The Best Movies on Amazon Prime Video (December 2023)

How many hours have we all lost to the endless streaming scroll? Aiming for a little kickback, you end up perusing all the good movies on Prime Video, intent on finding just the right one, ultimately unsure what to choose in the face of overwhelming options. Fret not: The Collider staff did all that scrolling for you, scanning through the catalog in search of the best picks for an entertaining night in. We’ve put together a wide-ranging list of the best movies on Prime Video right now.

What’s more, we’ll be updating the list regularly with additional picks, so you won’t run out of viewing material any time soon. The list spans genres, decades, and ratings, so there should be a little something for everyone, but if you can’t find what you’re looking for below (and you’re a multi-platform streamer), be sure to check out our picks for the best TV shows and best movies on Netflix.

Disclaimer: These titles are available on US Prime Video.

Editor’s note: This article was updated December 22nd to include Sylvie’s Love.

Sylvie’s Love

Rotten Tomatoes: 93% | IMDb: 6.8/10

Set in the hot New York summer of 1957, Sylvie’s Love tells the story of Robert (Nnamdi Asomugha), a saxophonist playing in a jazz quartet led by a less talented bandleader, and Sylvie (Tessa Thompson), a young woman dreaming of a television career while working at her father’s record store as she awaits her fiancé’s return from war. When Robert starts working part-time at the record store, their friendship ignites a profound passion in each of them, unlike anything they’ve ever experienced.

Sylvie’s Love is a nostalgic throwback that envelops the audience in a lush cinematic tapestry of jazz, ambition, and starry-eyed enchantment, creating a captivating and evocative experience. Rather than following the typical « boy meets girl and falls in love » formula, the film presents a narrative that harks back to the classic storytelling of Hollywood’s golden years — an approach that people of color should have had the opportunity to take on leading roles in. Furthermore, the film strikes a balance of being heartwarming without becoming overly sentimental. It also serves as a showcase for the exceptional chemistry between Thompson and Asomugha. In an era when Black love stories were rarely portrayed in this manner, it’s wonderful that we’ve reached a point where such stories can be beautifully depicted. – Jessie Nguyen

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Four Weddings and a Funeral

Rotten Tomatoes: 96% | IMDb: 7.1/10

Four Weddings and a Funeral revolves around the life and romantic misadventures of Charles (Hugh Grant), an affable but commitment-phobic Englishman living in London, and his group of close-knit friends. When Charles meets the beautiful American Carrie (Andie MacDowell) at a wedding, he thinks his luck has turned. But after a magical night, Carrie returns to the States, ending their potential romance. Despite their paths crossing at several weddings and one funeral, Charles believes they are destined to be together, even if their timing is always off.

Four Weddings and a Funeral is a classic in the romantic comedy genre and stands out as a unique gem — an adult comedy that intelligently and wittily tackles subjects like sex and romance. It also effectively captures the hilariously true and poignant aspects of the ceremonies we employ to celebrate love and bid farewell to loved ones. Moreover, with a well-crafted structure and a heartfelt portrayal of its characters, Richard Curtis‘s Oscar-nominated screenplay is brilliantly executed, and Mike Newell‘s skillful direction does it justice. Grant’s performance in the film also catapulted him to international stardom. His portrayal of the charming but bumbling Charles is one of his most iconic roles. – Jessie Nguyen

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The Manchurian Candidate

Rotten Tomatoes: 80% | IMDb: 7.9/10

Set (and released) during the height of the Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union, The Manchurian Candidate explores a political conspiracy linked to Korean War veteran Raymond Shaw (Laurence Harvey). Shaw’s heroism during the conflict earned him significant praise. However, he returns to the United States as an unwitting pawn within the People’s Republic of China and the Soviet Unions’ plot to assassinate leading American politicians. Frank Sinatra co-stars as Maj. Bennett Marco, an ally of Shaw’s who observes his transformation.

The most noteworthy aspect of The Manchurian Candidate is the dynamic villainous performance by the late, great Angela Lansburyas Shaw’s manipulative mother, Mrs. Eleanor Iselin. The cruel, dogmatic character was unlike anything that Lansbury had ever done before. Although living up to her role was no easy feat, Meryl Streepmanaged to give an equally impressive performance as the character in Jonathan Demme’s 2004 remake of the same name.

