If you're looking for a list of the best Amazon Prime movies then you've come to the right place! On this page we've put together a list of 25 of the finest films that are currently available to watch on the streamer.
Prime has a huge library of movies, including some of the best horror movies ever made. But what if you're in more of a fantasy or sci-fi mood that day? It can be really hard to choose what to pick when faced with such overwhelming choice.
That's why we've broken down this list into several different genres, including action movies, and animations too. There's something for every taste here, so let's get browsing. And when you're done here, why not check out our list of the best shows on Amazon Prime.
Pick of the month
Heretic
Year: 2024
Director(s): Scott Beck and Bryan Woods
Available on: Prime Video UK/US
Hugh Grant has spent the last few years reinventing himself into one of our most enjoyable and varied character actors. Heretic, written and directed by Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, stars Yellowjackets' Sophie Thatcher along with Chloe East as a pair of Mormon missionaries who visit the home of the eccentric Mr. Reed (Grant). A staunch atheist, Reed embraces the opportunity for a fierce debate with the pair – and invites them into his home...
Heretic is a darkly witty delight. As soon as the girls step inside Reed's home you know something is about to go very wrong, but the film keeps you guessing on if Reed is a villain, or simply a man with extremely weird vibes. Grant steals the show, but Thatcher and East are also excellent in this gripping and surprising religious horror.
Action movies on Amazon Prime
Twisters
Year: 2024
Director(s): Lee Isaac Chung
Available on: Prime Video UK/US
Who would have thought a belated sequel to a semi-forgotten '90s blockbuster would turn out to be one of last year's most exciting films? That was the case with Lee Isaac Chung's Twisters, which offers a bigger, better, and more breathlessly exciting dose of extreme weather-chasing than Jan de Bont's 1996 original. Daisy Edgar-Jones plays meteorologist Kate Carter, who has taken a desk job following a tragedy. She's soon pulled back into the world of storm-chasing, however, when so-called "tornado wrangler" Tyler Owens (Glen Powell) offers her a chance to face her fears – and possibly save thousands of lives in the process.
Sometimes bigger does mean better and that's definitely the case with this standalone sequel that will leave you breathless.
For more on Twisters, check out our full review.
You Were Never Really Here
Year: 2017
Director: Lynne Ramsay
Available on: Amazon Prime Video US
Joaquin Phoenix stars as a traumatized hitman hired to rescue a young girl from a sex trafficking ring in Lynne Ramsay’s violent psychological thriller. As the job spirals out of control, his sordid past and PTSD catch up with him in this intense, atmospheric ride.
Ramsay's storytelling ingenuity is evident here, using a dramatic edit as the film's primary visual language — much like in the 2011 film, We Need to Talk About Kevin. She has a signature style, and in it, there's a fine balance between brutality and gentleness. The movie perceives cruelty but bristles when enacting it. This takes the cake if you’re looking for a smart action thriller.
Check out our You Were Never Really Here review for more details!
Monkey Man
Year: 2024
Director: Dev Patel
Available on: Amazon Prime Video US
Star and director Dev Patel plays an underground fighter on a revenge quest in modern India, blending gritty combat with pointed social commentary. Expect high-octane thrills in this unique, neon-soaked, and culturally rich action flick.
Monkey Man may have some John Wick copycat vibes, particularly in the fight stylings and cinematography, but the context within the story makes it stand out as its own thing. Patel's direction makes the most out of a tight budget, and the hand-to-hand action is visceral. Monkey Man may have flown under the radar upon release, but it's worth seeking out.
This is a must-watch, and you can learn more about it in our in-depth Monkey Man review.
Role Play
Year: 2024
Director: Thomas Vincent
Available on: Amazon Prime Video US/UK
One of the more recent Amazon Original movies to land on the platform is action comedy Role Play. It stars The Big Bang Theory's Kaley Cuoco and David Oyelowo as a couple who are hiding some pretty big secrets from each other. It turns out that Emma (Cuoco) is actually living a double life – as well as her loving marriage to her husband Dave (Oyelowo), she's also secretly an assassin. After Emma goes missing, Dave finds out about her true identity and takes it upon himself to try and bring her home.
