Looking for the best Prime Video movies to watch right now? This guide is for you. We’ve selected the best films on Amazon’s primary streaming service that we think are well worth your time.
If you have an Amazon Prime subscription, all of the best Prime Video movies in our guide are free to watch. That’s one of many reasons why we think Prime Video is one of the best streaming services around. But even though Prime Video has a huge library of films, not all of them are good. We’ve created this guide to help you discover only the best Prime Video movies. You’ll find tense drama, epic fantasy, family classics, high octane action and much more. There's something for everyone. With that in mind, read on for our pick of the best Prime Video movies.
The Notebook
RT (Rotten Tomatoes) score: 54%
Age rating: PG-13 (US), 12A (UK)
Runtime: 124 minutes
The Notebook is a now classic romantic story starring a young Ryan Gosling (Barbie, The Gray Man) and Rachel McAdams (Mean Girls, Doctor Strange). It's based on the 1996 novel of the same name by Nicholas Sparks and although some roll their eyes at its soppy sentimentality, we dare you to watch it and not feel a little teary throughout.
It follows the story of Noah (played by Gosling) and Allison (played by McAdams), a pair of star-crossed young lovers who are forbidden from seeing each other again by Allison's parents. New romantic interests, World War II and investments take place throughout their time apart. But will they be together again in the end? That's the big question that The Notebook hinges on.
Top Gun
RT score: 57%
Age rating: PG (US), 12A (UK)
Runtime: 110 minutes
Top Gun: Maverick may have landed on our screens more recently, but the original 1986 movie it follows on from is still a must-see classic.
Top Gun takes us back to where everything began, telling the story of hotshot fighter pilot Lieutenant Pete "Maverick" Mitchell (played by Tom Cruise), who is given the opportunity to train at the US Navy's elite Fighter Weapons School (Top Gun) along with his intercept officer, Nick "Goose" Bradshaw (played by Anthony Edwards). But his cocky and reckless attitude don't go down too well with some other trainees, particularly Iceman (played by Val Kilmer).
Yes, some of the film is a little cheesy to watch now nearly 40 years on, but we think it's still filled with enough tense action scenes and drama to delight all ages.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem
RT score: 95%
Age rating: PG (US & UK)
Runtime: 99 minutes
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem is a modern and fresh spin on the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles story many of us already know and love about a group of turtles transformed into sassy teen mutants. In telling the stories of the popular heroes in a half shell, it manages to appeal to older fans who will tune in for the franchise’s legacy while serving up a new slice of mythos.
Visually, this movie is a real treat, with a unique style of animation that's incredibly fun to watch. Combine that with a fantastic voice cast including new talent and well-known names, as well as lots of genuinely funny writing and we think Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem could be one of the the best films in the TMNT franchise, and a must-watch for the whole family.
Although Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem is technically available to watch through Prime Video, it's only available to stream using the Paramount Plus channel add-on. If you enjoy the movie, you'll be happy to learn there's a sequel on the way and Paramount Plus is gearing up to launch a new series called Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles set in the same universe.
Titanic
RT score: 88%
Age rating: PG-13 (US), 12 (UK)
Runtime: 195 minutes
Titanic is an epic movie in story, ambition and length that stands the test of time more than 25 years on. It follows Rose (Kate Winslet) and Jack (Leonardo DiCaprio) who fall for each other despite being from different social classes. Although it's a fictionalized romantic story, it's set against the very real backdrop of the sinking of Titanic in 1912. You've been warned, expect tragedy.
Directed by James Cameron (The Terminator, Avatar), the visuals are stunning, especially for the late 90s, the story is fluffy but will tug at your heartstrings and there's fantastic acting here, especially from Winslet, DiCaprio and antagonist Cal (Billy Zane).
Bottoms
RT score: 90%
Age rating: R (US), 15 (UK)
Runtime: 88 minutes
At first glance, Bottoms may seem like it's going to be a typical Americal high school movie, but it doesn't take long to realize this is refreshing absurdist comedy that's delightfully weird and incredibly fun to watch – fans of Booksmart will love it.
