In recent years, Netflix and Apple TV+ have been competing for the title of the most prestigious film offerings, but some of the top films can be found on Amazon Prime Video. This platform was one of the first to scoop up film festival favorites and beloved gems, and those films remain in its library. So, if you missed them the first time around, now’s your chance to catch up. Here are our picks for the best movies on Amazon Prime. All titles listed here are included with your Prime subscription—no rentals required. After you’ve had your fill, don’t forget to check out our recommendations for the best shows on Netflix, the best movies on Disney+, and the best shows on Amazon, if you’re looking for something else to dive into. If you purchase anything through links in our stories, we may earn a commission, which helps support our journalism. Learn more.
Die Hard
Is it a Christmas movie or just a movie set during Christmas? That discussion has surrounded Die Hard since its release. But consider this: Has the holiday season really begun until Hans Gruber tumbles from Nakatomi Plaza? Controversy aside, this action classic is endlessly entertaining, no matter when you choose to watch it. Bruce Willis’s portrayal of reluctant hero John McClane launched his career, as he single-handedly liberates a skyscraper from Alan Rickman’s ruthless terrorist. Alongside thrilling action scenes and amazing stunts, there’s a lot of heart in the movie. Regardless of what you think about the genre debate, Die Hard still impresses, decades later.
Wicked
With Wicked: For Good in theaters, now’s the perfect time to revisit the captivating backstory of the witches of Oz. This film—based on the stage musical, which in turn is based on Gregory Maguire’s novel—details the college years of green-skinned outsider Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) and the popular princess Glinda (Ariana Grande) before they’re molded into the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good. While it may seem light and whimsical, it offers a powerful commentary on how society can be distorted by propaganda and authoritarianism, all while boasting an unforgettable soundtrack.
Merry Little Batman
Jingle bells, Batman smells! On a chilly Christmas Eve, while Batman is away on Justice League duties, young Damian Wayne takes on the role of “Little Batman” as he protects Gotham City. Facing off against villains like Penguin, Bane, and Mr. Freeze, Damian strives to prove he’s ready to be part of the family business by saving Christmas from Joker’s sinister plans. This fun animated feature proves that Batman stories don’t always need to delve into Bruce Wayne’s dark psyche. The film is filled with loving nods for comic fans while also welcoming newcomers. Art director Guillaume Fesquet’s unique style, inspired by Ronald Searle, provides a fresh take on the Dynamic Duo.
Nosferatu
More than a century after F. W. Murnau introduced vampires to the silent screen with Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horrors—a film famously inspired by Bram Stoker’s Dracula—Robert Eggers offers a reimagined vision of cinema’s first blood-sucker. The core story remains familiar: ambitious young real estate agent Thomas Hutter (Nicholas Hoult) travels to Transylvania to finalize a deal with the enigmatic Count Orlok (Bill Skarsgård), who becomes fixated on Hutter’s bride, Ellen (Lily-Rose Depp). Eggers casts a morbidly intriguing light on the ensuing bloodshed, plague, and horror. Each frame is beautifully shot, and Skarsgård delivers a chilling performance as the demonic Orlok.
Knives Out
In the first film featuring master detective Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig), he investigates the suspicious death of renowned crime novelist Harlan Thrombey (Christopher Plummer). The case is complicated by Thrombey’s sprawling, dysfunctional family, all of whom seem to have motives for killing their supposedly cherished patriarch. With an impressive ensemble cast that includes Chris Evans, Jamie Lee Curtis, Toni Collette, LaKeith Stanfield, and Ana de Armas as Thrombey’s devoted nurse Marta, director Rian Johnson’s Knives Out reinvigorates the classic whodunit genre, packed with clever twists.
Air
These days, Michael Jordan is a sports icon, and Nike Air Jordans are a fashion staple—but back in 1984, things were different. Jordan was a rookie, and Nike was about to shut down its basketball shoe division. Enter Sonny Vaccaro (Matt Damon), a talent scout for Nike who spots a rising star in North Carolina and needs to convince everyone else that Jordan is worth the risk. Everyone knows how this story ends, but Air goes beyond being a two-hour ad for sneakers. With strong performances from Damon, Jason Bateman, Chris Tucker, and a standout role by Viola Davis as Deloris Jordan, the film keeps its focus on the characters instead of solely on business. In a landscape filled with franchises and blockbusters, Air stands out for its character-driven storytelling.
Heads of State
Grumpy British Prime Minister Sam Clarke (Idris Elba) and action-star-turned-U.S. President Will Derringer (John Cena) can’t stand one another, making their forced partnership after Air Force One crashes in the Belarusian wilderness a comedic challenge. Fortunately for viewers, this dynamic results in one of the most hilarious and well-choreographed action comedies in years. Priyanka Chopra Jonas shines as senior MI6 agent Noel Bisset, tasked with protecting the bickering leaders from themselves and a growing terrorist threat. It’s the friction between Elba and Cena that really drives the film, making for an entertaining watch.
