel Coen

Joel and Ethan Coen’s 1996 masterpiece is only one of the best films ever made, a story of violence and redemption in the great American North. The Coens won Best Original Screenplay and Frances McDormand took her first Oscar home for playing the unforgettable Marge Gunderson, a Minnesotan cop who gets entangled in a car salesman’s deeply inept foray into the criminal world.

Year: 1989 Runtime: 1h 43m Director: Michael Lehmann

Talk about a movie ahead of its time. Coming-of-age teen comedies were never quite as wonderfully cynical before this movie about four teenage girls whose lives are upended by the arrival of a new kid, played by Christian Slater. More than just seeking to destroy the damaging cliques at his new school, Slater’s character has plans for something a little more permanent in this comedy that really shaped the teen genre for years to come.

The Holdovers

Year: 2023 Runtime: 2h 13m Director: Alexander Payne

Paul Giamatti and Da’Vine Joy Randolph were Oscar-nominated for this phenomenal comedy (and Randolph won!), which was exclusive to Peacock but has now escaped out to Prime Video. The ‘70s-set story of a boarding school over holiday break already feels like a comedy classic, a movie that people will be watching, especially around the end of the year, for generations to come.

Year: 2000 Runtime: 2h 34m Director: Russell Crowe

The first Best Picture winner of the new millennium was one of the most beloved period action films of all time. Russell Crowe gives his most iconic performance as a Roman general named Maximus, who watches his family murdered and his life destroyed by a vicious ruler named Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix). Forced into slavery, Maximus must become a gladiator, competing in arenas until he can achieve his ultimate revenge.

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Year: 1967 Runtime: 2h 58m Director: Sergio Leone

Is this Sergio Leone’s best movie? It might be. It’s arguably his most influential, changing the landscape of the Western in ways that are still being felt a half-century later. Clint Eastwood plays “The Good,” Lee Van Cleef plays “The Bad,” and Eli Wallach plays “The Ugly.” It’s even better than you remember.

Interstellar

Year: 2014 Runtime: 2h 49m Director: Christopher Nolan

The most underrated film from the director of The Dark Knight and Oppenheimer remains this 2014 sci-fi epic, a film that’s better if you approach it as an emotional journey instead of a physical one. Matthew McConaughey gives one of the best performances of his career as an astronaut searching for a new home for mankind, and realizing all that he left behind to do so. It’s a technical marvel with some of the most striking visuals and best sound design of Nolan’s career.

Year: 2012 Runtime: 1h 58m Director: Rian Johnson

Before he got sucked into the Star Wars machine (and then escaped it to start his own franchise in Knives Out ), Rian Johnson directed one of the best sci-fi/action films of the 2010s in Looper . Joseph Gordon-Levitt stars as a contract killer who shoots people who are sent back in time to his location. And then he meets himself. Co-starring Emily Blunt and Bruce Willis, this is an inventive genre masterpiece.

*The Lord of the Rings trilogy

Year: 2001-2003 Runtime: Various Director: Peter Jackson

The Oscar-winning franchise by Peter Jackson bounces around the streaming services with alarming regularity, now finding its way to Prime Video for an indeterminate amount of time. Watch the entire saga of Frodo Baggins, Samwise Gamgee, and the rest of the Fellowship while you can.

Reservoir Dogs

Year: 1992 Runtime: 1h 39m Director: Quentin Tarantino

Maybe you’ve heard of it? One of the only Quentin Tarantino flicks on Prime Video right now is his first effort, a movie that announced a major new talent as much as any debut of the ‘90s. Remarkably, unlike a lot of ‘80s and ‘90s debuts, Reservoir Dogs works just as well today. It would arguably be an even bigger hit if it came out in 2024. That’s how much QT influenced the form for three decades and counting after its release.

If you subscribe to a service through our links, Vulture may earn an affiliate commission.

now streaming
vulture lists
amazon prime
vulture picks
streaming recommendations

Editor’s Picks

Most Popular

What is your email.

This email will be used to sign into all New York sites. By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy and to receive email correspondence from us.

Sign In To Continue Reading

Create your free account.

Password must be at least 8 characters and contain:

Lower case letters (a-z)
Upper case letters (A-Z)
Numbers (0-9)
Special Characters (!@#$%^&*)

As part of your account, you’ll receive occasional updates and offers from New York , which you can opt out of anytime.

The 25 Best Movies on Prime Video

From Jordan Peele masterpieces to Oscar-winning classics.

nope ending explained jordan peele is oj dead

Whether you're a fan of romantic comedies or serious drama, Prime Video has got you covered. From recent hits like Jordan Peele's Nope and Paul Thomas Anderson's Licorice Pizza to Hollywood classics like It's a Wonderful Life , Prime Video has a diverse selection of flicks to suit whatever mood you're in. The streaming service features flashy blockbusters featuring big action stars like Keanu Reeves and Tom Cruise, but it also hosts understated dramas, terrifying true crime recreations, and horror movies to haunt your dreams. Here, we round up 25 of the best movies on Prime Video.

Nope (2022)

Jordan Peele's follow-up to Get Out and Us totally defies genre. Nope follows the Haywood siblings, played by Keke Palmer and Daniel Kaluuya, as they attempt to film an unidentified flying object in the sky above their ranch. Part-horror movie, part-Western, and many parts science fiction, Nope is filled with incredible performances and unbelievable twists.

Licorice Pizza (2021)

Haim's Alana stars in this comedy drama from acclaimed director Paul Thomas Anderson. Set in the '70s, Licorice Pizza follows a 15-year-old kid named Gary and his unlikely romance with a 25-year-old photography assistant. The film was nominated for three Oscars and features a score by Radiohead's Jonny Greenwood.

Good Will Hunting (1997)

The film that put Ben Affleck and Matt Damon on the map. Damon takes the lead as Will, a gifted 20-year-old working as a janitor at MIT, who finds himself in trouble with the law. To avoid jail time, Will undergoes therapy sessions with Sean (Robin Williams), and an unexpected bond forms. Minnie Driver plays Will's love interest Skylar.

Candyman (2021)

Nia DaCosta's reimagining of Candyman modernizes a horrifying classic, which you can also watch if you dare. The movie follows artist Anthony (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II) who finds inspiration in the Candyman myth and the local Cabrini-Green housing projects. Little does he know, his fascination with the iconic figure will be life-changing.

House of Gucci (2021)

Lady Gaga and Adam Driver team up for this retelling of Maurizio Gucci's 1995 murder-for-hire , orchestrated by his ex-wife, Patrizia Reggiani, who married into the legendary family. Maurizio was the grandson of Guccio Gucci, who founded the luxury fashion house. Jared Leto, Salma Hayek, and Al Pacino co-star.

The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)

Martin Scorsese's The Wolf of Wall Street is based on Jordan Belfort's memoir, and sees Leonardo DiCaprio portray the stockbroker's life of excess. Examining corruption on Wall Street, the film co-stars Margot Robbie, Matthew McConaughey, and Jonah Hill, and features one of DiCaprio's best comedic performances.

Creed (2015)

In this spin-off from the Rocky franchise, Michael B. Jordan stars as Adonis, the son of heavyweight champ Apollo Creed. Adonis seeks out Rocky Balboa to train him to become a fighter just like his father. Sylvester Stallone returns in the iconic role, and hands the baton to a new generation. Jordan recently made his directorial debut with Creed 3 .

The Lost City (2022)

Sandra Bullock stars as Loretta, a frustrated romance author, whose true passion is archaeological history. At a book launch, she clashes with Dash (Channing Tatum), the model who portrays the hero on all her book covers. However, when Loretta goes missing, Dash steps up to the plate and proves what he's really capable of... sort of.

A Simple Favor (2018)

Anna Kendrick stars as Stephanie, a vlogger and single mom who becomes friends with the impossibly chic Emily, a mother with some scandalous secrets. However, when Emily goes missing, Stephanie feels compelled to find out what really happened to her friend. A sequel, reuniting Lively and Kendrick , is in the works.

Top Gun: Maverick (2022)

The long-awaited sequel to 1986's Top Gun was a smash hit at the box office and includes Lady Gaga's "Hold My Hand," which led to a jaw-dropping performance at the Academy Awards. Tom Cruise reprises his role as Maverick, this time training a group of new recruits. Why not make it a double-bill and revisit the original first?

Speed (1994)

1994's Speed helped catapult Sandra Bullock and Keanu Reeves to superstardom, and made us all ship their seriously steamy chemistry. In case you've somehow missed this classic, Speed is a high-octane thriller in which a bus is rigged to explode if it drops below 50 miles per hour. Bullock plays an unstoppable passenger, while Reeves is a police officer attempting to stop the explosion.

Late Night (2019)

In this script from Mindy Kaling, Emma Thompson stars as a late-night talk show host trying to save her career. She hires Molly (Kaling), an Indian-American writer who she hopes will shake things up in a writers' room filled with middle-aged white men. This delightful comedy might have flown under the radar upon its release, but it's most definitely worth a watch.

Whiplash (2014)

In this film from the writer-director of La La Land , Miles Teller stars as Andrew, a jazz drummer studying under the renowned yet punishing Terence, played to perfection by J. K. Simmons. While trying to please his seriously deranged teacher, Andrew's world turns to chaos. Who knew the world of jazz drumming could be this gripping?

Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris (2022)

In this adaptation of the 1958 novel Mrs. 'Arris Goes to Paris , Lesley Manville stars as Ada, a widow and cleaning lady who begins lusting after a Dior dress owned by one of her clients. When she suddenly comes into some money, Ada drops everything and makes a solo trip to Paris to make her dreams come true. For anyone who's ever dreamed of owning a bespoke Dior couture gown.

Fences (2016)

Denzel Washington directs and stars in the movie adaptation of August Wilson's play, Fences . The film follows Troy, a Black man whose dreams of becoming a baseball player were destroyed by racism. The injustice has a ripple effect through his entire life, and the lives of his family members. Viola Davis plays Rose, Troy's wife, starts to realize what she's lost because of her marriage.

To Catch a Thief (1955)

Alfred Hitchcock's To Catch a Thief stars Cary Grant as John, a former cat burglar who has since retired to the French Riviera. However, police instantly suspect John when jewels start going missing. Grace Kelly plays the wealthy Francie, who John meets while trying to hunt down the real thieves.

Coming 2 America (2021)

Coming 2 America , the long-awaited sequel to 1988's Coming to America, sees Eddie Murphy reprise his role as Prince Akeem of Zamunda. Desperately in need of an heir, Akeem finds out that he unknowingly fathered a son during his time in New York. As a result, he returns to the city to seek out his offspring in the hopes of forging a relationship.

Somebody I Used to Know (2023)

Dave Franco directs wife Alison Brie in a romantic comedy co-written by the pair. Reality TV showrunner Ally (Brie) returns to her hometown when her series is canceled. There, she reunites with Sean (Jay Ellis), an ex-boyfriend she's never really gotten over. However, he's about to get married, and Ally decides to insert herself into his wedding weekend.

Pulp Fiction (1994)

Quentin Tarantino brought together a stellar Hollywood cast for 1994's Pulp Fiction , a crime movie with multiple storylines intricately woven together. While John Travolta and Samuel L. Jackson portray an unforgettable hitmen duo, Uma Thurman's performance as Mia, the wife of a crime boss, proved she was a force to be reckoned with.

The Virgin Suicides (1999)

Sofia Coppola's adaptation of Jeffrey Eugenides' novel marked her directorial debut and her first collaboration with Kirsten Dunst. Set in the '70s, the film follows five sisters who are constrained by their strict religious parents. While fighting against the rigor of their home life, the sisters try to engage in normal teenage experiences, for which they're punished.