It follows the story of PJ and Josie, two girls at Rockbridge Falls High School who are unpopular, lesbians and desperately pining for the affection of cheerleaders Isabel and Brittany. They end up hatching a plan that involves setting up a self-defense club.
If you're looking for a fun but smart film, Bottoms is it. We're expecting great things from this fresh young cast, especially Rachel Sennott who plays PJ and co-wrote Bottoms with director Emma Seligman (Shiva Baby).
Saltburn
RT score: 71%
Age rating: R (US), 15 (UK)
Runtime: 131 minutes
Saltburn is a visually stunning, thrilling and fairly controversial Prime Video movie from director Emerald Fennell (known for Promising Young Woman). Initially set in Oxford, England, it follows the story of Oliver Quick, an Oxford University student who becomes fixated on fellow student Felix Catton (Jacob Elordi) who invites him to spend the summer at his family's estate, Saltburn.
What follows is a funny, disturbing and deliciously grotesque story of classic extravagance and debauchery with plenty of unexpected twists along the way. However, the less said about the story, the better. Part black comedy and part psychological thriller, Saltburn has a similar aesthetic vibes to a Baz Luhrmann film, yet the story reminds us of The Talented Mr Ripley.
Foe
RT score: 24%
Age rating: R (US), 15 (UK)
Runtime: 110 minutes
Foe is a sci-fi movie-meets-psychological thriller based on a book by Iain Reid of the same name. Now, this isn't the best movie you'll watch in 2024, but it does have an unusual premise, as well as a few unexpected twists. If you're a fan of quieter, speculative sci-fi, you'll enjoy it.
Foe is set in 2065 when the Earth is becoming less habitable. A new settlement called OuterMore is being established in space, and a lottery system is introduced to decide who will be allowed to live there. Anyone who movies to OuterMore is replaced with an AI substitute that look and act just like humans. The movie follows the story of a young couple (played by Saoirse Ronan and Paul Mescal) who live on an isolated farm in the Midwest when one of them is selected for relocation.
Totally Killer
RT score: 87%
Age rating: R (US), 15 (UK)
Runtime: 103 minutes
Totally Killer is best described as a comedy horror, which pays tribute to 80s-era slasher movies and time travel films. It follows the story of Jamie (played by Kiernan Shipka) whose mother is murdered by the Sweet 16 Killer who went on a murdering spree 35 years earlier. Jamie travels back in time (naturally) to find her mother and catch the killer back during his original spree.
It's a homage to legendary movies from both sci-fi and horror, like Back to the Future and Scream. Yes, it sounds like a bonkers mash-up of genres, but we promise that although it's not winning any awards, it's an incredibly fun watch nonetheless.
The Burial
RT score: 92%
Age rating: R (US), 15 (UK)
Runtime: 126 minutes
Set in 1995, The Burial is loosely based on the true story of Jerry O'Keefe, played here by Tommy Lee Jones. O'Keefe is a struggling funeral home owner facing financial difficulties who agrees to a contract with a man called Raymond Loewen of the Loewen Group to help him make ends meet. But Loewen doesn't see their agreement through, and a bitter battle ensues. What follows is a riveting story that sees Jerry hiring a man called Willie E. Gary to help him (Jamie Foxx), a bold and showy personal injury layer.
Both Tommy Lee Jones and Jamie Foxx have been praised for their contrasting performances, making an unexpected legal team that take the story on some unexpected twists and turns. If you enjoy high stakes courtroom dramas with two fantastic leads, The Burial is a must-watch.
John Wick: Chapter 4
RT score: 94%
Age rating: R (US), 15 (UK)
Runtime: 169 minutes
John Wick: Chapter 4 is the latest instalment in the hyper-violent, neon-drenched series of movies about retired assassin John Wick (Keanu Reeves). In John Wick: Chapter 4, John's feud with the High Table (a council of notorious crime lords) continues, which pits him against a whole new cast of villains, including the Marquis Vincent Bisset de Gramont, played brilliantly here by Bill Skarsgård.