Deep Cover
When London police detective Billings (Sean Bean) hits a wall infiltrating criminal organizations, he turns to improv actors for help. This outrageous premise generates big laughs, especially with Bryce Dallas Howard as aspiring comedian Kat and Orlando Bloom as method-acting Marlon. But Nick Mohammed’s performance as meek IT nerd Hugh, who can’t act but says “yes, and…” to every ridiculous scenario, steals the show. Blending slapstick with gritty undertones, Deep Cover goes all in on its absurdities.
The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension
One of the most bizarre films you’ve probably never seen, 1984’s The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai centers on Dr. Buckaroo Banzai (Peter Weller)—a genius physicist, skilled neurosurgeon, high-flying test pilot, and popular rock star. The film follows his battle against the evil Dr. Emilio Lizardo (John Lithgow) over an advanced machine that facilitates interdimensional travel. The plot gets even wilder with alien invaders, long-lost lovers’ doppelgangers, and mid-1980s nuclear war paranoia. Although it flopped upon release, it has since gained a cult following. Even Weller struggles to explain the film, but it’s undeniably a unique viewing experience.
Conclave
Arriving on Prime Video with impeccable timing, this intense narrative about the selection of a new pope is gripping. When the pope passes, Cardinal Thomas Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes) organizes the papal conclave to choose a successor. Given the significance of the papal role, the election is far from a mundane church procedure. As the finalist candidates are narrowed down, tension escalates as power struggles, blackmail, and hidden secrets shake the Vatican. Based on Robert Harris’s novel and directed by Edward Berger (2022’s All Quiet on the Western Front), Conclave offers meticulous research, stunning cinematography, and captivating performances from a talented cast that includes Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, and Isabella Rossellini.
Evangelion 3.0+1.0: Thrice Upon a Time
A heads up: This film caps off 15 years of work from creator and director Hideaki Anno and is not suitable as a jumping-on point for newcomers to the complex mecha franchise. (Thankfully, Prime Video features the entire movie series, starting with Evangelion 1.11.) Thrice Upon a Time concludes the decades-spanning narrative of traumatized teenage robot pilots battling biblically accurate angels and the manipulative schemes of Shinji’s abusive father. With artistically stunning animation and emotionally resonant storytelling, this film serves as a prime example of how to conclude a long-running series spectacularly.
Challengers
Directed by Luca Guadagnino (Call Me by Your Name), Challengers explores the fraught three-way relationship between tennis players Tashi (Zendaya), Patrick (Josh O’Connor), and Art (Mike Faist). Narrated non-linearly, the story shifts between their current disillusionment and an earlier, more promising time in their lives. It’s an energetic sports film, but the real tension lies in how early aspirations of Grand Slam success—and the messy dynamics of youth—impact their present. Tashi faces life after a severe injury, Art struggles in his career, and Patrick plays to slowly save up. Yet none of them have truly moved on.
My Old Ass
Aubrey Plaza’s rise continues in this modern coming-of-age dramedy written and directed by Megan Park. My Old Ass follows 18-year-old Elliott (Maisy Stella) as she prepares for major life changes, celebrating her birthday by taking mushrooms with her friends. During her trip, she encounters her older self, Elliott at age 39 (Plaza). Upon sobering up, she begins receiving bizarre text messages from her future self warning her about a boy named Chad. Balancing hopeful and melancholic themes, the film beautifully captures the messy potential of youth alongside the bittersweet reflections of age, delivering a delightful experience for viewers of all ages.
Saltburn
Oxford student Oliver Quick (Barry Keoghan) struggles to fit in at his prestigious university until he befriends the charming Felix Catton (Jacob Elordi). With his wealth and old-money status, Felix invites Oliver to spend summer at the family estate, Saltburn. As Oliver ingratiates himself into the family’s world, his fixation on Felix takes a darker turn. Swinging between black comedy and psychological thriller, Emerald Fennel (Promising Young Woman) utilizes a 4:3 aspect ratio to create an unsettling, almost voyeuristic effect throughout the film. Since its 2023 release, Saltburn has sparked considerable debate, particularly about its class and social themes, making it a must-see.
The Burial
Courtroom dramas might not always be laugh-out-loud affairs, but this story of funeral home director Jeremiah O’Keefe (Tommy Lee Jones) and his flamboyant lawyer Willie Gary (Jamie Foxx) brings a dark sense of humor to grim circumstances. Based on true events, director Maggie Betts’ latest film portrays a real-life legal fight uncovering deep injustices in funeral care, particularly in Black communities facing price gouging. Jones and Foxx shine in their roles, but the standout performance comes from Jurnee Smollett as Mame Downes, Gary’s competitive rival attorney. For a film tackling death, The Burial manages to convey warmth and life-affirming sentiments.
