In the world of streaming subscription services, there's what's become known as the "big three." Netflix is still the biggest kahuna in the game, but Hulu and Amazon Prime are hot on its heels. Each service offers its own large selection of movies, with thousands of titles of various calibers included. Currently, Amazon Prime actually boasts the largest movie library of the three, but it could be argued that quantity isn't nearly as important as quality.
25 of the very best movie titles offered on Amazon Prime can be found below, featuring a mix of blockbuster hits, award-winning critical darlings, hilarious comedies, bone-chilling horror movies, and more. The list below attempts to include something for everyone, and thankfully, Amazon Prime's selection houses quite the robust grouping of worthwhile streaming choices.
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Before the list begins proper, there are some important notes to be made. First the movies below are available to stream on Amazon Prime at the time of this writing. As movies expire, the list will be updated, and new great options will be added. Also, the 25 films below, while numbered for convenience, are not ranked. So the movie marked number one is not meant to necessarily be seen as superior to the movie at number 25.
Last updated: December 1, 2019
25 Philadelphia
Once upon a time, Tom Hanks wasn't yet cemented as one of the best dramatic leads in Hollywood history. Instead, he was mostly known for doing comedies, such as Splash and Big. While he'd done some dramatic work beforehand, it was 1993's Philadelphia that really proved just how good Hanks was, winning him his first Oscar. Directed by Jonathan Demme, Philadelphia stars Hanks as Andrew Beckett, a corporate lawyer and gay man who's fired by his firm after being diagnosed with AIDS. Beckett sues his former employer, and is eventually represented by Joe Miller (Denzel Washington), who initially struggles with his own homophobia. A landmark film when it comes to Hollywood's representation of the LGBTQ community, Philadelphia is a sad, but moving Amazon Prime pick.
24 Hereditary
Most horror films are full of obvious supernatural threats, whether they be vampires, ghosts, demons. or even the occasional sadistic leprechaun. Sometimes though, a horror effort comes along to reinforce that at the end of the day, the fear of losing a loved one is one that audiences can't escape, even after the latest scary movie stops playing. One recent example of that type is 2018's critically lauded (89% on Rotten Tomatoes) Hereditary, directed by Ari Aster, and starring Toni Collette as Annie, an emotionally scarred mom who finds her life spinning more and more out of control following the death of her own mother. Hereditary has become a bit divisive in horror circles, but it's worth watching on Amazon Prime and judging for oneself.
23 Carrie
One of the most famous authors in the world, horror master Stephen King has seen his work adapted for both the big and small screens countless times. Carrie (1976) was the very first though, which makes sense, as 1974's Carrie was King's first published novel. Sissy Spacek stars as the titular Carrie White, an outcast teenage girl who finds that the changes to her body brought on by puberty also awaken a powerful telekinetic ability, one capable of striking back at her tormentors, up to and including her religious zealot of a mother.
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22 The Avengers
While the MCU has topped it many times over since, 2012's The Avengers was Marvel Studios' first big test, the culmination of Phase 1. Thankfully, the Joss Whedon-directed film passed with flying colors, giving birth to many moments that still remain iconic in superhero cinema. Seeing Iron Man, Captain America, Hulk, Thor, Hawkeye, and Black Widow all team up to face off with Loki and Thanos' alien army was truly magical for Marvel fans, many of which had spent years hoping to see anything close to that on the big screen. The Avengers will probably become exclusive to Disney Plus eventually, but for now, it's available on Amazon Prime.
21 Eighth Grade
The feature writing and directing debut of comedian Bo Burnham, Eighth Grade wowed many in 2018 with its very relatable, and often very frank depiction of what it's like to be transitioning into one's teenage years. Most movies and TV shows tend to depict childhood and young adulthood as this time full of nothing but fun and carefree idealism, but in reality, many people spend their youths battling social awkwardness, dealing with anxiety, and struggling to fit in. Fronted by a great lead performance from Elsie Fisher, and bolstered by one of the best speeches ever given from a parent to their child onscreen, Eighth Grade isn't always easy to sit through, but it's consistently rewarding. Another impressive offering from Amazon Prime.
