Are you overwhelmed with numerous streaming service subscriptions, yet unsure of what to watch? You’ve hit the jackpot! There are plenty of fantastic movies waiting for you on Amazon Prime Video, and here’s some excellent news: since many of them were produced by Amazon, they won’t suddenly move to other platforms without warning.
Let’s briefly examine the criteria for this list. Not all of these titles are officially labeled as “Amazon Prime Originals,” but they were produced by Amazon MGM Studios in various ways, following Amazon’s acquisition of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer in 2022 and the subsequent renaming of Amazon Studios to Amazon MGM Studios in the following year. Regardless, here are some top-notch movies available on Amazon Prime Video, ranging from comedies to dramas, and even including a few Oscar contenders.
15. Saltburn (2023)
In her second work titled “Saltburn,” Emerald Fennell narrates the tale of Oliver Quick (played by Barry Keoghan), a shy student at Oxford University who befriends the affluent and influential Felix Catton (portrayed by Jacob Elordi). Moved by Oliver’s hardships, Felix extends an invitation for him to spend the summer at his sprawling countryside manor known as Saltburn, which belongs to the Catton family.
As Oliver charms Felix’s mother Elspeth (Rosamund Pike), sister Venetia (Alison Oliver), and even the tough-skinned Sir James (Richard E. Grant) in the film “Saltburn”, directed by Fennell, his aspirations continue to escalate, leading to a chilling and suspenseful finale. Keoghan and Elordi deliver impressive performances, though the ending does leave some lingering queries such as ‘how’ and ‘why’. Nevertheless, “Saltburn” remains an engaging watch.
As a movie enthusiast, I’m thrilled to share that the upcoming film features Barry Keoghan, Jacob Elordi, and the talented Rosamund Pike in its cast. This gripping production is directed by Emerald Fennell, promising an engaging experience. The rating is R, indicating it’s intended for mature audiences. With a runtime of 131 minutes, there’s plenty to look forward to. As of now, it has a Rotten Tomatoes rating of 72%. Can’t wait to see this one unfold on the big screen!
14. Brittany Runs a Marathon (2019)
Occasionally, you might find yourself wanting a heartwarming film that follows the journey of a character undergoing personal development while conquering challenges. In this case, I recommend “Brittany Runs a Marathon.” Initially, our protagonist Brittany Forgler (played by Jillian Bell) is nearing her 30s and residing in New York City … however, following a wild night out and an unsuccessful bid to obtain Adderall from a physician, she discovers that she’s overweight and dealing with health issues.
Determined to improve her health since she can’t afford a gym membership, Brittany instead decides to start running. Along her jogging journey, she encounters and befriends another runner named Catherine (Michaela Watkins). Despite setbacks such as a stress fracture and the breakdown of a relationship, Brittany perseveres… and when she eventually completes that marathon (a bit of a spoiler, but it’s clearly indicated in the title!), you’ll be rooting for her all the way.
Lead Actors: Jillian Bell, Michaela Watkins, Utkarsh Ambudkar
Director: Paul Downs Colaizzo
Mature Audience (Rated R)
Duration: 1 hour and 43 minutes (103 minutes)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 88%
13. Red, White & Royal Blue (2023)
In “Red, White & Royal Blue,” a movie adapted from Casey McQuiston’s hit novel, we ponder the scenario where the First Son of the United States and a British prince might develop romantic feelings for each other. At their initial encounter, it certainly wasn’t love at first sight between Alex Claremont-Diaz (played by Taylor Zakhar-Perez) and Prince Henry (portrayed by Nicholas Galitzine). However, following an incident involving a cake that caused an international uproar, they are compelled to feign friendship, which eventually evolves into something deeper.
In a simpler and more conversational manner, Zakhar-Perez and Galitzine shine in their roles as young men navigating their identities, and although Uma Thurman’s Texas accent as the President might seem slightly over-the-top, this film is simply charming. In other words, don’t hesitate to give “Red, White & Royal Blue” a watch!
Actor Lineup: Nicholas Galitzine, Taylor Zakhar-Perez, and Uma Thurman
The film is directed by Matthew López. It has a mature audience rating (R), runs for 1 hour and 58 minutes, and holds a Rotten Tomatoes rating of 76%.
12. I Want You Back (2022)
In the realm of romantic comedies, if you’ve ever found yourself yearning for a second chance with an old flame, then “I Want You Back” might resonate deeply. Starring Charlie Day and Jenny Slate as Peter and Emma, this film unfolds their story after both have been jilted by their partners Anne (Gina Rodriguez) and Noah (Scott Eastwood). In a bid to make their exes pine for them once more, Peter and Emma concoct a plan. Emma contemplates manipulating Anne’s new boyfriend Logan (Manny Jacinto) into infidelity, while Peter endeavors to befriend Noah so he might abandon his current girlfriend Ginny (Clark Backo).