Clearly indebted to other killer couple action comedies like James Cameron's True Lies and Doug Liman's Mr and Mrs Smith, Role Play has got a great supporting cast too, including Rudi Dharmalingam, Connie Nielsen, and Bill Nighy. A light touch, plenty of levity, and great performances should be enough to get you hooked.
Road House
Year: 2024
Director: Doug Liman
Available on: Amazon Prime Video US/UK
The original Road House is a classic '80s action movie starring Patrick Swayze at the peak of his popularity. This remake, from The Bourne Identity director Doug Liman, is a rugged reimagining that takes the basic premise of the original while updating it for our very different times.
Jake Gyllenhaal plays Elwood Dalton, an ex-professional fighter who is hired to protect an improbably always under siege bar on the beautiful Florida Keys. That brings him to the attention of Billy Magnussen's oily Ben Brandt and MMA fighter Conor McGregor who plays – in his first acting role – a murderous enforcer named Knox. The action is tough, the jokes often genuinely funny. And where the late, great Swayze's Dalton was ineffably cool, Gyllenhaal gives his take on the character an intriguing vulnerability to go with his ripped physique. It may be more than a little bit silly, but Road House 2024 is also a huge amount of fun.
Find out more with our full review of Road House.
Animation movies on Amazon Prime
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem
Year: 2023
Director: Jeff Rowe
Available on: Amazon Prime Video US
The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles return in a fresh, Into the Spider-Verse animated style as they try to stop a mutant army from taking over New York City. High energy, lots of comedy, and plenty of ninja turtling for all involved here, making this one of the best family movies on Amazon Prime to watch right now.
Mutant Mayhem puts its own twist on the textured, comic-book style of animation popularized by the aforementioned Marvel movie, and the result is a colorful and frenetic ride sure to keep the kids off those damn iPads. It has the usual Ninja Turtle beats, too, with the gang trying to win the hearts of New Yorkers and live a semi-normal teen life.
Read our Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Mutant Mayhem review for more details!
Early Man
Year: 2018
Director(s): Nick Park
Available on: Prime Video US/UK
This Aardman hit may not be quite as well known as some of the British animation powerhouse's other classics – the Wallace & Gromit films, Chicken Run, and so on – but it's every bit as hilarious. Dug (Eddie Redmayne) is a young Stone Age caveman whose tribe is threatened when an army led by Lord Nooth (Tom Hiddleston) conquers their valley. Luckily, Dug finds a way to get the valley back: by winning a football match. Even luckier is the fact that Dug's tribe ultimately turns out to be rather good at the sport – after some classic sports movie training, of course.
Animated in Aardman's always charming hand-made style, this is as funny and warm-hearted as their other films. And what a cast! As well as Redmayne and Hiddleston there's Game of Thrones' Maisie Williams as Goona, a football fan who turns out to be a secret ace at the beautiful game, and the iconic Miriam Margolyes as Queen Oofeefa.
Hotel Transylvania: Transformania
Year: 2022
Director(s): Jennifer Kluska, Derek Drymon
Available on: Amazon Prime Video US/UK
Hotel Transylvania: Transformania is one of Amazon's exclusive animated movies, so we had to give it a shout-out here – especially since the streamer has a habit of replacing its library frequently. It isn't the best Hotel Transylvania by any means; however, let's be honest, this series is still, for the most part, delightful, full of slapstick comedy and lively animation.
In Hotel Transylvania: Transformania, we are taken back to the first film's premise, where Johnny ends up turning into a monster. However, this time around it's the monsters who are turned human. The story of Transformania is a bit dry, and the pacing could be better. However, the animation is still dramatic and colorful, and, all in all, the film is a great streaming choice for families, especially for those with younger kids.
