Lesser-Known Amazon Prime Movies That Are Totally Worth Watching

Finding something fresh to stream can be tricky, so here’s a curated mix of under-the-radar narrative features, thrillers, dramas, horror gems, and a couple of standout Amazon Originals you might have missed. Each entry below includes concise details—creators, cast, premise, notable accolades, and production context—so you can quickly decide what suits your mood without wading through endless menus.

‘Coherence’ (2013)

Directed by James Ward Byrkit, ‘Coherence’ is a micro-budget sci-fi thriller built around a dinner party on the night a comet passes overhead. The film’s dialogue was largely improvised from scene outlines, giving the story a natural, unpredictable flow. It stars Emily Baldoni, Maury Sterling, and Nicholas Brendon, and was shot primarily in Byrkit’s own home. The narrative explores parallel possibilities as phones die, identities blur, and neighbors aren’t quite who they seem.

‘The Vast of Night’ (2019)

‘The Vast of Night’ follows a small-town radio DJ and a switchboard operator who trace a strange audio frequency during a high-school basketball game. Directed by Andrew Patterson, it uses long uninterrupted takes, period production design, and vintage radio drama textures to build atmosphere. The film premiered at genre festivals before being acquired for wider release by Amazon Studios. Sierra McCormick and Jake Horowitz lead the cast in a story that channels retro sci-fi lore and small-town rumor.

‘I Am Not a Serial Killer’ (2016)

Based on Dan Wells’s novel, ‘I Am Not a Serial Killer’ centers on a Midwestern teen with sociopathic tendencies who investigates a series of killings in his town. Directed by Billy O’Brien, it blends coming-of-age elements with supernatural mystery. Max Records stars alongside Christopher Lloyd, whose performance drew festival attention. The production filmed in frigid locations that amplify the story’s bleak, wintry mood.

‘The Kid Detective’ (2020)

‘The Kid Detective’ is a neo-noir about a former child sleuth who’s now a down-on-his-luck adult hired to solve a serious case. Written and directed by Evan Morgan, it pairs a mystery structure with character study. Adam Brody plays the lead, with Sophie Nélisse as the client who sets the investigation in motion. The film layers clues, recurring gags from the protagonist’s past cases, and a tone that grows darker as the truth emerges.

‘Blow the Man Down’ (2019)

Set in a Maine fishing village, ‘Blow the Man Down’ follows two sisters who cover up a crime and uncover the town’s hidden power structure. Co-written and directed by Bridget Savage Cole and Danielle Krudy, it blends coastal folklore with noir plotting. The cast includes Morgan Saylor, Sophie Lowe, Margo Martindale, and June Squibb. Maritime shanties, snowy exteriors, and small-town alliances give the film a distinct sense of place.

‘One Cut of the Dead’ (2017)

A breakout Japanese indie from director Shin’ichirō Ueda, ‘One Cut of the Dead’ starts as a scrappy zombie project and becomes a clever love letter to filmmaking. It famously opens with an extended single take that re-frames itself later in the story. The movie was made on a tiny budget and earned an enormous return through word-of-mouth. Its ensemble cast features many first-time or little-known actors who contribute to the film-within-a-film energy.

‘The Report’ (2019)

‘The Report’ dramatizes the creation of a landmark investigation into post-9/11 detention and interrogation programs. Written and directed by Scott Z. Burns, it stars Adam Driver as the lead staffer assembling thousands of pages of findings. Annette Bening appears as a key senator overseeing the effort, with support from Jon Hamm and Maura Tierney. The film focuses on process—document review, redactions, and political pressure—rather than procedural spectacle.

‘A Hero’ (2021)

From writer-director Asghar Farhadi, ‘A Hero’ follows a man on temporary leave from debtor’s prison whose attempted good deed spirals into public scrutiny. Amir Jadidi leads a cast that includes Mohsen Tanabandeh and Sahar Goldust. The film won the Grand Prix at Cannes and sparked wide conversation about social media, reputation, and moral ambiguity. Amazon Studios handled distribution in many territories, bringing the Iranian drama to a global streaming audience.

