Best Prime Video movies: 17 top films to stream in March 2023 | TechRadar

Best Prime Video movies: 17 top films to stream in March 2023

Searching for the best Prime Video movies? Allow us to be your guide.

Prime Video offers an extensive collection of the best movies, TV shows, and documentaries, many of which are included in your Prime subscription. In keeping with that, our list of the best films on Prime Video includes many Amazon originals that won't disappear from the service unexpectedly. Our picks take in a range of genres, too, including intense thrillers, heart-warming rom-coms, beloved classics, and newer releases. Whether you're in the mood for something new or a timeless favorite, then, there’s something for everyone on one of the world's best streaming services.

And remember, we've also got other Amazon-based lists to peruse, such as our new Prime Video movies and best Prime Video shows guides. Read those if you're looking for something to stream this weekend (or weekday, we're not judging you).

Best Prime Video movies: 17 top picks to watch right now

Directed by the fantastic Alex Garland, Men is an eerie and spooky movie. (Image credit: A24)

This chilling horror flick stars Jessie Buckley (Wild Rose) as Harper, who heads to the countryside to recuperate from a recent trauma with a two-week stay in a stately manor. But she soon realizes there's something very wrong – everyone in the vicinity is male and, not only that, they all seem to be the same man (Rory Kinnear). 

Starting off as chilling and progressing into pretty terrifying, the man won't leave her alone, and Harper has no escape. It's a technically excellent movie, with some genuinely frightening moments (and some not-so-terrifying, to be honest). Regardless, it's well worth a watch. 

Devotion

Devotion is based on a novel and packed with thrilling aviation and deep racial tension. (Image credit: Sony Pictures/Paramount+)

Devotion tells the tale of an African American fighter pilot in the Korean war, who has suffered unspoken racial injustices during his time in the US military. Isolated from his white colleagues, Jesse Brown (Jonathan Majors) finds it hard to trust anyone – until he meets Glenn Powell (Tom Hudner). Together, they make heroic sacrifices that result in them becoming two of the most celebrated pilots in history. 

Based on the novel of the same name, Devotion is full of thrilling aviation and deep racial tension, which it navigates very well. It's been well-received by critics and audience alike, bringing in a terrific 82% on Rotten Tomatoes. You can rent or buy it on Prime Video, or see it on the Paramount Plus channel (see how to get a Paramount Plus free trial here).

Good Luck to You, Leo Grande

Emma Thompson and Daryl McCormack have received huge amounts of praise for their performances in Good Luck to You, Leo Grande. (Image credit: Nick Wall/Sundance Institute)

Emma Thompson stars in this taboo-busting story of a retired teacher wanting to reignite her sex life post-marriage. Nancy Stokes (Thompson) hires young, charming and skillful sex worker Leo Grande (Daryl McCormack) to give her the adventure she craves – and the two discover an unexpected connection. 

Written by Katy Brand, Good Luck to You, Leo Grande has been praised for its sex-positive approach and electric script. Unfortunately, it's only available in the UK on Prime Video, but US viewers can stream it on Hulu.

Sound of Metal

Riz Ahmed is captivating to watch as Ruben in Sound of Metal. (Image credit: Amazon Studios)

Riz Ahmed shines in the lead role of Sound of Metal, a thoughtful and provocative movie about grief, addiction, and identity. He plays Ruben, a metal drummer who begins to experience hearing loss. He’s told to eliminate loud noises, but continues to perform, worrying that his career, relationship, and life as he knows it could soon be over. 

Sound of Metal is a challenging watch at times, but one of the best Prime Video movies as it's also deeply moving and introspective. You’ll need to be in a certain mood to watch it, but when you do, you’ll be blown away. A crowd-pleasing flick that was nominated for numerous Academy Awards in 2019, winning in the Best Sound and Best Film Editing categories. Easily one of the best Prime Video movies around.

The Big Sick

The Big Sick is even more fun to watch when you learn it's based on the real-life relationship of Emily V. Gordon and Kumail Nanjiani. (Image credit: Amazon Studios)

Here’s a cool fact about The Big Sick: it’s written by writer, producer, and podcast host Emily V. Gordon, plus actor, comedian and screenwriter Kumail Nanjiani (the duo are married), and is inspired by their real-life relationship. It’s a story about an interracial couple, played by Nanjiani and Zoe Kazan, who have to deal with cultural differences when Emily becomes seriously ill. 

It’s a funny and heartfelt movie, and feels fresher and smarter than a lot of more recent rom-coms. Critics and cinephiles agreed, too, with it being chosen by American Film Institute as one of the top 10 films of the year when it came out in 2017. It was also nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay. 