Amy Mackelden is a freelance writer, editor, and disability activist. Her bylines include Harper's BAZAAR, Nicki Swift, Cosmopolitan, Marie Claire, ELLE, The Independent, Bustle, Healthline, and HelloGiggles. She co-edited The Emma Press Anthology of Illness , and previously spent all of her money on Kylie Cosmetics.

preview for Harper's BAZAAR Culture Playlist

Film, TV & Theatre

“Shōgun” Season Two: What We Know So Far

All About “Mr. & Mrs. Smith” Season 2

All About “Hacks” Season 4

“Abbott Elementary” Season Four: What We Know

All the Best Horror Movies Coming Out in 2024

taylor swift accepts the video of the year award for fortnight onstage at the 2024 mtv video music awards held at ubs arena september 11, 2024 in elmont, new york photo by christopher polkbillboard via getty images

The 34 Best Reactions to the 2024 MTV VMAs

Breaking Down All the S2 Drama of “Tell Me Lies”

the perfect couple nicole kidman as greer winbury

“The Perfect Couple” and the Limits of Fan Casting

cannes, france june 18 academy award winning actress gwyneth paltrow attends the encore embracing the new entertainment era session during the cannes lions international festival of creativity 2024 day two at amazon port plaza stage on june 18, 2024 in cannes, france photo by marc piaseckigetty images

Gwyneth Paltrow Will Return to Acting for A24 Film

FKA Twigs Always Knew She Was Meant to Act

“Blink Twice”’s Costumes Are Emotionally Charged

Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu on Becoming Sylvie

To revisit this article, visit My Profile, then View saved stories

10 engaging biopics to watch on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+ Hotstar

Bollywood Hollywood biopics Priyanka Chopra Deepika Padukone Janhvi Kapoor Netflix Amazon Prime Video what to watch...

Numerous people with fascinating journeys have walked the earth. However, the stories of a lot of them are either too convoluted to read in the history books , or completely unheard of. A well-produced cinematic work, in that case, can serve to be an uncomplicated, if small, peek into their lives, struggles, inspirations and ideologies—while also teaching us a few things along the way. If you're planning on catching up on some great biographical dramas to watch this weekend, here are 10 films to add to your list.

Mary Kom (2014)

Based on the life of India's decorated boxing champion, the film chronicles Mary Kom's life—from her discovering a boxing glove from an airplane wreckage as a child to winning the 2008 World Boxing Championship. A farmer's daughter, Mary faces a lot of challenges as her father is against the idea of her pursuing the sport and her family is facing financial troubles. She sticks to her passion and sees success. While she does go through a phase of self-doubt, she restarts her career to prove the doubters wrong, nevertheless. The movie features Priyanka Chopra in the lead role.

Streaming on Netflix

The Theory of Everything (2014)

Looking for the best under eye cream for dark circles? These are expert approved

One of the greatest physicists in recent times, professor Stephen Hawking's life was nothing short of a battle. Based on a memoir by his first wife, Jane Hawking, the film tells the story of the couple from their Cambridge days in the 1960s. It highlights the inception of his interest in black holes and his diagnosis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). The journey is showcased brilliantly as they defy all odds together. Stephen's struggle to cope with his condition along with progressing in his research and theories is a delight to experience.

Streaming on Amazon Prime Video

Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl (2020)

Having always dreamt of becoming a pilot, Gunjan Saxena's passion knows no bounds. Her mother and brother are against the idea, but she has the constant support of her father. After applying to an aviation school, she is forced to step down due to the exorbitant fee required for the course. This is when she comes across an ad for the first-ever Indian Airforce camp for recruiting female pilots. Gunjan goes for it and is the only one selected. Her struggles don't end here as constant discrimination and sexism follow her into the forces. Despite the odds, she ended up becoming the first female airforce officer to go to war in 1999.

The Social Network (2010)

Mark Zuckerberg is a Harvard student who hacks the university servers to create a website for rating female students based on appearance after he gets dumped. Despite breaking rules, this website materialises into an idea for a social media hub, exclusive for ivy league schools. As it grows in popularity, the Winklevoss twins and their business partner decide to sue the company, Facebook, claiming that Mark stole the idea from them. He faces further issues with his friend, Eduardo Saverin, whose stake in the company is reduced drastically after incorporation. The film tells a dark version of events that led to the creation of the world's biggest social media company.

Bhaag Milkha Bhaag (2013)

Farhan Akhtar gets into the shoes of Milkha Singh, aka The Flying Sikh, in this intense biopic that narrates the journey of one of India's best athletes. The film chronicles his childhood in pre-Independence Pakistan, the death of his parents during partition, his recruitment in the Indian Army, and eventual discovery of his running ability that leads to him becoming an Olympian. The title is a reference to Milkha Singh's life which symbolises looking ahead and running forward, no matter the consequence.

Streaming on Disney+ Hotstar

I, Tonya (2017)

Gifted figure skater, Tonya Harding, becomes the first American woman to perform a triple axel in a competition in 1991. Despite her steady rise in the sport, in 1994, her reputation is tarnished as her ex-husband hires people who injure a fellow skater, Nancy Kerrigan, forcing her to withdraw from the upcoming competition. After the arrests and hearings, Tonya is found to have known of the attack and is banned from the sport for life. The film showcases her abusive mother forcing her to skate as a child and then after finally achieving success, to have it all snatched in one of the biggest sports scandals of the world.

Available to buy on Amazon Prime Video

Chhapaak (2020)

In 2005, Malti Agarwal's whole life comes crashing down when someone throws acid on her face in a busy market. She receives aid from concerned people who help her in getting surgeries and hiring a lawyer to get justice. She fights the system to force a change in the penal code as it does not consider acid attacks as a major crime. Even though the ones responsible are arrested, the fight is much bigger than that. More acid attacks come into the limelight and the film highlights the fact that despite a change in laws and check on acid sales, the heinous crimes still continue. Starring Deepika Padukone as the protagonist, the movie is inspired by the life of Laxmi Agarwal.

Catch Me If You Can (2002)

The movie follows the real-life story of Frank Abagnale, a New York resident whose father gets into trouble with the Internal Revenue Service due to tax issues. This results in them moving into a small apartment. Frank eventually runs away after his parents' divorce and takes to scam and forgery to earn his way. Before his 19th birthday, Frank successfully cons people worth millions of dollars by posing as a pilot, a doctor and a prosecutor.

Manjhi: The Mountain Man (2015)

Dashrath Manjhi is a common man who lives in a small village, Gehlaur, in Bihar. The locals have to climb a mountain in order to get to the nearest town for supplies as there is no road. One fateful day, Dashrath's pregnant wife falls while climbing and succumbs to her injuries. He takes it upon himself to break the mountain and carve a road through it. He is deemed a lunatic by the people but after 22 years of endless labour, he single-handedly carves a 360-feet-long path through the structure.

The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)

In the 1990s, Jordan Belfort, with his partner, Donny Azoff, opens a brokerage firm. The small-time broker uses his skills and unfair means to grow the company drastically. Success flows in with a lot of substance abuse, cheating and misuse of power. As they draw attention to their lavish lifestyles, the FBI takes an interest in the firm's functioning. Jordan, blinded by fame and fortune, continues his ways and watches his empire slowly slip away from his hands as the authorities close down on him.

10 new movies and shows coming to Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Disney+ Hotstar this week

8 movies that give you a peek inside media culture, on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Disney+ Hotstar

8 thought-provoking dystopian movies and shows to stream on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Disney+ Hotstar

Bollywood movies are being re-released in theatres by the dozen. Is it nostalgia or slim pickings?

The 37 Best Movies on Amazon Prime Video Right Now (July 2024)

Your changes have been saved

Email is sent

Email has already been sent

Please verify your email address.

You’ve reached your account maximum for followed topics.

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 July 2024 to include The Magnificent Seven.

‘The Magnificent Seven’ (2016)

Rotten tomatoes: 64% | imdb: 6.9/10.

The Magnificent Seven

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 .

Watch on Prime Video

‘The Beekeeper’ (2024)

Rotten tomatoes: 71% | imdb: 6.4/10.

The Beekeeper

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.

I Am: Celine Dion

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.

Oppenheimer

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.

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.

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.

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

'American Fiction' (2023)

Rotten tomatoes: 93% | imdb: 7.5/10.

American Fiction

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.

'The Holdovers' (2023)

Rotten tomatoes: 97% imdb: 7.9/10.

The Holdovers

The Holdovers is a comedy-drama film set primarily in a New England boarding school in the 1970s. The movie was directed by Alexander Payne and written by David Hemingson . Paul Giamatti stars as curmudgeonly classics teacher Paul Hunnam, who is forced to spend the holidays chaperoning a handful of students with nowhere to go. His stuffy world opens up as he forms a bond with the recently bereaved school cafeteria manager, Mary Lamb ( Da’Vine Joy Randolph ), and a bright but troubled student, Angus Tully ( Dominic Sessa ). The Holdovers premiered at the 2023 Telluride Film Festival and received near-universal acclaim. Named one of the top 10 films of 2023 by the National Board of Review and the American Film Institute, the movie has won several accolades, including the Best Supporting Actress Oscar for Da’Vine Joy Randolph’s heartbreaking performance. Full of beautiful, emotional performances, the film almost feels like the inverse of Dead Poets Society , with a student helping a teacher learn to find his place in the world. Though a Christmas movie in setting, The Holdovers is a film that’s sure to become a perennial favorite.

'The Idea of You' (2024)

Rotten tomatoes: 83% | imdb: 6.5/10.

The Idea of You

Based on Robinne Lee ’s 2017 novel of the same name, The Idea of You is a rom-com starring Anne Hathaway as a single mom who finds an unexpected romance with the lead singer of a boy band, played by Nicholas Galitzine . The film was directed by Michael Showalter , who also co-wrote the screenplay with Jennifer Westfeldt . The Idea of You premiered at the 2024 South by Southwest (SXSW) festival, where it received largely positive reviews from critics. The movie has been hailed as a return to the classic romantic comedy mold, with compelling performances from its leads and a solid story. Anne Hathaway is, predictably, the highlight of the film, delivering a delightful performance and sharing great on-screen chemistry with Galitzine. Overall, The Idea of You is a funny, feel-good film that packs plenty of laughs and emotion but still finds the space to say some important things about love, life, and self-discovery.

'The Miseducation of Cameron Post' (2018)

Rotten tomatoes: 76% | imdb: 6.6/10.

The Miseducation of Cameron Post

Based on the 2012 novel by Emily M. Danforth , The Miseducation of Cameron Post is a coming-of-age drama set in the 90s that stars Chloë Grace Moretz as a teenager sent to a gay conversion therapy center. The movie was directed by Desiree Akhavan , who also co-wrote the screenplay with Cecilia Frugiuele . The film also stars John Gallagher Jr. , Sasha Lane , Forrest Goodluck , Marin Ireland , and more. The Miseducation of Cameron Post premiered at the 2018 Sundance Film Festival to largely positive reviews. Critics have praised the humor, intelligence, and compassion that the movie brings to its timely and all-too-real subject. Moretz delivers a brilliant performance in the lead role, and Akhavan’s direction of the film is flawless. Perhaps the greatest triumph of The Miseducation of Cameron Post is the way the movie truthfully explores painful, tragic realities of life while still finding the joy in human connections that get you through the hurt.

'Titanic' (1997)

Rotten tomatoes: 88% | imdb: 7.9/10.

James Cameron ’s Titanic is part disaster film and part romantic drama. Starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet , the film follows a young aristocratic girl who falls in love with a talented artist aboard the doomed ship. A secondary plot follows a treasure hunter searching for a valuable necklace that was lost when the ship sank. Titanic isn’t the best work of anyone involved, and yet it’s probably the biggest milestone in all their careers. The film was massively popular when it was first released and still captivates audiences today. It’s a classic romantic melodrama that features spectacular visuals, career-making performances, and unmatched directorial skill. People still debate aspects of the film (especially that scene ) — a fact that demonstrates the movie’s tremendous staying power. Titanic is massive, stunning, and almost entirely fictional. In other words, it’s Hollywood at its best.

'Top Gun' (1986)

Rotten tomatoes: 57% | imdb: 6.9/10.

