The 27 Best Movies on Amazon Prime Video to Watch Now (May 2025) – Part 1
Amazon Prime Video offers an expansive library of films across genres, from modern classics to hidden gems. Whether you’re looking for drama, comedy, sci-fi, or action, this platform has something for everyone. Here’s the first part of our curated list of 27 best films to stream in May 2025.
Air (2023)
- Director: Ben Affleck
- Genre: Comedy-drama
- Notable Cast: Matt Damon, Viola Davis, Ben Affleck
- MPA Rating: R
- Rotten Tomatoes: 93%
- Metacritic: 73
“Air” delves into Nike’s pursuit of Michael Jordan for a shoe deal, leading to the creation of the iconic Air Jordan brand. A compelling story that blends business, sport, and culture, with strong performances from Matt Damon and Viola Davis.
All of Me (1984)
- Director: Carl Reiner
- Genre: Comedy
- Notable Cast: Steve Martin, Lily Tomlin, Richard Libertini
- MPA Rating: PG
- Rotten Tomatoes: 85%
- Metacritic: 68
This hilarious body-swap comedy sees Steve Martin and Lily Tomlin share a body in a chaotic and heartwarming tale. The film’s humor and heart are timeless, making it a classic of the genre.
An American Werewolf in London (1981)
- Director: John Landis
- Genre: Horror-comedy
- Notable Cast: David Naughton, Griffin Dunne, Jenny Agutter
- MPA Rating: R
- Rotten Tomatoes: 89%
- Metacritic: 55
Blending horror and comedy, this film follows two American tourists attacked by a werewolf in the English countryside. Known for its groundbreaking special effects and dark humor, it’s a genre-defining classic.
The Andromeda Strain (1971)
- Director: Robert Wise
- Genre: Science Fiction
- Notable Cast: Arthur Hill, James Olson, Kate Reid
- MPA Rating: G
- Rotten Tomatoes: 68%
- Metacritic: 60
Based on Michael Crichton’s novel, this intense sci-fi thriller follows scientists working to contain an alien microorganism threatening humanity. A tense, slow-burn experience for fans of thoughtful sci-fi.
Captain Phillips (2013)
- Director: Paul Greengrass
- Genre: Action-drama
- Notable Cast: Tom Hanks, Barkhad Abdi
- MPA Rating: PG-13
- Rotten Tomatoes: 93%
- Metacritic: 82
Tom Hanks delivers a powerhouse performance in this gripping recount of the 2009 hijacking of the Maersk Alabama by Somali pirates. With heart-pounding moments and emotional depth, it’s a thriller with substance.
Challengers (2024)
- Director: Luca Guadagnino
- Genre: Romantic drama
- Notable Cast: Zendaya, Josh O’Connor, Mike Faist
- MPA Rating: R
- Rotten Tomatoes: 88%
- Metacritic: 82
A compelling love triangle set in the world of professional tennis, “Challengers” explores complex relationships, power dynamics, and self-discovery, with Zendaya giving a captivating performance.
Conclave (2024)
- Director: Edward Berger
- Genre: Drama
- Notable Cast: Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow
- MPA Rating: PG
- Rotten Tomatoes: 93%
- Metacritic: 79
Set inside the Vatican, “Conclave” delves into the high-stakes drama of selecting a new pope. A thought-provoking exploration of power, faith, and secrecy, with stellar performances from a distinguished cast.
The Creator (2023)
- Director: Gareth Edwards
- Genre: Science Fiction
- Notable Cast: John David Washington, Gemma Chan, Allison Janney
- MPA Rating: PG-13
- Rotten Tomatoes: 68%
- Metacritic: 63
In a future torn between humans and AI, a former soldier is tasked with hunting down a weapon of mass destruction. A visually stunning sci-fi film that raises questions about technology and humanity.
The Day of the Jackal (1973)
- Director: Fred Zinnemann
- Genre: Suspense
- Notable Cast: Edward Fox, Michael Lonsdale, Derek Jacobi
- MPA Rating: PG
- Rotten Tomatoes: 91%
- Metacritic: 80
A tense and meticulously crafted thriller, this film follows an assassin plotting to kill French President Charles de Gaulle. Its precise pacing and suspenseful atmosphere make it a standout in the genre.
