Amazon Prime has some fantastic original movies – and we’re here to discuss it. There are many outstanding original projects from streaming platforms, considering the sites have been on top of the world. You could think of the best original films on Disney+, like Luca or Hocus Pocus 2, or some fabulous original movies on Netflix, like The Irishman. Today, we will talk about the best Amazon Prime original movies.
From heartbreaking dramas to hilarious comedies to horrors unlike any other, Amazon Studios has produced and made some seriously impressive original movies, all of which you can watch with your Amazon Prime subscription. And today, we will dive deep into the ones you should watch. Keep in mind that some of these did have theatrical releases, but Amazon (or their movie company, MGM) still made them.
Uncle Frank (2020)
First up on this list is Uncle Frank. The comedy-drama released in 2020 details the story of a man named Frank in the 1970s and his journey of self-acceptance as he travels across the country with his niece to the funeral of his family’s patriarch. But along the way, he runs into his past.
Uncle Frank was such an under-the-radar film and so good. Not only is it something you should watch if you like Paul Bettany, considering he's the star of it, but the story is almost like an adult coming-of-age story. It has a lot of heart and a lot of lessons that anyone can understand.
Not only that, but it co-stars the amazing Sophia Lillis, who has been on a roll since she first broke out onto the scene with the Stephen King adaptation of IT: Chapter One in 2017. Her chemistry with Bettany is unlike any other.
Stream Uncle Frank on Amazon Prime.
The Big Sick (2017)
If you want a romantic comedy, then The Big Sick is the film for you. Starring Kumail Nanjiani and Zoe Kazan, the film is inspired by Nanjiani and his real-life partner Emily Gordon's relationship. It follows the couple after one of them is placed in a medically induced coma, and it documents the complexities they face as they navigate their families and cultural differences.
The Big Sick is one of those movies that, once you see it, you’ll fall in love with it. You should watch it if you like Kumail Nanjiani, who has been blowing up over the last few years. But besides that, the cast is full of life, and there’s plenty of hilarious comedy that balances itself out with the drama. Michael Showalter is even directing another movie soon called The Idea of You, which is also premiering on Amazon Prime, so you better check out one of his best here.
Stream The Big Sick on Amazon Prime.
Totally Killer (2023)
If you’re looking for a great horror comedy, then Totally Killer is the one for you. This film follows the story of a teenager, Jamie, whose mother is killed years later by the same murderer who got away after killing her mother’s friend decades prior. Jamie then travels back in time to find a way to stop the murderer – only it takes her back to the 1980s.
This film is such a fun time. I watched this movie with my own mother and we laughed our butts off, loved all the horror tropes that were used, and found ourselves jumping a few times at the jump scares, too. It’s not the scariest film ever, but it’s a great movie to check out if you want a scary laugh.
Stream Totally Killer on Amazon Prime.
One Night In Miami…(2020)
This Academy Award-nominated film is a must-watch. One Night In Miami… is Regina King's directorial debut, and it is based on the actual meeting between some of the most influential people of the 1960s – Malcolm X, Muhammad Ali, Jim Brown, and Sam Cooke -- in a Hampton room in Miami when they were celebrating Ali’s win.
Regina King kills it in everything she does, but her directing is fantastic. This movie will not only grip you from the beginning, but you’ll want to watch it again because it’s unlike anything else. The One Night In Miami…cast is brilliant – especially Leslie Odom Jr. You must watch this movie if you like him.
Stream One Night In Miami… on Amazon Prime.
You Were Never Really Here (2017)
If you want a neo-noir crime psychological thriller film, then You Were Never Really Here is the one. Starring Joaquin Phoenix, the movie (based on the novella of the same name) follows a mercenary who has gone through some serious stuff and is hired to find a politician’s daughter, who has been taken and is a victim of human trafficking.
Along with Phoenix's Academy Award-winning role in Joker, this movie shows just how badass the actor is while also showing off his acting abilities in more ways than one. Not only does he bring a killer performance (literally), but the range of emotions you’ll see on this mercenary’s face is unlike any other. I swear, I was in shock the whole way through.
Stream You Were Never Really Here on Amazon Prime.
Borat Subsequent Moviefilm (2020)
You knew it was going to be on here, don’t lie. Borat Subsequent Moviefilm is the sequel to the legendary movie Borat. Starring Sacha Baron Cohen, it marks the return of the Kazakh journalist Borat, who travels to the United States with his daughter to offer her as a bride for the former Vice President of the United States, Mike Pence.
This movie is just so out there. You have to be a fan of Cohen’s comedic style to enjoy it, but it’s clear there are plenty because of how successful it was. While it is weird in many ways, it surprisingly has a lot of heart and genuine moments. Also, Borat's sequel received good reviews, and it was nominated for two Academy Awards.
Maria Bakalova, who plays Cohen’s daughter, scored a nomination for Best Supporting Actress, and she has even appeared in a Marvel movie since then. And that perfect Tom Hanks cameo is just amazing.