‘The Neon Demon’ (2016)

Directed by Nicolas Winding Refn, ‘The Neon Demon’ explores the Los Angeles fashion world through the story of an aspiring model whose rise triggers envy and obsession. Elle Fanning stars with Jena Malone, Bella Heathcote, and Keanu Reeves. The film combines stylized lighting, synth-driven scoring by Cliff Martinez, and fashion-industry iconography. Amazon Studios was a key distributor, backing a bold, divisive vision that plays like a dark fable.

‘7500’ (2019)

Set almost entirely in a cockpit, ‘7500’ follows a commercial co-pilot caught in a hijacking and forced into split-second decisions. Joseph Gordon-Levitt anchors the film, with German filmmaker Patrick Vollrath directing. The production uses tight framing, real-time pacing, and limited perspectives to heighten tension. Sound design and off-screen cues become crucial as negotiations and threats unfold inches from the flight controls.

‘Master’ (2022)

‘Master’ is a campus-set psychological horror film from writer-director Mariama Diallo. Regina Hall plays a newly appointed faculty member at an elite New England college where a first-year student experiences escalating hauntings and hostility. The film weaves institutional history, folklore, and social dynamics into its scares. Amazon Studios released it widely, pairing genre elements with themes of belonging and perception.

‘The Burial’ (2023)

Based on a long-form magazine article about a funeral-home dispute, ‘The Burial’ chronicles an attorney who takes on a contract case that turns into a high-stakes courtroom battle. Jamie Foxx and Tommy Lee Jones lead a cast that includes Jurnee Smollett and Alan Ruck. The production balances legal strategy with character backstories and business practices within a specialized industry. Amazon MGM Studios released the film as a streaming original with a strong emphasis on performance.

‘The Mad Women’s Ball’ (2021)

Adapted from the novel by Victoria Mas, ‘The Mad Women’s Ball’ is directed by Mélanie Laurent, who also co-stars. Set at the Salpêtrière hospital in Paris, the story follows a young woman unjustly committed and subjected to controversial treatments. Lou de Laâge plays the lead, with period detail and historical figures appearing throughout. Amazon released the French-language film globally, bringing a literary adaptation with a feminist lens to a wider audience.

‘Selah and the Spades’ (2019)

‘Selah and the Spades’ centers on a student who leads the most powerful of five underground factions at a prestigious boarding school. Written and directed by Tayarisha Poe, it features Lovie Simone, Celeste O’Connor, and Jharrel Jerome. The film combines stylized cinematography with a story about leadership, succession, and image management. Amazon acquired and released the feature after its festival debut, supporting a fresh voice in independent cinema.

‘The Lie’ (2018)

Part of the Blumhouse Television slate for streaming, ‘The Lie’ follows separated parents who cover up a shocking act committed by their daughter. Directed by Veena Sud, it stars Mireille Enos, Peter Sarsgaard, and Joey King. The film focuses on the practical fallout of a single decision—alibis, conflicting stories, and shifting loyalties. Its suburban settings and winter backdrops underscore how routine life can mask escalating secrets.

‘Honey Boy’ (2019)

Written by Shia LaBeouf and directed by Alma Har’el, ‘Honey Boy’ is a semi-autobiographical drama about a young performer and his complicated relationship with his father. Noah Jupe and Lucas Hedges portray the protagonist at different stages, while LaBeouf plays the father figure. The production blends therapy-inspired writing exercises with handheld cinematography to create an intimate character study. It premiered at major festivals and collected several independent film accolades for its screenplay and performances.

‘Sound of Metal’ (2019)

Directed by Darius Marder, ‘Sound of Metal’ follows a touring drummer whose sudden hearing loss forces him to adapt to a new reality. Riz Ahmed and Olivia Cooke lead the cast, with Paul Raci in a pivotal supporting role. The film is noted for innovative sound design that places audiences inside the protagonist’s changing perception. It earned multiple major awards, including recognition for editing and sound.

