On Amazon Prime Video, you’ll find a broad range of content catering to various tastes. We’re focusing on the lesser-known yet popular catalog titles that may not be among the top 10 but still offer enough universal appeal to warrant a viewing recommendation. This means we’re excluding Prime Video originals like “Deep Cover” and “Heads of State”, both excellent choices, from our current discussion.
To clarify, we’re excluding the top-rated studio films that are currently featured prominently on Prime Video‘s homepage such as “The Accountant 2” and “The Fall Guy”. There’s a variety of movies on Prime Video right now that are definitely worth checking out – from thrillers about deadly fish to nostalgic ’80s police dramas.
1) Piranha 3D
Back in August 2010, I found myself watching “Piranha 3D” that didn’t exactly light up the box office, but it should have. This movie was tailor-made for a summer horror-comedy experience! The story unfolds as a brave sheriff takes on the challenge of rescuing hordes of spring breakers from the jaws of a menacing swarm of piranha, unleashed from an underwater cave.
Remarkably gruesome like a horror flick featuring beasts, Piranha 3D isn’t recommended for family viewing. But if you’re fond of films where creatures go rampant with a witty twist, this movie is a contemporary gem in the world of B-movies, boasting an edge of satire. While watching it on a streaming platform may not replicate the same 3D experience as back in 2010 in cinemas, it’s still worth giving it a try.
2) The Way, Way Back
Nat Faxon and Jim Rash’s “The Way, Way Back” tells the delightful story of Duncan, a timid teenager who reluctantly joins his mother and her new partner at their summer beach house. At this seaside retreat, he lands a job at a water park and learns to live life boldly under the guidance of fellow water park employee Owen (played exceptionally well by Sam Rockwell in one of his finest performances).
Similar to how “Piranha 3D” was released during the summer season and served as an entertaining watch for those hot days, so does “The Way, Way Back”. However, it’s essential to note that these two films are quite distinct. While “Piranha” is filled with thrilling action and gore, “Way Back” overflows with endearing charm.
3) They Came Together
In “They Came Together,” we follow the unlikely love story between Molly, a small candy store owner, and Joel, a corporate drone from a candy company. Despite having contrasting views on the candy industry, they are brought together by mutual friends. Initially, their relationship is strained, but can these two polar opposites find compatibility? Meanwhile, will Joel’s boss need to find a new Halloween costume after an unfortunate accident ruined his zip-up green superhero suit?
They Came Together” is likely considered a specialized type of comedy, but if you find it amusing, it’s consistently laugh-out-loud funny. To determine if this film suits your taste, consider whether you enjoyed “Wet Hot American Summer.” If so, you’ll adore this one as well. However, “They Came Together” is less exclusive than “Wet Hot” because anyone who has watched a romantic comedy will grasp some of its humor and recognize the director David Wain and cast’s intentions. There are numerous jokes in this movie!
4) The Fog
John Carpenter’s subsequent film to “Halloween,” titled “The Fog,”, takes a unique turn from the Michael Myers-centric classic. Nevertheless, it holds its own as a classic in its own right. Instead of focusing on a terrifying figure like Michael Myers, this movie revolves around the townsfolk of Antonio Bay, California, who are busy preparing for their centennial celebration. Unbeknownst to them, this anniversary commemorates a darker past: the deliberate sinking of a ship carrying lepers, and the theft of their gold by the town’s original six founders. The vengeful spirits of these drowned men have returned as ghosts, utilizing a luminescent fog as a weapon to attack the town and wipe out the descendants of those six men responsible.
Although The Fog might be a bit brief, nearly every other aspect excels. The music, which showcases Carpenter’s finest work (an impressive feat), is superbly delivered. Adrienne Barbeau’s performance as radio host Stevie Wayne is exceptional, and the glowing fog, with its memorable imagery, has left a lasting impact.
5) Colors
In simpler terms, the movie titled “Colors,” directed by Dennis Hopper, focuses on two LAPD officers belonging to the C.R.A.S.H. (Community Resources Against Street Hoodlums) unit. Robert Duvall portrays Officer Bob Hodges, a veteran officer who has built a connection with the community. The newcomer, Officer Danny McGavin played by Sean Penn, exhibits reckless behavior that could jeopardize the rapport established by Officer Hodges.