Do the Right Thing (1989)
- Director: Spike Lee
- Genre: Drama
- Notable Cast: Spike Lee, Rosie Perez, John Turturro
- MPA Rating: R
- Rotten Tomatoes: 92%
- Metacritic: 93
Spike Lee’s masterpiece examines racial tensions in Brooklyn on a hot summer day. The film’s powerful message, coupled with its dynamic visuals and memorable performances, cements its place as a pivotal film in American cinema.
Fear of a Black Hat (1994)
- Director: Rusty Cundieff
- Genre: Comedy
- Notable Cast: Rusty Cundieff, Kasi Lemmons, Larry B. Scott
- MPA Rating: R
- Rotten Tomatoes: 83%
- Metacritic: 62
This mockumentary parodies the hip-hop world with sharp satire and humor. It offers an insightful and hilarious look at the music industry, making it a hidden gem worth discovering.
Another Simple Favor (2025)
- Director: Paul Feig
- Genre: Black comedy mystery
- Notable Cast: Anna Kendrick, Blake Lively, Henry Golding
- MPA Rating: R
- Rotten Tomatoes: 81%
This sequel to “A Simple Favor” brings more intrigue and sharp wit as Stephanie (Kendrick) is pulled back into Emily’s (Lively) world during a glamorous wedding in Capri. It’s a stylish mystery with plenty of twists and laughs.
Oppenheimer (2023)
- Director: Christopher Nolan
- Genre: Biographical drama
- Notable Cast: Cillian Murphy, Emily Blunt, Matt Damon
- MPA Rating: R
- Rotten Tomatoes: 94%
Christopher Nolan’s biopic on J. Robert Oppenheimer explores the creation of the atomic bomb and its moral implications. With a standout performance by Cillian Murphy and meticulous direction, it’s a compelling and tense historical drama.
The Fugitive (1993)
- Director: Andrew Davis
- Genre: Thriller
- Notable Cast: Harrison Ford, Tommy Lee Jones, Sela Ward
- MPA Rating: PG-13
- Rotten Tomatoes: 96%
- Metacritic: 71
A classic cat-and-mouse thriller, “The Fugitive” follows Dr. Richard Kimble (Harrison Ford) as he escapes custody to clear his name after being wrongfully convicted of his wife’s murder. Tommy Lee Jones won an Oscar for his portrayal of the relentless U.S. Marshal, making this a must-see action flick.
The French Dispatch (2021)
- Director: Wes Anderson
- Genre: Comedy-drama
- Notable Cast: Bill Murray, Frances McDormand, Timothée Chalamet
- MPA Rating: R
- Rotten Tomatoes: 75%
- Metacritic: 74
Wes Anderson’s visually stunning film takes you into the fictional world of a European magazine’s final issue. With its quirky style, colorful characters, and playful narrative structure, “The French Dispatch” is a whimsical experience for cinephiles.
Ghost World (2001)
- Director: Terry Zwigoff
- Genre: Comedy-drama
- Notable Cast: Thora Birch, Scarlett Johansson, Steve Buscemi
- MPA Rating: PG-13
- Rotten Tomatoes: 89%
- Metacritic: 79
A sharp, offbeat comedy-drama based on Daniel Clowes’ graphic novel, “Ghost World” follows two teenage girls as they navigate post-graduation life. The film captures the awkwardness of adolescence and the struggle for self-identity, bolstered by standout performances from Thora Birch and Scarlett Johansson.
Gone Girl (2014)
- Director: David Fincher
- Genre: Psychological thriller
- Notable Cast: Ben Affleck, Rosamund Pike, Neil Patrick Harris
- MPA Rating: R
- Rotten Tomatoes: 87%
- Metacritic: 80
Based on Gillian Flynn’s best-selling novel, “Gone Girl” is a chilling look at a marriage gone terribly wrong. With twists, turns, and a standout performance from Rosamund Pike, this is a gripping thriller that explores media manipulation and the complexities of relationships.
Goodfellas (1990)
- Director: Martin Scorsese
- Genre: Crime, Drama
- Notable Cast: Robert De Niro, Ray Liotta, Joe Pesci
- MPA Rating: R
- Rotten Tomatoes: 96%
- Metacritic: 89
Widely regarded as one of the greatest films of all time, “Goodfellas” takes you deep into the world of organized crime, following Henry Hill’s (Ray Liotta) rise and fall within the Mafia. Scorsese’s masterful direction and impeccable performances from the cast make this an unforgettable cinematic experience.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (2001)
- Director: Chris Columbus
- Genre: Fantasy
- Notable Cast: Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint
- MPA Rating: PG
- Rotten Tomatoes: 81%
- Metacritic: 64
The magical journey begins in this beloved adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s book. Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) discovers he’s a wizard and embarks on an adventure at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. A perfect starting point for anyone new to the wizarding world.