Expect mind-blowing action sequences, some super quotable one-liners from the titular character, a mouth-watering aesthetic and a fast-paced, frenetic soundtrack from one of the best Prime Video movies.
We loved that this movie explored the murky depths of the rich, dark history and lore of the Wick-iverse. Find out more about what we thought of the film in our John Wick: Chapter 4 review. If you're new to the series or feel like it's time for a re-watch, take a look at our guide to how to watch the John Wick movies in order, or read our review of prequel show The Continental: From the World of John Wick.
Elvis
RT score: 77%
Age rating: PG-13 (US), 12A (UK)
Runtime: 159 minutes
Elvis is director Baz Luhrmann's (Romeo & Juliet, The Great Gatsby) interpretation of the life of American rock and roll singer and actor Elvis Presley (Austin Butler). As you might expect from a flick by Luhrmann, it's bold, flashy and fantastic-looking, laced with a lot of heart-aching tragedy.
Interestingly, the story is told from the perspective of Presley's manager, Colonel Tom Parker, played here by Tom Hanks. Austin Butler was highly-praised for his portrayal of Elvis and bagged several prestigious awards. Reassuringly, the movie also got the seal of approval from Presley's family who have all been vocal about the portrayal of Elvis and his life.
Interstellar
RT score: 73%
Age rating: PG-13 (US), 12A (UK)
Runtime: 165 minutes
It's not often that we think movies deserve to be called epic, but that's how we'd describe Interstellar, a sci-fi movie that weaves a story across space and time all in the name of love, discovery and saving humanity – see, we told you it's epic!
Interstellar is set in a dystopian future and follows the story of a team of astronauts who must travel through a wormhole that's discovered near Saturn in order to find a new home for humanity. What follows is a sprawling adventure filled with wonder, heartache and a dash of cosmic horror.
If you're a fan of science-fiction, there's a lot to love here with beautiful new worlds and wondrous space-faring scenes. But at its core, this is a movie about human relationships and the lengths people will go to help the ones they love. See where it placed in our Christopher Nolan movies ranked guide.
Three Thousand Years of Longing
RT score: 71%
Age rating: R (US), 15 (UK)
Runtime: 108 minutes
If you're looking for a dose of rich and, at times, sensual fantasy then we've got you. Three Thousand Years of Longing is a visually-stunning movie from acclaimed director George Miller (Mad Max, Babe and Happy Feet).
Three Thousands Years of Longing is about a professor, played by Tilda Swinton, who finds an antique bottle on a trip to Istanbul and discovers a djinn (a spirit), played by Idris Elba, inside of it. The djinn offers to grant the professor three wishes but also tells her three stories about his past, explaining how he wound up trapped inside a bottle.
His tales whisk us back thousands of years to royal romances, heart-breaking schemes, murder and lust. Three Thousands Years of Longing is the perfect film to watch if you're seeking some fantastical escapism and romance that isn't twee but epic in its intensity.
Gangs of Lagos
RT score: TBC
Age rating: R (US), 18 (UK)
Runtime: 124 minutes
Gangs of Lagos tells the tale of Obalola and the lives of his friends, Gift and Ify, as they grow up on the busy and chaotic streets of Isale Eko, a neighbourhood in Lagos, Nigeria.
A film centered on family, friendship and betrayal, while also exploring the impact of violence and politically-affiliated gang culture in Nigeria, Gangs of Lagos isn't an easy Sunday afternoon watch – especially when you consider that it's based on true stories from Isale Eko. It's also the first Amazon movie to be mad in Africa; the pioneering flick being the first of many upcoming international projects.
Top Gun: Maverick
RT score: 96%
Age rating: PG-13 (US), 12 (UK)
Runtime: 131 minutes
It was Q2 2022 when Top Gun: Maverick landed in theaters and wowed many with its box office performance. Now, the movie is available to watch at home thanks to Prime Video (it's also available on Paramount Plus).