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Snowpiercer

Rotten Tomatoes: 94% | IMDb: 7.1/10

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Directed by the iconic Bong Joon Ho, Snowpiercer is set in a desolate 2031 landscape in which the entire world has been frozen. Now uninhabitable, the only survivors are on board a train (the Snowpiercer) and are racing around the world while creating their own on-board society. Unfortunately, this society comes with a large class divide, and a group of working-class passengers, led by Chris Evans’ Curtis, decide to revolt by making their way through the train fighting (sometimes literally) to find a better life for themselves and others on board.

Fueled by its core message of class warfare, Snowpiercer takes that mission statement and sprinkles it over every scene, creating a genuine sense of anger within the audience. Thanks to beautiful direction by Bong Joon Ho, the narrative moves at a great pace towards its climax, blending sci-fi, action, and drama to create a neat package of tension. Both Chris Evans and Tilda Swinton are in fine form throughout, managing to hold up the gravity of their situation without ever losing the script’s dark metaphorical subtext. Much like the train they ride, Snowpiercer feels relentless and unforgiving and is a journey best taken to be understood. – Jake Hodges

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Interstellar

Rotten Tomatoes: 73% | IMDb: 8.7/10

Read Our ReviewThis critically acclaimed mind-bender from Christopher Nolan stars Matthew McConaughey as farmer and ex-NASA pilot Cooper, a man charged with entering a wormhole in an attempt to secure a future for humankind. Devastated by its brutal climate, Earth has become uninhabitable, and only a voyage through a newly-found wormhole can discover if another planet may become our new home. However, Cooper’s trip to save the world may, in fact, teach him more about his own life than anyone else’s.

Cinema at its visual best, Interstellar is a masterpiece in modern technology, managing to capture the vast scope and wonder of the universe without ever using broad strokes. Jonathan and Christopher Nolan’s time-bending narrative has to be seen to be believed, with the mind-boggling depths of space matched by the mind-boggling depths of this story. When incredible performances, eye-popping visuals, and a heartfelt story combine, you can guarantee a recipe for success, with Interstellar even winning an Academy Award. – Jake Hodges

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The Batman

Rotten Tomatoes: 85% | IMDb: 7.8/10

Read Our ReviewA superhero story with many interpretations, this version from director Matt Reeves has Robert Pattinson’s nocturnal Batman go face-to-face with Paul Dano’s Riddler. With a much sharper edge compared to his predecessors, this Riddler targets political figures in an attempt to fight back against what he perceives to be Gotham’s corrupt societal system. Whilst discovering new things about his and his parents’ past, Batman must also seek to stop The Riddler in typical superhero fashion.

Using long-standing media villains to discuss real-world themes is just one of the ways in which Matt Reeves puts his stamp on the well-told story of Batman, with this interpretation going further to cement itself as not simply another superhero story but a genuine drama with nuance and substance. Director of Photography Greig Fraser thrives with the gritty, dark tones of a mature Gotham, making this story not just enticing in its plot but also visually stunning. With a variety of other versions to compare it to, The Batman has certainly earned the praise of many loyal fans. – Jake Hodges

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Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves

Rotten Tomatoes: 91% | IMDb: 7.3/10

Read Our ReviewBased on the role-playing game Dungeons & Dragons, this film by directors John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein tells the story of Chris Pine’s Edgin Darvis, a bard and former gang member who is left to bring up his daughter alone following the tragic death of his wife. After meeting Holga (Michelle Rodriguez), the two become close, with Holga even acting as a surrogate mother to Edgin’s daughter. As a team, they attempt to find a magic stone to bring the mother back to life but are frustratingly captured and imprisoned before they can succeed. With so much on the line, how will the care of a father defeat the improbable, all in the name of familial love?

Just like the game it comes from, Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Among Thieves is packed full of fun fantasy adventure, with many comparisons made to the Guardians of the Galaxy series. Among an all-star cast, Hugh Grant stands out in his all-new villain era, thriving thanks to his dastardly evil front with a mischievous twinkle in his eye. Despite indulging in its own lore, the plot never loses sight of the genuine depth at its heart, with this movie certainly able to be enjoyed by the entire family. – Jake Hodges

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M3GAN

Rotten Tomatoes: 93% | IMDb: 6.4/10

Read Our ReviewThis futuristic horror stars Allison Williams as Gemma, an engineer at a robotic toy manufacturer whose life changes after she suddenly becomes the sole caregiver to her orphaned 8-year-old niece, Cady (Violet McGraw). Trying to make the most of the situation, Gemma sees Cady as a chance to test out her company’s latest invention: a lifelike robot called M3GAN (Amie Donald), voiced by Jenna Davis. In an attempt to help both herself and her niece, who is struggling to make friends, the prototype robot instead causes unforeseen havoc for all parties involved.