Puss in Boots: The Last Wish
Year: 2022
Director: Joel Crawford
Available on: Amazon Prime Video US
Puss embarks on a brave journey to find the mythical Last Wish and restore his nine cat lives. Along the way, he learns the value of courage, love, and friendship in this charming adventure set in the SCU (Shrek Cinematic Universe).
If we are to discuss the finest Dreamworks films, you can't skip The Last Wish. This is a shockingly well-written exploration of mortality and found family, despite the fact it’s about a snarky orange fuzzball in questionable footwear. It's an absolute treat in every facet of the storytelling. The plot has depth, the characters are messy and lovable, and it's a visual feast.
While we wait for Shrek 5 (yes, it's real), check out our Puss in Boots: The Last Wish review.
Fantasy movies on Amazon Prime
The Dark Crystal
Year: 1982
Director(s): Jim Henson, Frank Oz
Available on: Amazon Prime Video US/UK
Audiences didn't know what they were in for seeing The Dark Crystal on first release. On the back of the first two feature-length Muppets movies, they probably expected another cheery romp from Jim Henson, the Walt Disney of puppeteering. What they got is a downbeat, slightly grim fable about the mythical Gelflings trying to save their kingdom from the terrifying Skeksis.
Even now, it's somewhat unnerving. The puppetry and animatronics give an ethereal, magical charm to every nook and cranny of the world of Thra, helped along by captivating protagonists and terrifying villains. It might be a family film, but don't be surprised if you find the Skeksis skulking around in your nightmares after.
Annette
Year: 2021
Director: Leos Carax
Available on: Amazon Prime Video US
A surreal musical where a stand-up comedian and an opera singer's whirlwind romance leads to the birth of their extraordinary child, Annette. It's an unusual, emotionally layered film with helpings of bold visuals and memorable performances.
Marion Cotillard and Adam Driver star in this genre-blending love affair, where a career spiral leads to a dark place. Themes of fame, talent, and tragedy are at the heart of Annette, and it has a few eerie turns that might catch you off guard. Carax's typical wit finds a satisfying balance beside the movie's sad undertones. Fans of the unconventional need look no further.
Labyrinth
Year: 1986
Director: Jim Henson
Available on: Amazon Prime Video US
A teenage girl — played by a young Jennifer Connelly in her breakout role — must navigate a fantastical maze to rescue her baby brother Toby from the clutches of the Goblin King, brought to life by the iconic David Bowie. She has 13 hours to rescue him by solving a labyrinth.
This cult classic of magical adventure is a staple of many childhoods, and for good reason. Henson's (who most people will know from his work on The Muppets) fingerprints are all over it, with spellbinding practical effects, creatures, and puppetry making a delightful but dangerous world. The nostalgic, other-worldly tone hits every time.
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Rings
Year: 2001
Director: Peter Jackson
Available on: Amazon Prime Video US
Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings films remains an unmatched achievement in fantasy filmmaking. This initial journey into J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth is every bit as epic as the films that followed, The Two Towers and The Return of the King (both also available on Prime), but with fewer huge battles there's arguably a tighter focus on the characters.
The Hobbits are hilarious and adorable, their companions – Ian McKellen's wizard Gandalf, Viggo Mortensen's brave Aragorn, Sean Bean's conflicted Boromir, and more – are all perfectly cast, each contributing to a true sense of fellowship as they embark on an epic mission to destroy the Ring of Power before the dark forces of Sauron conquer everything. Almost 25 years later and this is still the absolute gold standard for blockbuster fantasy filmmaking.
Hundreds of Beavers
Year: 2022
Director(s): Mike Cheslik
Available on: Prime Video US
Sometimes when a film is called "unique," it's just a polite way of saying that it's a bit quirky. That's not the case with Hundreds of Beavers – a movie genuinely unlike anything else out there. Ryland Tews plays Jean Kayak, an applejack salesman whose life is ruined when beavers destroy his orchard. Pledging revenge, Jean sets out to kill every beaver he sees. The trouble is, they're smarter than he is and there are, as you may have guessed, hundreds of them.
