The best movies on Amazon Prime are at the tip of your fingers, almost always. With a quiet summer ahead, why not take your pick of the best movies on Amazon Prime right now?
Here are the best movies you have to look out for, and if you’re picky, don’t worry, we have all the genres lined up for you. The best drama movies on Amazon Prime? The best horror movies on Amazon Prime? We got you covered on this and more.
The best movies on the streaming platform are waiting to be watched and rewatched. Learn how to download Amazon Prime Movies for a more seamless viewing experience.
Best Newly-Released Movies on Amazon Prime Video
Emma (2020)
Director: Autumn de Wilde
Genre: Comedy-drama
Anya Taylor-Joy plays the fan-favorite Jane Austen character, Emma, in this 2020 remake of the beloved book and movies. A coming-of-age story packed with satire and critique of the social classes, Joy portrays a rich, young, clever, and sometimes selfish woman in her small quiet town in 1800s England. Her story unfolds when she starts making decisions for her friends’ love lives and her own.
SCOOB! (2020)
Director: Tony Cervone
Genre: Animation-Kids
The stories of Scooby-Doo and the Mystery Gang keep coming, but this time it gets the treatment of a full-length animated feature. This narrative goes deeper into the Mystery Incorporated lore, delving into their origin story like never before. This ties up with their present-day adventures, including a threat under a new ghost dog called Cerberus. The movie stars the voices of comedian Will Forte as Shaggy and other comedy regulars, Zac Efron, Amanda Seyfried, and Gina Rodriguez as members of the Mystery Gang.
Little Women (2019)
Director: Greta Gerwig
Genre: Animation-Kids
Jo (Saoirse Ronan), Amy (Florence Pugh), March (Emma Watson), and Beth (Eliz Scanlen) are sisters with different yet equally important life aspirations. However, as women living in post-Civil War America, they only have limited means to achieve this. A feminist childhood classic from author Louisa May Alcott is taken under director Greta Gerwig’s wing, best known for her critically acclaimed film, Lady Bird.
The Hustle (2019)
Director: Chris Addison
Genre: Comedy
After millionaire con-woman Josephine (Anne Hathaway) meets street con-woman Penny (Rebel Wilson) on their way to the French Riviera, the two decide to have a little friendly competition by taking down the richest men in the world. Their goal? Con men into giving them their money.
Onward (2020)
Director: Dan Scalon
Genre: Animation Adventure
Brothers Ian (Tom Holland) and Barley Lightfoot (Chris Pratt) go on an adventure to have one special day with their father, whom they grew up without knowing. However, there are forces of magic, puzzles, and their worried but fearless mother coming at their expense. A heartwarming epic from Disney-Pixar, the brothers make peace with themselves along the way.
Sonic the Hedgehog (2020)
Director: Jeff Fowler
Genre: Comedy
An incredibly fast blue hedgehog named Sonic teams up with local police officer, Tom, in defeating Dr. Robotnik (Jim Carrey), an evil genius who plans to take over the world. It is loosely based on the famous SEGA video game, Sonic the Hedgehog. Comedian superhouse Ben Schwartz (Parks and Rec, Middleditch, and Schwartz) voices the most famous hedgehog in the world.
Jojo Rabbit (2019)
Director: Taika Waititi
Genre: Comedy
Set in World War II, Nazi Germany, Jojo finds a young Jewish girl in their family attic kept hidden by his mother (Scarlett Johansson). He tries to understand the complexities of this situation by processing them with Adolf Hitler, who appears as a figment of his imagination. Taika Waititi successfully delivers a comedy focusing on the serious lines between nationalism, compassion, and empathy.
Knives Out (2019)
Director: Rian Johnson
Genre: Comedy, Mystery
The death of crime novelist Harlan Thrombey (Christopher Plummer) is investigated by esteemed detective Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig), and his small crew (LaKeith Stanfield).
Found dead after his 85th birthday party, Thrombey’s family is now under Blanc’s inquisition and magnifying glass, causing an unraveling of the truth of the patriarch’s death and life. This star-studded Rian Johnson Whodunnit film includes the talents of Ana De Armas, Jamie Lee Curtis, Don Johnson, Michael Shannon, and Chris Evans.
The King of Staten Island (2020)
Director: Judd Apatow
Genre: Comedy, Drama
SNL cast member Pete Davidson stars in this semi-autobiographical film produced and directed by comedy legend Judd Apatow. Scott, played by Davidson, has been battling with grief since he was seven years old, when his father, who was a firefighter, died.
Ready to move on, Scott finds himself pursuing a tattoo career in his mid-20s, all while dealing with the pressures of a younger sister going off to college and a mother ready to start dating firefighters again.
