Hidden Gems on Prime: 10 Must-See Movies You Haven’t Heard Of!

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Each streaming platform highlights movies they believe will captivate viewers, plus original productions they showcase upon signing in. Most of these films garner the attention they deserve, but some hidden treasures get lost within their extensive library. Diving a bit deeper to uncover these jewels is an enjoyable endeavor, and Prime Video also houses lesser-known yet exceptional content that requires active search to discover.

10
‘Lenny’ (1974)

The movie “Lenny” chronicles the life of comedian Lenny Bruce, portrayed by Dustin Hoffman, detailing his initial triumphs, subsequent controversies, and eventual decline. The film employs a semi-documentary style, utilizing interviews to propel the storyline. The primary objective of this movie is to preserve the impact of Lenny Bruce’s legacy, whose legal struggles against obscenity charges marked a significant turning point in the crusade for free speech and stand-up comedy.

A Tragic Martyr for Free Speech

Lenny Bruce can be seen as a captivating depiction of a man in distress; a flawed individual who was confronted by a justice system trying to stifle him. Dustin Hoffman’s portrayal is remarkable, and the inclusion of interviews with various individuals lends credibility to the challenges Bruce experienced both on stage and off.

9
‘Sound of Noise’ (2010)

A group of six anarchist drummers have announced their plan to create disorder across Sweden by performing a sequence of drum performances in various establishments such as institutions and private companies. Detective Amadeus Warnebring, who has no sensitivity to music and dislikes it intensely, is assigned the job of apprehending this group.

Make Some Noise!

Imagine a blend of the feeling evoked by ‘Stomp,’ infused with a dash of crime and humor, along with some lively percussion beats, and you have the movie called Rhythm of Chaos. This musical flick carries a punk vibe, where ordinary objects are transformed into musical instruments during the commission of a crime. Rhythm of Chaos is a delightful watch, although it might not be as widely known due to being a Swedish/French production; however, this comedy is definitely an exception that proves the rule about foreign comedies not always resonating with English-speaking audiences.

8
‘Crumb Catcher’ (2024)

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Freshly married couple Shane (Rigo Garay) and Leah (Ella Rae Peck) frequently find themselves at disagreements, making their honeymoon a series of continuous arguments. However, their peaceful retreat to a secluded cabin takes an unsettling turn when a server from their previous service, John (John Speredakos), and his spouse, Rose (Lorraine Farris), unexpectedly arrive with an irresistible offer. They use information against Shane as leverage, persuading the couple to invest in a novel gadget called the Crumb Catcher. As the evening progresses, the negotiations for this product become increasingly aggressive and even violent.

Unwanted Company Leads To A Night of Awkwardness and Violence

In essence, “Crumb Catcher” may not appeal to everyone as a comedy. Instead, it revolves around uncomfortable social situations, presents characters that aren’t necessarily endearing, and features an eccentric base plot. This statement isn’t meant to diminish the film but rather to give prospective viewers a heads-up. Fans of Tim and Eric, Quentin Dupieux, and Richard Bates Jr., who appreciate absurdity, awkwardness, and unsettling elements, will find a perfect blend that tickles their fancy. Moreover, John Speredakos’s portrayal of a relentless and vengeful con artist is particularly memorable for those who enjoy complex, disturbing characters.

7
‘Submarine’ (2011)

According to Joe Dunthorne’s novel, “Submarine” is a heartfelt romance story about a teenager named Oliver Tate, set in Wales during the 1980s. The movie chronicles Oliver’s quest to lose his virginity before his upcoming birthday, which leads him to become infatuated with a new student named Jordana Bevan. Initially, Jordana uses Oliver to stir up feelings in her ex-boyfriend. But as they spend more time together, their connection deepens into a genuine relationship.

A Cleverly Constructed Coming-of-Age Tale

In his first directorial venture, Richard Ayoade, famously recognized as Moss in “The IT Crowd,” presents a heartwarmingly appealing tale of adolescence with a touch of gentle humor. Teenagers who navigated their initial romantic trials will likely find the narrative enchanting. The story offers an intriguing peek into a lifestyle subtly distinct from what many Americans are familiar with, given its British cultural undertones.

Additionally, the film showcases a visual style that is reminiscent of French new-wave cinema due to Ayoade’s influence and boasts a distinctive narrative structure, which will undoubtedly appeal to fans of coming-of-age romance/dramas.

6
‘The Day of the Beast’ (1995)

Reverend Angel Berriartua, a Basque clergyman, claims he’s unraveled the emergence of the Antichrist, predicted to occur on Christmas. To forestall apocalyptic events, he delves into transgression, engaging in numerous illicit acts and seeking assistance from a well-known TV Satanist. In an unexpected turn of events, a self-proclaimed Satan worshipper, drug user, and heavy metal enthusiast becomes an unconventional accomplice in his mission.

Satan Rises on Christmas

The Day of the Beast can be described as an unconventional blend of satanic Christmas horror and comedy that many people might not initially realize they crave. Created by the imaginative yet often overlooked Álex de la Iglesia, The Day of the Beast masterfully combines dark humor with religious anxiety, set against a backdrop of urban decay and a society grappling with declining moral values. This film offers an exhilarating journey filled with quirky characters, unexpectedly intense bursts of violence, and the ominous specter of impending doom.