Directed by Tony Scott and written by Jim Cash and Jack Epps Jr , Top Gun stars Tom Cruise as Lieutenant Pete "Maverick" Mitchell, a young naval aviator who gets a chance to attend the Navy’s Fighter Weapons School, Top Gun. The movie also stars Kelly McGillis , Val Kilmer , Anthony Edwards , and Tom Skerritt . Top Gun received rather mixed reviews when it first premiered in 1986, but its visual effects and music were considered top-notch even then. In 2022, the film got a legacy sequel, Top Gun: Maverick , that has eclipsed the original to some extent. Nevertheless, the original Top Gun is a high-octane rollercoaster that continues to entertain audiences nearly 40 years after its release. A quintessential 1980s movie, Top Gun has inspired generations of movies, shows, and video games, and, perhaps most importantly, it’s the film that made Tom Cruise the household name he is today.

'Frida' (2024)

Rotten tomatoes: 90% | imdb: 7.4/10.

Frida (2024)

Directed by Carla Gutierrez in her directorial debut, Frida is a documentary film following the life of legendary Mexican painter Frida Kahlo . Based on Kahlo’s own writings, interviews, and correspondence, Frida blends archival material with animation to present a unique look at the artist’s legacy. The film explores key moments in Kahlo’s life, including her relationship with fellow artist Diego Rivera , her affair with Russian revolutionary Leon Trotsky , and her time in the US.

Frida premiered at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival, where it received critical acclaim and won the US Documentary Jonathan Oppenheim Editing Award. An ambitious attempt at telling Kahlo’s story in her own words, the film also uses animation to bring some of her most iconic works to life. Frida premiered on Prime Video on March 14, 2024.

'Road House' (2024)

Rotten tomatoes: 68% | imdb: 6.3/10.

Road House (2024)

Read Our Review A modern reimagining of the 1989 Patrick Swayze film, Road House is an action drama movie that stars Jake Gyllenhaal , Daniela Melchior , and Conor McGregor in his feature film debut. Directed by Doug Liman , the film follows a former UFC fighter who takes a job as a bouncer at a roadhouse in the Florida Keys, only to discover dark secrets. The movie’s screenplay is by Anthony Bagarozzi and Chuck Mondry , and it’s produced by Joel Silver , who also produced the original.

Road House had its world premiere on March 8th, 2024, at the SXSW Festival. With largely positive reviews, the film is a well-executed update of the cult classic it’s based on. This isn’t the sort of movie you watch for the intricate plotting, but if adrenaline is what you’re looking for, then this is the film for you.

'Bottoms' (2023)

Rotten tomatoes: 90% | imdb: 6.8/10.

Read Our Review

Bottoms is a 2023 teen comedy starring Ayo Edebiri ( The Bear ) , Ruby Cruz ( Mare of Easttown ) , Rachel Sennott ( Shiva Baby ), Havana Rose Liu , and Kaia Gerber ( Babylon ). It tells the story of two unpopular students in high school who start a fight club in order to try and find other students to sleep with before graduation. The girls get more and more embroiled in their schemes as time goes on, facing challenges in their own friendship as well. Bottoms features a fun appearance by former NFL football star Marshawn Lynch , who has been expanding his acting resume in recent years.

The film was popular with audiences when it premiered, with critics liking its satirical nature and the way in which it flipped teen tropes on their heads. It was nominated for two Independent Spirit Awards, including Best Screenplay, as well as a GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Film. - Emily Cappello

'Belfast' (2021)

Rotten tomatoes: 86% | imdb: 7.2/10.

Written and directed by Kenneth Branagh ( Murder on the Orient Express ), Belfast is a coming-of-age story about a boy’s childhood experiences in Belfast, Northern Ireland. The film takes place in 1969 at the beginning of The Troubles, which was an ethnonationalism conflict fueled by religious discrimination between Protestants and Catholics. While the film’s focus is mainly on nine-year-old Buddy ( Jude Hill ), it also includes his family life with Me ( Caitríona Balfe ), Pa ( Jamie Dornan ), and his older brother, Will ( Lewis McAskie ).

The film was widely praised by audiences and critics alike, winning Branaugh an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay at the 2022 Academy Awards, in addition to its six other nominations, including Best Picture. At the Golden Globes, Belfast won Best Screenplay in addition to its six other nominations. - Emily Cappello

'Women Talking' (2022)

Rotten tomatoes: 90% | imdb: 6.9/10.

Women Talking

Read Our Review Based on the book by Miriam Toews , Women Talking is a film that tackles a brutal topic: women living in an isolated religious community as they debate whether or not they can escape the abuse they’re experiencing. Directed and written for the screen by Sarah Polley , the film is an intense ride with many difficult scenes and visuals. It’s best to watch the film if you know you’re in the right headspace and won’t be personally affected by any of the material.

The film won an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay and received a Best Picture nomination. It was nominated for two Golden Globe Awards, including Best Original Score by Hildur Guonadóttir and Best Screenplay for Polley. The film stars Rooney Mara ( The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo ), Judith Ivey ( The Devil’s Advocate ), Claire Foy ( First Man ), Frances McDormand ( Fargo ), and Sheila McCarthy ( The Day After Tomorrow ). - Emily Cappello

'The Blair Witch Project' (1999)

Rotten tomatoes: 86% | imdb: 6.5/10.

The Blair Witch Project

Considered one of the first found footage horror films, The Blair Witch Project was co-created by Daniel Myrick and Eduardo Sánchez , who wrote, directed, and edited the film. Starring Heather Donahue , Michael C. Williams , and Joshua Leonard as a trio of film students investigating a mythical witch, The Blair Witch Project succeeded by building not only a fictional documentary but also a brilliant marketing campaign centering on the missing, fictional film students.

Cleverly allowing audiences to freak themselves out rather than rely on scary movie cliches, The Blair Witch Project was groundbreaking and praised for reinvigorating the genre with new elements in the filmmaking game. - Yael Tygiel

'Saltburn' (2023)

Rotten tomatoes: 71% | imdb: 7.1.

Written, directed, and co-produced by Promising Young Woman ’s Emerald Fennell , Saltburn reunites her with Carey Mulligan , who appears alongside an incredible cast including Barry Keoghan , Jacob Elordi , Rosamund Pike , and Richard E. Grant . Saltburn focuses on Oliver (Keoghan), a young man struggling through the social side of Oxford University when he’s invited to join the family of charismatic and classy Felix Catton (Elordi) on summer holiday. Wickedly exciting events ensue as the family’s eccentricities are revealed, forcing young Oliver to sink or swim.

Known for her clever storytelling and catchy visuals, Fennell pours her feverish style all over Saltburn . Like Promising Young Woman , Saltburn weaves a thrilling tale exploring the intersection of sex, violence, and class while slathering on a colorful veneer of secrets. Peppered with stellar acting, the talent within the ensemble cast is undeniable, yet it’s Fennell’s ability to maneuver through harshness and humor that sets Saltburn apart. - Yael Tygiel

'Funny Girl' (1968)

Rotten tomatoes: 94% | imdb: 7.3/10.

Earning eight Academy Award nominations, Funny Girl is the iconic musical comedy film that was not only Barbra Streisand ’s film debut but also gave her her first Oscar. Directed by William Wyler , Funny Girl is based on the true story of comedienne Fanny Brice (Streisand), her romance with Nick Arnstein ( Omar Sharif ), and her rise to stardom around World War I. Supported by Kay Medford and Anne Francis , Funny Girl was adapted by Isobel Lennart from her book for the semi-biographical Broadway show.

With recent returns to Broadway, allowing both Beanie Feldstein and Lea Michele a chance at playing Brice, Funny Girl continues to hold strong to its legacy, yet no performance is better than Streisand’s award-winning portrayal. With hilarious jokes and memorable quips, Funny Girl also shines due to the catchy, and now legendary, musical numbers, including Don’t Rain on My Parade and People . - Yael Tygiel

'Heathers' (1989)

Rotten tomatoes: 93% | imdb: 7.2/10.

Heathers revolves around Veronica Sawyer, played by Winona Ryder , who is part of a popular but cruel clique of girls, all named Heather, at Westerburg High School. The Heathers, led by the domineering and ruthless Heather Chandler ( Kim Walker ), engage in manipulative and bullying behavior. Veronica becomes disillusioned with the Heathers and falls for a rebellious new student named Jason "J.D." Dean ( Christian Slater ). Together, they embark on a dark and satirical journey, inadvertently causing chaos and violence in the high school.

Even three decades later, Heathers remains an iconic movie about high school and has achieved cult classic status over the years, drawing a dedicated fan base. It satirically comments on high school social dynamics, bullying, and extremes, featuring memorable characters like the domineering Heather Chandler and rebellious J.D., who have left an enduring mark on pop culture. Additionally, Heathers is a unique blend of horror, satire, and teen drama, along with its sharp dialogue and dark high school politics, setting it apart in the high school movie genre. The film's distinctive '80s aesthetic and killer soundtrack also further enhance its visual and auditory appeal. Moreover, Ryder flawlessly embodies a character that fans can scarcely believe exists in real life, cementing it as one of her most iconic roles ever. - Jessie Nguyen

'Sylvie's Love' (2020)

Rotten tomatoes: 93% | imdb: 6.8/10.

Sylvie's Love

Set in the hot New York summer of 1957, Sylvie's Love tells the story of Robert ( Nnamdi Asomugha ), a saxophonist playing in a jazz quartet led by a less talented bandleader, and Sylvie ( Tessa Thompson ), a young woman dreaming of a television career while working at her father's record store as she awaits her fiancé's return from war. When Robert starts working part-time at the record store, their friendship ignites a profound passion in each of them, unlike anything they've ever experienced.

Sylvie's Love is a nostalgic throwback that envelops the audience in a lush cinematic tapestry of jazz, ambition, and starry-eyed enchantment, creating a captivating and evocative experience. Rather than following the typical "boy meets girl and falls in love" formula, the film presents a narrative that harks back to the classic storytelling of Hollywood's golden years — an approach that people of color should have had the opportunity to take on leading roles in. Furthermore, the film strikes a balance of being heartwarming without becoming overly sentimental. It also serves as a showcase for the exceptional chemistry between Thompson and Asomugha. In an era when Black love stories were rarely portrayed in this manner, it's wonderful that we've reached a point where such stories can be beautifully depicted. - Jessie Nguyen

'Interstellar' (2014)

Rotten tomatoes: 73% | imdb: 8.7/10.

Interstellar

Read Our Review This critically acclaimed mind-bender from Christopher Nolan stars Matthew McConaughey as farmer and ex-NASA pilot Cooper, a man charged with entering a wormhole in an attempt to secure a future for humankind. Devastated by its brutal climate, Earth has become uninhabitable, and only a voyage through a newly-found wormhole can discover if another planet may become our new home. However, Cooper’s trip to save the world may, in fact, teach him more about his own life than anyone else’s.

Cinema at its visual best, Interstellar is a masterpiece in modern technology, managing to capture the vast scope and wonder of the universe without ever using broad strokes. Jonathan and Christopher Nolan’s time-bending narrative has to be seen to be believed, with the mind-boggling depths of space matched by the mind-boggling depths of this story. When incredible performances, eye-popping visuals, and a heartfelt story combine, you can guarantee a recipe for success, with Interstellar even winning an Academy Award. - Jake Hodges

'Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves' (2023)

Rotten tomatoes: 91% | imdb: 7.3/10.

Dungeons and Dragons Honor Among Thieves Poster

Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves

Read Our Review Based on the role-playing game Dungeons & Dragons , this film by directors John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein tells the story of Chris Pine ’s Edgin Darvis, a bard and former gang member who is left to bring up his daughter alone following the tragic death of his wife. After meeting Holga ( Michelle Rodriguez ), the two become close, with Holga even acting as a surrogate mother to Edgin’s daughter. As a team, they attempt to find a magic stone to bring the mother back to life but are frustratingly captured and imprisoned before they can succeed. With so much on the line, how will the care of a father defeat the improbable, all in the name of familial love?