Parasite (2019)
Director: Joon Ho Bong
Genre: Drama, Suspense
The Oscar-winning film, Parasite, examines the long-standing issues of the rampant wealth gap and class discrimination in South Korea. It explores the equally parasitic relationship between the poor Kim family and the rich Park family, as the former works as the latter’s house help. When the Park family leaves to celebrate their son’s birthday, however, the Kims discover the dark underbelly the Park’s house is atop of.
The Vast of Night (2020)
Director: Andrew Patterson
Genre: Science Fiction, Suspense
Faye is a young switchboard operator in the 1950s New Mexico. One night, she and Everett, a local DJ, hear a strange audio frequency that they are determined to investigate. They come into situations that are more than they signed up for: secret tapes, anonymous phone calls, and a confrontation with the town’s unknown.
Shirley (2020)
Director: Josephine Decker
Genre: Drama, Suspense
Fred (Logan Lerman) and Rose (Victoria Pedretti) are a young couple that temporarily moves into horror fiction writer Shirley (Elizabeth Moss) and professor Stanley’s house. As Fred learns the ropes of the academe through Stanley, Rose becomes the apple of Shirley’s eye and is preyed on by the disturbed author’s creative approaches to horror writing.
Fast Color (2019)
Director: Julia Hart
Genre: Drama, Suspense
Newcomer Gugu Mbatha-Raw plays young and powerful Ruth, who is forced to go into hiding when her superhuman abilities are discovered by a local sheriff. She has nowhere else to go but her family, even though she has not spoken to them in years. This forces her not only to make amends with people she once held dear but also to understand the powers she has kept secret for so long.
The Invisible Man (2020)
Director: Leigh Whannell
Genre: Drama, Horror
Cecilia (Elizabeth Moss) is left with her abusive ex’s fortune following his recent suicide. She becomes wary of her ex, believing that he is far from dead and that he is actually on the hunt for her despite not being seen.
The Farewell (2019)
Director: Lulu Wang
Genre: Comedy, Drama
When their family’s matriarch, Nai Nai (Shuzhen Zhao), is diagnosed with terminal cancer, Billi (Awkwafina) and her family keep it a secret from her. They then make futile efforts to have their family gather one last time by staging a fake wedding. Billi flies to China to attend, but she grapples with her family’s decision to keep her grandmother unaware of the fact that she has a few weeks to live.
Rocketman (2019)
Director: Dexter Fletcher
Genre: Drama
Aptly titled, Rocketman is an Elton John biopic that explores the entertainment legend’s journey in and out of the music industry. The story is then embellished with musical numbers and a compelling portrayal of Elton by Taron Egerton.
Driveways (2019)
Director: Andrew Ahn
Genre: Drama
After his aunt’s death, young Cody has to spend time in her house with his mother in order to clean up her stuff. He spends summer in an unknown neighborhood, unexpectedly forming a friendship with a bitter, grouchy, old man named Del… who happens to live just next to his late aunt’s house.
Slay the Dragon (2020)
Director: Barak Goodman and Chris Durrance
Genre: Documentary
The world of politics and elections in the U.S. gets heated, and politicians find a way to sway voting outcomes to their favor. Slay the Dragon is a documentary on a popular Michigan group, Voters not Politicians, a grassroots campaign by activist Katie Fahey. See what it takes for them to implore in and change the system of gerrymandering in U.S. politics.
1917 (2019)
Director: Sam Mendes
Genre: Drama, Suspense
Two British World War I soldiers are tasked to deliver an important, thousand fleet-saving message, but doing so requires them to cross over to their enemy’s territory.
Wonder Park (2019)
Director: Uncredited
Genre: Animation, Kids
A creative girl named June throws away amusement park plans she made with her mother (Jennifer Garner) when she was younger to prove that she is growing older. She then discovers these plans were magically transformed into a real theme park, complete with talking animals (John Oliver, Ken Jeong, Kenan Thompson) and everything else she imagined it would be. However, her Wonderland is disheveled, causing her to team up with the animals to fix what she started.
Best Family Movies on Amazon Prime Video
Howl’s Moving Castle (2004)
Director: Hayao Miyazaki
Sophie is a timid 18-year-old girl cursed by a witch with an old woman’s body. Determined to break the curse, she sets out on a quest that brings her to a young wizard named Howl. Together with Howl’s magical walking castle, they try to bring her former body back.
