Best Movies on Amazon Prime Video

Amazon Prime Video is a leading streaming platform included in an Amazon Prime membership or as a stand-alone streaming subscription. The service offers a mix of free and paid content, including critically-acclaimed originals, niche film favorites, cult classic TV shows, and more. With over 24,000 movies and 2,100 shows, there’s an endless amount of content to watch — and with the option for three simultaneous streams, the entire family can enjoy it! 

The current cost of Amazon Prime Video’s stand-alone streaming service is $8.99 a month; however, existing Amazon Prime monthly subscribers receive full access to the content library at no additional charge. The service is one of the many benefits in Prime’s $12.99/month or $119/year subscription.

In addition to a library loaded with free entertainment, Prime Video offers newly released movies and shows for rent or purchase. Prices range from $1.99 up to $19.99, depending on factors like the title’s release date, popularity, and network. 

For your movie-viewing pleasure, here are the best Prime Video movies to catch on the platform right now! Take note of your favorites, then add them to your watchlist for later.

The Courier

• Release Year: 2021
• Rating: PG-13
• Stars: 4.5/5

The Courier isn’t just your average spy movie. For starters, it’s based closely, not loosely, on the true story of British businessman Greville Wynn. Wynn was recruited by the UK intelligence agency SIS or MI6 to deliver intel to secret agent Oleg Penkovsky during the Cold War. With Wynn’s help, UK and US forces were able to end the Cuban Missile Crisis. 

With Benedict Cumberbatch leading the charge, this movie boasts an excellent cast. It also has moody, film noir-style cinematography that transports viewers back to the 1960s Soviet Union. If you’re a sucker for a good mystery, this pick is perfect for you. 

The Map of Tiny Perfect Things

• Release Year: 2021
• Rating: PG-13
• Stars: 4.5/5

In this film, protagonists Mark and Margaret are stuck in the same daily time loop — think modern-day Groundhogs Day with a twist. The movie follows the two young characters as they find themselves living the same day over and over, only to discover the true beauty in the little things in life. 

The teenage actors (Kyle Allen and Kathryn Newton) have fantastic screen chemistry, making the film much more enjoyable to watch. This drama film is poignant, at times sad, but also uplifting. While the story centers around two teenagers, this flick is enjoyable for all ages!

Black Box

• Release Year: 2020
• Rating: NC-17
• Stars: 4.5

Black Box is both a psychological thriller and a horror film about a man who would do anything to get his memory back, even if it’s the wrong memory. Nolan wakes up with total amnesia after being in a horrible car accident that killed his wife. Now a single father with a 10-year-old daughter, Nolan struggles to remember how to complete basic tasks or be a good father. He seeks out the help of neurologist Dr. Brooks, who gives him an experimental treatment that turns out to be more than they bargained for.

Actress Phylicia Rashad delivers an electrifying (and at times scary) performance as Dr. Brooks. Mamoudou Athie flawlessly embodies the role of a man who is essentially two different people. The movie raises critical questions about how we view memories and what it means to truly be human, making this a great watch when you’re in the mood for something with a bit of depth. 

Roadrunner: A Film About Anthony Bourdain

• Release Year: 2021
• Rating: R
• Stars: 4.6/5

A raw and gritty look at the life and career of the late Anthony Bourdain, this documentary includes interviews with people who were close to Bourdain, including crew members from his beloved series Parts Unknown. Fans of Bourdain will be intrigued by this behind-the-scenes look at the world-renowned food and travel expert.

The film uses never-before-seen footage of Bourdain, an intimate look inside the life and thoughts of the beloved culture connoisseur. The film’s soundtrack is excellent — in fact, it compliments it so well that the film was named after the song Roadrunner by The Modern Lovers.

Words on Bathroom Walls

• Release Year: 2020
• Rating: PG-13
• Stars: 4.6/5

Focusing on a topic that’s not often explored in movies, Words on Bathroom Walls tells the story of Adam, a high school student recently diagnosed with schizophrenia, as he grapples with what it means to have a normal life with a severe mental illness. 

The cast of this film did an excellent job of bringing the characters to life. Charlie Plummer nails his performance as Adam, and Andy Garcia shines as Father Patrick. All of the supporting cast members add to the film’s authenticity and relatability. It’s a thoughtful, heartfelt drama that’s sure to shed some light on everyday people living with mental illness.