Paterson

Adam Driver is mesmerising to watch as Paterson. (Image credit: Amazon Studios)

This 2016 drama is directed by Jim Jarmusch, the man behind hit movies like Stranger Than Paradise and Only Lovers Left Alive. The story takes place over the course of a week, following the life of Paterson (played by Adam Driver), a hard-working bus driver and poet who follows the same routine everyday. 

This isn’t for anyone who wants action or thrills. It’s more of a slow and thoughtful film about the beautiful moments in everyday life, but it's a must-watch for any Driver fan.

One Night in Miami

A spectacular cast of the best actors around play an equally spectacular cast of historical characters. (Image credit: Amazon Studios)

One Night in Miami comes from Regina King, who makes her directorial debut. The story is based on a 2013 stage play of the same name – written by filmmaker and playwright Kemp Powers – which itself is inspired by a real meeting that took place in February 1964 at the Hampton House in Miami. 

During that supposed event, Malcolm X (Kingsley Ben-Adir), Muhammad Ali (Eli Goree), Jim Brown (Aldis Hodge), and Sam Cooke (Leslie Odom Jr) gathered to celebrate Ali’s title win against Sonny Liston. Events unfold over the course of a single night as the legendary quartet talk about power, race, discussing their roles in the Civil Rights Movement, and the culture of the era. It's one of the best Prime Video movies around and, when it was first released, was nominated for several Academy Awards. 

Manchester by the Sea

It's no surprise Affleck won the Academy Award for Best Actor, as his performance in Manchester by the Sea was deep and affecting. (Image credit: Amazon Studios)

Manchester by the Sea is a heavy movie. It’s about a depressed and grief-stricken man who needs to care for his teen nephew after his brother dies. Understandably, then, it focuses on themes of guilt, responsibility, and families. 

It’s masterfully told and beautifully acted by Casey Affleck and Michelle Williams in the lead roles. The film received critical acclaim, winning Academy Awards for Best Actor for Affleck and Best Original Screenplay, and was considered one of the best films of 2016 by most critics.

The Vast of Night

The Vast of Night is a captivatingly brilliant film. (Image credit: Amazon Studios)

The Vast of Night is a 2019 sci-fi mystery set in 1950s New Mexico. It’s loosely based on real events, including the Kecksburg UFO incident – an unidentified fireball being spotted in the sky – and the Foss Lake disappearances, which saw a group of teens and adults mysteriously go missing. 

The film follows young switchboard operator Fay Crocker (played by Sierra McCormick) and radio DJ Everett Sloan (Jake Horowitz) who discover an audio frequency that they think could be extra terrestrial. It’s an engrossing thriller that’s lo-fi and yet shows a lot of film-making skill.

Honey Boy

Shia LaBeouf is intense and convincing in Honey Boy. (Image credit: Amazon Studios)

Honey Boy is loosely based on actor Shia LaBeouf’s childhood and his relationship with his father – the title of the movie coming from his nickname as a kid. LaBeouf wrote the screenplay and also stars in it but, rather than play himself, he portrays his father. It follows the troubled relationship between 12-year-old Otis, who is finding some success as a TV star, and his abusive father, who signs himself up as Otis' guardian.

LaBeouf allegedly wrote the script as a form of therapy when he was in rehab. For that reason, it’s a difficult watch and feels very raw. Strangely, though, it’s oddly therapeutic for the viewer, too. At its core, this is a movie about a man’s struggles to understand himself and forgive himself, as well as his past trauma.

Licorice Pizza 

Alana Haim and Cooper Hoffman are authentic and heart-warming as the central characters in Licorice Pizza. (Image credit: MGM/Universal Pictures)

Licorice Pizza is a US comedy-drama written and directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, a filmmaker famous for movies like Boogie Nights, Magnolia, and There Will Be Blood. 

It's follows the development of a young couple’s relationship in the early ’70s, played by the exceptionally talented Alana Haim and Cooper Hoffman. With its laidback and meandering charm, there’s a kind of dreaminess to the movie at times. Equally, though its plot doesn’t unfold in a conventional way. And, although it’s a comedy, it's heartfelt with unexpected action and tension, too. One of the best Prime Video movies available today.

Suspiria

Dakota Johnson is convincing as Susie, the newest member of a prestigious dance school in Berlin. (Image credit: Amazon Studios)

This Amazon Original is a supernatural horror inspired by Dario Argento's classic 1977 Italian film of the same name. It stars Dakota Johnson as an American woman who enrols at a prestigious dance academy in Berlin but, unfortunately for her, it’s run by a coven of witches. Tilda Swinton bizarrely but convincingly co-stars in three roles. 