5
‘The Pizzagate Massacre’ (2020)

Titled after the Pizzagate controversy, The Unraveling Truth focuses on Karen Black (Alexandria Payne), a journalist grappling with her career, who seeks assistance from a far-right group to delve into alleged criminal activities occurring covertly in a pizza parlor. Here, she encounters Duncan Plump (Tinus Seaux), an individual within his militia circle who initially resists but eventually assents to aid her. This meeting triggers a series of escalating events that capture the attention of influential media personalities.

Humanizing Those on the Fringe

With a budget that’s practically pocket change, “The Pizzagate Massacre” might deceive you from its title alone. Although it does contain aspects of horror and brutality, the film is more about delving into the psychology of conspiracy theorists – those who buy into tales like “pizzagate” and reptilian aliens. The director, John Valley, steers clear of sensationalism, instead focusing on creating authentic, deeply-flawed characters that he manages to make relatable despite their dubious beliefs. This film is a gripping character study with moments of powerful violence; it’s a hidden gem that deserves more attention.

4
‘Millennium Actress’ (2002)

Legendary golden-age actress Chiyoko Fujiwara agrees to grant an interview upon learning that the studio she founded is being demolished. Two documentarians, intrigued by her story, come to capture her extraordinary career. They soon find themselves immersed in Fujiwara’s life, a blend of her personal love tales and the memorable characters that cemented her status as an emblem of her time.

An Anime Masterpiece That Anyone Can Enjoy

In a harmonious fusion of fantasy and love, Millennium Actress stands out as an immersive, visually stunning anime journey brimming with warmth and emotion. Though renowned as Satoshi Kon’s work, this masterpiece often takes a backseat to titles like Perfect Blue and Paprika among fans, yet its timeless romance resonates beyond the realm of anime enthusiasts. Millennium Actress is not only an ode to anime but also a heartfelt tribute to cinema itself. Even if you’re not an anime aficionado, you can still appreciate the artistic brilliance showcased here, in both its visual storytelling and narrative depth.

3
‘Joe’ (1970)

In a New York setting, when Bill Compton’s daughter, a high-society advertising executive’s child, winds up hospitalized due to drug abuse, he chooses to confront her boyfriend. During this encounter, an unfortunate turn of events leads to the boyfriend’s death. Later, Bill encounters Joe Curran, a commoner harboring prejudice towards drug-affected youth. This meeting provides him with a potential ally, as their shared disdain for hippies fosters a growing friendship between them. United by their antipathy, they start devising a plan to wage war against the individuals they perceive as a blight on society.

What Does it Mean to be a True American?

The movie ‘Joe’ from the 1970s is often overlooked but remains relevant today due to its exploration of themes like prejudice and extremist ideology. Despite having a small budget and an unappealing title, the film continues to resonate decades after its release. It offers a compelling character analysis, with Peter Boyle’s portrayal of Joe, a deeply flawed character, showcasing his convictions, insecurities, and hatred in almost every scene. Remarkably, he is captivating in his unwavering commitment to his misguided ideology.

2
‘Barking Dogs Never Bite’ (2000)

Troubled student Ko Yun-ju, played by Lee Sung-jae, is disturbed by a stray dog in his apartment building complex. This bothersome canine eventually leads him to capture it, intending to abandon it, but he accidentally grabs the wrong pet. When he realizes his mistake, panic ensues and he returns to find the animal missing. To hide his misdeed, Ko Yun-ju collaborates with Park Hyun-nam, a frugal bookkeeper and custodian, who is determined to solve the mystery of the vanished dog. Bae Doona portrays Park Hyun-nam in this tale.

Forming Bonds Over Missing Dogs

As a cinephile, it’s always intriguing to find a film by the renowned director Bong Joon Ho, known for masterpieces like “Host” and “Parasite,” gracing a list. Interestingly, his early work, a drama/comedy centered around a lost dog, might not scale the same heights as his subsequent achievements. However, there’s undeniable charm here that offers a glimpse into the budding genius Joon-Ho would later catapult to international stardom with his unique blend of dark comedy and larger social commentary. The film also showcases his remarkable ability to draw outstanding performances from his actors, setting careers on an upward trajectory.

1
‘The Passenger’ (2023)

Randy Bradley, known as Johnny Berchtold, is a quiet individual who works at a fast-food joint, content with his low-ambition life centered around his unfulfilling job. However, this routine is disrupted when one of his colleagues, Benson (Kyle Gallner), shoots the rest of their co-workers. Remarkably, Benson spares Randy and attempts to engage him in dealing with the issues that have left him isolated from society. An unusual bond forms under the influence of a gun and threats.

Riding Along With A Killer

It seems like you’re suggesting that “The Passenger” might not be a typical horror film despite its budget reminiscent of Blumhouse productions. Instead, the movie offers an absorbing journey as an insecure character gets entangled in a series of murders. What sets this film apart is how the violent acts are transformed into a mission to improve the unfortunate soul who’s along for the ride. While there’s still ample violence for those seeking it, the standout feature might be Kyle Gallner’s impressive performance, which ranks among his best, as seen in films like “Strange Darling” and “Diner in America”.

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2025-04-13 19:06