Mike Cheslik both wrote and directed this hilarious oddity on a budget of just $150,000. Despite – or perhaps because of – that, its mix of physical comedy, animation, and handmade special effects is a technical marvel. It'll have you aching with laughter, while also wondering how on Earth Cheslik achieved all this.
Sci-fi movies on Amazon Prime
Donnie Darko
Year: 2001
Director: Richard Kelly
Available on: Amazon Prime Video US
A depressed teen is tormented by visions of a creepy rabbit named Frank who warns him the world will end. Equipped only with foresight and half-baked time-travel theories, Donnie prepares for an unknown threat while navigating his disassociated existence.
Donnie Darko is one of the best movies of all time. It's a special, haunting sci-fi film that enraptures you from start to end. Its whip-smart jaded cynicism, mind-bending concept, and eerie atmosphere are uncompromised, and the stirring answers to its questions are part of a bigger jigsaw puzzle never intended to be solved. Donnie Darko's ambitious creativity and bold swings make it Kelly's one and only masterpiece.
For more information on one of the best sci-fi movies ever made, read our five-star Donnie Darko review.
The Vast of Night
Year: 2019
Director: Andrew Patterson
Available on: Amazon Prime Video US/UK
Andrew Patterson's first film, The Vast of Night, is about a radio DJ and a switchboard operator in '50s New Mexico. If you couldn't tell by the setting already, the movie is centered around some strange alien occurrences and is, in fact, loosely based on the Kecksburg UFO incident and Foss Lake disappearances.
The story follows the two characters noticing that something may be hovering over their town after picking up a mysterious audio frequency. They decide to record people's stories, trying to put together a mystery with an outer world twist. Each story recorded is pretty scary, and has plenty of fun and attentive camera work to it. The Vast Night really captures the feeling of disruption and anxiety when a close community is faced with the unknown. If you love the X-Files or The Twilight Zone, this Amazon Prime movie will be right up your street.
Foe
Year: 2023
Director: Garth Davis
Available on: Amazon Prime Video US/UK
Based on a novel of the same name from Iain Reid, Foe is a science fiction psychological thriller. Helmed by Australian director Garth Davis is stars Paul Mescal as Junior and Saoirse Ronan as Hen, a couple navigating marital issues whose worlds get flipped upside down when a mysterious stranger named Terrance (played by Aaron Pierre) turns up at the door. He reveals that Junior has been called to serve on the space station, which will take him away from home life for two years.
However, not all is as it seems in this beguiling and mysterious film. Not everyone will be convinced by the narrative structure of Foe, which had mixed reviews when it debuted. This being said, Mescal and Ronan's captivating performances are enough to make this one worthy of a watch.
The Tomorrow War
Year: 2021
Director: Chris McKay
Available on: Amazon Prime Video US/UK
Time travelers from 2051 arrive to recruit present-day soldiers to fight in a war against an alien species threatening to wipe out humanity. This Chris Pratt vehicle is action-packed and has plenty of futuristic twists.
More than the bland military movie it appears to be on the surface, The Tomorrow War's plot wrinkles separate it from the usual dystopian muck being spat out by streaming services. Watching the capable fighters from the future try to teach unprepared soldiers in the present time how to win combat encounters with a much stronger enemy is an interesting point. It's also chilling to watch present-day humanity reckon with the idea they're losing a global war that hasn't even started for them yet.
For more details, head over to our The Tomorrow War review!
Totally Killer
Year: 2023
Director: Nahnatchka Khan
Available on: Amazon Prime Video US/UK
Straddling the line of sci-fi and horror, Totally Killer follows a teenager accidentally who time-travels to the '80s and teams up with her slightly bratty teenage mother to stop a serial killer on the loose. Equal parts slasher and time-travel comedy, Kiernan Shipka shines in this fun, bloody ride.
This slasher quietly released in 2023 has no right to be as hearty and funny as it is. Shipka has no trouble carrying the film on her shoulders, and watching her Gen Z character wrestle with both a serial killer and outdated Gen X humor in the '80s is really entertaining. It doesn't reinvent the time travel wheel, but it doesn't have to.