Just like the game it comes from, Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Among Thieves is packed full of fun fantasy adventure, with many comparisons made to the Guardians of the Galaxy series. Among an all-star cast, Hugh Grant stands out in his all-new villain era, thriving thanks to his dastardly evil front with a mischievous twinkle in his eye. Despite indulging in its own lore, the plot never loses sight of the genuine depth at its heart, with this movie certainly able to be enjoyed by the entire family. - Jake Hodges

'Top Gun: Maverick' (2022)

Rotten tomatoes: 96% | imdb: 8.3/10.

Top Gun: Maverick

After thirty years, Maverick is still pushing the envelope as a top naval aviator, but must confront ghosts of his past when he leads TOP GUN's elite graduates on a mission that demands the ultimate sacrifice from those chosen to fly it.

Read Our Review Set 36 years after the release of the original, Top Gun: Maverick catches up with the titular high-flyer ( Tom Cruise ) after he rejoins the United States Navy Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor program. No longer the budding young talent he once was, Maverick is charged with training up the heroes of tomorrow to face the toughest of missions. With his past also ready to be battled, that particular challenge manifests itself in the form of one of his trainees: the son of his deceased best friend Goose, played by Miles Teller .

Jam-packed full of action stunts and eye-popping set pieces, it could have been easy for director Joseph Kosinski and the rest of the Top Gun team to simply make an ode to the classic it is a sequel of, but Top Gun: Maverick instead uses the pedestal created by the original as a springboard to make one of the most exciting films of the 2020s so far. Put simply, there were many cries for this sequel to not be made, with plenty citing Top Gun ’s satisfying ending as more than enough for this particular story… how wrong they were. - Jake Hodges

'Nanny' (2022)

Rotten tomatoes: 90% | imdb: 5.3/10.

Read Our Review A film that found enormous success on the festival circuit before making its way to Prime, Nanny follows Aisha ( Anna Diop ), a woman who, whilst leaving her son behind, traveled from Senegal to New York City on the hunt for the American Dream. After becoming a nanny for a middle-class career-driven white couple, she ends up connecting with their 6-year-old daughter Rose ( Rose Decker ) as her life slowly becomes attached to this family’s. However, as the family unit begins to unravel, so does Aisha’s mental state, with her disconnection from her son causing much more harm than she had once thought.

A horror movie with a deeply personal central message, Nanny is a mature story that comes surprisingly as writer/director Nikyatu Jusu ’s debut feature. Rather than simply molding to the generic expectations of horror, Jusu instead adds horror flourishings to a touching dramatic script with all the sadness and depth of a tragedy. The final twist is brilliantly crafted, with each beat of the story unexpectedly serving the film’s triumphant ending. Riddled with tension, Nanny must be added to your watch list with haste. - Jake Hodges

'It's a Wonderful Life' (1947)

Rotten tomatoes: 94% | imdb: 8.6/10.

It's a Wonderful Life

An angel is sent from Heaven to help a desperately frustrated businessman by showing him what life would have been like if he had never existed.

Read Our Review Widely regarded as the greatest Christmas movie of all time, It’s A Wonderful Life follows James Stewart ’s businessman George who, after generously donating much of his life to those less fortunate than him, finds himself stuck in a rut on Christmas Eve after financial trouble. Fearing for his own safety after he is sure to be accused of a crime he didn’t commit, George makes the decision that the lives of his loved ones would be better off without him. That is until he is visited by an angel ( Henry Travers ). By showing George how much poorer life would have been if he had never been born, will the guardian angel finally restore George’s faith?

A story with the true spirit of Christmas at its heart, It’s A Wonderful Life is both heartwarming and heartbreaking, managing to blend tear-jerking drama with genuinely hope-filled fantasy. Considered legendary for a reason, James Stewart’s performance as George is quite possibly the iconic actor’s best, with the rest of the ensemble also in top form. Writer/director Frank Capra cements himself as one of the greats of Hollywood’s classic era, with this movie quite possibly his crowning achievement. - Jake Hodges

'Val' (2021)

Rotten tomatoes: 94% | imdb: 7.6/10.

Read Our Review 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

'Lucy and Desi' (2018)

Rotten tomatoes: 94% | imdb: 7.7/10.

Lucy and Desi (2022)

Read Our Review Directed by comedy icon Amy Poehler , Lucy and Desi is a documentary centering on legendary comedian Lucille Ball . Focusing on her rise to fame and her well-documented relationship with Desi Arnaz , the film eventually covers the pair’s sitcom I Love Lucy — a show that changed the face of Hollywood forever. 33 years after her sad death, Lucy and Desi is an ode to the life of one of showbiz’s greatest stars.

A heartwarming peek behind the curtain of a hero of many, it is clear director Amy Poehler is a huge admirer of Lucille Ball, given the touching and honest way the movie pays tribute to her life. Despite being a wonderful trip down memory lane, Lucy and Desi is much more than a picture-perfect love letter to the golden age of media, showcasing a thought-provoking look at a woman and her sitcom that will forever be remembered as groundbreaking. - Jake Hodges

'Everybody's Talking About Jamie' (2021)

Rotten tomatoes: 82% | imdb: 6.5/10.

Everybody's Talking About Jamie

The musical comedy drama Everybody's Talking About Jamie is based on the stage musical of the same name, which tells the story of a teenager from Sheffield who dreams of becoming a drag queen. The film stars Max Harwood and features Richard E. Grant and Sharon Horgan.

Based on the hit musical of the same name, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie is the heartwarming tale of 16-year-old Jamie ( Max Harwood ), who, bullied for his sexuality, learns to rise above the hate and use it to fuel his ever-burning desire to become a drag queen. The story itself is based on a true tale that originated from a BBC Three documentary titled Jamie: Drag Queen at 16 by Jenny Popplewell .

As an adaptation of a beloved musical, the movie is not simply a loving ode to the stage show but a fantastic feature film in its own right. Dazzling thanks to eye-catching musical numbers and heartbreaking thanks to its gutwrenching plot, the movie offers a deep dive into the plight young LGBTQIA+ people face, as well as a look at the failing class system of modern Britain. A difficult tale of struggling against the odds finds its happy ending as tears stream and smiles beam on the faces of all who watch this truly touching film. - Jake Hodges

'One Night in Miami' (2020)

Rotten tomatoes: 98% | imdb: 7.1/10.

One Night in Miami

One Night in Miami revolves around Muhammad Ali, Malcolm X, Sam Cooke, and Jim Brown, who all join one another in Miami to talk about the Civil Rights Movement of the '60s. The film was an Amazon Original Movie and was nominated for a total of three Oscars at the 2021 Academy Awards.

Read Our Review On the evening of February 25, 1964, a world-altering night occurred between Muhammad Ali, Malcolm X, Sam Cooke, and Jim Brown that would change the course of the civil rights movement and, consequently, society forever. Depicting those events, One Night in Miami follows Ali in particular, played by Eli Goree (who stayed in character during the entirety of production) after he has just become the new Heavyweight Boxing Champion of the World. Unable to celebrate freely because of segregation laws, Ali instead spends his night with the aforementioned men, where a conversation about life, stardom, and the struggle for equality ignites a fire within them to push forward the civil rights movement and fight for justice.

Directed by Regina King , One Night in Miami is both a gripping piece of drama and a fascinating tool for education, with the true nature of the narrative amplifying just how powerful the film feels. A talented ensemble thrives thanks to a truly inspiring script from Kemp Powers , with each line of dialogue grounded by the weight of the evening’s cultural significance. Removing the importance of the story, One Night in Miami is still a captivating movie. But given the power of the tale told, the film takes on a whole new meaning. - Jake Hodges

'Sound of Metal' (2020)

Rotten tomatoes: 97% | imdb: 7.7/10.

Sound of Metal

Read Our Review This Academy Award-winning drama from Darius Marder follows Riz Ahmed as metal drummer Ruben, a man who lives life fast and free as he chases his musical dream. However, whilst on tour, he suddenly realizes he is losing his hearing, with his condition rapidly deteriorating. With his dreams now in the balance and his life completely altered, Ruben joins a small Deaf community and finds hope within his despair. Spurred on by the community leader Joe ( Paul Raci ), can Ruben learn to not just live with his condition but harness it to create for himself a better life?

Nominated for the Best Actor Academy Award, Riz Ahmed turns in a spell-binding performance as Ruben, carrying the emotional weight of a heartbreaking narrative on his shoulders without ever losing the sense of musical freedom that is so key to the story. With a tale of learning to live without that which is most precious to us, the narrative is especially thought-provoking, acting as more than just a gripping drama. Rather, it's a thought experiment through which we can all ground our worldview. Wonderfully directed, Sound of Metal is a truly unique cinematic experience that will live long in the memory of its audience. - Jake Hodges

'The Big Sick' (2017)

Rotten tomatoes: 98% | imdb: 7.5/10.

The Big Sick

Read Our Review Kumail Nanjiani plays a hopeful stand-up comedian in this romantic comedy from director Michael Showalter . After meeting and falling in love with Zoe Kazan ’s Emily, the two ignore their cultural differences to find a life of harmony, ignorant to the outside world. However, after Emily contracts an awful illness that leaves her in a medically-induced coma, Kumail is forced to come face-to-face with her difficult family and must finally come to terms with just how tricky their relationship is likely to be, as well as his family’s intention to find him a wife.

Packed full of Kumain Nanjiani’s successful brand of comedy, with the man himself writing on the project, The Big Sick is a laugh-a-minute romp with a touching central message surrounding the search for both love and self-confidence. Full of chucklesome twists, the narrative spirals into hilarious territory, made even funnier by the fact that the story itself is true and based upon Nanjiani’s own relationship with co-writer Emily V. Gordon . Finding light through darkness, The Big Sick manages to pull tender comedy out of a deeply tragic set of circumstances. With a story defined by such tragic illness, it is clear that laughter really might be the best medicine.

Critic Matt Goldberg praised the film’s authenticity and originality, stating that “it’s unique, funny, and avoids obvious traps that come with an indie romantic comedy by always staying true to Nanjiani and Gordon’s experiences. The film is hilarious, surprisingly emotional, and it has a big heart.” - Jake Hodges

'Suspiria' (2018)

Rotten tomatoes: 66% | imdb: 6.7/10.

Suspiria (1977)

A darkness swirls at the center of a world-renowned dance company, one that will engulf the artistic director, an ambitious young dancer, and a grieving psychotherapist. Some will succumb to the nightmare. Others will finally wake up.

Read Our Review This twisted fantasy horror follows Dakota Johnson as Susie Bannion, a talented ballerina who moves to Berlin to study dancing at the world-renowned Madame Blanc's Markos Tanz Company. Not long after arriving, a student who had not long been expelled from the school is murdered, arousing the suspicion of Bannion. As it becomes clear that this is not the first tragedy of its kind at the school, Susie learns that a dark secret was held by one of the murdered students — a secret that she had leaked before her death. With a conspiracy turning into reality, just how deep with the horrors of the school go?

Charged with an almighty amount of tension, Suspiria crawls underneath the skin of its viewers and buries into their nightmares with its unwavering sense of paranoia. Backed by a superb supporting cast highlighted by Tilda Swinton , the movie spirals out of control as it hurtles further into a dark abyss of tragedy and mystery. Based on the 1977 Italian supernatural horror of the same name, this adaptation not only does justice to its originator but finds its own nuance that allows this story to stand out independently as a masterpiece in modern psychological horror. - Jake Hodges

'Invisible Life' (2019)

Invisible Life

This Brazilian drama set in 1950s Rio de Janeiro follows the restrained lives of two sisters, Eurídice ( Carol Duarte ) and Guida ( Julia Stockler ), under the strict rule of their parents. Both are fueled by separate dreams, with Eurídice dreaming of becoming a pianist and Guida dreaming of finding love, and tragically, the two are suddenly forced apart. Now worlds away from one another, they both struggle in the pursuit of their goals, but will their desire to reunite spur them on to success?