A horror movie with a finger on the pulse of modern attitudes to technology, M3GAN is a disturbing adventure that will make you want to switch off your smart devices. Although the story follows many of the beats a normal horror narrative would, a perfect formula need not be tampered with as director Gerard Johnstone delivers everything a fan of the genre could ask for. Fun, thrilling, and intense, M3GAN is a shining example of why creative horror movies like this are impossible to miss. – Jake Hodges

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Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris

Rotten Tomatoes: 94% | IMDb: 7.1/10

Read Our ReviewThe brilliant Lesley Manville stars as the titular Mrs. Harris in this Academy Award-nominated comedy from Anthony Fabian. Set in 1950s London, the story follows Mrs. Harris, a widowed cleaning lady, as she goes about her days feeling stuck in her life. That is until she spots a beautiful Dior dress. Finally struck by inspiration, Mrs. Harris sets herself the goal of getting herself that dress, no matter how hard it seems. After struggling to save every possible penny, she ends up taking a trip to Paris in which much more in her life than her fashion sense will change.

Based on Paul Gallico’s 1958 novel Mrs. ‘Arris Goes to Paris, this film clearly styles itself on that period, oozing charm with every frame as the narrative flows by like a gentle breeze. Sweet and endearing, Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris feels like someone took The Devil Wears Prada and removed its poisonous spine, leaving just a lovable tale of hope and fashion. Adorably funny, the comedic beats are juxtaposed nicely by genuine drama, with the titular hero’s story of rags to riches inspiring. – Jake Hodges

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Top Gun: Maverick

Rotten Tomatoes: 96% | IMDb: 8.3/10

Read Our ReviewSet 36 years after the release of the original, Top Gun: Maverick catches up with the titular high-flyer (Tom Cruise) after he rejoins the United States Navy Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor program. No longer the budding young talent he once was, Maverick is charged with training up the heroes of tomorrow to face the toughest of missions. With his past also ready to be battled, that particular challenge manifests itself in the form of one of his trainees: the son of his deceased best friend Goose, played by Miles Teller.

Jam-packed full of action stunts and eye-popping set pieces, it could have been easy for director Joseph Kosinski and the rest of the Top Gun team to simply make an ode to the classic it is a sequel of, but Top Gun: Maverick instead uses the pedestal created by the original as a springboard to make one of the most exciting films of the 2020s so far. Put simply, there were many cries for this sequel to not be made, with plenty citing Top Gun’s satisfying ending as more than enough for this particular story… how wrong they were. – Jake Hodges

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Charade

Rotten Tomatoes: 94% | IMDb: 7.9/10

Starring the timeless pairing of Cary Grant and Audrey Hepburn, Charade follows Hepburn’s Regina Lampert, who, after admitting her plan to leave her husband, returns to Paris to find her belongings stolen and is informed her husband is dead. Despite initial blame pinned on the now deceased spouse, Regina is unsure of what to believe and, with the help of new friend Peter (Cary Grant), goes on a mission to track down the truth. However, it is Regina and Peter themselves who are also being tracked down as this mystery unravels with twists and turns aplenty.

A classic in many ways, Charade represents the best of a golden period of cinema, with a swelling score, charming comedic dialogue, and a central pair with more chemistry than a science lab. Widely cited as one of Hepburn’s best films, Charade excels as a narrative that, on its surface, feels superficially hilarious but, when digging deeper, actually contains a gripping tale of deceit and betrayal. Colorful, vibrant, and wild, Charade is the definition of fun, with it holding up today just as well as it did in 1963. – Jake Hodges

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Nope

Rotten Tomatoes: 83% | IMDb: 6.8/10

Read Our ReviewReuniting Daniel Kaluuya and Jordan Peele after the iconic Get Out, Nope is a genre-bending horror/Western/sci-fi that follows siblings OJ (Daniel Kaluuya) and Emerald (Keke Palmer) as their ranch is suddenly hit by strange falling objects. Things go from bad to worse as one of the objects kills their father, leading to the pair taking the investigation of the phenomenon into their own hands and trying to document it. Not clued up themselves, the pair recruit the help of documentarian Antlers (Michael Wincott) and salesman Brandon (Angel Torres). However, to their horror, the truth they find is much more chilling than they could have ever imagined.