You'll want to check it out, too. Maverick is an action-packed, fast-paced movie with impressive special effects, top-class performances and top-tier set-pieces that'll leave your jaw on the floor. Its story is a little formulaic at times, but it’s nonetheless well worth a watch.
If you loved the original Top Gun movie you’ll love this one, too. It’s just as fun, exciting, and edge-of-your-seat tense as the first. You won’t be able to take your eyes off Tom Cruise’s electric performance as Captain Pete "Maverick" Mitchell and, as mentioned, there are top performances from its younger stars, too, especially Miles Teller as Lieutenant Bradley "Rooster" Bradshaw. Read our exclusive chats with director Joseph Kosinki about the mind-boggling number of cameras used on set and how the film got the green light in the most Tom Cruise way possible.
Palm Springs
RT score: 94%
Age rating: R (US), 15 (UK)
Runtime: 90 minutes
There have been plenty of phenomenal time loop movies over the years, including Source Code and Edge of Tomorrow. But for a take that's less edgy sci-fi and has more humor, charm, and romcom threads, Palm Springs should be on your must-watch list.
Two strangers called Nyles (Andy Samberg) and Sarah (Cristin Milioti) meet at a wedding and find they're the only ones living the same day over and over. According to reports, the creators were heavily inspired by Groundhog Day, but wanted a fresh take on the time loop trope, which is why the movie begins with Nyles already in the loop. Samberg fans or those of a quirky, sci-fi disposition will love this. US viewers can also catch it on Hulu.
Devotion
RT score: 80%
Age rating: PG-13 (US), 12 (UK)
Runtime: 139 minutes
Devotion tells the tale of an African American fighter pilot in the Korean war, who has suffered unspoken racial injustices during his time in the US military. Isolated from his white colleagues, Jesse Brown (Jonathan Majors) finds it hard to trust anyone – until he meets Glenn Powell (Tom Hudner). Together, they make heroic sacrifices that result in them becoming two of the most celebrated pilots in history.
Based on the novel of the same name, Devotion is full of thrilling aviation and deep racial tension, which it navigates very well. It's been well-received by critics and audience alike.
Sound of Metal
RT score: 97%
Age rating: R (US), 15 (UK)
Runtime: 120 minutes
Riz Ahmed shines in the lead role of Sound of Metal, a thoughtful and provocative movie about grief, addiction, and identity. He plays Ruben, a metal drummer who begins to experience hearing loss. He’s told to eliminate loud noises, but continues to perform, worrying that his career, relationship, and life as he knows it could soon be over.
Sound of Metal is a challenging watch at times, but one of the best Prime Video movies as it's also deeply moving and introspective. You’ll need to be in a certain mood to watch it, but when you do, you’ll be blown away. A crowd-pleasing flick that was nominated for numerous Academy Awards in 2019, winning in the Best Sound and Best Film Editing categories. Easily one of the best Prime Video movies around.
The Big Sick
RT score: 98%
Age rating: R (US), 15 (UK)
Runtime: 120 minutes
Here’s a cool fact about The Big Sick: it’s written by writer, producer, and podcast host Emily V. Gordon, plus actor, comedian and screenwriter Kumail Nanjiani (the duo are married), and is inspired by their real-life relationship. It’s a story about an interracial couple, played by Nanjiani and Zoe Kazan, who have to deal with cultural differences when Emily becomes seriously ill.
It’s a funny and heartfelt movie, and feels fresher and smarter than a lot of more recent rom-coms. Critics and cinephiles agreed, too, with it being chosen by American Film Institute as one of the top 10 films of the year when it came out in 2017. It was also nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.
One Night in Miami
RT score: 98%
Age rating: R (US), 15 (UK)
Runtime: 110 minutes
One Night in Miami comes from Regina King, who makes her directorial debut. The story is based on a 2013 stage play of the same name – written by filmmaker and playwright Kemp Powers – which itself is inspired by a real meeting that took place in February 1964 at the Hampton House in Miami.
