The 30 Best Amazon Prime Original Movies You Shouldn’t Skip

Amazon Prime Video has grown into a major player in the streaming world, offering a large collection of original movies. Since creating its own films, Amazon has put out a wide range of movies, from big-budget action films to smaller, character-focused stories. These movies have received attention for their quality and originality, with some even earning major awards. For movie lovers, Amazon Prime provides a diverse library of films that you can’t find anywhere else.

This list highlights 30 of the best original movies available on Amazon Prime. The selection covers various genres, including comedies, dramas, and documentaries. Whether you are looking for a funny movie, a serious drama, or an interesting true story, there is something for you. These films show Amazon’s commitment to creating quality entertainment and offer a great starting point for anyone wanting to explore their original content.

Air (2023)

Air tells the story of how Nike signed Michael Jordan to a shoe deal. In the 1980s, Nike’s basketball division was struggling. The film follows shoe salesman Sonny Vaccaro, who sees the potential in a young Michael Jordan. Vaccaro works to convince Nike and Jordan’s family that this partnership could change everything.

The movie shows the challenges and risks involved in creating the Air Jordan line. It highlights the business side of sports and the importance of believing in a new idea. The film is a story about innovation and the beginning of a cultural phenomenon.

American Fiction (2023)

This film is a sharp comedy about a Black novelist named Thelonious “Monk” Ellison. Monk is frustrated that his serious books don’t sell well. He writes a satirical novel full of stereotypes about Black life as a joke. To his surprise, the book becomes a huge success.

American Fiction explores themes of race, identity, and what the public wants to read. Monk has to deal with the unexpected fame and the moral questions that come with it. The movie is a funny and thought-provoking look at the world of publishing.

The Big Sick (2017)

The Big Sick is a romantic comedy based on the real-life story of Kumail Nanjiani and Emily V. Gordon. Kumail, a comedian from a traditional Pakistani family, falls for Emily, an American graduate student. When Emily suddenly becomes ill and is placed in a coma, Kumail must navigate the crisis with her parents, whom he has never met.

The film explores cultural differences and family expectations. It shows how a difficult situation can bring people together in unexpected ways. The story is both funny and touching, offering a fresh take on the romantic comedy genre.

Blow the Man Down (2020)

Set in a small fishing village in Maine, this film follows two sisters, Priscilla and Mary Beth Connolly. After their mother’s death, they find themselves in deep trouble after a deadly run-in with a dangerous man. To protect themselves, they must hide the body.

The sisters soon discover that their town has a dark side, run by the local women. The movie is a mix of dark comedy and thriller, with a strong sense of place. It’s a story about secrets and the lengths people will go to protect their community.

Borat Subsequent Moviefilm (2020)

Sacha Baron Cohen returns as the fictional Kazakh journalist Borat Sagdiyev in this sequel. Released from prison for bringing shame to his country, Borat is sent back to America on a new mission. This time, he is supposed to offer a gift to a powerful political figure.

The film was shot in secret and released as a surprise. It continues to use a mix of scripted scenes and real-life interactions to create a satirical look at American society. The movie is known for its outrageous humor and sharp social commentary.

Brittany Runs a Marathon (2019)

Brittany Forgler is a funny, outgoing woman living in New York City, but she feels stuck in her life. After a doctor’s visit, she is encouraged to get healthier. She decides to start running, and soon sets the ambitious goal of running the New York City Marathon.

This film is an inspiring and relatable story about self-improvement. It follows Brittany’s journey as she deals with the ups and downs of training and making big life changes. The movie is about more than just running; it’s about friendship, self-worth, and finding your direction.

Catherine Called Birdy (2022)

In medieval England, a 14-year-old girl named Lady Catherine, known as Birdy, has a sharp wit and a love for adventure. Her father, a poor lord, sees her as a way to solve his financial problems by marrying her off to a wealthy suitor. Birdy, however, has other plans.

She does everything she can to scare away any potential husband. The film is a spirited and charming story about a young woman trying to control her own destiny in a time when that was very difficult. It’s a funny and clever look at a historical period through the eyes of a rebellious teenager.

Challengers (2024)

This film centers on the world of professional tennis. Tashi Duncan, a former tennis star turned coach, is married to a champion who is on a losing streak. To help him get back on track, she signs him up for a low-level tournament. There, he finds himself competing against his former best friend and Tashi’s ex-boyfriend.

The story is told through flashbacks and present-day scenes, exploring the complicated relationships between the three main characters. It’s a story of ambition, love, and rivalry, both on and off the court. The movie is a tense and stylish drama about the price of winning.

The Idea of You (2024)

Solène, a 40-year-old single mother, takes her daughter to the Coachella music festival. There, she has a chance encounter with Hayes Campbell, the 24-year-old lead singer of the popular boy band August Moon. They feel an instant connection and begin an unexpected romance.