After the success of Get Out and Us, Jordan Peele’s next outingwas always going to bring horror on a silver platter with lashings of dark comedy. However, many didn’t suspect Peele to throw in a myriad of other genres, too, with Western, sci-fi, and mystery all getting their time to shine in this movie. Enigmatic and aesthetically delightful, Peele finds a neat balance between beauty and terror as the narrative weaves between the two, with Daniel Kaluuya masterfully keeping up with the ever-changing style. A unique viewing experience, it is no wonder why Nope managed to pick up a plethora of awards. – Jake Hodges

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Nanny

Rotten Tomatoes: 90% | IMDb: 5.3/10

Read Our ReviewA film that found enormous success on the festival circuit before making its way to Prime, Nanny follows Aisha (Anna Diop), a woman who, whilst leaving her son behind, traveled from Senegal to New York City on the hunt for the American Dream. After becoming a nanny for a middle-class career-driven white couple, she ends up connecting with their 6-year-old daughter Rose (Rose Decker) as her life slowly becomes attached to this family’s. However, as the family unit begins to unravel, so does Aisha’s mental state, with her disconnection from her son causing much more harm than she had once thought.

A horror movie with a deeply personal central message, Nanny is a mature story that comes surprisingly as writer/director Nikyatu Jusu’s debut feature. Rather than simply molding to the generic expectations of horror, Jusu instead adds horror flourishings to a touching dramatic script with all the sadness and depth of a tragedy. The final twist is brilliantly crafted, with each beat of the story unexpectedly serving the film’s triumphant ending. Riddled with tension, Nanny must be added to your watch list with haste. – Jake Hodges

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Clue

Rotten Tomatoes: 72% | IMDb: 7.2/10

This iconic comedy based on the board game of the same name follows seven invitees to a mansion who, along with the staff, are swept up in a murder mystery after the strange and sudden death of their host. From colleagues to enemies to secret lovers, each of the guests has some relationship with the other, making the search for a stand-out motive almost impossible. With the race on to find the killer and with each of the guests pushed to kill themselves, will the mystery of the murder at Hill House ever be solved?

Wrapped up in a web of deceit and devilish humor, Clue is a wonderful parody of the murder mystery genre while also managing to tell a convincing murder mystery tale itself. Full to the brim of world-famous stars, it is Tim Curry as butler Wadsworth who steals the show, thriving thanks to the eccentric, extravagant nature of both the script and the cinematography. Packed full of every genre of comedy you could imagine, Clue is quite possibly one of the funniest films of the 1980s and well worth every second of viewing. – Jake Hodges

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It’s a Wonderful Life

Rotten Tomatoes: 94% | IMDb: 8.6/10

Read Our ReviewWidely regarded as the greatest Christmas movie of all time, It’s A Wonderful Life follows James Stewart’s businessman George who, after generously donating much of his life to those less fortunate than him, finds himself stuck in a rut on Christmas Eve after financial trouble. Fearing for his own safety after he is sure to be accused of a crime he didn’t commit, George makes the decision that the lives of his loved ones would be better off without him. That is until he is visited by an angel (Henry Travers). By showing George how much poorer life would have been if he had never been born, will the guardian angel finally restore George’s faith?

A story with the true spirit of Christmas at its heart, It’s A Wonderful Life is both heartwarming and heartbreaking, managing to blend tear-jerking drama with genuinely hope-filled fantasy. Considered legendary for a reason, James Stewart’s performance as George is quite possibly the iconic actor’s best, with the rest of the ensemble also in top form. Writer/director Frank Capra cements himself as one of the greats of Hollywood’s classic era, with this movie quite possibly his crowning achievement. – Jake Hodges

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Hellraiser

Rotten Tomatoes: 70% | IMDb: 6.9/10

Read Our ReviewThis cult classic horror from writer/director Clive Barker, based on his own novella, follows the aftermath of the summoning of demonic beings from an other-worldly puzzle box —sadomasochistic creatures that find pleasure in pain. After finding the resurrected body of her brother-in-law Frank (Sean Chapman), the man who first opened the puzzle box, Julia (Clare Higgins) is convinced to seek blood sacrifices in an attempt to save Frank from the clutches of the demonic creatures led by the iconic Pinhead.