20 Some Like It Hot
Those looking to watch a classic comedy on Amazon Prime need look no further than 1951's Some Like It Hot, directed by Hollywood icon Billy Wilder, helmer of other golden age hits like Double Indemnity and Sunset Boulevard. Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon star as two Chicago musicians forced to assume female identities to get out of town after witnessing a gangland murder. Both quickly notice the singer of their new all-female band, played by Marilyn Monroe near the height of her stardom. Some Like It Hot includes some moments that are problematic by today's standards, but those willing to view it through a historical lens will still find plenty to enjoy.
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19 12 Angry Men
Hollywood loves itself a good courtroom drama, and the movie that solidified just how worthwhile they could be was 1957's 12 Angry Men, ready to stream anytime on Amazon Prime. Directed by Sidney Lumet, 12 Angry Men's story is simple, yet compelling. A group of jurors, forced to deliberate together for hours in the same room, must come to a unanimous verdict about the guilt or innocence of an 18-year-old accused of murder. Such classic film heavyweights as Henry Fonda, Martin Balsam, Jack Klugman, E.G. Marshall, and Lee J. Cobb star.
18 Thelma & Louise
One of director Ridley Scott's most highly acclaimed films - and that's saying a lot - is 1991's Thelma & Louise, which earned six Oscar nominations and won for Best Original Screenplay. Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon star as the titular duo, two bored best friends who set out on a road trip to have some fun. Unfortunately, things go south when an attempt is made to rape Thelma, and Louise ends up shooting her attacker. The two then go on the lamb, all the while being pursued by a not entirely unsympathetic detective (Harvey Keitel). Those who haven't seen this gem owe it to themselves to do so on Amazon Prime.
17 The Return of the Living Dead
Long before Simon Pegg and Nick Frost combined laughs with flesh-eating zombies in 2004's Shaun of the Dead, director Dan O'Bannon unleashed 1985's The Return of the Living Dead on unsuspecting audiences. Often considered one of the best horror comedies ever, The Return of the Living Dead was set in a world in which events similar to those of George A. Romero's 1968 classic Night of the Living Dead really happened, and the movie was a cover story. Unfortunately, hapless warehouse workers Frank (James Karen) and Freddy (Thom Matthews) soon mistakenly release the Trioxin gas that brings the dead back to life, leading to brain-eating gory deaths and personality-filled talking zombies. A perfect choice for a night of Amazon Prime streaming fun.
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16 Night of the Living Dead
Directed by late genre master George A. Romero, Night of the Living Dead created and established the zombie sub-genre as fans know it today. Before Romero's film, zombies weren't the recently risen dead, they didn't live to consume human flesh, and they didn't only die by destroying the brain. To put Night Of The Living Dead's influence in perspective, nearly every piece of zombie fiction since has borrowed heavily from it, including AMC juggernaut The Walking Dead. The film is also famous for having a black lead (Duane Jones), in an era where that was almost unheard of. Any zombie fan needs to see this movie, and Amazon Prime is a great way to do so.
15 Absentia
One of the most prominent filmmakers in horror today is Mike Flanagan, helmer of Netflix's popular Haunting of Hill House series. Flanagan made his name in recent years by directing films like Oculus, Gerald's Game, and Hush, but his first feature was the emotionally harrowing 2011 indie Absentia. To reveal too much about the plot would be a disservice to new viewers, as the film is best experienced knowing as little as possible. Absentia is a film that seeks to unnerve and unsettle viewers more than startle or gross them out, and is a great under the radar pick on Amazon Prime. Flanagan next directs Stephen King sequel Doctor Sleep.
14 The Machinist
While Oscar-winner Christian Bale has become well-known for his ability to transform himself physically for roles in acclaimed films like The Fighter and Vice, one of Bale's earliest transformations occurred for a film that didn't even receive a wide theatrical release. However, that doesn't mean 2004's The Machinist isn't worth watching on Amazon Prime. Directed by Brad Anderson, The Machinist stars Bale as Trevor Reznik, a man whose chronic insomnia issues have caused him to become horrifyingly emaciated. After Trevor causes an accident at work and loses his job, his mental state spirals downward fast. Jennifer Jason Leigh and Michael Ironside also star.