It’s clear where things are headed – with Peter and Emma falling in love – yet unpredictability doesn’t diminish the enjoyment. Day and Slate have an irresistible charm on-screen, and “I Want You Back” being an exclusive to Amazon is fantastic.
Actor Lineup: Charlie Day, Jenny Slate, Gina Rodriguez, Manny Jacinto
Directed by: Jason Orley
Rating: Rated R
Run Time: 1 hour and 51 minutes
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 87%
11. Air (2023)
In “Air,” Ben Affleck assumes both director and leading roles, narrating the tale of how Air Jordans played a crucial part in Nike’s survival as a sports apparel and footwear company during the 1980s. The film traces the journey of Nike’s marketing vice president Rob Strasser (portrayed by Jason Bateman) and basketball talent scout Sonny Vaccaro (Matt Damon), who are on a mission to discover a charismatic figurehead for their shoes. As the story unfolds, they settle upon the promising basketball sensation Michael Jordan as their ideal candidate, although he is not physically present in the film.
Ultimately, Nike manages to secure Michael Jordan as an ambassador, which turns out to be quite fortunate since Air Jordans continue to be incredibly popular today. This ends up having a happy resolution. If you’re a fan of biopics and have ever pondered the story behind Air Jordans, “Air” is definitely worth watching.
Starring: Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Viola Davis
Directed by: Ben Affleck
Rating: R
Run Time: 1 hour 52 minutes
Critics’ Rating on Rotten Tomatoes: 93%
10. Late Night (2019)
In an unusual combination, American author and performer Mindy Kaling and British actress Dame Emma Thompson appear harmoniously in “Late Night.” At first glance, Thompson’s character, the sharp-tongued late-night host Katherine Newbury, seems to be struggling with dwindling ratings. If she doesn’t address the show’s issues promptly, there’s a risk she might lose her position. In an attempt to save her job, Katherine brings on board Molly Patel (played by Kaling), who lacks experience in comedy writing but is an ardent admirer of the show – despite the established writers looking down on her, Molly eventually proves herself as a valuable addition to the team.
Regrettably, Katherine’s private life, which involved an affair with one of the show’s writers, Charlie (Hugh Dancy), ends up being headline news, causing distress for her husband Walter (John Lithgow). However, Katherine manages to steer things back on track. “Late Night” is a delightful, bubbly comedy featuring two outstanding lead actresses; make sure to add it to your must-watch list.
Actors: Mindy Kaling, Emma Thompson, Hugh Dancy
Director: Nisha Ganatra
Rating: R (Mature Audiences)
Runtime: 1 hour and 42 minutes
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 80% (Positive Reviews)
9. My Old Ass (2024)
What if you could share wisdom with your younger self? That’s the central theme of “My Old Ass,” an affectionate and emotionally resonant coming-of-age movie that can only be found on Amazon. At the start, we encounter Elliott (Maisy Stella making her film debut), who is 18 and preparing to go to college … but during a camping trip with friends where they experiment with psychedelic substances, Elliott has a hallucination of her 39-year-old self, portrayed by Aubrey Plaza. When Older Elliott advises Younger Elliott to stay away from a guy named Chad, the story takes an intriguing turn.
As a passionate admirer, I must say that the title of the film “My Old Ass,” may seem a bit unconventional at first glance, but don’t let that fool you. Beneath its intriguing exterior lies a profound and deeply moving narrative. The exceptional performances by both Stella and Plaza as dual representations of the same character truly bring this concept to life.
The film beautifully captures that universal longing we all share for second chances in life, something I believe “My Old Ass” encapsulates perfectly.
Actor(s): Aubrey Plaza, Maisy Stella
Director: Megan Park
Rating: R (restricted)
Duration: Approximately 89 minutes
Rotten Tomatoes score: 90% (favorable reviews)
8. One Night in Miami… (2020)
In a shift from acting to directing, Academy Award-winning actress Regina King collaborated with screenwriter Kemp Powers (“Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse”) for the movie “One Night in Miami…” This film is set on February 25, 1964 and is inspired by actual events. It revolves around four significant historical figures—Malcolm X (Kingsley Ben-Adir), who was then known as Cassius Clay but later became Muhammad Ali (Eli Goree), football star Jim Brown (Aldis Hodge), crooner Sam Cooke (Leslie Odom Jr.), and boxer Sonny Liston’s opponent that night, Aaron D. Alexander—who gather in a Miami hotel room following Clay’s fight with Liston. Despite anticipating a lively party, Malcolm seeks intellectual discourse instead, and the ensuing discussions form the core of the storyline.
