15 Amazon Prime Original Movies That Should Be Getting a Lot More Attention

Amazon Prime Video is packed with movies, from blockbuster hits to indie darlings, offering something for every mood. Among its vast library, Amazon’s original films often bring fresh stories and bold performances, yet some slip under the radar despite their quality.

We’ve rounded up Amazon Prime Original movies that deserve a spotlight. These films span genres, showcase incredible talent, and pack emotional or thrilling punches that make them must-watches. Let’s dive into these overlooked treasures.

The Vast of Night (2020)

Set over a single evening in 1950s New Mexico, this micro-budget sci-fi mystery follows a fast-talking radio DJ (Jake Horowitz) and a sharp switchboard operator (Sierra McCormick) who trace a strange audio frequency through calls, tapes, and first-hand testimonies. Director Andrew Patterson leans on long tracking shots, whip-smart dialogue, and period detail instead of CGI to build dread.

A festival breakout that landed on Prime as an original, it’s a model of how to turn limitations into style—distinctive sound design, clever framing, and a finale that sticks the landing for fans of old-school radio thrillers.

Blow the Man Down (2019)

After an accidental killing, two sisters (Morgan Saylor, Sophie Lowe) stumble into their Maine fishing town’s shadow economy overseen by a formidable matriarch (Margo Martindale). Writer-directors Bridget Savage Cole and Danielle Krudy blend noir plotting with coastal folklore, rounding it out with June Squibb and Annette O’Toole.

At under 95 minutes, it’s brisk, character-driven crime with a salty sense of humor and a strong women-led ensemble—perfect for viewers who like their mysteries small-scale and sharply observed.

Troop Zero (2019)

In 1977 Georgia, an oddball girl (Mckenna Grace) assembles a misfit Birdie Scout troop to submit a recording to NASA’s Golden Record. Bert & Bertie direct a stacked cast—Viola Davis, Allison Janney, Jim Gaffigan—through a feel-good story that actually earns its sentiment.

Its production design and needle drops nail the era, but the movie’s secret weapon is how it treats failure, friendship, and found family with sincerity rather than cliché.

Late Night (2019)

Emma Thompson plays a late-career talk-show host whose ratings are tanking; Mindy Kaling (also the screenwriter) joins the writers’ room to shake up the show’s stale formula. Directed by Nisha Ganatra, it toggles between backstage politics and punchline mechanics without losing pace.

Beyond the gags, it’s about gatekeeping and who gets to write the jokes—smart, grounded, and anchored by two sharp lead turns.

The Aeronauts (2019)

Inspired by real Victorian aeronauts, a meteorologist (Eddie Redmayne) and a daredevil balloonist (Felicity Jones) attempt a record-setting ascent over London in 1862. Tom Harper stages large-scale set pieces with practical effects and vertiginous aerial photography.

Lean, old-fashioned adventure craft—with survival beats that play like a high-altitude thriller—makes this an easy recommendation for spectacle without superheroes.

The Map of Tiny Perfect Things (2021)

A time-loop YA romance where two teens (Kathryn Newton, Kyle Allen) catalog small wonders hidden in their endlessly repeating day, from synchronized sprinklers to perfect sunrises. Director Ian Samuels keeps the sci-fi light and the character work front-and-center.

It’s charming, clever, and ultimately more about grief and choosing to move forward than about the loop itself—an underrated comfort watch.

I’m Your Woman (2020)

Rachel Brosnahan stars as a suburban wife forced on the run with a newborn after her thief husband disappears. Director Julia Hart relocates a ’70s crime story’s POV to the margins—women and caretakers navigating the fallout of men’s violence.

Period detail, a moody Michael Giacchino score, and restrained action scenes make this a fresh, character-first spin on neo-noir.

One Night in Miami… (2020)

Regina King’s feature debut imagines a 1964 meeting between Malcolm X (Kingsley Ben-Adir), Cassius Clay/Muhammad Ali (Eli Goree), Jim Brown (Aldis Hodge), and Sam Cooke (Leslie Odom Jr.). Adapted from Kemp Powers’s play, it’s talky by design but dynamic in blocking and performance.

The film interrogates celebrity, activism, and responsibility without sanding off disagreements—thoughtful, historically rooted drama that plays like a lively debate among giants.

Sound of Metal (2020)

Touring drummer Ruben (Riz Ahmed) faces sudden hearing loss and enters a sober living community for the deaf led by Joe (Paul Raci). Co-writer/director Darius Marder uses inventive, subjective sound to place you inside Ruben’s head, with Olivia Cooke rounding out a terrific core trio.