A Million Miles Away
Following the real-life journey of José Hernández, this biopic mixes inspiration with aspiration as it chronicles Hernández’s rise from being a migrant farm worker to becoming the first Mexican-American astronaut. Michael Peña delivers an impressive performance as Hernández, portraying a man driven to reach the stars against all odds, while Rosa Salazar shines as his wife Adela, who maintains her own ambitions. While it could easily fall into clichés of hard work and the American Dream, director Alejandra Márquez Abella focuses equally on the everyday beauty on Earth and the vast possibilities of space, making it a delightful watch.
Shin Masked Rider
If you’re tired of standard Hollywood superhero fare, this fresh reboot of one of Japan’s beloved heroes is worth your time. Directed by Hideaki Anno (Evangelion, Shin Godzilla, Shin Ultraman), this reimagining of the 1971 TV series Kamen Rider follows Takeshi Hongo (Sosuke Ikematsu), who after being kidnapped by the terrorist organization S.H.O.C.K.E.R., escapes before being turned into a powerful cyborg. Unlike the original, this version tackles the body horror aspect while pushing its characters—and the audience—to maintain their humanity despite a harsh world. Expect some violence, with consequences presented realistically, but it’s never gratuitous. While those familiar with the source material will appreciate it most, it still offers something exciting for anyone craving a fresh take on superhero stories.
Nanny
Aisha (Anna Diop), a Senegalese woman working as a nanny for a wealthy couple in New York City, dreams of bringing her son and cousin to America. Unfortunately, her future is precariously tied to her employers, who leave her to care for their daughter, Rose, while often withholding her pay. As Aisha struggles under this power imbalance, she begins experiencing haunting dreams of drowning, fueled by her fears of abandoning her own child. The feature debut of director Nikyatu Jusu, Nanny contrasts the horrors of the immigrant experience in modern America with deeper, darker themes, replacing the usual hopeful tropes with palpable sadness. While the film takes a slow-burn approach to its psychological scares, Diop’s performance shines, supported by meticulous pacing and stunning cinematography.
Coming 2 America
Reviving a long-dormant series can be a gamble, but Eddie Murphy’s return as Prince—now King—Akeem of Zamunda in Coming 2 America proves successful. After three decades since the original, Akeem travels back to the U.S. in search of a son he didn’t know existed, reconnecting with faces from the first movie. Director Craig Brewer (Hustle and Flow) flips the script by having American characters navigate Zamunda, and with a sharper, more globally aware script, this sequel manages to honor the spirit of its predecessor while standing on its own.
Thirteen Lives
Directed by Ron Howard, Thirteen Lives features a stellar cast including Viggo Mortensen, Colin Farrell, and Joel Edgerton, dramatizing the harrowing 2018 Tham Luang cave rescue. As a junior soccer team and their coach become trapped in a flooded cave system, an international effort to save them unfolds. Howard expertly captures the claustrophobic tension and danger of the situation, resulting in a thrilling film that includes ingeniously shot underwater scenes and stands as a tribute to one of the most remarkable rescue operations in history.
One Night in Miami …
Based on the play of the same name, One Night in Miami showcases four iconic figures—Malcolm X, Jim Brown, Sam Cooke, and Muhammad Ali—during a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights Movement. Set in a motel room after Ali’s famous victory over Sonny Liston in 1964, the men discuss their roles in society and within the movement, all while history looms large over them. Although much of the film feels theatrical, Regina King’s directorial debut captures the essence of its charismatic cast beautifully. Kingsley Ben-Adir delivers a mesmerizing performance as Malcolm X, keeping viewers captivated alongside Aldis Hodge, Leslie Odom Jr., and Eli Goree as Brown, Cooke, and Ali.
The Report
Produced by Amazon, The Report provides a compelling account of the U.S. Senate’s investigation into the CIA’s “enhanced interrogation” program—exploring how it came about, who was aware, and how the facts were manipulated. Adam Driver stars as Daniel Jones, the lead investigator who navigates a challenging path toward the truth while facing political pushback and CIA deception. Driver is exceptional, and the film’s 82 percent approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes speaks to its quality.
Sound of Metal
As punk-rock drummer and recovering addict Ruben starts to lose his hearing, his life spirals out of control. Confronted with the choice of sacrificing his hearing or his career, Ruben ends up in a rehab center for the deaf, where he must come to terms with his own actions and future. Riz Ahmed delivers a powerful performance as Ruben, while Olivia Cooke shines as Lou, a girlfriend grappling with her own struggles. The film’s expertly crafted sound design, showcasing both the presence and absence of sound, makes Sound of Metal one of the most impressive dramas in recent years.