For streaming picks, head over to our list of the best horror movies on Netflix.
Horror movies on Amazon Prime
Abigail
Year: 2024
Director(s): Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett
Available on: Prime Video US
A group of six criminals are offered a shot at a major score in this gruesome horror comedy. All they have to do is kidnap ballet dancer Abigail (Alisha Weir) and keep her trapped inside the remote Wilhelm Manor for 24 hours. If they succeed then they will each make off with a share of the $50 million ransom. Sounds easy, right?
Wrong! It's all a trap and Abigail is, in fact, a centuries-old bloodthirsty vampire in the body of a young girl. The gang try to take her down, but she's far more skilled and deadly than they are, leading to a huge amount of inventive bloodshed. Loosely adapted from the 1936 movie Dracula's Daughter, this is a fun and wildly entertaining fang flick.
The Neon Demon
Year: 2016
Director: Nicolas Winding Refn
Available on: Amazon Prime Video US
A young aspiring model in L.A. is drawn into a dark world of beauty, obsession, and jealousy. With stunning visuals and an eerie atmosphere, Nicolas Winding Refn’s The Neon Demon is a hypnotic, unsettling probe into vanity at its most extreme.
This divisive, stomach-churning dive into beauty standards and what people may do to achieve them is gutsy — literally and figuratively. The cinematography is the standout, though. Weaving colors, inspired makeup and costume design, and heart-pounding music plunge you into a heightened and cutthroat modeling landscape. There's much to be debated about the film's male gaze and potential blindspots, making it all the meatier to be engrossed in.
Want to know more about this flick? Read our The Neon Demon review.
Terrifier
Year: 2016
Director: Damien Leone
Available on: Amazon Prime Video US
Both of the first two instalments in Damien Leone's indie success story are available on Prime Video. While the second film certainly one-ups the original in terms of inventive gore, the original is the tighter, nastier film. It follows Tara (Jenna Kanell) and Dawn (Catherine Corcoran), two young partygoers who are followed home by the murderous Art the Clown (David Howard Thornton), who proceeds to make things pretty unpleasant for everyone unlucky enough to cross his path.
The Terrifier films are not exactly known for their tight plots, and the first two are certainly cheap and cheerful. But that's all part of the charm. These movies are a gorehound's delight, full of viscera and inventive kills. Terrifier is shocking, ridiculously silly, and unforgettable.
The Cabin in the Woods
Year: 2012
Director(s): Drew Goddard
Available on: Prime Video UK/US
This witty and endlessly rewatchable horror takes the simplest of premises and does something completely unexpected with it. A group of teenagers (including a pre-Thor Chris Hemsworth) head out to, yes, a cabin in the woods where bloody hijinks ensue. So far so predictable, but the exact nature of the film's (multiple) threats is far harder to pin down. Why are the gang all acting strangely? How are a group of office workers connected to the murderous Buckner family? And what has a classroom in Japan got to do with all of this?
Co-written by director Drew Goddard and Buffy creator Joss Whedon, The Cabin in the Woods is both a Scream-style deconstruction of genre "rules" and tropes, and a celebration of everything that makes horror movies so much fun.
Nanny
Year: 2022
Director: Nikyatu Jusu
Available on: Amazon Prime Video US/UK
Nanny is easily one of the best horror movies on Amazon Prime right now. Releasing on the platform in 2022, it's a psychological outing that unpacks the trauma of separation and the dark side of chasing the "American Dream." Aisha (a Senegalese immigrant living in New York City) takes a job as a nanny as she tries to bring her six-year-old son to the States.
However, she is haunted by a dark and evil presence that invades both her dreams and reality – threatening everything that she's worked so hard to achieve. This may be a horror movie, but it's also a film about motherhood that explores fears of failing and personal sacrifice. The feeling of unsettlement and dread is what drives the scares here, and its easy to get swept up by Aisha's story of personal struggle.
After more streaming titles? Head over to our guide on the best shows on Netflix, and the best movies on HBO Max.
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