As Brazil’s official entry for the 92nd Academy Awards, The Invisible Life of Eurídice Gusmao is a touching story of hope and love. Despite losing touch for so long, the movie shows that a familial connection is undying, proving that time can never withhold love’s power. Both Carol Duarte and Julia Stockler are magnificent in the lead roles, with their genuine chemistry, even when not on-screen together, enough to fool many into thinking that the two may actually be related. Powered by a truly kind soul, The Invisible Life of Eurídice Gusmao really is a must-watch, although its NSFW nature should probably rule it out of family viewing. - Jake Hodges

'The Handmaiden' (2016)

Rotten tomatoes: 96% | imdb: 8.1/10.

The Handmaiden

Read Our Review This BAFTA-winning thriller from Park Chan-wook is set during the 1930s Japanese occupation of Korea and follows Kim Tae-ri ’s Sook-He after she is hired to become the new handmaiden on the secluded countryside estate of the mysterious Lady Hideko ( Kim Min-hee ). However, Sook-He is not as innocent as she looks, with her true identity as a pickpocket tasked with helping a swindler fool Lady Hideko into marrying him so he can steal her fortune. Not everything goes to plan, though, as the unsuspecting Sook-He and Lady Hideko suddenly find themselves developing feelings hard to keep quiet from one another.

A strong sexual tale with scenes just as NSFW as one might imagine, The Handmaiden is much more than a love story, despite its central romance certainly being compelling. Beyond that, the film is also a tale of deceit and a period piece very much interested in the political climate of its time. Weaving between the endearingly sensual and the devilishly dark, the pensive plot burns with a brooding sense of tension, culminating in a satisfying ending that leaves just enough ambiguity to tickle the inquisitive corners of the mind. Park Chan-wook brings his A-game once again, with fans of Oldboy likely to be both surprised and delighted by The Handmaiden . - Jake Hodges

'Paterson' (2016)

Rotten tomatoes: 96% | imdb: 7.3/10.

Read Our Review Paterson follows Adam Driver as the titular protagonist — a man who lives every day just as he did the last with the sense of regimented routine one could expect from the military. Fascinated by his mundane reality, Paterson secretly keeps a book of poetry within which he writes what he observes in his unique style. Eager to keep this artistic flair within his life under wraps, his wife Laura ( Golshifteh Farahani ) encourages him to share his talent with the world.

Quite literally a poetic musing on the beauty of ordinary life, Paterson is a masterclass in visual storytelling from writer/director Jim Jarmusch . Inspired by the real-world poetry of William Carlos Williams , a name that is crucial to the story itself, Paterson finds significance in not searching for significance, emphasizing how something’s worth is not based on what it means but simply by what it is. Contemplative, philosophical, and cinematically eye-catching, Paterson , as its message suggests, wants you to enjoy it as a film and nothing more, something perhaps we could all benefit from once in a while. - Jake Hodges

Readers like you help support Collider. When you make a purchase using links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Best Fountain Pens
How to Smoke a Cigar
Best nerf guns for adults
The best Netflix movies
Best Ernest Hemingway books

The best movies on Amazon Prime to watch in September

Add these prime movies to your watchlist this month.

Amazon Prime has one of the largest libraries of content in the world filled with good movies to watch. Whether you want to watch a comedy movie or a crime drama television show, Amazon probably has what you’re looking for as far as the best movies to stream right now. When there’s so much to watch, it can be hard to sort through everything to find the best viewing options, though. Thankfully, we’re here to help. We’ve already compiled a list of Amazon Prime TV shows for you to enjoy. And, if you’re looking for the best movies to watch right now, we’ve also found a selection of the best movies on Amazon Prime for you to browse.

If you’re looking for more than just the best Amazon Prime movies, we’ve also found the best Netflix movies , the best Hulu movies , the best Disney Plus movies , and the best Netflix documentaries to stream right now.

The Burial (2023)

The report (2019), manchester by the sea (2016), honey boy (2019), the 36th chamber of shaolin (1978), sound of metal (2019), the big sick (2017), one night in miami... (2020), the lost city of z (2017), small axe: lovers rock (2020), saltburn (2023), memento (2000), sicario (2015), blow out (1981).

Telling the story of the big bet that fundamentally transformed Nike, Air is a lot more inspirational than it has any right to be. The film follows a Nike shoe executive who wants to put money down on his bet that a young Michael Jordan will become a phenomenon. That bet paid off for both Nike and Jordan, turning Air Jordans into one of the most famous shoe brands in the world. The movie gracefully elides Jordan’s actual presence and manages to be an inspirational sports movie that’s actually about business people, which is quite a feat in and of itself.

Lawrence of Arabia (1962)

What movies are coming to amazon in september.

September 1

Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein
Angela’s Ashes
Army of Darkness
Basic Instinct
Beatriz at Dinner – Available on Freevee for free with ads
Before I Go to Sleep – Available on Freevee for free with ads
Bram Stoker’s Dracula
Brides of Dracula
Bubba Ho-Tep
Chasing Amy
Child’s Play (2019)
Constantine
Continental Divide
Coogan’s Bluff
Crimson Peak
Disturbing Behavior
Dracula (1931)
Drag Me to Hell
Dressed to Kill
For Love of the Game
For Whom the Bell Tolls
Forces of Nature
Galaxy Quest
Ghost Story
Hotel Artemis
I Am Durán
In The Heights
In the Name of the Father
Jeepers Creepers
Jeepers Creepers 2
Killer Klowns From Outer Space
Madagascar – Available on Freevee for free with ads
Meet Joe Black
Megamind – Available on Freevee for free with ads
Mirror Mirror – Available on Freevee for free with ads
Night Creatures
Nocturnal Animals
Penguins of Madagascar – Available on Freevee for free with ads
Planes, Trains and Automobiles
Revolutionary Road
Roman J. Israel, Esq. – Available on Freevee for free with ads
Rumble Fish
Runaway Train
Saturday Night Fever
Son of Dracula
Species III
Species: The Awakening
Super 8 – Available on Freevee for free with ads
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990)
The Big Lebowski
The Black Dahlia
The Cold Light of Day
The Egg And I
The First Purge – Available on Freevee for free with ads
The General’s Daughter
The Grey – Available on Freevee for free with ads
The Invisible Man (1933)
The Little Girl Who Lives Down the Lane
The Misfits
The Motorcycle Diaries
The Mummy (1932)
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre II
The Usual Suspects
The Vampire Lovers
The Wolf Man (1941)
Tyler Perry’s A Madea Family Funeral – Available on Freevee for free with ads
Tyler Perry’s Acrimony – Available on Freevee for free with ads
V for Vendetta
Where the Buffalo Roam
Winchester – Available on Freevee for free with ads
The Wolfman (2010)

September 3

Snack Shack
The American Society of Magical Negroes

September 11

Colette (2018)

September 12

Puss in Boots: The Last Wish
Around the World in 80 Days (2021) – Available on Freevee for free with ads

September 14

Spark: A Space Tail – Available on Freevee for free with ads

September 15

Everybody Wants Some!!

September 19

Words on Bathroom Walls – Available on Freevee for free with ads

September 20

Jason Bourne – Available on Freevee for free with ads

September 23

What If (2014)

September 26

Paddington 2

September 29

Felix and the Hidden Treasure – Available on Freevee for free with ads

September 30

Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again – Available on Freevee for free with ads

Editors’ Recommendations

The best Mark Wahlberg movies of all time
The script for Denis Villeneuve’s third ‘Dune’ movie is ‘in the works’
Watch the first trailer for potential Oscar heavyweight ‘Nickel Boys’
The best shows on Starz to watch in September
The best movies on Paramount Plus to stream in September

Many movie fans have fond memories of trying to sneak into the theater to watch an R-rated movie or peaking into the living room while their parents are viewing a violent or sexually explicit film for a glance at the inappropriateness of it all. As we get older, though, we realize there's a lot more to these age-restricted pictures than what's on the rating by the Motion Picture Association.

Sometimes graphic, gory, or steamy scenes are required to get a point across to the audience. You can't make a classic horror movie without a little blood. You can't depict a religious crucifixion in a G-rated way. These are the best R-rated movies, from science-fiction epics to raunchy rom-coms.

The Road House remake is getting a sequel. Amazon Prime Video's remake of the 1980s classic has been such a hit for the streamer that the studio announced they would be making another one, and that Jake Gyllenhaal is set to return to lead the project. Prime Video confirmed the news on X, writing “With nearly 80 million viewers to date, Jake Gyllenhaal is set to reprise his role as Elwood Dalton in a Road House sequel.”

The movie was met with some skepticism upon its initial release, but the remake, which was directed by Doug Liman, has clearly become a crowd favorite. The first movie follows Gyllenhaal's Dalton as a former UFC fighter who is hired to serve as a bouncer at a Florida Keys bar, only to discover that there's something nefarious happening right under the surface. It may not be high art, but this remake is a lot of fun, which is what most people wanted from it to begin with. With all that in mind, here's what we know about the film's newly announced sequel? What is Road House 2 about? Road House Trailer #1 (2024)

Now that HBO Max has rebranded as Max, it's the right time to get acquainted with all of the great movies to watch on the streaming service. In addition to large portions of the Warner Bros. catalog, it also has tons of seminal, classic films, as well as plenty of foreign releases. Because the catalog is so big and rich, there are about 250 titles that could go on this list. There's a wealth of options to choose from whether you're into action movies or comedies, and you shouldn't feel limited by the selection below. Instead, you should treat it as a jumping-off point of HBO Max movies, one that will hopefully allow you to explore many of the titles that didn't quite make the cut. Max has great movies in every genre and from every period of film history. This is just a sampling of the best movies on Max. And if you're looking for more Max content, we've rounded up the best shows on Max to watch right now.

The Dark Knight (2008)

Best Biography TV Shows to Watch Now on Prime Video

Popular biography tv shows, recently added biography tv shows, drama biography tv shows.

The Temptations (1998)

The Terrible (2020)

Maradona: Blessed Dream (2021)

The Great Train Robbery (2013)

A Very English Scandal (2018)

Free Meek (2019)

The F.B.I. Files (1998)

Ellyas Pical (2024)

The Enfield Haunting (2015)

American Playboy: The Hugh Hefner Story Poster

American Playboy: The Hugh Hefner Story (2017)

Disraeli: Portrait of a Romantic (1978)

Z: The Beginning of Everything (2015)

Documentary Biography TV Shows

Based on true story biography tv shows, history biography tv shows, crime biography tv shows.

5 best war movies on Prime Video to stream right now

Here are some intense war movies to watch this weekend

Tom Hanks and the cast of Saving Private Ryan

War movies are unique because they can take you right into the action of battles, showing the courage and sacrifices people make. Whether it’s intense stories about survival or clever strategies during wartime, these movies give us a powerful and emotional look at some of the biggest wars in history.

Prime Video, one of the best streaming services , has an impressive lineup of war movies that delve deep into the lives of soldiers, commanders and regular families. Whether you're a fan of historical epics, intense battlefield action or personal stories of resilience, these movies deliver powerful narratives and unforgettable performances.

To help you navigate the choices, we’ve put together a list of five of the best war movies currently available to stream on Prime Video .

'Saving Private Ryan' (1998)

We have to start off strong with perhaps the best war movie to date. "Saving Private Ryan" is set during World War II and follows a group of U.S. Army Rangers led by Captain Miller (Tom Hanks) as they go on a mission to find and bring home Private James Ryan (Matt Damon). Ryan is a paratrooper whose brothers have been killed in action, and the U.S. government wants to ensure his safe return to his grieving mother.

The movie is renowned for its intense and realistic depiction of combat, particularly its opening D-Day scene on Omaha Beach. The story explores duty and sacrifice in such an emotionally impactful way, and it also shows both the brutality of battle and the camaraderie among soldiers.

