7 Hidden Gem Movies on Prime Video You’ll Wish You Watched Sooner

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Amazon’s Prime Video offers a wealth of less-known, yet remarkable films that many subscribers might overlook. This streaming service boasts popular hits such as Titanic and Spotlight, along with newer sensations like Challengers, Conclave, and Gladiator II. However, cinephiles who have already viewed the most famous movies often seek out hidden gems or underrated films that are off the beaten path. It’s interesting to note that Prime Video serves as an ideal platform for discovering such underappreciated, yet valuable, films. The selection spans across various genres, including horror, Western, and war films, with numerous underrated movies available. To help you uncover these hidden treasures, we’ve rounded up several of the best underrated films on Prime Video.

Here are seven lesser-known movies you’ll love on Amazon Prime Video. Don’t miss out, subscribers – add these hidden treasures to your watchlist immediately before they vanish from the platform!

1) Women Talking

2022 saw the release of Director Sarah Polley’s masterpiece, “Women Talking,” a movie that unfortunately flew under the radar for many. At first glance, this film may appear as a period piece, but its narrative unfolds in contemporary times, focusing on the women of an American Mennonite colony who grapple with a profound realization about their lives and future after enduring sexual violence at the hands of their community’s men. Rich in dialogue and deeply introspective, “Women Talking” tells a powerful story of self-empowerment born from experiences of oppression. The film features an outstanding cast and captivating screenplay. Despite its lack of recognition, “Women Talking” is a film that demands attention and is certain to provoke thought in audiences.

2) Oculus

Mike Flanagan is primarily recognized for his outstanding Netflix series, yet it’s worth noting that the writer-director also created an exceptional horror movie in 2013, which unfortunately hasn’t received enough recognition – “Oculus”. This film focuses on the tumultuous past and present lives of a teenage brother and sister, with a haunting antique mirror serving as the focal point of their family’s tragic history. Flashbacks are a recurring element in Flanagan’s work, and the multi-decade narrative of “Oculus” provides impressive character growth.

While it may not be overly frightening, “Oculus” stands out from typical horror films due to its jump scares, eerie ambiance, and breathtaking finale. The performances of Karen Gillan and Brenton Thwaites in their early careers are exceptional and have contributed significantly to their subsequent success. If you’re a horror enthusiast with an Amazon Prime Video subscription, make sure “Oculus” is on your must-watch list.

3) Short Term 12

Before their collaboration in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, director Destin Daniel Cretton and Brie Larson previously worked together on the 2013 film “Short Term 12”. This movie focuses on Larson’s character, who is a supervisor at a home for troubled teenagers. The story delves into personal and professional struggles, addressing issues such as child abuse and self-harm. Notably, this performance by Larson stands out among her other impressive roles, including the one that earned her an Oscar in 2015’s “Room”. Regrettably, “Short Term 12” has not received enough recognition, but its complex character depictions, endearing personalities, and deeply moving narrative make it a film that will linger in viewers’ minds.

4) The Promise

2016’s “The Promise” is a film that delves into an enthralling love story against the backdrop of the Armenian Genocide during World War I. Directed by Terry George, this movie unfolds a complex love triangle involving Mikael Boghosian (played by Oscar Issaac), a pharmacist from Armenia, Ana Khesarian (Charlotte Le Bon), an Armenian-born artist residing in Paris, and Christopher Myers (Christian Bale), an American journalist. As the Ottoman Empire crumbles, their lives intertwine in a captivating tale of drama, romance, and history. Despite not receiving universal praise upon its release, “The Promise” offers a rich portrayal of these elements. The performances by Issaac, Le Bon, and Bale are particularly noteworthy. By shedding light on one of the less-acknowledged war crimes in history, “The Promise” becomes a significant contribution to storytelling.

5) Encounter

2021 saw Amazon Studios release Michael Pearce’s film “Encounter,” which, surprisingly, didn’t garner much attention on Prime Video. This sci-fi thriller follows U.S. Marine Malik Khan (played by Riz Ahmed), who finds himself in the midst of an extraterrestrial invasion while trying to safeguard his two young sons. “Encounter” is full of unexpected twists, and viewers will be intrigued by the film’s genre-blending narrative journey. Ahmed gives a superb performance as the lead, which powerfully underscores the movie’s poignant themes about trauma and family ties. Sci-fi enthusiasts who appreciate a story with depth will find “Encounter” to be a must-watch.

6) The Railway Man

2013’s “The Railway Man,” directed by Jonathan Teplitzky, tells the story of Eric Lomax (played by Colin Firth), a British Army officer who was imprisoned as a Prisoner of War by Japanese forces during World War II. Decades later, he gets a chance to confront his tormentor. This movie is based on Lomax’s 1995 autobiography and masterfully portrays the true events with great accuracy. Colin Firth delivers a powerful performance that adds depth to the character of Lomax. “The Railway Man” provides a detailed depiction of the atrocities and lasting impacts of war, focusing on themes of revenge and forgiveness. Despite receiving mixed reviews from critics, it’s worth giving this movie a try if you are a Prime Video subscriber, as it encourages deep reflection on a complex subject.

7) Jarhead

In Sam Mendes’ 2005 film “Jarhead,” the story about the Iraq War unfolds with an unusual perspective on military life. The movie is based on real-life events as detailed in Anthony Swofford’s 2003 memoir, and Jake Gyllenhaal plays the role of U.S. Marine Swofford. After rigorous training, Swofford and his comrades reach Iraq expecting intense battle, but they find that their duties mainly consist of standing idle while waiting for action to occur. Throughout the film, Gyllenhaal delivers a captivating performance as he portrays Swofford’s growing frustration. Despite receiving mixed reviews from critics, “Jarhead” stands out in the war genre by highlighting the tedium and senselessness of America’s role in Iraq.

All of these movies are available to stream on Prime Video.

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2025-05-11 02:56