As a gamer, I’d say: “One Night in Miami…” isn’t just about the story it tells, but rather, it’s a platform for some truly outstanding performances by Ben-Adir, Goree, Hodge, and Odom Jr. Each of them delivers a performance so remarkable that the movie itself remains captivating. If you’re curious about a fictionalized account of a pivotal night shared by four legendary figures, this film is definitely worth watching.
Actors: Kingsley Ben-Adir, Eli Goree, Aldis Hodge, Leslie Odom Jr.
Director: Regina King
Rating: R (Restricted)
Duration: 1 hour and 54 minutes
Rotten Tomatoes score: 98% (Exceptionally well-reviewed)
7. The Idea of You (2024)
The story “The Idea of You,” adapted from Robinne Lee’s novel, presents us with Solène Marchand (Anne Hathaway), a divorced mother living in LA who manages a thriving art gallery and raises her teen daughter Izzy (Ella Rubin). Izzy yearns to attend a Harvest Moon concert, but Solène hesitates… however, fate intertwines their lives with one of the band’s eligible bachelors, Hayes Campbell (Nicholas Galitzine). Despite a significant age difference, Hayes persistently pursues Solène, and they quickly become smitten.
Beyond the age gap, their relationship is also impacted by the challenges brought on by fame. Despite these hurdles, “The Idea of You” is a heartfelt and beautifully enacted love story about an unconventional pair who share a genuine bond. (And if you enjoy steamy romances, this one delivers!)
Actor Lineup: Anne Hathaway and Nicholas Galitzine
Director: Michael Showalter
Rating: R
Running Time: 1 hour, 56 minutes
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 81% (Positive reviews)
6. Borat Subsequent Moviefilm (2020)
14 years following my initial encounter with “Borat,” where I successfully convinced countless grooms to exclaim “my wife” at their own weddings, Sacha Baron Cohen once more slipped into the gray suit and false beard for its sequel, “Borat Subsequent Moviefilm.” This time, there’s a fresh twist: the introduction of Borat’s daughter, brilliantly portrayed by Maria Bakalova. Much like her father, Tutar is as absurd and innocent as ever. Throughout the film, we see the duo tricking numerous unsuspecting individuals (including a physician who expresses concern upon learning that Borat “put a baby” inside Tutar, despite us discussing a figurine she swallowed).
Experience an unexpected appearance of disgraced ex-New York mayor and former attorney Rudy Giuliani, along with an outlandish theory about the origin of COVID-19, in “Borat Subsequent Moviefilm.” Reminiscent of the original film’s absurdity (and maybe even a notch better), this movie is a must-watch. Prepare for discomfort, buckle up, and tune into “Borat Subsequent Moviefilm.
5. Catherine Called Birdy (2022)
Back in 1994, Karen Cushman’s enchanting young adult novel “Catherine Called Birdy” captured the hearts of many readers. Fast forward to 2022, and I, along with fellow fans, were thrilled to see this beloved tale brought to life on the big screen by writer-director Lena Dunham. In a medieval English setting, Bella Ramsey brilliantly portrays Lady Catherine, fondly known as “Birdy,” who cherishes her freedom and adores spending time with her “uncle” George (Joe Alwyn), who isn’t biologically related but holds a special place in her heart. As Birdy matures, her father Lord Rollo (Andrew Scott) is bent on marrying her off to a wealthy and suitable match, while Birdy dreams of living life on her own terms.
As a devoted admirer, I can’t help but exclaim that Ramsey perfectly embodies the essence of this cherished literary character. With Scott, Alwyn, and the talented Billie Piper by his side, every moment in “Catherine Called Birdy” is an enjoyable journey from beginning to end. Re-live your childhood memories (or discover this story for the first time) by tuning into “Catherine Called Birdy.
Actors: Bella Ramsey, Andrew Scott, Billie Piper
Director: Lena Dunham
Rating: PG-13
Duration: 1 hour and 48 minutes
Rotten Tomatoes score: 88% (favorable)
4. American Fiction (2023)
What if you decided to embrace a multitude of offensive stereotypes, not just for shock value but with the ambition to achieve immense professional success? This is the dilemma presented in the Oscar-nominated film “American Fiction,” which follows the journey of author Thelonious “Monk” Ellison (played by Jeffrey Wright who also received an Oscar nomination). Struggling to sell his books, Monk encounters another Black writer whose work is filled with genuinely offensive stereotypes. In a moment of desperation, Monk submits a draft of a book titled “My Pafology” as a joke to various publishers. To his surprise, all publishers express interest in the manuscript. Now, Monk finds himself torn between his craving for success and his innate need to uphold his principles.