The film explores the challenges of their age gap and Hayes’s fame. Solène has to deal with the public attention and the impact of the relationship on her life. It’s a modern love story that looks at how we view age and relationships in the public eye.

Late Night (2019)

Katherine Newbury is a legendary late-night talk show host who has been on the air for decades. However, her show’s ratings are falling, and she is accused of being out of touch. To freshen things up, she hires Molly Patel, a young woman with no experience in television, to be a writer on her all-male staff.

Molly’s arrival shakes up the show and challenges Katherine’s way of doing things. The film is a comedy about the entertainment industry, exploring themes of diversity, ageism, and the challenges women face in the workplace. It’s a story about two women from different generations learning from each other.

Lucy and Desi (2022)

This documentary explores the lives and careers of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz. It tells the story of how they became one of the most famous and powerful couples in Hollywood history. The film uses archival footage and personal recordings to show their creative partnership and their romantic relationship.

The movie looks at how they created the groundbreaking television show I Love Lucy and built their own studio, Desilu Productions. It also delves into the personal struggles they faced behind the scenes. The film is a loving portrait of two pioneers who changed television forever.

Manchester by the Sea (2016)

Lee Chandler is a quiet janitor living in Boston. After his older brother Joe dies, he is shocked to learn that he has been named the sole guardian of his teenage nephew, Patrick. Lee is forced to return to his hometown of Manchester-by-the-Sea and confront his past.

The film is a powerful and emotional drama about grief, family, and loss. It slowly reveals the tragic events that caused Lee to leave his hometown. The movie is known for its strong performances and its realistic portrayal of how people cope with immense sorrow.

Master (2022)

Three Black women navigate life at a prestigious New England university. Gail Bishop is the new “Master” of a residence hall, a position of authority. Jasmine Moore is a freshman who starts to experience strange and disturbing events in her dorm room. Liv Beckman is a literature professor who is being considered for tenure.

The film blends horror and social commentary to explore the subtle and overt racism that exists in elite institutions. It creates a sense of unease and tension as the characters question what is real and what is a product of a troubled history. The movie is a thought-provoking look at the challenges of being Black in traditionally white spaces.

My Old Ass (2024)

During a summer trip, a spirited young woman named Elliott takes mushrooms and has a strange experience. She comes face-to-face with her older, wiser self from the future. This older version gives her some advice about what’s to come.

This film is a unique coming-of-age story that plays with time and memory. It has a special sense of urgency as Elliott is about to head off to college. The movie is praised for its clever script and the lead performance by Maisy Stella.

One Night in Miami… (2020)

This film imagines a fictional meeting between four iconic Black figures in 1964. After Cassius Clay (soon to be Muhammad Ali) wins the heavyweight championship, he celebrates with Malcolm X, singer Sam Cooke, and football star Jim Brown. They gather in a motel room in Miami.

The movie, directed by Regina King, explores the different ideas and struggles of these four men during the Civil Rights Movement. They discuss their roles and responsibilities as influential Black men in a changing America. The film is a powerful conversation about race, fame, and social change.

Paterson (2016)

The film follows a week in the life of a bus driver named Paterson who lives in Paterson, New Jersey. His life is very routine. He drives his bus, he walks his dog, and he spends time with his artistic wife, Laura. He also writes poetry in a secret notebook.

This quiet and gentle film finds beauty in the small details of everyday life. It is a meditation on creativity and finding inspiration in ordinary things. The movie is a calm and thoughtful story about a man who is content with a simple life.

The Report (2019)

This political drama is based on a true story. It follows Senate staffer Daniel J. Jones as he leads an investigation into the CIA’s use of “enhanced interrogation techniques” after the 9/11 attacks. Jones and his team spend years looking through secret documents.

The film shows the challenges Jones faced as he tried to uncover the truth and make it public. It is a detailed and serious look at a dark chapter in American history. The movie is a story about the importance of holding power accountable.

Saltburn (2023)

Oliver Quick, a student at Oxford University, struggles to fit in. He becomes friends with the wealthy and popular Felix Catton. Felix invites Oliver to his family’s huge and eccentric estate, Saltburn, for the summer.

Once at Saltburn, Oliver becomes entangled in the lives of Felix’s aristocratic family. The film is a dark and twisted story about class, desire, and obsession. It is known for its shocking moments and its stylish, unsettling atmosphere.

Sound of Metal (2020)

Ruben is a heavy metal drummer whose life is turned upside down when he suddenly loses his hearing. His bandmate and girlfriend, Lou, checks him into a sober house for the deaf. There, he must learn to adapt to his new reality.

