This has been an interesting year for films, as the 2026 movie schedule has delivered a unique selection of titles that everyone can enjoy. Amazon MGM Studios has been responsible for some of those great titles, including a couple of excellent book-to-screen adaptations. I've actually been anxious to see those two movies -- which are amongst 2026’s best so far -- and I'm pleased that they're now available to stream in the same week. Needless to say, I'm planning to have an epic movie night, courtesy of my Prime Video subscription.
Movie lovers may be excited to know that both Project Hail Mary and The Sheep Detectives are now streamable on Prime! Both movies were released in theaters earlier this year and have some major stars leading both of them. The charismatic Ryan Gosling headlines the cosmic PHM, while the lovable Hugh Jackman leads the family friendly romp about sheep solving a murder.
Based on the 2021 novel of the same name by Andy Weir, Project Hail Mary sees Gosling play Ryland Grace, an amnesiac middle school teacher who works up aboard a space shuttle and learns he's tasked with a major mission. Along the way, Grace also befriends an alien he names Rocky. Directed by Phil Lord and Chris Miller, PHM received critical acclaim upon its debut in theaters. Weir has also praised the film, and he even humorously complimented Gosling.
A stamp of approval from Weir is definitely a big deal, though fans of the book have also had positive thoughts to share. I have family members who adore the book, so I’m ready to finally see what all the fuss is about. I'm especially pumped to see Gosling chop it up with his adorable sidekick. And, speaking of adorable scene partners, Jackman certainly has plenty of them in his film.
The Sheep Detectives is adapted from Leonie Swann's 2005 book, Three Bags Full, and directed by Kyle Balda. It sees Hugh Jackman play shepherd George Hardy, who oversees a flock of sheep. As mentioned, those fluffy creatures must solve a murder once tragedy strikes. I've seen Jackman don claws and dance in musicals, yet I can't say I would've expected him to take on a role like this one.
Still, I'm eager to check this movie out, especially since Sheep Detective's reviews are so strong. Apparently, it's also a perfect family watch, as writer Craig Mazin tells CinemaBlend that “kids can handle” the movie, which explores a story of grief through a unique story. The premise may sound a little out there, but it reminds me of the animal-centric movies I grew up watching like Air Bud or Slappy and the Stinkers.
I can see both of these movies drumming up some major buzz on Prime Video. However, in a surprising twist, Elle beat out both of these movies by coming in at no. 1 on Prime over the weekend. This achievement was celebrated by EP Reese Witherspoon, who gave a “big pink thank you” to fans. Despite the prequel show's success, I think Gosling and Jackman's movies are going to do just fine streaming-wise.
So take a page out of my book and check out Project Hail Mary and The Sheep Detectives now!