Watch on Prime Video

'Guy Ritchie's The Covenant' (2023)

GUY RITCHIEâ€™S THE COVENANT | Official Trailer - YouTube

"Guy Ritchie's The Covenant" is a war-thriller that follows the story of an Afghan translator named Ahmed (Dar Salim), who risks his life to save a U.S. Army sergeant, John Kinley (Jake Gyllenhaal), during the Afghanistan War. After a daring rescue operation, Ahmed becomes a crucial asset to Kinley and his unit, but as the war progresses, the translator and his family face grave danger from the Taliban. When Kinley is critically injured, Ahmed's bravery and loyalty are put to the ultimate test as he must navigate perilous terrain to ensure Kinley’s safe return to the U.S.

Sign up to get the BEST of Tom's Guide direct to your inbox.

Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips.

'Green Zone' (2010)

Green Zone - Theatrical Trailer - YouTube

"Green Zone" is set in Iraq during the early stages of the Iraq War and follows Chief Warrant Officer Roy Miller (Matt Damon), an Army officer assigned to search for weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) in the Green Zone, a secure area in Baghdad.

As Miller's team investigates, they discover evidence suggesting that the intelligence about WMDs was fabricated and that there may be a deeper conspiracy at play. The movie delves into themes of deception and the clash between military operations and political agendas. It offers a critical perspective on the intelligence failures and the complexities of the Iraq War.

'A Private War' (2018)

A Private War Trailer #1 (2018) | Movieclips Trailers - YouTube

"A Private War" is a biographical drama that follows the life of renowned war correspondent Marie Colvin (Rosamund Pike). The movie chronicles her career, highlighting her fearless reporting from some of the most dangerous conflict zones in the world, including Sri Lanka, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Syria.

Colvin's dedication to uncovering the human cost of war comes at great personal expense, as she struggles with PTSD, personal relationships and the physical toll of her injuries (including losing an eye in an attack). "A Private War" culminates in her tragic final assignment in Homs, Syria, where she continues to report despite the dangers.

'The Wall' (2017)

The Wall Official Trailer #1 (2017) John Cena, Aaron Taylor-Johnson Drama Movie HD - YouTube

"The Wall" stars Aaron Taylor-Johnson and John Cena and is set during the Iraq War. It focuses on two American soldiers, Sergeant Isaac Mellish (Cena) and Lieutenant Matthews (Taylor-Johnson), who are pinned down by an Iraqi sniper while seeking shelter behind a crumbling wall in the desert. As the hours pass and the situation becomes increasingly dire, the soldiers must contend with their own fears, the sniper’s psychological tactics, and the harsh elements around them.

More from Tom's Guide

5 best thriller shows on Prime Video to stream right now
Prime Video is losing one of the best action movies — it's 96% on Rotten Tomatoes
5 new to Hulu movies with 90% or higher on Rotten Tomatoes

Alix is a Streaming Writer at Tom’s Guide, which basically means watching the best movies and TV shows and then writing about them. Previously, she worked as a freelance writer for Screen Rant and Bough Digital, both of which sparked her interest in the entertainment industry. When she’s not writing about the latest movies and TV shows, she’s either playing horror video games on her PC or working on her first novel.

‘From’ season 3 release date just revealed — here’s when you can stream it

Prime Video top 10 movies — here’s the 3 worth watching

Forget Microsoft — I just tested this Asus 2-in-1 that destroys the Surface Pro 11

The 8 best sci-fi movies on Amazon Prime Video

From a vision made out of mashed potatoes to mysterious UFOs, Amazon Prime Video is ready to satisfy your sci-fi cravings.

Alan Markfield/TriStar/Sony; Bettmann Archive/Getty; Amazon Studios

Sci-fi can do it all: Whether you're looking for a piece of explosion-heavy escapism, an existential meditation on what it means to be human, or a genre-bending head-scratcher, there's a little something for everyone. But let's face it...there are plenty of other-worldly duds out there, too, and when it comes to streaming libraries, it can be difficult to find the diamonds in the rough. That's why EW sifted through Amazon Prime Video to bring you its very best sci-fi offerings, from classics like The War of the Worlds to recent favorites like Asteroid City .

Here are the best sci-fi movies on Amazon Prime Video, as of September 2024.

Asteroid City (2023)

Wes Anderson doubles down on style, artifice, and metatextual layers with this entertaining (yet profound) confection. The film simultaneously tracks a play about a group of young stargazers and their parents who converge for a convention in the desert town of Asteroid City, as well as the writing of that play by a famed playwright. Within the reality of the play, a UFO descends upon the junior stargazers, causing fascination (and panic) within the community.

While science fiction is more of a side dish than the whole meal here, Anderson's thematic ambitions with Asteroid City also relate quite well to storytelling within the genre. As EW's critic writes of Anderson's thesis, "To find the truth in art, you have to give yourself over to the artifice of the dream." — Kevin Jacobsen

Where to watch Asteroid City : Amazon Prime Video

EW grade: B ( read the review )

Director: Wes Anderson

Cast: Jason Schwartzman , Scarlett Johansson , Tom Hanks , Jeffrey Wright , Tilda Swinton , Bryan Cranston , Edward Norton , Adrien Brody , Liev Schreiber

Coherence (2013)

When old friends reunite for a dinner party in a movie, you know something is about to go terribly awry. In Coherence , that "something" is the arrival of a close-passing comet — and the discovery of a house full of doppelgängers having an identical dinner party down the street. The plot is full of quantum-related twists and turns, but the film is grounded by the talented cast, which includes Buffy 's Nicholas Brendon in a fun self-referential role as a former TV star.

The production is just as quirky as the premise: Director James Ward Byrkit wanted to make a low-budget film that was so stripped down, it didn't even have a script. Instead, he invited a bunch of actor friends to his living room, gave them basic character motivations, and let them improvise through the entire thing. The result, while occasionally messy, is thoroughly original. —Janey Tracey

Where to watch Coherence : Amazon Prime Video

EW grade: B+ ( read the review )

Director: James Ward Byrkit

Cast: Emily Foxler, Maury Sterling, Nicholas Brendon, Lorene Scafaria

The Dead Zone (1983)

Paramount/courtesy Everett Collection

What exactly would you do if you suddenly had the power of psychic visions? In this Stephen King adaptation, schoolteacher Johnny Smith ( Christopher Walken ) must face such deliberation when he awakens from a coma with the ability to know a person's past and future just by touching them. After foreseeing such harrowing events as a kid drowning and a man who would become president ordering a nuclear strike on the USSR, Johnny comes to realize that he may also have the power to alter the future.

The Dead Zone presents a world not unlike our own, where every action has consequences, in a gripping film enhanced by its sci-fi premise rather than being weighed down by it. —K.J.

Where to watch The Dead Zone : Amazon Prime Video

Director: David Cronenberg

Cast: Christopher Walken, Brooke Adams, Tom Skerritt, Herbert Lom, Anthony Zerbe, Colleen Dewhurst, Martin Sheen

I Think We're Alone Now (2018)

In this low-budget indie drama, Peter Dinklage stars as a man who assumes he's alone in his small town after a sudden apocalyptic event in which a large portion of the population suddenly disappears. He eventually meets a fellow survivor ( Elle Fanning ), with whom he shares a reluctant bond, and later learns that they're not, in fact, alone.

Directed and shot by Reed Morano (an Emmy winner for directing the pilot of The Handmaid's Tale ), I Think We're Alone Now focuses on the human response to cataclysmic events more so than the event itself. "I like the postapocalyptic genre, but it's been done a million times, and I was looking for something a little bit weird, or just a little bit different tonally," Morano told EW in 2018 . "I saw this opportunity to tell a postapocalyptic story that breaks a lot of the conventions of storytelling in that genre." — K.J.

Where to watch I Think We're Alone Now : Amazon Prime Video

Director: Reed Morano

Cast: Peter Dinklage, Elle Fanning, Paul Giamatti , Charlotte Gainsbourg

Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956)

Silver Screen Collection/Getty

While the '70s adaptation starring Donald Sutherland may be more well-known now, this '50s classic still hits today. The sci-fi thriller, based on Jack Finney's novel The Body Snatchers , tells of a California town in which alien pods capable of replicating humans have suddenly popped up, sucking all life out of their earthling subjects and effectively replacing them. Dr. Miles Bennell (Kevin McCarthy) tries to find a way to stop the incoming invasion in its tracks, but finds this is far easier said than done. "Watching McCarthy turn from a rational man of science into a raving lunatic while those around him become husks of their former selves is a scary, over-the-top treat," writes EW's critic . "The power of the film is primal." — K.J.

Where to watch Invasion of the Body Snatchers : Amazon Prime Video

EW grade: A+ ( read the review )

Director: Don Siegel

Cast: Kevin McCarthy, Dana Wynter, Larry Gates, King Donovan, Carolyn Jones, Jean Willes, Ralph Dumke

Looper (2012)

Alan Markfield/TriStar Pictures/Everett

This futuristic sci-fi thriller from writer-director Rian Johnson is a mind-bender in the best of ways. Joe ( Joseph Gordon-Levitt ) is an assassin working for an innovative crime syndicate that uses time travel to avoid detection by sending their targets into the past (Joe's present) to be killed. When killers such as Joe outlive their usefulness, the company sends their future selves back into the present to be killed by their younger selves. Such is the predicament for Joe, when his older self ( Bruce Willis ) tries to avoid this fate. It's a heady concept, but Johnson develops the film's world and its unique set of rules in such a detailed, entertaining fashion that you won't be left frustrated. — K.J.

Where to watch Looper : Amazon Prime Video

Director: Rian Johnson

Cast: Bruce Willis, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Emily Blunt , Paul Dano , Noah Segan, Piper Perabo , Jeff Daniels

The Vast of Night (2020)

This underrated sci-fi indie centers on a pair of teenage friends living in 1950s New Mexico who investigate a cryptic audio signal that suddenly interrupts a radio program. Putting the pieces together, they unravel a conspiracy that may suggest proof of alien life. With a budget of just $700,000, director Andrew Patterson pulls off a number of stunning shots, transporting us to a specific time and place. As EW wrote following the film's success , "Just the setting and veneer of the film — it's framed as an episode of a Twilight Zone -esque anthology TV series — should be enough for you to guess more or less where it's headed." — K.J.

Where to watch The Vast of Night : Amazon Prime Video

Director: Andrew Patterson

Cast: Sierra McCormick, Jake Horowitz

The War of the Worlds (1953)

Courtesy Everett Collection

H.G. Wells' 1898 novel The War of the Worlds was one of the first-ever alien invasion tales, and Orson Welles ' 1938 CBS radio adaptation famously caused a panic when listeners believed a Martian attack was actually taking place. But when it comes to films based on Wells' work, the 1953 version still reigns supreme. The story, which follows an atomic scientist instead of a 19th-century writer, is updated to tap into Cold War anxieties, but in the end, just as in the novel, the invasion is presented as a natural disaster largely outside of human control.

Although the special effects are no longer as groundbreaking as they were in the '50s, they're still incredibly entertaining, especially the manta ray-shaped alien war machines. — J.T.

Where to watch The War of the Worlds : Amazon Prime Video

Director: Byron Haskin

Cast: Gene Barry, Ann Robinson

James Earl Jones, legendary actor known for unmistakable baritone voice, dies at 93

One of the most famous voices of all time has gone silent.

James Earl Jones, whose prodigious acting talent was often overshadowed by his distinctive baritone over a seven-decade career both onstage and on the screen, died Monday, his representative said. He was 93.

A contemporary of Sidney Poitier and Harry Belafonte, Jones didn’t land the same coveted leading roles at a time when there were few to go around for Black actors in Hollywood, but he earned unmatched longevity as a character actor, from his first movie credit in 1964’s “Dr. Strangelove” to his reprisal of his role as King Joffer in the 2021 sequel to “Coming to America.”