Without a doubt, some elements of the movie Colors might seem reminiscent of the ’80s, but it’s usually a potent film. The direction by Hopper and Penn is commendable, and Duvall’s performance alongside his co-stars is exceptional. Notably, some actors who went on to fame appear in the early stages of their careers, such as Don Cheadle, Damon Wayans, Mario Lopez, Courtney Gains, and the late Tony Todd. Colors serves as an engaging companion piece to End of Watch.
6) Abigail
Abigail joins a gang of thieves who have been hired to rob a shrouded mansion’s owner, intending to kidnap his daughter for ransom. However, there are complications in their scheme. Firstly, the mansion’s owner is a notoriously violent criminal. Secondly, the daughter is actually a vampire, and she could potentially view the robbers as her next meal.
Similar to the films “Ready or Not”, “Scream” (2022), and “Scream VI”, the movie “Abigail” solidifies Tyler Gillett and Matt Bettinelli-Olpin (known as Radio Silence) as two of today’s leading horror directors. It stands out as one of the top modern vampire movies, offering a lively atmosphere, an abundance of gore, and exceptional acting from its cast members.
7) Kill the Irishman
In a nutshell, “Kill the Irishman” recounts my personal journey as Danny Green, an Irish longshore worker with a knack for connecting with people and persuasive charm. My unexpected rise to the interim presidency of the International Longshoremen’s Association seemed almost destined, but alas, fortune turned sour when I inadvertently crossed paths with the Mafia. The ensuing cat-and-mouse game between us was relentless and treacherous, as they dispatched a formidable squad of assassins to eliminate me. Despite their best efforts, my story doesn’t end there; it’s a testament to resilience and the indomitable human spirit.
Among Val Kilmer’s less recognized films, “Kill the Irishman” stands out as one where Ray Stevenson truly shines. Similar to Kilmer, we unfortunately lost Stevenson recently, and this movie provided an excellent platform for him to display his acting versatility. As a whole, without Stevenson, it’s a decent gangster film with an intriguing central concept, but Stevenson takes it to the level of a must-see production.
8) How to Train Your Dragon 2
Training Your Dragon 2 resumes five years after the first film’s events. The Vikings have found camaraderie with dragons due to young Hiccup and Toothless’ inspiring bond. In the present, Hiccup and Toothless explore unexplored areas of Berk, but an encounter in a cave introduces them to Valka, who is none other than Hiccup’s long-lost mother. As they bond, their peaceful homeland faces threat from the fierce warrior Drago.
The three animated “How to Train Your Dragon” movies were both critically and commercially successful, with a compelling case made for the second film in the trilogy as the best. Similar to the first, it delivers powerful emotional moments and raises the action to thrilling heights. With the live-action reboot of the original nearing its end in cinemas, “How to Train Your Dragon 2” is no longer a popular choice on Prime Video, but with the recent surge in interest for the franchise, it’s an excellent time to catch up on this overlooked gem.
9) You’re Next
The movie “You’re Next” features Sharni Vinson as Erin, who accompanies her boyfriend Crispian Davison to a family gathering at their large vacation house. However, the peaceful dinner is disrupted when masked individuals, resembling animals, start murdering the family members one by one.
In my opinion, few contemporary slasher films can compare to the nail-biting thrill of “You’re Next.” This blood-drenched journey is not only unexpected but also remarkably gripping. The exceptional performance by Sharni Vinson in the lead role was nothing short of phenomenal and, had it been more widely recognized, could have catapulted her to stardom right here in America.
10) Bait
In a chilling Australian thriller titled “Bait,” the action unfolds mainly inside a supermarket. The story revolves around Josh, a former lifeguard who tragically lost his friend and Tina’s brother to a great white shark. A year has passed, and a tsunami has struck, trapping Josh, Tina (who is now his ex-fiancée, accompanied by her new boyfriend), supermarket employees, a young couple, and a pair of robbers (one portrayed by the late Julian McMahon) within the store. The 12 ft great white shark is swimming menacingly among the aisles.
One of the top shark movies not called “Jaws”, often recognized as “Bait” or “Bait 3D”, failed to appear on U.S. screens. Similar to many shark films that didn’t get a wide release like “Jaws” or “The Meg”, it can be easily overlooked. However, its quality surpasses the unassuming impression given by its title, especially since it stars Sharni Vinson. Thus, it makes for an excellent follow-up to a double feature night after watching “You’re Next” (or “Piranha 3D”, if you prefer).
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2025-07-19 04:40