‘You Were Never Really Here’ (2017)

From writer-director Lynne Ramsay, ‘You Were Never Really Here’ centers on a traumatized veteran who tracks missing persons for hire. Joaquin Phoenix stars, with Jonny Greenwood providing an atmospheric score. The film is adapted from Jonathan Ames’s novella and emphasizes elliptical storytelling and impressionistic editing. It received festival prizes for acting and screenplay, highlighting its spare, brutal approach.

‘Suspiria’ (2018)

Luca Guadagnino’s ‘Suspiria’ reimagines a story about a Berlin dance academy and the occult forces within it. Dakota Johnson, Tilda Swinton, and Mia Goth head an ensemble cast, with original star Jessica Harper appearing in a new role. The production features choreography by Damien Jalet and an original score by Thom Yorke. Elaborate sets, practical effects, and archival-styled design anchor its period atmosphere.

‘The Electrical Life of Louis Wain’ (2021)

‘The Electrical Life of Louis Wain’ portrays the eccentric British artist known for striking cat illustrations and scientific curiosity. Benedict Cumberbatch and Claire Foy star, with Will Sharpe directing. The film explores Wain’s family responsibilities, financial struggles, and creative breakthroughs across publishing and exhibition circles. It uses stylized cinematography and in-camera color techniques to mirror the artist’s evolving perspective.

‘Bliss’ (2021)

Written and directed by Mike Cahill, ‘Bliss’ follows a man who meets a mysterious woman who suggests reality may not be what it seems. Owen Wilson and Salma Hayek lead the cast. The film combines speculative tech concepts with locations that shift between apparent destitution and luxury. Visual effects and production design support its dual-world premise and shifting reliability.

‘Encounter’ (2021)

‘Encounter’ is a psychological thriller about a father who undertakes a high-stakes road trip to protect his children from a perceived threat. Riz Ahmed stars alongside Octavia Spencer and young actors Lucian-River Chauhan and Aditya Geddada. Directed by Michael Pearce, the story blends elements of pursuit drama and family portrait. Location shooting across deserts and backroads contributes to its tense, itinerant feel.

‘All the Old Knives’ (2022)

Set within the world of intelligence work, ‘All the Old Knives’ reunites two former lovers and colleagues to re-examine a disastrous operation. Chris Pine and Thandiwe Newton star, with Laurence Fishburne and Jonathan Pryce in supporting roles. Directed by Janus Metz, the film intercuts present-day conversations with flashbacks to interrogate competing narratives. Wine-country interiors, Vienna exteriors, and secure offices provide the primary settings for its slow-burn exchanges.

‘Chemical Hearts’ (2020)

Adapted from Krystal Sutherland’s novel, ‘Chemical Hearts’ follows two student journalists who collaborate on a school paper while carrying different emotional burdens. Lili Reinhart and Austin Abrams lead the cast. The production focuses on writing rooms, classrooms, and suburban spaces to ground its character dynamics. It highlights editorial deadlines, photography assignments, and the creative process as plot drivers.

‘Troop Zero’ (2019)

Set in rural Georgia, ‘Troop Zero’ tells the story of misfit kids who form a Birdie Scout troop to submit a message to a space-recording project. Directors Bert & Bertie guide a cast that includes Mckenna Grace, Viola Davis, Allison Janney, and Jim Gaffigan. The film uses pageant stages, campouts, and school corridors to chart the troop’s efforts. Costumes, production design, and needle-drops emphasize a playful, heartfelt tone.

‘Crown Heights’ (2017)

Based on a true story, ‘Crown Heights’ chronicles a wrongful conviction and the decades-long effort to secure justice. Lakeith Stanfield portrays the central figure, with Nnamdi Asomugha as the friend who advocates relentlessly. Writer-director Matt Ruskin adapts the narrative from a popular podcast episode and court records. The film earned an audience award at a leading indie festival and later expanded through a wider release.