Whisper of the Heart (1995)
Director: Hayao Miyazaki
A childhood romance blossoms in a local library as bookish 14-year-old Shizuku discovers that all the books that spark her interest were previously borrowed by one boy, Seiji Amasawa. This meet-cute first starts out turbulent but eventually becomes a love story of two aspiring artists that neither were ready for.
Shrek (2001)
Director: Andrew Adamson, Vicky Jenson
A big, green, recluse of an ogre (Mike Meyers) goes on an adventure with a loudmouthed donkey (Eddie Murphy) in order to save a locked up princess (Cameron Diaz) in her tower. As they bring her to her husband-to-be, they uncover that they have a lot more in common with her than they expected.
The Emperor’s New Groove (2005)
Director: Mark Dindal
SNL alum David Spade lends his voice to Kuzco, a self-centered emperor that wants to build a water park that subsequently destroys humble llama herder Pacha’s house. His selfish ways take a turn for the worse when his recently dismissed administrator Yzma (Eartha Kitt) turns him into a llama as a plot for revenge.
How to Train Your Dragon (2010)
Director: Dean DeBlois, Chris Sanders
A young inventive Viking named Hiccup creates a bond with their clan’s ultimate foe, dragons, while in battle. His refusal to kill a Night Fury dragon who he named Toothless commences a friendship that bridges two unlikely worlds together.
Best Horror Movies on Amazon Prime Video
The Lighthouse (2019)
Director: Robert Eggers
On a remote island off the coast of 19th century New England are two lighthouse keepers slowly losing their sanity. They confront their fears, their resentment, and each other.
Hereditary (2018)
Director: Ari Aster
The aftermath of her mentally ill mother’s death takes a toll on Annie, her husband, and their kids. As they sort through their grief, they find themselves haunted by what their recently departed left unspoken: trauma, secrets, and disturbing family issues.
Train to Busan (2016)
Director: Yeon Sang-ho
Sok-woo and his daughter Soo-ahn are on a train ride from Seoul to Busan when the zombie apocalypse ensues. They fight off flesh-eating zombies alongside other passengers while finding the last safe haven there is in South Korea.
Emma (2019)
Director: Mike Castro
A mysterious box labeled “Emma” arrives in a young woman’s new apartment. Sinister events follow, especially because she has been open to the paranormal activity ever since she moved in.
Friday the 13th (1980)
Director: Sean Cunningham
Camp Crystal Lake prepares to reopen for the summer under new management in order to bounce back from a tarnished reputation of unsolved brutal murders on campgrounds. The seven new camp counselors pay the ultimate price.
Best Drama Movies on Amazon Prime Video
Hidden Figures (2017)
Director: Theodore Melfi
Three women help NASA do the math for the famous space race between the United States and Russia. In the process of sending John Goodman to space, these bright mathematicians also bravely challenge the unfair standards and opportunities history has laid down for their gender and their race.
The Handmaiden (2016)
Director: Park Chan-wook
During the Japanese occupation in Korea, Sookie is hired as Japanese heiress Hideko’s handmaiden. Unknown to Hideko and her controlling uncle, Sookie is an accomplice to a Japanese Count’s plan to win Hideko’s affections, rob her and eventually leave her at a madhouse. The plan takes an unexpected turn when Sookie and Hideko develop an intense emotional bond together.
The Hate U Give (2018)
Director: George Tillman Jr.
As a young black woman who lives in a poor neighborhood but studies in an expensive prep school, Starr Carter is compelled to speak up against the inequalities she sees in society. Her activism is sparked by the fatal police shooting of his childhood best friend, Khalil.
Call Me by Your Name (2017)
Director: Luca Guadagnino
A young man named Elio enjoys the northern Italian summer with his father, who is an esteemed professor, and his mother, who is a translator. His quiet routine of exploring the sophisticated arts is disrupted by the arrival of his father’s grad student, Oliver, who educates him on matters of the heart.
1984 (1984)
Director: Michael Radford
Based on the classic George Orwell novel, a recently radicalized ministry worker decides to take a stand against his totalitarian government. In a world where the boundaries of love are limited to biology, meeting a rebel named Julia takes a turn for the better.
Best Comedy Movies on Amazon Prime Video
Hot Rod (2007)
Director: Akiva Schaffer
Rod Kimble is an amateur stuntman who wants to prove his worth to his vile, disappointed, and incredibly ill stepfather. To pay for his father’s hospital bills, Rod decides to stage a dangerous leap that could make or break not only his career but also his father’s life.
Late Night (2019)
Director: Nisha Ganatra
Late Night talk show host Katherine Newbury is under fire for having an all-male writers’ room. She is publicized as a woman-hater, and this threatens her job post. To prove everyone wrong, she hires Molly, who is an aspiring comedic writer with something to prove.