It’s compassionate and technically precise—intimate character work married to top-tier craft—and a showcase for Ahmed and Raci’s career-best performances.

The Tender Bar (2021)

George Clooney adapts J.R. Moehringer’s memoir about a Long Island kid (Daniel Ranieri/Tye Sheridan) raised by his mother and an affectionate, rough-edged bar full of surrogate mentors, chief among them Uncle Charlie (Ben Affleck).

A warm, episodic coming-of-age story with an emphasis on work, writing, and chosen family; Affleck’s lived-in supporting turn is the draw.

Being the Ricardos (2021)

Aaron Sorkin compresses a turbulent week in 1953 as Lucille Ball (Nicole Kidman) and Desi Arnaz (Javier Bardem) juggle tabloid scandal, HUAC politics, and a make-or-break episode of “I Love Lucy.” J.K. Simmons and Nina Arianda steal scenes as the Mertzes.

More backstage drama than biopic cradle-to-grave, it’s a process movie about how TV is made under pressure, with show-within-a-show recreations that pop.

The Electrical Life of Louis Wain (2021)

Benedict Cumberbatch plays the eccentric English illustrator whose wide-eyed cats helped popularize the animal in Victorian households; Claire Foy co-stars as his steadfast partner Emily. Director Will Sharpe leans into stylized production design and painterly visuals.

Whimsical on the surface but tinged with melancholy, it’s a distinctive portrait of creativity, mental health, and love in a changing Britain.

All the Old Knives (2022)

A stylish espionage chamber piece: ex-lovers and CIA colleagues (Chris Pine, Thandiwe Newton) meet years after a disastrous hijacking to determine who leaked intel. Janus Metz directs; Jonathan Pryce and Laurence Fishburne add gravitas.

Tight, talky, and adult—less about shootouts than about memory, morality, and whether trust can survive the job.

Thirteen Lives (2022)

Ron Howard’s procedural retelling of the 2018 Thai cave rescue focuses on the international dive team (Viggo Mortensen, Colin Farrell, Joel Edgerton) and the local coordination that made the impossible possible. On-location shoots and exacting underwater sequences emphasize realism.

It’s thorough and quietly gripping—engineering, logistics, and teamwork rendered with clarity rather than bombast.

Red, White & Royal Blue (2023)

Matthew López adapts Casey McQuiston’s best-seller into a fizzy romance between the U.S. First Son (Taylor Zakhar Perez) and a British prince (Nicholas Galitzine), with Uma Thurman as a Texas-drawled POTUS.

Beyond the swoon, it’s polished crowd-pleaser filmmaking—glossy production, chemistry to spare, and a comfort-movie arc that sticks its emotional beats.

My Old Ass (2024)

This coming-of-age dramedy stars Maisy Stella as Elliott, an 18-year-old who, during a mushroom-fueled birthday trip, meets her 39-year-old self, played by Aubrey Plaza. The quirky setup delivers laughs and heartfelt moments as young Elliott gets life advice from her future self, navigating love and looming life changes.

With sharp writing by Megan Park and standout performances, ‘My Old Ass’ blends humor with wistful reflections on youth and regret. Its fresh take on growing up makes it a charming watch that’s perfect for anyone who loves a mix of comedy and soul-searching.

The Idea of You (2024)

Anne Hathaway shines as Solène, a 40-year-old single mom who sparks an unexpected romance with a young pop star, Hayes Campbell, played by Nicholas Galitzine. This rom-com dives into their whirlwind love story, tackling age gaps and public scrutiny with heart and charm.

Directed by Michael Showalter, ‘The Idea of You’ avoids clichés, offering genuine chemistry and emotional depth. It’s a feel-good escape for romance fans, proving love can surprise you at any age.

Deep Cover (2024)

This action-comedy follows three improv actors recruited by police to go undercover in London’s criminal underworld. Bryce Dallas Howard, Orlando Bloom, and Nick Mohammed lead with comedic flair, bringing energy to this wild premise.

Tom Kingsley’s direction keeps ‘Deep Cover’ fast-paced and fun, blending laughs with tense action. It’s a perfect pick for viewers craving something lighthearted yet thrilling, with a cast that fully commits to the chaos.

Unstoppable (2024)

Jharrel Jerome delivers a powerful performance as Anthony Robles, a wrestler born with one leg who defies odds to win a national championship. Jennifer Lopez plays his supportive mother in this inspiring true story.

Directed by William Goldenberg, ‘Unstoppable’ is a moving underdog tale with raw emotion and grit. It’s a film that celebrates resilience, making it a must-see for anyone who loves stories of triumph.