‘Don’t Worry, He Won’t Get Far on Foot’ (2018)

Directed by Gus Van Sant and adapted from John Callahan’s memoir, ‘Don’t Worry, He Won’t Get Far on Foot’ traces the cartoonist’s recovery and creative breakthroughs. Joaquin Phoenix stars alongside Jonah Hill, Rooney Mara, and Jack Black. The film incorporates animated renderings of Callahan’s drawings and group-therapy sequences. It examines addiction counseling frameworks, mutual-aid structures, and editorial cartooning culture.

‘The Map of Tiny Perfect Things’ (2021)

‘The Map of Tiny Perfect Things’ is a time-loop romance about two teens who catalog small wonders in their town. Kyle Allen and Kathryn Newton headline, with Ian Samuels directing from a short story by Lev Grossman. The film uses montage, hand-drawn maps, and recurring background gags to track discoveries. It balances puzzle mechanics with production details like continuity choreography and repeated-set resets.

‘The Wall’ (2017)

Doug Liman’s ‘The Wall’ is a minimalist war thriller about two soldiers pinned down by an unseen sniper near a collapsed barrier. Aaron Taylor-Johnson and John Cena star, with a voice performance from Laith Nakli. The story relies on radio chatter, limited water, and field-expedient tactics to generate tension. A single, sunbaked location and real-time structure keep focus on survival decisions and communication.

‘The Aeronauts’ (2019)

Set during a daring balloon expedition, ‘The Aeronauts’ pairs a scientist and a pilot as they chase high-altitude discoveries. Eddie Redmayne and Felicity Jones reunite onscreen, with Tom Harper directing. The production utilized staged basket rigs, wind tunnels, and stitched aerial vistas to depict extreme weather. Costume and period instrument design highlight the era’s scientific tools and public demonstrations.

‘Nanny’ (2022)

Written and directed by Nikyatu Jusu, ‘Nanny’ follows a Senegalese immigrant working for a wealthy New York family while saving to reunite with her son. Anna Diop leads the cast with Michelle Monaghan and Sinqua Walls in supporting roles. The film blends supernatural folklore with domestic-worker dynamics, using West African myth to mirror psychological strain. It won a top narrative prize at a major U.S. festival before debuting globally on Prime.

‘Paterson’ (2016)

Jim Jarmusch’s ‘Paterson’ observes a bus driver-poet over a week of routes, routines, and handwritten verses. Adam Driver stars alongside Golshifteh Farahani, with the production emphasizing lived-in locations and minimalistic staging. The narrative highlights process—journaling, daily schedules, and small civic interactions—over plot twists. Amazon handled U.S. distribution, aligning the film with a slate of auteur-driven releases.

‘The Lost City of Z’ (2016)

‘The Lost City of Z’ traces British explorer Percy Fawcett’s expeditions into the Amazon as he pursues evidence of a sophisticated civilization. James Gray directs a cast featuring Charlie Hunnam, Robert Pattinson, and Sienna Miller. The production shot in challenging jungle environments, foregrounding period techniques in navigation and cartography. Amazon backed the film’s release in North America, pairing prestige adventure with historical biography.

‘Peterloo’ (2018)

Mike Leigh’s ‘Peterloo’ reconstructs the mass pro-democracy gathering at St Peter’s Field and the political pressures surrounding it. The ensemble includes Rory Kinnear and Maxine Peake, with extensive crowd choreography and historically sourced speeches. Costume and production design emphasize class distinctions, pamphleteering, and militia presence. Amazon Studios co-financed distribution, positioning the film within a tradition of detailed social history.

‘Cold War’ (2018)

Directed by Paweł Pawlikowski, ‘Cold War’ follows two musicians whose on-again, off-again relationship unfolds across divided Europe. Joanna Kulig and Tomasz Kot star, with a jazz-inflected score and carefully composed monochrome photography. The narrative tracks state-sponsored folk ensembles, border crossings, and nightclub circuits. Amazon supported the U.S. release, bringing the Polish production to a wider streaming audience.

‘Seberg’ (2019)

‘Seberg’ depicts the political surveillance of actor Jean Seberg and her association with activists in Los Angeles. Benedict Andrews directs Kristen Stewart, with Jack O’Connell, Anthony Mackie, and Vince Vaughn in key roles. Archival aesthetics, period wiretaps, and studio publicity machinery frame the storyline. Amazon handled domestic distribution, pairing a biographical drama with a focus on intelligence operations.