“James Earl Jones doesn’t get enough credit for being a path-blazer for actors like Denzel Washington who came after him,” said Rae Dawn Chong, his co-star in the 1986 comedy “Soul Man.”

Sheila Johnson, Madge Sinclair, James Earl Jones, and Paul Bates in "Coming to America," 1988.

It was treading the boards of Broadway and beyond where Jones forged his place at the top of the marquee. Of his turn as the title character in the 1964 production of “Othello” in Central Park, The New York Times gushed : “Mr. Jones commands a full, resonant voice and a supple body, and his jealous rages and frothing frenzy have not only size but also emotional credibility.”

It was, of course, that resonant voice that would eventually become his trademark.

While he earned two Tony Awards, two Emmy Awards, an honorary Academy Award and a Grammy over his long career, he may be best remembered for an uncredited role in “Star Wars” — supplying the voice for Darth Vader, which has reverberated far beyond that galaxy far, far away.

Darth Vader, as voiced by James Earl Jones, in "Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back," 1980.

“I’m a journeyman,” Jones told “TODAY’s” Al Roker in a 2017 interview. “I wandered into some interesting situations.”

Making his journey all the more remarkable is that one of the most recognizable voices in Hollywood history had to overcome a severe stutter during his childhood in Mississippi and Michigan before he could take the first step.

Jones, born Jan. 17, 1931, in Arkabutla, Mississippi, said he grew up as a shy and quiet child, wary of speaking and drawing attention to his speech impediment. With his father, Robert, a boxer turned actor, having left home to establish a theater career in Chicago, Jones was shipped to his maternal grandparents’ farm in rural Michigan at age 5.

There, the trajectory of his life changed in high school, when an English teacher taught him how to sound out each word carefully. “I [could] now say things that great writers wrote. I would never have thought of it myself,” Jones told “TODAY” years later.

Jones discovered a love of acting at the University of Michigan, from which he graduated in 1955 after a two-year tour of duty in the Army.

That’s when he moved to New York City, as his father had years earlier, to break into acting. He worked as a janitor part time to pay the bills while he studied at the American Theatre Wing, according to Biography.

Actor James Earl Jones at the Longacre Theatre in New York on Sept. 16, 2014.

With his booming baritone and stage presence, Jones didn’t have to wait long to get noticed, making his Broadway debut in the late 1950s in the play “Sunrise at Campobello.”

In 1961, he gained acclaim for the U.S. premiere of Jean Genet’s “The Blacks” at the St. Mark’s Playhouse , which co-starred a cast of then-unknowns, including Cicely Tyson, Maya Angelou and Louis Gossett Jr.

Having reconnected with his father, the younger Jones appeared in several stage productions with him in New York, including “Infidel Caesar” and “Moon on a Rainbow Shawl” in 1962 and “Of Mice and Men” five years later.

The younger Jones became a regular in the Shakespeare in the Park program in 1962, with his lauded performance in “Othello” two years later catapulting him to stardom in the New York theater scene.

James Earl Jones as Othello and Jill Clayburgh as Desdemona in a Los Angeles stage production of Shakespeare's "Othello" at Mark Taper Forum in 1971.

The production earned him more than critical accolades: Jones would ultimately marry his Desdemona, co-star Julienne Marie. The marriage, which lasted from 1968 through 1972, caused a mild stir at the time given the era’s racist taboos surrounding interracial marriage.

Being in New York, then also the center of the TV universe, had advantages for a working actor. Jones scored his first Emmy nomination in 1964 for a guest-starring turn in the drama “East Side/West Side.”

But national audiences would get their first exposure to him the same year in a small role in “Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb.”

Jones hit the pinnacle of any Broadway veteran’s career with the play “The Great White Hope,” in which he starred as a fictionalized version of the real-life boxer Jack Johnson. His performance earned him the Tony for best actor in a play in 1969, breaking the color barrier of the most important acting awards in theater.

“When he was ‘The Great White Hope,’ it was shortly after [Martin Luther] King’s assassination, and there were riots in the streets of the United States,” said Dominic Taylor, a professor of African American theater at UCLA. “And here is this Black man who wins for this role in which he’s Jack Johnson, basically. I don’t think people today are aware of how earthshaking that was.”

Jones would go on to star in the 1970 cinematic adaptation of the play, a turn that would earn him a Golden Globe and his only Academy Award nomination. Jones would lose the best actor Oscar to George C. Scott (“Patton”).

Playwright D.L. Coburn, James Earl Jones, Cicely Tyson and director Leonard Foglia during the Broadway Opening Night performance Curtain Call for 'The Gin Game'

That early success, however, didn’t seem to translate into many more high-profile film roles in the 1970s, although he did star opposite Diahann Carroll in the 1974 dramedy “Claudine.”

“Hollywood back then only had room for a certain number of Black actors,” said Wilson Morales, the founder and editor of blackfilmandtv.com. “He never really got the big roles compared to Sidney Poitier.

“Almost all the roles that he had over the years, they were largely supporting roles,” Morales said of Jones.

Jones would win a Grammy for best spoken word recording in 1977, an early sign of the recognition for his voice.

His most visible on-screen role may have been playing author Alex Haley in the landmark 1977 television miniseries “Roots,” based on Haley’s family history.

Despite the estimated 130 million viewers who tuned in for “Roots,” it would turn out to be just the second-highest-profile gig he booked that year.

Director George Lucas tapped Jones to do some voiceover work for a quirky space opera called “Star Wars” to dub over Darth Vader actor David Prowse’s heavy British accent, made worse by the muffle effect of the mask.

Jones later said he asked to keep his name out of the credits because Prowse did all the work, but such humility wouldn’t keep him from being enshrined as part of the biggest pop culture phenomenon in modern history.

Jones married the actor Cecilia Hart in 1982, the same year he starred opposite budding action star Arnold Schwarzenegger as an evil sorcerer in “Conan the Barbarian.” The marriage would produce a son, Flynn, the same year, and it would last until Hart’s death of ovarian cancer in 2016.

James Earl Jones with his wife Cecilia Hart at the Governors Ball following the 84th Academy Awards on Feb. 26, 2012, in the Hollywood, Calif.

Now a father, Jones continued to work steadily through the 1980s.

Chong remembered the first day she met Jones on the set of “Soul Man,” then intimidated as a girl who grew up with “Star Wars.”

“All the cast was a little afraid of him, not just because he was this towering great of an actor who was Othello in New York and his history,” Chong said. “But in fact, he [turned out to be[ a gentle giant, extremely generous. He’s very kind and soft-spoken.”

Settling into his 50s and past the expiration date for the leading man parts of the era, Jones piled together an impressive run of supporting parts, including roles in “Field of Dreams” (1987), “Matewan” (1987) and “The Hunt for Red October” (1990), a role he would reprise for two sequels.

Perhaps his most famous role of the decade — not counting “The Empire Strikes Back” and “Return of the Jedi” (1983), of course — was as Eddie Murphy’s father in the 1988 comedy “Coming to America.”

“You have to remember ‘Coming to America’ was the biggest Black film of its time,” Morales said. “It was the ‘Black Panther’ of the era.”

He also kept one foot on the boards, earning his second Tony award in 1987 for August Wilson’s “Fences” — a role that Denzel Washington would play in a movie version 29 years later.

In 1990, Jones was cast as the lead in the TV drama “Gabriel’s Fire,” the type of signature role that might have been better appreciated had the series run on a premium cable network two decades later. At the time, however, TV execs considered the material too dark and canceled the show after one season.

James Earl Jones played Gabriel Bird in "Gabriel's Fire" on Sept. 12, 1990.

Show co-creator Jacqueline Zambrano remembered being called to meet with Jones about a script during a break in shooting. In most cases, that meant the star would have diva-like demands for rewrites. “I sat down and immediately opened my notebook and I had my pen poised,” Zambrano said. “He started talking about a particular scene and asking me questions. Then we went on to another scene, and, you know, we talked as long as we could until they were ready for him on set.

“We both left, and I looked down at my notebook, and I had nothing written down. He didn’t have any notes. He didn’t want to tell me, ‘I want to fix this.’ He just wanted to understand the text. He just wanted to understand the character better.”

Jones shined enough in that limited time to earn his first prime-time Emmy for outstanding lead actor. (He won a second Emmy that night for his supporting turn in the TV movie “Heat Wave,” about the 1965 Watts race riots.)

In 1994, Jones lent his voice as Mufasa in Disney’s animated blockbuster “The Lion King.” He would return to the role in the live-action version 25 years later, the only actor from the original voice cast to return.

Over the ensuing three decades, Jones continued to work continuously — even after he was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in 1995. He racked up Emmy nominations with guest-starring appearances on “Picket Fences,” “Under One Roof,” “Frasier” and “Everwood.” On Broadway, he notched two more Tony nominations — for a 2005 production of “On Golden Pond” and for a revival of Gore Vidal’s “The Best Man” seven years later.

In 2011, Jones was awarded an honorary Academy Award for his career as a whole. That he never won an Oscar for a specific movie role, denying him the coveted EGOT, is a lingering symbol of just how much he was underappreciated over a prolific and profound career.

Taylor, the UCLA professor, always includes a clip of Jones in the 1987 production of “Fences” in his master class on acting.

“He was a gargantuan presence but such a fine, precise, attuned actor onstage,” Taylor said. “It was beautiful to watch him work.”

CORRECTION (Sept. 10, 2024, 10:25 a.m. ET): A previous version of this article misstated the name of “The Lion King” character. It was Mufasa, not Mustafa.

Ethan Sacks writes for NBCNews.com.

A black and white portrait of a young James Earl Jones sitting on a wooden bench and leaning forward and smiling with his hands on his left knee.

James Earl Jones, Whose Powerful Acting Resonated Onstage and Onscreen, Dies at 93

He gave life to characters like Darth Vader in “Star Wars” and Mufasa in “The Lion King,” and went on to collect Tonys, Golden Globes, Emmys and an honorary Oscar.

James Earl Jones in 1980. He climbed to Broadway and Hollywood stardom with talent, drive and remarkable vocal cords. Credit... M. Reichenthal/Associated Press

Supported by

Share full article

By Robert D. McFadden

Sept. 9, 2024

James Earl Jones, a stuttering farm child who became a voice of rolling thunder as one of America’s most versatile actors in a stage, film and television career that plumbed race relations, Shakespeare’s rhapsodic tragedies and the faceless menace of Darth Vader, died on Monday at his home in Dutchess County, N.Y. He was 93.

The office of his agent, Barry McPherson, confirmed the death in a statement.

From destitute days working in a diner and living in a $19-a-month cold-water flat, Mr. Jones climbed to Broadway and Hollywood stardom with talent, drive and remarkable vocal cords. He was abandoned as a child by his parents, raised by a racist grandmother and mute for years in his stutterer’s shame, but he learned to speak again with a herculean will. All had much to do with his success.

So did plays by Howard Sackler and August Wilson that let a young actor explore racial hatred in the national experience; television soap operas that boldly cast a Black man as a doctor in the 1960s; and a decision by George Lucas, the creator of “Star Wars,” to put an anonymous, rumbling African American voice behind the grotesque mask of the galactic villain Vader.

A black and white portrait of Mr. Jones wearing glasses and looking away from the camera with a serious expression on his face.

The rest was accomplished by Mr. Jones himself: a prodigious body of work that encompassed scores of plays, nearly 90 television network dramas and episodic series, and some 120 movies. They included his voice work, much of it uncredited, in the original “Star Wars” trilogy, in the credited voice-over of Mufasa in “The Lion King,” Disney’s 1994 animated musical film, and in his reprise of the role in Jon Favreau’s computer-animated remake in 2019.

Mr. Jones was no matinee idol, like Cary Grant or Denzel Washington. But his bulky Everyman suited many characters, and his range of forcefulness and subtlety was often compared to Morgan Freeman’s. Nor was he a singer; yet his voice, though not nearly as powerful, was sometimes likened to that of the great Paul Robeson. Mr. Jones collected Tonys, Golden Globes, Emmys, Kennedy Center honors and an honorary Academy Award.