The Hunt (2020)
- Director: Craig Zobel
- Genre: Thriller, Horror
- Notable Cast: Betty Gilpin, Hilary Swank, Ike Barinholtz
- MPA Rating: R
- Rotten Tomatoes: 59%
- Metacritic: 54
This darkly comedic thriller presents a controversial premise: a group of wealthy elites hunt ordinary people for sport. Though divisive, “The Hunt” is a bloody, action-packed commentary on class, politics, and privilege.
In the Heights (2021)
- Director: Jon M. Chu
- Genre: Musical, Drama
- Notable Cast: Anthony Ramos, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Melissa Barrera
- MPA Rating: PG-13
- Rotten Tomatoes: 96%
- Metacritic: 83
A vibrant and heartfelt musical by Lin-Manuel Miranda, “In the Heights” tells the story of a tight-knit neighborhood in Washington Heights. The film celebrates community, dreams, and cultural pride, with breathtaking choreography and infectious music.
The Last Duel (2021)
- Director: Ridley Scott
- Genre: Historical Drama
- Notable Cast: Matt Damon, Adam Driver, Jodie Comer
- MPA Rating: R
- Rotten Tomatoes: 85%
- Metacritic: 71
A historical drama set in medieval France, “The Last Duel” examines a rape accusation and the brutal duel that follows. Ridley Scott’s film features a powerful ensemble cast and offers a fresh perspective on storytelling, told from three different points of view.
The Matrix (1999)
- Director: The Wachowskis
- Genre: Sci-Fi, Action
- Notable Cast: Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss
- MPA Rating: R
- Rotten Tomatoes: 87%
- Metacritic: 73
A groundbreaking sci-fi classic that explores the nature of reality, “The Matrix” follows Neo (Keanu Reeves) as he discovers that the world he lives in is a simulation controlled by machines. It’s a genre-defining film with mind-bending action sequences and thought-provoking philosophy.
Midsommar (2019)
- Director: Ari Aster
- Genre: Horror, Drama
- Notable Cast: Florence Pugh, Jack Reynor, Will Poulter
- MPA Rating: R
- Rotten Tomatoes: 83%
- Metacritic: 72
A psychological horror film that lingers long after the credits roll, “Midsommar” follows a group of friends who visit a rural Swedish village for a midsummer festival, only to uncover terrifying secrets. Florence Pugh delivers a standout performance in this disturbing and visually stunning film.
Moonlight (2016)
- Director: Barry Jenkins
- Genre: Drama
- Notable Cast: Mahershala Ali, Naomie Harris, Alex R. Hibbert
- MPA Rating: R
- Rotten Tomatoes: 98%
- Metacritic: 99
Winner of the Academy Award for Best Picture, “Moonlight” tells the powerful story of a young man grappling with his identity and sexuality while growing up in a rough neighborhood in Miami. A beautifully crafted and emotionally resonant film, it’s a must-watch for fans of drama.
No Country for Old Men (2007)
- Director: Joel and Ethan Coen
- Genre: Crime, Thriller
- Notable Cast: Tommy Lee Jones, Javier Bardem, Josh Brolin
- MPA Rating: R
- Rotten Tomatoes: 93%
- Metacritic: 91
A dark and suspenseful crime thriller, “No Country for Old Men” follows the aftermath of a drug deal gone wrong in rural Texas. With unforgettable performances and a hauntingly bleak atmosphere, it’s a masterwork of tension and morality.
The Prestige (2006)
- Director: Christopher Nolan
- Genre: Mystery, Thriller
- Notable Cast: Christian Bale, Hugh Jackman, Scarlett Johansson
- MPA Rating: PG-13
- Rotten Tomatoes: 76%
- Metacritic: 66
A gripping tale of rivalry between two magicians, “The Prestige” is a film that keeps you guessing until the very end. With impressive performances from Bale and Jackman, it’s a smart, twist-filled thriller that explores obsession, sacrifice, and deception.
And there you have it! The complete list of the 27 best movies on Amazon Prime Video to watch now, with something for every mood and genre. Whether you’re in the mood for suspense, drama, comedy, or sci-fi, Amazon Prime Video has you covered.
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