‘Late Night’ (2019)

In ‘Late Night’, a veteran talk-show host hires her first female writer to retool a slipping program and confront a changing media landscape. Mindy Kaling wrote the screenplay and co-stars with Emma Thompson under the direction of Nisha Ganatra. Writers’ room politics, audience research, and booking strategies drive the behind-the-scenes plot. Amazon acquired the film after a prominent festival premiere and released it widely on Prime.

‘Prospect’ (2018)

‘Prospect’ follows a teenage prospector and her father landing on a toxic moon to harvest a rare commodity, only to encounter rival claimants. Christopher Caldwell and Zeek Earl direct a cast led by Sophie Thatcher and Pedro Pascal. The production is noted for analog-styled props, vacuum-sealed suits, and tactile world-building. Its distribution on Prime helped broaden exposure for a contained, design-forward sci-fi story.

‘In Fabric’ (2018)

Directed by Peter Strickland, ‘In Fabric’ unfolds as an anthology centered on a cursed red dress moving through owners and misadventures. Marianne Jean-Baptiste and Hayley Squires appear in a cast that leans into department-store rituals and catalog imagery. The film layers radio-ad poetry, mannequins, and period retail processes into its eerie tone. Prime streaming extended the reach of a stylistically singular genre piece.

‘A Vigilante’ (2018)

‘A Vigilante’ follows a survivor who covertly helps others escape domestic abusers while confronting her own past. Sarah Daggar-Nickson directs Olivia Wilde in a physically demanding lead role. The production emphasizes training routines, support-group frameworks, and practical safety planning. Location choices and minimal score keep focus on procedure and aftermath.

‘The Only Living Boy in New York’ (2017)

Directed by Marc Webb, ‘The Only Living Boy in New York’ centers on a recent graduate entangled in family secrets and a neighbor’s pointed advice. Callum Turner stars with Kate Beckinsale, Jeff Bridges, and Pierce Brosnan. Editorial work, publishing circles, and downtown apartments shape the film’s New York milieu. Amazon handled distribution, adding a literary-tinged drama to its contemporary catalog.

‘Annette’ (2021)

Leos Carax’s ‘Annette’ is a rock opera about a comedian, an opera singer, and a child whose gift becomes a global spectacle. Adam Driver and Marion Cotillard lead the cast, with original music and story by Ron and Russell Mael. The production blends stagecraft, on-the-water sequences, and concert staging with controlled long takes. Amazon brought the film to Prime after a high-profile European festival debut.

‘Chi-Raq’ (2015)

Spike Lee’s ‘Chi-Raq’ reimagines a classical satire within modern Chicago, focusing on community action to curb gun violence. The ensemble includes Teyonah Parris, Nick Cannon, Wesley Snipes, and Angela Bassett. Rhymed dialogue, choral narration, and activist theater techniques shape the presentation. Amazon financed and released the project, marking an early entry in its original-film slate.

‘The Handmaiden’ (2016)

Park Chan-wook’s ‘The Handmaiden’ adapts a British novel to a Korean setting, charting a con, an inheritance plot, and shifting alliances. Kim Min-hee, Kim Tae-ri, and Ha Jung-woo headline, with meticulous production design across libraries, gardens, and secret compartments. The film uses a tripart structure with overlapping perspectives to recontextualize prior scenes. U.S. streaming via Prime gave the acclaimed thriller broader home-viewing access.

‘The Salesman’ (2016)

From Asghar Farhadi, ‘The Salesman’ follows a couple whose lives are upended by an incident that intersects with their staging of a classic play. Taraneh Alidoosti and Shahab Hosseini star, with rehearsal rooms and apartment renovations providing key settings. The narrative intertwines performance choices with personal ethics, blurring lines between stage and home. Amazon supported distribution in English-speaking territories, extending the director’s international reach.

Share your own hidden-gem picks on Prime in the comments so everyone can discover a few more great finds.