During that supposed event, Malcolm X (Kingsley Ben-Adir), Muhammad Ali (Eli Goree), Jim Brown (Aldis Hodge), and Sam Cooke (Leslie Odom Jr) gathered to celebrate Ali’s title win against Sonny Liston. Events unfold over the course of a single night as the legendary quartet talk about power, race, discussing their roles in the Civil Rights Movement, and the culture of the era. It's one of the best Prime Video movies around and, when it was first released, was nominated for several Academy Awards.
Manchester by the Sea
RT score: 96%
Age rating: R (US), 15 (UK)
Runtime: 137 minutes
Manchester by the Sea is a heavy movie. It’s about a depressed and grief-stricken man who needs to care for his teen nephew after his brother dies. Understandably, then, it focuses on themes of guilt, responsibility, and families.
It’s masterfully told and beautifully acted by Casey Affleck and Michelle Williams in the lead roles. The film received critical acclaim, winning Academy Awards for Best Actor for Affleck and Best Original Screenplay, and was considered one of the best films of 2016 by most critics.
The Vast of Night
RT score: 92%
Age rating: PG-13 (US), 12 (UK)
Runtime: 90 minutes
The Vast of Night is a 2019 sci-fi mystery set in 1950s New Mexico. It’s loosely based on real events, including the Kecksburg UFO incident – an unidentified fireball being spotted in the sky – and the Foss Lake disappearances, which saw a group of teens and adults mysteriously go missing.
The film follows young switchboard operator Fay Crocker (played by Sierra McCormick) and radio DJ Everett Sloan (Jake Horowitz) who discover an audio frequency that they think could be extra terrestrial. It’s an engrossing thriller that’s lo-fi and yet shows a lot of film-making skill.
Honey Boy
RT score: 95%
Age rating: R (US), 15 (UK)
Runtime: 93 minutes
Honey Boy is loosely based on actor Shia LaBeouf’s childhood and his relationship with his father – the title of the movie coming from his nickname as a kid. LaBeouf wrote the screenplay and also stars in it but, rather than play himself, he portrays his father. It follows the troubled relationship between 12-year-old Otis, who is finding some success as a TV star, and his abusive father, who signs himself up as Otis' guardian.
LaBeouf allegedly wrote the script as a form of therapy when he was in rehab. For that reason, it’s a difficult watch and feels very raw. Strangely, though, it’s oddly therapeutic for the viewer, too. At its core, this is a movie about a man’s struggles to understand himself and forgive himself, as well as his past trauma.
Licorice Pizza
RT score: 90%
Age rating: R (US), 15 (UK)
Runtime: 133 minutes
Licorice Pizza is a US comedy-drama written and directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, a filmmaker famous for movies like Boogie Nights, Magnolia, and There Will Be Blood.
It's follows the development of a young couple’s relationship in the early ’70s, played by the exceptionally talented Alana Haim and Cooper Hoffman. With its laidback and meandering charm, there’s a kind of dreaminess to the movie at times. Equally, though its plot doesn’t unfold in a conventional way. And, although it’s a comedy, it's heartfelt with unexpected action and tension, too. One of the best Prime Video movies available today.
Suspiria
RT score: 65%
Age rating: R (US), 18 (UK)
Runtime: 152 minutes
This Amazon Original is a supernatural horror inspired by Dario Argento's classic 1977 Italian film of the same name. It stars Dakota Johnson as an American woman who enrols at a prestigious dance academy in Berlin but, unfortunately for her, it’s run by a coven of witches. Tilda Swinton bizarrely but convincingly co-stars in three roles.
Not for the faint-hearted, you can expect weirdness, gruesome scenes, and lots of deliciously disconcerting atmosphere from this one. Unlike the original film, which used exaggerated colors, it has a bleak and bare palette. Suspiria wasn't a box office hit but, if you like odd, atmospheric movies, it's a great choice.
For more Prime Video-based coverage, read our guide on all of the new Prime Video movies to arrive this month. Alternatively, see how much a Prime Video subscription costs or read our best Prime Video shows guide.