The film uses innovative sound design to put the audience in Ruben’s perspective. It is a powerful story about identity, acceptance, and what it means to be part of a community. The movie is an emotional journey about finding a new way to live when the life you knew is gone.

The Vast of Night (2020)

In a small New Mexico town in the 1950s, a young switchboard operator and a radio DJ discover a strange audio frequency. As they investigate, they uncover a mystery that could change their town and the world forever. The story unfolds in close to real time.

This science fiction film is a tribute to old-fashioned suspense stories. It builds tension through dialogue and sound, creating a sense of mystery and wonder. The movie is a clever and stylish tale that captures the feeling of a classic twilight zone episode.

You Were Never Really Here (2018)

Joe is a troubled military veteran who now works as a hired gun. He rescues girls who have been trafficked. He is hired to save the daughter of a New York politician, but the job goes wrong, and he uncovers a deep conspiracy.

This film is a dark and intense thriller. It focuses on Joe’s psychological state as he deals with his violent past. The movie is a brutal and gripping story about a man searching for redemption in a corrupt world.

Good Night Oppy (2022)

This documentary tells the true story of the Mars exploration rover Opportunity. Nicknamed “Oppy,” the rover was originally designed to last for only 90 days. However, it ended up exploring the surface of Mars for nearly 15 years.

The film uses archival footage and interviews with the scientists and engineers who worked on the mission. It is an inspiring and emotional story about a remarkable machine and the human connection to exploration. The documentary is a love letter to science and discovery.

The Lost City of Z (2016)

Based on a true story, this film follows British explorer Percy Fawcett. In the early 20th century, Fawcett travels to the Amazon jungle. He becomes convinced that a lost, advanced civilization exists in the region.

The movie follows his repeated expeditions into the dangerous and uncharted territory. It is a story of adventure, obsession, and the conflict between family life and a relentless pursuit of discovery. The film is a grand and visually stunning epic.

Thirteen Lives (2022)

This film dramatizes the real-life rescue of a Thai junior soccer team and their coach. In 2018, the group became trapped in a cave by rising floodwaters. The movie follows the massive international effort to save them.

Directed by Ron Howard, the film focuses on the dangerous and complex work of the divers who navigated the flooded caves. It is a tense and gripping story about courage, teamwork, and human resilience in the face of impossible odds.

Beautiful Boy (2018)

This movie is based on the memoirs of a father and son. It tells the story of a young man named Nic who becomes addicted to drugs. The film shows the family’s heartbreaking struggle to help him.

The story is told from the perspectives of both the father, David, and Nic. It is a raw and honest look at the impact of addiction on a family. The movie is an emotional and powerful portrayal of a family’s love and their long, difficult journey.

I’m Your Woman (2020)

Jean is a suburban housewife in the 1970s. Her husband, Eddie, is a professional thief. One day, Eddie’s associates show up and tell Jean she has to go on the run with her baby. She is given a bag of cash and a man named Cal to protect her.

This crime drama is told from the perspective of a character who is usually on the sidelines. Jean must learn to survive and protect her child in a dangerous world she knows nothing about. It is a stylish and suspenseful film about a woman discovering her own strength.

One Child Nation (2019)

This documentary examines the personal and societal impact of China’s one-child policy. The film’s co-director, Nanfu Wang, grew up in China during this time. She explores the history of the policy and its lasting effects on families and individuals.

The film features interviews with people who were directly affected by the policy, including family members, officials, and artists. It is a powerful and revealing look at a controversial chapter of modern history. The documentary uncovers the human stories behind a national policy.

Red, White & Royal Blue (2023)

Alex Claremont-Diaz is the son of the first female President of the United States. Prince Henry is a member of the British royal family. After a public altercation, they are forced to pretend to be friends for the sake of international relations.

Their fake friendship soon turns into a real, secret romance. The film is a romantic comedy that explores the challenges of a relationship in the public eye. It is a fun and charming story about love, duty, and being true to yourself.

Argentina, 1985 (2022)

This film tells the true story of the 1985 Trial of the Juntas in Argentina. A team of lawyers takes on the leaders of the country’s former military dictatorship. They race against time to bring justice to the victims of the regime.

The movie is a compelling courtroom drama that highlights a pivotal moment in Argentine history. It shows the courage of those who fought for accountability. The film is a powerful and inspiring story about the pursuit of justice.

The Handmaiden (2016)

Set in 1930s Korea under Japanese colonial rule, this film is a gripping psychological thriller. A young woman named Sook-hee is hired as a handmaiden to a Japanese heiress, Lady Hideko. However, Sook-hee is secretly involved in a plot to defraud the heiress of her inheritance.

The story is full of twists and turns as the relationships between the characters become more complicated. The film is known for its beautiful visuals and its intricate, suspenseful plot. It is a story of deception, desire, and shifting loyalties.