In “American Fiction,” the outstanding ensemble cast, including Sterling K. Brown, Erika Alexander, John Ortiz, Tracee Ellis Ross, and Issa Rae, brings this witty, insightful portrayal to life. Regrettably, stories from diverse voices are frequently valued only when they revolve around struggle, whether actual or imagined. Yet, “American Fiction” is noteworthy for featuring Wright, a gifted actor who has been in supporting roles for many years, finally given the opportunity to truly excel.
Actors include Jeffrey Wright, Sterling K. Brown, and Erika Alexander
Directed by Cord Jefferson
Rating: R
Run time: 1 hour and 57 minutes
Critics’ rating on Rotten Tomatoes: 93%
3. Sound of Metal (2019)
A contender for the Best Picture award and nominated for its main actor, “Sound of Metal,” centers around Ruben Stone, portrayed by Riz Ahmed, who is a heavy metal drummer. His world crumbles when he discovers that his severe hearing loss, caused by years of playing loud music, may lead to complete deafness. When Ruben visits the doctor and learns that he will lose his hearing unless he undergoes a cochlear implant, his life falls apart because his entire identity is based on being a musician and drummer.
In the film “Sound of Metal”, Ruben adapts to his altered life and finds acceptance within the deaf community through a shelter managed by Joe (Paul Raci, an Academy Award nominee for Best Supporting Actor). A significant turn of events occurs when Ruben undergoes the implant procedure, but the results are not as expected, leading him to reconsider his future. Ahmed delivers an outstanding performance in “Sound of Metal”, a heartwarming and awe-inspiring tale that showcases human strength and self-discovery.
Starring: Riz Ahmed, Olivia Cooke, and Paul Raci
Director: Darius Marder
Rating: Rated R
Running Time: 120 minutes
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: An impressive 97%
2. The Big Sick (2017)
In the spirit of honesty, I’d say “The Big Sick,” penned by none other than Kumail Nanjiani and his wife Emily V. Gordon, is a heartfelt tale inspired by our real-life love story and the extraordinary hurdle we conquered together. I, Kumail, find myself in the driver’s seat of an Uber in the bustling city of Chicago when fate brings me face-to-face with the charming Emily Gardner, portrayed by Zoe Kazan. Our bond grows rapidly, but our journey takes an unexpected turn as my family’s cultural expectations — primarily, their insistence on me marrying a Pakistani girl — drive us apart. However, when Emily falls critically ill and slips into a medically-induced coma, I rush to her side in the hope of overcoming this impossible situation together.
It’s during this time that Kumail encounters Emily’s parents Beth and Terry, portrayed by acclaimed actors Holly Hunter and Ray Romano. While they are all keeping vigil for Emily to recover, an unexpected bond forms among the trio. The remarkable aspect of “The Big Sick” lies in its authenticity as it is based on real events; however, even if the narrative was purely fictional, this moving romantic comedy-drama would still be a must-watch due to the exceptional writing by Nanjiani and Gordon, as well as the performances delivered by Nanjiani, Kazan, Hunter, and Romano.
Actors: Kumail Nanjiani, Zoe Kazan, Holly Hunter, Ray Romano
Director: Michael Showalter
Rating: R (Restricted)
Duration: 2 hours (120 minutes)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 98% (Highly Acclaimed)
1. Challengers (2024)
If you’re looking for an intense experience and want to witness exceptional performances, I recommend watching “Challengers.” The film unfolds in two distinct time periods. In 2006, we encounter talented young tennis players Art Donaldson (Mike Faist), Patrick Zweig (Josh O’Connor), and Tashi Duncan (Zendaya). Each exhibits remarkable skill in the sport. Tashi, who manipulates both boys’ feelings, eventually dates Patrick. However, an injury ends her career abruptly. Years later, she reconnects with Art, they get married, and start a family, leaving Patrick alone.
In 2019, Tashi serves as Art’s mentor during his climb up the professional tennis ladder. A surprising turn of events occurs when they enter Art into a wild card tournament in New Rochelle, NY, only to find that Patrick is also competing. The unexpected appearance of Patrick leaves both Art and Tashi in disarray. The rivalry between the three intensifies significantly, making for an intriguing plotline. “Challengers” is a riveting, visually stunning film with exceptional acting, and it boasts an outstanding score by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross. It’s one of the top films you can stream on Amazon Prime Video.
Actors: Zendaya, Josh O’Connor, Mike Faist
Director: Luca Guadagnino
Rating: R (Adults Only)
Duration: Approximately 1 hour and 31 minutes
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 88% (Highly Acclaimed by Critics)
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2025-06-05 22:32