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13 Ginger Snaps
The werewolf is one of horror's oldest monsters, dating back to the Universal classic The Wolf Man starring Lon Chaney Jr. One of the most creative spins on the werewolf story is 2000's Ginger Snaps, a Canadian indie from director John Fawcett that's gone on to cultivate a large cult fanbase. Goth sisters Ginger (Katharine Isabelle) and Brigitte (Emily Perkins) are obsessed with death, that is until death comes knocking via an attack by a werewolf on Ginger. Before long, Ginger becomes a murderous beast, and it's ultimately up to Brigitte to try and stop her reign of terror. This coming-of-age horror tale is well worth howling at on Amazon Prime.
12 Insomnia
One of the early efforts that helped Christopher Nolan cement himself as a powerhouse director, 2002's Insomnia benefits greatly from an impeccable trio of stars. Al Pacino plays Detective Will Dormer, who accidentally kills his partner while on the hunt for a brutal killer in Alaska, played in a rare villainous turn by comedy icon Robin Williams. Fueled by both his guilt and Alaska's unrelenting sunlight, the insomnia begins to drive Will mad, and things become worse when he's blackmailed by the killer. Hilary Swank rounds things out as Detective Ellie Burr, sent to investigate the death of Will's partner. Insomnia is an excellent entry into Amazon Prime's catalog.
11 To Kill a Mockingbird
Often cited as one of the greatest films of all time, director Robert Mulligan's 1962 classic To Kill a Mockingbird is an adaptation of author Harper Lee's equally acclaimed 1960 novel of the same name. Gregory Peck stars as Alabama lawyer Atticus Finch, a principled man who accepts the task of defending Tom Robinson (Brock Peters), a black man accused of raping a young white woman. Local racial tensions flare, leading to perhaps the quintessential courtroom drama, although To Kill a Mockingbird offers Amazon Prime viewers much more than just that.
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10 A Simple Plan
In a career that includes hit franchises like Evil Dead and Spider-Man, A Simple Plan has never been director Sam Raimi's most highly rated work, despite sporting a 90% on Rotten Tomatoes. With it now on Amazon Prime, it's a perfect time to discover Raimi's 1998 neo-noir thriller, which was adapted from a novel by Scott B. Smith. Bill Paxton and Billy Bob Thornton star as brothers Hank and Jacob Mitchell, who find a crashed plane with millions of dollars onboard. With Hank's wife Sarah (Bridget Fonda) involved, an attempt is made to cover up what happened and keep their ill-gotten gains. Sadly, things go horribly wrong.
9 Bad Santa
Those looking for a Christmas movie without sappy dialogue and a feel-good message would be wise to check out 2003 comedy Bad Santa, directed by Terry Zwigoff. Billy Bob Thornton stars as a thief who works as a mall Santa alongside his partner Marcus (Tony Cox) every year on the holidays, then uses this access to rob the place blind. Willie is a drunken misanthrope that's addicted to sex, and those are his good qualities. However, a new love interest and an unlikely friendship threaten Willie with actual human feelings. Lauren Graham, Brett Kelly, Bernie Mac, and (in his final performance) John Ritter also star.
8 Leave No Trace
One of the most critically acclaimed films of 2018, director Debra Granik's Leave No Trace is a recent addition to Amazon Prime, and one worth checking out. Leave No Trace is the story of Will (Ben Foster) and his daughter Tom (Thomasin McKenzie), who begin the film living inside a public park in Portland, Oregon. The pair spends most of their time isolated, but after they're discovered and arrested by police, Will and Tom are forced to try and adjust to life within normal society. Tom finds herself being won over by the charms of a standard American life, but Will's war-induced PTSD won't allow him to change so easily.