Not for the faint-hearted, you can expect weirdness, gruesome scenes, and lots of deliciously diconcerting atmosphere from this one. Unlike the original film, which used exaggerated colors, it has a bleak and bare palette. Suspiria wasn't a box office hit but, if you like odd, atmospheric movies, it's a great choice.

Creed

It's heart-warming to see Sylvester Stallone back as Rocky all these years later. (Image credit: Warner Bros Pictures)

Creed may be a Rocky spin-off movie, but it's taken on a life of its own. 

This first movie is about Adonis Johnson (Michael B Jordan) who is trained by Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) so he can become a professional boxer like his father, the late Apollo Creed. As Adonis climbs the ranks of the boxing world, he must also confront his own demons and fight for his legacy, with Rocky by his side. 

Creed is an emotional story that's bound to appeal to new fans and those who loved the original Rocky franchise. When you're done, check out Creed II, which is also available via Prime Video. Creed 3is in theaters now and will be coming to Prime Video on April 14, but not for free. Be sure to read our guide to how to watch the Rocky movies in order, too, if you need to catch up on some of the best Prime Video movies.

Star Trek (2009)

Zachary Quinto and Chris Pine are brilliant as young Spock and Kirk. (Image credit: Paramount Pictures)

Star Trek (2009) is a quais-reboot of the legendary sci-fi franchise. It's about a young James T. Kirk (Chris Pine) and Spock (Zachary Quinto), who must fight – alongside the rest of their crew – against a vengeful Romulan called Captain Nero (Eric Bana) who wants to destroy the Earth. 

Whether you love the Star Trek or not, this is a fresh take on the classic franchise and a fun adventure through time and space that's packed with fast-paced action. When you're finished, watch Prime Video's selection of later Star Trek reboot movies, like Star Trek Beyond and Star Trek Into Darkness. Alternatively, read our guide to how to watch Star Trek in order, which features all of the franchise's TV shows and movies to date. 

Everything Everywhere All At Once

Evelyn must battle threats from other universes alongside her daughter Joy and husband Wayland, or at least some versions of them. (Image credit: A24)

Everything Everywhere All At Once is a brilliant and bonkers movie that's been won multiple awards on the 2023 circuit.

It tells the tale of Evelyn (played by the wonderful Michelle Yeoh), who discovers she's connected to multiple alternate universes and could be the key to defeating a dark and unknowable cosmic threat. This is a mind-bending, genre-defying adventure big on action, comedy and, heart. If you want to catch up on Everything Everywhere All at Once's Best Picture Oscar rivals before this year's ceremony, read our guide to where to watch the Oscar Best Picture nominees.

A Quiet Place

John Krasinski is fantastic to watch as Lee Abbott and he also directed the movie.  (Image credit: Paramount Pictures)

In A Quiet Place, aliens with incredible hearing have taken over the planet and killed most of the population. The Abbott family have survived by staying as silent as possible, which means they avoid attracting the deadly aliens that hunt by sound. However, their peaceful existence is threatened and they must hunt for a new place to live.

In an era where movies have become increasingly reliant on explosive and bombastic sound to appeal to audiences, A Quiet Place's penchant for silence and/or softly spoken dialog makes for incredibly tense and terrifying viewing. When you're done, if you can handle the tension, watch the sequel A Quiet Place Part 2, which is also available on Prime Video.

Mad Max: Fury Road

Every scene in Mad Max: Fury Road is a work of art. (Image credit: Warner Bros Pictures)

The fourth instalment in the Mad Max movie franchise, Mad Max: Fury Road is set in a post-apocalyptic wasteland where life is brutal and water is scarce. 

The titular Max (Tom Hardy) is captured by the crazy tyrant, Immortan Joe (Hugh Keays-Byrne), but it isn't long before Max joins forces with a group of women, who are also trying to escape Joe's clutches – the group being led by Imperator Furiosa (Charlize Theron), a strong and fearless character trying to find her homeland. 

It's been eight years since Fury Road debuted in theaters, but its visuals are striking imagery are as stunning now as they were back then. The tense battle scenes between Joe's army and the rebels are executed perfectly, too, with incredible stunts, high-octane action, and incredible stakes throughout. Oh, and who doesn't want to see a heavy metal guitarist playing a fire-breathing electric guitar while standing on the cockpit of a kitted out truck?