We are having trouble retrieving the article content.

Please enable JavaScript in your browser settings.

Thank you for your patience while we verify access. If you are in Reader mode please exit and log into your Times account, or subscribe for all of The Times.

Thank you for your patience while we verify access.

Already a subscriber? Log in .

Want all of The Times? Subscribe .

IMAGES

Top 100 Best Biography Movies On Netflix Amazon Prime (2022)
Coronavirus lockdown: The best biographies to watch on Netflix and
TOP 9+ BEST BIOGRAPHY MOVIES IN HOLLYWOOD
TOP 9+ BEST BIOGRAPHY MOVIES IN HOLLYWOOD
The 35 Best Movies on Amazon Prime Video Right Now (July 2024)
Watch the Best Movies on Amazon Prime Video tonight

VIDEO

101 FILMS YOU MUST SEE #66
Best Biography Movies (Part 1)
TOP: 5 Indian biography movies in Hindi dubbed
Top 10 Amazon Prime Series of All Time 🔥
Top 10 Greatest Bollywood Movies
Top 5 Biopic Movies in Bollywood || Top Best Biopic Movies in Bollywood

COMMENTS

Best Biography Movies to Watch Now on Prime Video
Silent Night (2002) The King's Choice (2016) The Invisibles (2017) Shock and Awe (2018) The Zookeeper's Wife (2017) Story of G.I. Joe (1945) A Private War (2018) Little Dieter Needs to Fly (1998) Discover the best Biography Movies of all time on Prime Video with our comprehensive list.
30 Best True-story-based Movies On Amazon Prime
10 Best Services to Watch Bravo Without Cable. 1. The Intouchables, 2012. A wealthy paraplegic needs a new caretaker. His choice is surprising -- an ex-con down on his luck. Both of their lives are changed forever. Based on a true story, it is funny, touching, and very surprising.
Best Biography Movies on Prime Video (2024)
The Boys in the Boat Streaming Jan 16, 2024. Watchlist. Bob Marley: One Love Streaming Mar 19, 2024. Watchlist. Hacksaw Ridge Streaming Feb 7, 2017. Watchlist. Molly's Game Streaming Mar 27, 2018 ...
Best Biography Movies on undefined (2024)
Napoleon Streaming Jan 9, 2024. Watchlist. Oppenheimer Streaming Nov 21, 2023. Watchlist. The Iron Claw Streaming Feb 13, 2024. Watchlist. First Man Streaming Jan 8, 2019. Watchlist. Young Woman ...
The 140+ Best Biography Movies
Vote for your personal favorite Biography films, regardless of how popular or successful they were at the box office. Latest additions: Reagan, Rob Peace, Dance First. Most divisive: Milk. Over 300 Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The 140+ Best Biography Movies.
20 Best Biopic Movies of the 21st Century (So Far)
From 'Elvis' to 'The Pianist': 20 Best Biopic Movies of the 21st Century (So Far) Oppenheimer, Christopher Nolan 's most anticipated biopic will soon hit theaters this summer (July 21), marking ...
Best Biography Movies to Stream at Home
The Iron Claw Streaming Feb 13, 2024. Watchlist. First Man Streaming Jan 8, 2019. Watchlist. Young Woman and the Sea Streaming Jul 19, 2024. Watchlist. One Life Streaming Apr 9, 2024. Watchlist ...
6 Best Biopics On Amazon Prime, You Can't Miss
Best Biographies On Amazon Prime. Into The Wild; An adaptation of the 1996 non-fiction book of the same name written by Jon Krakauer, Into the wild is a biographical adventure drama film written, and directed by Sean Penn. The film tells the story of Christopher McCandless, a young man who embarks on a journey to hitchhike across America.
The 21 Best Movies on Amazon Prime Right Now
The 21 Best Movies on Amazon Prime Right Now. Elvis, Brittany Runs a Marathon, and American Fiction are just a few of the movies you should be watching on Amazon Prime Video this week. Photograph ...
All the best Biography Movies Streaming on Prime Video
See More. Rated: PG-13. 7.6/10. Pianist David Helfgott, driven by his father and teachers, has a breakdown. Years later he returns to the piano, to popular if not critical acclaim. If you're looking for the best Biography Movies then you've come to the right place. Here are the top 20 latest and greatest Biography Moviess streaming on Prime ...
18 Best Historical Movies on Amazon Prime Right Now
So here are the best historical movies on Amazon Prime that are available to stream right now. 18. Pippa (2023) An Indian Hindi-language (Bollywood) drama directed by Raja Krishna Menon, this war drama is based on the life of Balram Singh Mehta (Ishaan Khatter) of India's 45 Cavalry regiment. Singh fought in the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 ...
Best movies on Amazon Prime Video in September 2024
Watch On. Leonard Shelby (Guy Pearce) is a man with anterograde amnesia after an attack that claimed his wife's life. Driven by the thirst for vengeance, Leonard navigates a fragmented reality ...
20 Best Biopic Movies of All Time
You can watch several of these best biopic movies on Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime. 20. Nixon (1995) Hopkins had quite a run after he won the Academy Awards for 'The Silence of the Lambs' (1991), but the boldest work of his career was as President Richard Nixon in this outstanding bio from Oliver Stone. As one of the most polarizing ...
The 73 Best Movies on Amazon Prime Video Right Now (August 2024)
The 73 Best Movies on Amazon Prime Video Right Now (August 2024) The latest laugher from Bridesmaids director Paul Feig has landed on Prime Video TV Guide Editors Aug. 28, 2024 at 2:20 p.m. PT
The 30 Best Movies on Amazon Prime Video (September 2024)
Leave a Comment. Some of the best movies newly streaming on Amazon Prime Video this month include 'Blow Out,' 'The Age of Innocence,' 'Interstellar,' 'Oppenheimer,' and more.
Best Biography Movies and TV Shows to Watch Now on Prime Video
Discover the best Biography Movies and TV Shows of all time on Prime Video with our comprehensive list. From classic favorites to new releases. Watch the best Biography Movies and TV Shows ever on Prime Video, add them to your watchlist now.
Best Amazon Prime Movies
It's a lot to sift through, so we've plucked out 100 of the absolute best movies included with a Prime subscription right now, to be updated as new information is made available. Here are our ...
The 35 Best Movies on Amazon Prime Video Right Now (July 2024)
Mia Goth , David Corenswet , Tandi Wright , Matthew Sunderland. Runtime. 103 minutes. Co-written and directed by Ti West, this award-winning horror follows the titular Pearl (Mia Goth), a young ...
25 Best Movies to Watch on Amazon Prime Video in 2024
The 25 Best Movies on Prime Video. The 25 Best Movies on Prime Video. From Jordan Peele masterpieces to Oscar-winning classics. By Amy Mackelden Published: Apr 11, 2023 2:14 PM EDT.
10 engaging biopic movies to watch on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and
Streaming on Amazon Prime Video. Also read: 10 new movies and shows coming to Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Disney+ Hotstar this week. 8 movies that give you a peek inside media culture, on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Disney+ Hotstar. 8 thought-provoking dystopian movies and shows to stream on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Disney+ Hotstar
The 37 Best Movies on Amazon Prime Video Right Now (July 2024)
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 ...
The best movies on Amazon Prime to watch in September
Val Kilmer, Kevin Bacon, Marlon Brando. Directed by. Ting Poo, Leo Scott. Watch on Amazon. Focused on and filmed over a span of more than 40 years by Val Kilmer, Val is an Amazon original movie ...
Best Biography TV Shows to Watch Now on Prime Video
Discover the best Biography TV Shows of all time on Prime Video with our comprehensive list. From classic favorites to new releases. Watch the best Biography TV Shows ever on Prime Video, add them to your watchlist now.
10 Essential Movies About Historical Figures
Selma follows Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (David Oyelowo) during his 1965 campaign to secure equal voting rights for African Americans.The movie focuses on the pivotal marches from Selma to ...
Never Forget: Best 9/11 Documentaries on Netflix, HBO Max, Amazon Prime
Never Forget: Best 9/11 Documentaries, Shows, and Movies To Watch on Netflix, HBO & Amazon Prime ... Stream It Or Skip It: 'Bob Marley: One Love' on Prime Video, A Biopic of a Music Legend and ...
5 best war movies on Prime Video to stream right now
5 best thriller shows on Prime Video to stream right now; Prime Video is losing one of the best action movies — it's 96% on Rotten Tomatoes; 5 new to Hulu movies with 90% or higher on Rotten ...
The 8 best sci-fi movies on Amazon Prime Video
Here are the best sci-fi movies on Amazon Prime Video, as of September 2024. 01 of 08. Asteroid City (2023) Scarlett Johansson in 'Asteroid City'. Courtesy of Pop. 87 Productions/Focus Features.
James Earl Jones, legendary actor known for unmistakable baritone voice
Jones shined enough in that limited time to earn his first prime-time Emmy for outstanding lead actor. (He won a second Emmy that night for his supporting turn in the TV movie "Heat Wave ...
James Earl Jones, Whose Powerful Acting Resonated Onstage and Onscreen
He gave life to characters like Darth Vader in "Star Wars" and Mufasa in "The Lion King," and went on to collect Tonys, Golden Globes, Emmys and an honorary Oscar. James Earl Jones in 1980 ...

30 Best True-story-based Movies On Amazon Prime

1. The Intouchables , 2012

2. Love & Mercy , 2015

3. The Imposter , 2012

4. 24 Hour Party People , 2002

5. One Night in Miami... , 2020

6. Honey Boy , 2019

7. Women Talking , 2022

8. I'm Not There , 2007

9. The Big Sick , 2017

10. Beautiful Boy , 2018

11. The Resurrection of Jake The Snake , 2015

12. The Man Who Sold His Skin , 2021

13. Selma , 2014

14. American Animals , 2018

15. Man on Wire , 2008

The 140+ Best Biography Movies

Catch Me If You Can

Schindler's List

A Beautiful Mind

Raging Bull

The Social Network

Log in or sign up for Rotten Tomatoes

Email not verified

Sign up for the Rotten Tomatoes newsletter to get weekly updates on:

Best Biography Movies to Stream at Home (2024)

6 Best Biopics On Amazon Prime, You Can’t Miss

Best Biographies On Amazon Prime

Wolf Of Wallstreet

The Theory Of Everything

12 Years a Slave

A Beautiful Mind

Loving Vincent

Related Articles

Don't Miss Reading

The 21 Best Movies on Amazon Prime Right Now

Brittany Runs a Marathon

American Fiction

The Idea of You

Everybody’s Talking About Jamie

A Million Miles Away

Red, White, and Royal Blue

Shin Masked Rider

Borat Subsequent Moviefilm

Shotgun Wedding

Coming 2 America

Thirteen Lives

One Night in Miami …

Sound of Metal

You Might Also Like …

Watch trending shows and new blockbusters Free on BINGE

The top 20 best Biography Movies Streaming on Prime Video by rating.

Stream on Amazon Prime Video

Got a question about Prime Video?

Streaming TV Services with Free Trials

The top 5 Biography Movies Streaming on Prime Video in Australia.

20 Best Biopic Movies of All Time

20. Nixon (1995)

19. Bugsy (1991)

18. Chaplin (1992)

17. Downfall (2005)

16. Lincoln (2012)

15. The Aviator (2004)

14. The Last King of Scotland (2006)

13. Patton (1970)

12. My Left Foot (1989)

11. The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)

10. The Social Network

8. Malcolm X

7. The Pianist

5. The Elephant Man

4. Raging Bull

3. Goodfellas

2. Schindler’s List

1. Lawrence of Arabia

SPONSORED LINKS

The 73 Best Movies on Amazon Prime Video Right Now (August 2024)

The Lord of the Rings Trilogy

American Fiction

The Idea of You