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7 The Disaster Artist
Every consummate film fan knows that sometimes a movie can be so bad that it's entertaining. An incredibly inept production can still be a work of art that came from good intentions and a passion for the project, and sometimes that shines through the screen, even if the movie in question objectively stinks. One such film is 2003's The Room, directed by and starring the notoriously eccentric Tommy Wiseau. Tommy is quite a character, so much so that 2017's acclaimed The Disaster Artist turned his story into a genuinely good film, and a great Amazon Prime pick. James Franco stars as Wiseau, and appropriately, directed The Disaster Artist as well.
6 Child's Play
In theory, a killer doll should be an easy villain to defeat. After all, it's tiny, and made of plastic. The wrinkle 1988's Child's Play adds into the mix is that Chucky has been possessed by the spirit of a dead serial killer via voodoo, and is thus supernaturally indestructible. Director Tom Holland's (no, not that one) film earned praise from both critics and audiences, and would go on to spawn a still ongoing franchise starring Chucky, voiced by Brad Dourif. A remake is coming soon, but the original remains a terror tale worth watching on Amazon Prime.
5 Highlander
While not exactly a critical darling, 1986's Highlander is most definitely a cult classic, and has gone on to spawn an enduring franchise of both films and TV shows. In director Russell Mulcahy's original film, Christopher Lambert stars as Connor MacLeod, the titular immortal warrior. Trained to fight by the extravagantly named Juan Sánchez Villa-Lobos Ramírez (Sean Connery), MacLeod knows he'll eventually have to participate in "The Gathering," in which all immortals fight to the death, only being killed by decapitation. Opposing Connor is The Kurgan (Clancy Brown). Boasting a rocking theme song by Queen, Highlander is a great addition to the Amazon Prime library.
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4 Bone Tomahawk
Horror crosses over with many other genres, the most common being sci-fi and comedy. Less common is the horror/western mashup, but one of the best example of that combo is 2015's Bone Tomahawk, directed by S. Craig Zahler. Sporting an impressive 91% on Rotten Tomatoes, Bone Tomahawk never got a wide release in theaters, making its streaming run on Amazon Prime the first opportunity many will have had to see it. Like, From Dusk Till Dawn, Bone Tomahawk makes a sharp left turn into horror country, and exactly how it does so is best left unspoiled. The terrific cast includes names like Kurt Russell, Patrick Wilson, Matthew Fox, and Richard Jenkins.
3 12 Monkeys
The inspiration for Syfy's recent TV series of the same name, director Terry Gilliam's 12 Monkeys is one of the more unusual time travel tales one is likely to encounter. Bruce Willis stars as James Cole, a prisoner conscripted into service to try and prevent a catastrophic event. In Cole's future of 2035, a virus has wiped out most of mankind, and he's sent back to try and prevent the outbreak. The problem is that he's sent to 1990 instead of the planned 1996. Or is he? Brad Pitt and Madeline Stowe also star in this twisty sci-fi thriller now on Amazon Prime.
2 It's a Wonderful Life
There are certain movies that just about everybody associates with Christmas. National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. Home Alone. The Santa Clause. For the less jolly out there, Silent Night, Deadly Night. Arguably the most iconic Christmas movie in history though is director Frank Capra's 1946 classic It's a Wonderful Life. Quite possibly the most uplifting film about suicide ever made, It's a Wonderful Life stars Jimmy Stewart as George Bailey, a man whose attempted death is foiled by his guardian angel. George is then shown just how much worse the lives of those around him would be if he was never born, a premise that's since been ripped off endlessly. Christmas might be many months away, but it's always a wonderful time to watch It's a Wonderful Life on Amazon Prime.
1 Invasion of the Body Snatchers
Based on a 1954 novel by Jack Finney, 1956's Invasion of the Body Snatchers presents one of the most enduring alien invasion tales in pop culture history, now on Amazon Prime. The film has already been remade three times, and a fourth update is in development. Instead of spaceships and laser guns, Body Snatchers' aliens invade in a much more subtle way, replacing human beings while they sleep with duplicates that are physically identical, but devoid of emotion and the complexities that makes humans human.
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