Spawning a total of nine sequels, Hellraiser has found itself a huge fanbase thanks to its unique story and legendary villain. Certainly the best in the series, the original Hellraiser is a masterpiece in building tension and creating visual horror, with cinematographer Robin Vidgeon crafting a beautifully gruesome set of scenes that make it impossible to look away. Director Clive Barker uses his love of close-ups to accentuate the striking effects at work, with Pinhead in particular perfect fuel for years of nightmares — or at the very least, fuel to make you cancel your acupuncture appointment. – Jake Hodges

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The Lost City

Rotten Tomatoes: 79% | IMDb: 6.1/10

Read Our ReviewA high-profile cast stars in this action/adventure about author Loretta Sage (Sandra Bullock), who, despite living a closed-off life, famously writes about wild journeys and far-flung corners of the planet. The protagonist of her novels is realized on their cover by Channing Tatum’s Alan; however, Alan’s ability to be the face of a literary hero will no longer be enough after Sage is kidnapped, calling him into action. Leaping at the chance to finally prove his worth beyond the pages, Alan’s adventure takes him into unknown territory on a rescue mission for the ages.

Directed by Aaron and Adam Nee, The Lost City puts emphasis on pure joy in its action, with an all-star ensemble excelling thanks to a script full of fun and playfulness. Both Bullock and Tatum have captivating chemistry throughout, carrying the audience on a wild journey without ever letting them forget the romance at the heart of the story. Fast-paced, funny, and endearing, The Lost City really does have something for everyone and makes for great family viewing. – Jake Hodges

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No Time to Die

Rotten Tomatoes: 83% | IMDb: 7.3/10

Read Our ReviewIn the latest installment of Bond, Daniel Craig makes his final appearance as the world’s most famous spy, with the story picking up after Bond has spent some time out of active service. However, after being lured back into action by an old friend, he is set on a mission to find and save a kidnapped scientist. What seems like a run-of-the-mill job turns out to be perhaps his toughest yet, with ghosts of his past and a new technologically advanced villain (Rami Malek) standing in his way. With much more on the line than he could have possibly imagined, exactly what will Bond have to lose in order to win?

Brimming with all the action one comes to expect from this franchise, No Time to Die doesn’t rely on its high-octane set pieces, instead also offering a gripping tale of familial love that could rival the sweetest of dramas. Despite its differences, the film still keeps the same sense of suaveness and charm that the franchise is famous for, accentuated beautifully by Billie Eilish’s title song. After four previous movies, Daniel Craig does an astounding job at showing just how world-weary Bond has become, especially when paired with the boundless energy of his co-stars. Despite the impressive action, the (albeit late) addition of Phoebe Waller-Bridge to the scripting team adds a humorous flavor that gives the movie moments of comic relief — something definitely missing from previous Bond installments. Like one of the franchise’s famous supercars, the plot fearlessly drives toward the climax at a ferocious pace, all culminating in one of the biggest shocks in the last few years of cinema. – Jake Hodges

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Val

Rotten Tomatoes: 94% | IMDb: 7.6/10

Read Our ReviewThe celebrity documentary has become a staple of mainstream viewing over the last few years, with this particular example centering on the life of the Hollywood icon Val Kilmer. From unseen home footage from his childhood to an unfiltered look at his time as an actor from Batman to Top Gun, Val wades through the hundreds of hours of content from his life to cherry-pick a selection of moments that beautifully encapsulate the spectrum of experience of the beloved performer.

Directors Ting Poo and Leo Scott take a saturated genre and breathe new life into it with a storytelling style that feels straight out of an experimental piece. Raw and intimate, no punches are pulled in the depiction of Kilmer’s life, with the movie feeling like both an ode to the actor and a deep dive into some of the dangers of living such a high-profile life. Serving as a producer on the project, Val Kilmer himself adds a genuine sense of memory to the movie, creating an aura of nostalgia that will leave you in contemplative silence as the credits roll. – Jake Hodges

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Lucy and Desi

Rotten Tomatoes: 94% | IMDb: 7.7/10

Read Our ReviewDirected by comedy icon Amy Poehler, Lucy and Desi is a documentary centering on legendary comedian Lucille Ball. Focusing on her rise to fame and her well-documented relationship with Desi Arnaz, the film eventually covers the pair’s sitcom I Love Lucy — a show that changed the face of Hollywood forever. 33 years after her sad death, Lucy and Desi is an ode to the life of one of showbiz’s greatest stars.

A heartwarming peek behind the curtain of a hero of many, it is clear director Amy Poehler is a huge admirer of Lucille Ball, given the touching and honest way the movie pays tribute to her life. Despite being a wonderful trip down memory lane, Lucy and Desi is much more than a picture-perfect love letter to the golden age of media, showcasing a thought-provoking look at a woman and her sitcom that will forever be remembered as groundbreaking. – Jake Hodges

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