For a tight, stressful indie thriller. Aubrey Plaza proves she is a dramatic powerhouse as a woman buried in student debt who gets pulled into a credit card fraud ring. It’s lean, mean, and uncomfortably realistic. (85 minutes—perfect for a weeknight).
For low-budget, high-tension sci-fi/horror. Set in the 1950s in New Mexico, a switchboard operator and a radio DJ discover a strange audio frequency. It’s just people talking in rooms, yet it is one of the most suspenseful movies on the service. One Hidden Gem You’ve Never Heard Of Palm Springs (2020) Yes, it’s another time-loop movie. No, it’s not boring. Andy Samberg and Cristin Milioti play two wedding guests stuck reliving the same day. It is hilarious, surprisingly romantic, and deeply philosophical about what makes life worth living. This is my #1 recommendation on Prime right now. Pro Tip: Use the "X-Ray" Feature While watching any of these, pause the screen. Amazon’s X-Ray feature shows you the actors on screen, the music playing, and trivia. It’s perfect for when you say, "Wait, where do I know that guy from?" The Final Verdict: If you only have 90 minutes? Watch Emily the Criminal . If you have 2 hours and want to feel joy? Watch Palm Springs . If you want to be destroyed? Watch Manchester by the Sea . best movies on prime video
For a rom-com that actually has a brain. Based on the real-life love story of Kumail Nanjiani and Emily V. Gordon. He’s a Pakistani comedian; she goes into a coma. It sounds sad, but it’s actually hilarious, warm, and the best romantic comedy on Prime. Scared of the Dark? (Horror) Hereditary (2018) Proceed with caution. This is not jump-scare horror. This is "I need to turn on the lights" horror. Toni Collette gives an Oscar-worthy performance as a mother unraveling after the death of her secretive mother. If you like arthouse dread, this is the gold standard. For a tight, stressful indie thriller
Now put the remote down and actually enjoy a movie. (85 minutes—perfect for a weeknight)