Stream Borat Subsequent Moviefilm on Amazon Prime.
American Fiction (2023)
Starring Jeffrey Wright, American Fiction is an Academy Award-winning film that tells the story of a Black novelist who writes a satire book that is based on many “Black” books that are published in America – but his satirical novel winds up becoming popular and leading to massive sales.
The movie is based on the book Erasure, and quite simply, this is one of the best films of 2023. It’s expertly paced, brilliantly acted, and of course the story is fantastic – which is why it won the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay. It was also nominated for Best Picture, as well.
Stream American Fiction (through MGM+) on Amazon.
Manchester By The Sea (2016)
In a gut-wrenching pick, Manchester By The Sea is directed by Kenneth Lonergan and stars Casey Affleck, Michelle Williams, and more. The movie, which won two Oscars for Best Actor and Best Original Screenplay, follows a man who has gone through the worst loss imaginable, and now he has to become the legal guardian for his nephew after he loses his brother.
This movie will wreck you. I mean that in the best way possible. Is it a great movie overall? Of course, it is. But God, it will break you to pieces, and you will struggle to place all of them back together. You’ll need a few moments to collect yourself afterward. The story is heartbreaking, and the acting is out of this world. No matter what, you will most likely cry. But that’s a good thing, right?
Stream Manchester By The Sea on Amazon.
A Million Miles Away (2023)
A Million Miles Away is based on the real story of José M. Hernández, the real-life astronaut who immigrated to America and seeks to be a part of NASA, facing obstacles along the way.
A Million Miles Away is a great film to watch if you’re looking for a movie that will lift up your spirits. There’s nothing quite like seeing someone work their way up the ladder and do everything possible to achieve their dreams, and Michael Peña gives an excellent performance.
Stream A Million Miles Away on Amazon.
Beautiful Boy (2018)
While everyone has been loving Timothée Chalamet in either the Dune franchise or Wonka, I’ve been loving him since Beautiful Boy in 2018. Starring Chalamet and Steve Carrell as his father, the movie tells the story of how their relationship strains as the son grows up and becomes addicted to drugs.
Look, I won’t sit here and tell you that this movie is a fun watch – Beautiful Boy is a hard watch. It’s great, but you need to know what you’re getting yourself into because it picks at your heartstrings like it’s a guitar at a concert. The performances are powerful and the story will make any parent – or child, really – cry at some point.
Stream Beautiful Boy on Amazon.
Being The Ricardos (2021)
Directed and written by Aaron Sorkin, Being the Ricardos is another great biographical drama you should check out. Starring Nicole Kidman and Javier Bardem, the movie documents the relationship between the real-life couple Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz and their time on the iconic and legendary show I Love Lucy.
As someone who grew up watching reruns of I Love Lucy with my dad and mom, I loved watching this film. It’s still a biographical drama, so you must take it with a grain of salt for certain things, but there’s no denying the captivating story. Also, this is one of Nicole Kidman’s best movies. She earned that nomination for Best Actress at the Academy Awards.
Stream Being the Ricardos on Amazon Prime.
Red, White, And Royal Blue (2023)
Oh, is that the sound of BookTok I hear, coming to watch Red, White, and Royal Blue? Yes, my friends, come and join me.
Red, White, and Royal Blue became a huge hit on social media in the early 2020s and it wasn’t long before the book received the film adaptation it deserved. The movie tells the story of a prince and the son of the American President starting off as enemies but creating a fake friendship in order to prevent a media incident. And, of course, feelings begin to develop.
This movie is exactly what you think it is – classic rom-com, a couple of steamy scenes, the typical tropes we all love, and so much more. Truthfully, this is the best feel-good movie here and I would rewatch it over and over.
Stream Red, White, and Royal Blue on Amazon.
Sound Of Metal (2019)
Starring Riz Ahmed, Sound of Metal is something that I’m pretty sure anyone can get behind. It follows a young man who loses his hearing after being a drummer for an avant-garde metal band, causing his life to turn upside down.
The movie was nominated for six awards at the Oscars, and it won two for Best Sound and Best Film Editing. Not only that, but it’s undoubtedly one of Riz Ahmed’s best movies, and he did earn a nomination for Best Actor for his performance.
Stream Sound of Metal on Amazon Prime.
Air (2023)
Last but not least, we have the solidly reviewed Air. This movie, directed by Ben Affleck, is another biographical drama, this time centered around sports. It tells the true story of how Nike decided to create the Air Jordan, a shoe line that became one of the biggest lines in the world, all because of a rookie player – Michael Jordan.
I will be honest – I don’t even like basketball, and this film got me in many ways. It’s entertaining, well-acted by the whole Air cast that is led by Matt Damon, and it details a fascinating story that made me want to look up more information about this deal. If a movie makes me more interested in a topic that you never held any interest in originally, it’s a win.
These are just some of the best movies Amazon Prime offers, and I’m sure the streamer will release more awesome films soon. For now, I’ll re-watch Borat Subsequent Moviefilm for the umpteenth time.