A Simple Favor (2018)
Director: Paul Feig
Stephanie (Anna Kendrick) and Emily (Blake Lively) begin an unlikely friendship after meeting at their children’s elementary school. When Emily goes missing, it’s up to Stephanie to look for her, but as she is quick to realize, there is more to their friendship than meets the eye.
Sasheer Zamata: Pizza Mind (2017)
Director: Chioke Nassor
Sasheer Zamata is another esteemed SNL cast member that uses her experiences, as well as the arts, in making light of political and social issues that will make you ponder on the world we live in today.
Not Another Teen Movie (2001)
Director: Joel Gallen
A culmination of all teen movie stereotypes, Not Another Teen Movie ironically showcases the issues students from John Hughes High School have on their upcoming prom.
Movies Coming Soon on Amazon Prime Video
My Spy (2020)
Director: Peter Segal
Genre: Family Movie
A CIA operative is demoted and is tasked to spy on the family of a nine-year old girl, Sophie. He then teaches her how to become a spy, in exchange for not blowing his cover.
The High Note (2020)
Director: Nisha Ganatra
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Assistant to seasoned superstar Grace Davis is Maggie Sherwoode, an aspiring music producer who’s ready to take her job to the next level. As they both seek to grow out of their respective professions, they find comfort in each other.
Pineapple Express (2008)
Director: David Green
Genre: Comedy
A sluggish process server named Dale witnesses a corrupt cop murder a man. He drops his stash of unique marijuana called Pineapple Express at the scene of the crime. In a panic, he visits Saul to make sure the stash cannot be traced back to them. It can.
Guns Akimbo (2020)
Director: Jason Lei Howden
Genre: Action
A video game developer played by Daniel Radcliffe is living a lonely life longing for his ex-girlfriend. This all changes when a gang called Skizm randomly chooses him to participate in a local killing competition that captures the attention of millions of online viewers.
Where the Wild Things Are (2009)
Director: Spike Jonze
Genre: Fantasy
A young boy seeks comfort in his imagination after running away from a home where he felt ignored. The experience runs wild, with big beasts, worlds away.
Big Fish (2003)
Director: Tim Burton
Genre: Drama
Terminally ill Edward Bloom, to everyone’s entertainment and pleasure, recounts stories of his youth that led to an extraordinary life. One person, in particular, has been kept in the dark all this time—his estranged son, Will.
Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist (2008)
Director: Peter Sollett
Genre: Comedy, Drama
High schooler Nick ‘O Leary (Michael Cera) is suffering from a devastating break up with his girlfriend, Tris. Seeing his ex-girlfriend with a new man, fate meddles as a play-it-safe Norah asks him to be her girlfriend for five minutes. They venture around Manhattan for the night.
Spy Kids (2001)
Director: Robert Rodriguez
Genre: Kids
Seasoned spies Gregorio and Ingrid retire early in order to focus on their new mission of raising a family together. After nine years, they get called back into the world of spies and sleuthing because their colleagues start going missing. But when they, too, disappear, the mission is passed on to their two kids.
The Weekend (2019)
Director: Stella Meghie
Genre: Comedy
A comedian’s weekend vacation plans go awry after she discovers her ex-boyfriend and his new girlfriend are in the same place.
Megamind (2010)
Director: Tom McGrath
Genre: Kids, Animation
When a maniacal supervillain (Will Ferrell) finally overthrows his arch-nemesis (Brad Pitt), he is left with a midlife crisis and a chance to redefine his life’s purpose.
Ali (2001)
Director: Michael Mann
Genre: Biography, Drama
Will Smith and Jamie Foxx lend their talents to this Muhammad Ali biopic directed by Oscar nominee Michael Mann. It follows Muhammad Ali through his career, his controversies, and his achievements.
Panic Room (2002)
Director: David Fincher
Genre: Drama, Suspense
A single mom and her daughter move into a new mansion with a unique panic room. When three robbers enter their household, the ladies are forced to retreat inside it for safety. But as luck may have it, what the robbers want is inside the same room. A chase breaks loose. It is one of the best movies on Amazon Prime that will keep you on your toes.
Anaconda (1997)
Director: Luis Llosa
Genre: Action, Horror
While making a documentary in the Amazon jungle, a filmmaking crew befriends a stranger who happens to be chasing after a large Anaconda. They make themselves targets of the serpentine by doing so.
Edge of Darkness (2010)
Director: Martin Campbell
Genre: Action
Thomas Craven is a homicide detective with a recently murdered daughter. As he investigates his only child’s death, he uncovers the truth about her secret life and how it ties up to the US government.