American Fiction (2023)

Jeffrey Wright stars as Monk, a frustrated novelist whose satirical book unexpectedly becomes a hit, exposing the publishing world’s stereotypes. Cord Jefferson’s directorial debut is sharp, funny, and thought-provoking.

‘American Fiction’ blends biting social commentary with family drama, anchored by Wright’s nuanced performance. It’s a smart, engaging watch that tackles race and identity with wit and heart.

Saltburn (2023)

Barry Keoghan plays Oliver, an Oxford student drawn into the lavish world of his wealthy friend Felix, portrayed by Jacob Elordi. Emerald Fennell’s dark comedy-thriller explores obsession and class with a bold, unsettling edge.

‘Saltburn’ is visually striking and provocative, with a tight 4:3 frame that amps up its intensity. It’s a divisive film that sparks conversation, perfect for those who love daring storytelling.

Ricky Stanicky (2024)

Zac Efron, Jermaine Fowler, and John Cena star in this hilarious comedy about three friends who invent a fake person, Ricky Stanicky, to dodge trouble. When their lie spirals, they hire an actor to play him, leading to absurd chaos.

Peter Farrelly directs with a knack for heartfelt humor, making ‘Ricky Stanicky’ a throwback to early-2000s comedies. It’s a fun, light watch for anyone needing a good laugh.

The Burial (2023)

Tommy Lee Jones and Jamie Foxx shine in this legal drama based on a true story. Jones plays a funeral home owner suing a big corporation, with Foxx as his flamboyant lawyer.

Maggie Betts directs ‘The Burial’ with energy, blending courtroom tension with humor and heart. It’s an uplifting story of justice and unlikely alliances, perfect for fans of feel-good dramas.

Good Night Oppy (2022)

This documentary follows Opportunity, NASA’s Mars rover that outlived its 90-day mission to explore for over 15 years. With stunning visuals and heartfelt storytelling, it captures the rover’s incredible journey.

‘Good Night Oppy’ is a feel-good watch that celebrates human ingenuity and curiosity. Its inspiring story makes it a hidden gem for science lovers and dreamers alike.

Judy Blume Forever (2023)

This documentary celebrates author Judy Blume, whose books shaped generations of young readers. Through interviews and archival footage, it highlights her fearless advocacy and lasting impact.

‘Judy Blume Forever’ is a warm, nostalgic tribute that resonates with anyone who grew up with her stories. It’s a must-watch for fans of literature and heartfelt biographies.

The Report (2019)

Adam Driver stars as a Senate staffer investigating the CIA’s post-9/11 detention program in this gripping thriller. His dogged pursuit of truth uncovers shocking realities.

Directed by Scott Z. Burns, ‘The Report’ is tense and meticulously crafted, offering a sobering look at accountability. It’s a compelling pick for fans of political dramas.

Honey Boy (2019)

Shia LaBeouf writes and stars in this semi-autobiographical drama about a young actor, played by Noah Jupe, and his troubled father. It’s a raw, emotional dive into family and trauma.

Directed by Alma Har’el, ‘Honey Boy’ is poignant and beautifully acted, with LaBeouf delivering a brave performance. It’s a powerful watch for those who appreciate personal storytelling.

Brittany Runs a Marathon (2019)

Jillian Bell stars as Brittany, a woman who transforms her life by training for the New York City Marathon. This comedy-drama balances humor with heartfelt growth.

Paul Downs Colaizzo’s direction and Bell’s star-making performance make ‘Brittany Runs a Marathon’ uplifting and relatable. It’s a great choice for anyone seeking inspiration with a side of laughs.

Cold War (2018)

This black-and-white romance follows a musician and singer, played by Tomasz Kot and Joanna Kulig, whose love story unfolds across post-war Europe. It’s a visually stunning tale of passion and sacrifice.

Pawel Pawlikowski’s ‘Cold War’ is concise yet deeply moving, capturing love’s highs and lows. It’s a gem for fans of artful, emotional dramas.

Manchester by the Sea (2016)

Casey Affleck won an Oscar for his role as Lee, a man grappling with guilt and loss after a tragedy. This drama explores grief and redemption with raw honesty.

Kenneth Lonergan’s ‘Manchester by the Sea’ is a masterclass in storytelling, with powerful performances and quiet moments that hit hard. It’s a must for fans of intense, character-driven films.

Which of these overlooked Amazon Prime Originals is your favorite, or did we miss a hidden gem you love? Drop your thoughts in the comments!