From The Banshees of Inisherin (2022) to No Country for Old Men (2007), these are the best movies on Amazon Prime India streaming as of December 2022.
With Amazon Prime strongly pitted against Netflix, there’s so much the streaming giant has to offer lately. It is steadily growing its catalogue of films and TV shows, featuring indie gems and character-driven stories from across languages and genres. While Netflix boasts more international content, Amazon has gone big on ramping up its local content library. Newer releases have also been making their way to the streaming platform, giving audiences a good mix of blockbuster cinema and thoughtful films to choose from. This was especially evident during the pandemic when audiences were no longer able to access traditional methods of watching films. Instead, they discovered and duly appreciated hidden gems on Amazon.
We’ve sifted through it all and bring you some of the best movies on Amazon Prime India across languages and genres. Bookmark this list to keep track of fresh titles out on Amazon Prime every month. These films were playing as of Dec 28, 2022.
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1. Everything Everywhere All At Once (2022)
In this poignant tale of a middle-aged Chinese immigrant, Dan Kwan and Daniel Scheinert’s direction pushes the multiverse craze to wild new heights. Evelyn, played remarkably by Michelle Yeoh, is a Chinese-American woman who runs a Laundromat with her estranged husband Waymond. Evelyn struggles to connect with her melancholic daughter, Joy (Stephanie Hsu). Chaos ensues when Evelyn is forced to confront a sinister villain travelling across different universes. Kwan and Scheinert use the multiverse concept to sincerely explore themes of family, intergenerational trauma, and disillusionment. The bizarre narrative also touches upon the philosophies of Nietzsche and Albert Camus.
2. The Banshees of Inisherin (2022)
Irish writer-director (Three Billboards and In Bruges) Martin McDonagh give us a delectably melancholic story set in 1920s Ireland starring Brendan Gleeson and Colin Farrell. A tragicomedy of a male friendship gone awry, The Banshees of Insherin looks a solid contender for the Oscars’ Best Picture race. McDonagh’s incisive writing and the world he creates within the film, together with his finely cast ensemble elevate this absurdist piece of work. The film is also streaming on HBO Max.
3. Dune (2021)
Denis Villeneuve’s Dune is the perfect Hollywood blockbuster, which also provides the welcome relief from the tiring superhero movies. In Dune, Villeneuve successfully realizes the epic scale of author Frank Herbert’s vision. This is the planned two-part adaptation of Herbert’s first book in the Dune series. The film’s sprawling space opera narrative largely revolves around Paul, the gifted heir of House Atreides.
Villeneuve’s slow-burn narrative brilliantly sets up the Shakespearean tale of power and betrayal. Though there aren’t many surprises in the narrative, the grandeur and attention to detail makes it an enthralling experience. Like in Arrival and Blade Runner 2049, Villeneuve delivers a satisfying spectacle without following the conventions of modern-day Hollywood features. Dune 2 Review: A Fantastic Return To Another World
4. City of God (2002)
The iconic Brazilian gangster film City of God is based on the semi-autobiographical eponymous novel by Paulo Lins. The film documents the beginnings of a poor neighborhood, set up to rehabilitate people who had formerly been cast out from Rio’s slums ahead of the city’s beautifying drive. Flush with violence and corruption, the film’s gritty portrayal of the favelas of Rio de Janeiro contribute to its formidable reputation. Brazil’s entry in the Foreign Film category, City of God was nominated for four Academy Awards.
5. Judas and the Black Messiah (2021)
Shaka King’s historical drama on Fred Hampton and Black Panthers reverberates with high energy and passion. The 21-year old black activist was under FBI surveillance and eventually assassinated by them. Anchored by outstanding performances from Daniel Kaluuya and Lakeith Stanfield, the film works well within the mainstream liberal discourse. It also offers a portrait of the deceptive, paranoid FBI, a perspective that’s far removed from the usual Hollywood portrayals.
Watch Judas and the Black Messiah on Amazon Prime
6. Sarpatta Parambarai (2021, Tamil)
Boxing dramas have a familiar trajectory that can lose their way amidst the clichés and narrative tropes. Director Pa. Ranjith, however, utilizes a time-worn boxing narrative, to shape a powerful tale about empowerment against caste and class oppression. Led by a brilliant ensemble cast, Sarpatta Parambarai‘s richly layered characters and strong social and political undertones make it much more than an underdog boxer film. Sarpatta Parambarai made it to our best movies of 2021 list.
Watch Sarpatta Parambarai on Amazon Prime
7. Minari (2020)
A Sundance winner, Minari follows a Korean American family in 1980s America who move from California to an Arkansas farm in search of their American dreams. A classic immigrant story but with unique details and characters, Minari is an autobiographical drama by Lee Isaac Chung portraying cultural decisions that the family must make to assimilate while staying true to their own culture.
Watch Minari on Amazon Prime
8. La La Land (2016)
La La Land is an astounding example of great storytelling blended with outstanding performances and a stirring soundtrack. It was the year’s most ravishing cinematic experience.
Linus Sandgren’s cinematography in La La Land is drop-dead gorgeous. If something truly levitates the film from the technical aspect other than the soundtrack it’s the masterful camerawork.
9. Titli (2014)
Titli’s titular character wants to break free from his gangster family and start life afresh as a law-abiding citizen. However, things change when he gets married. Dibakar Banerjee‘s film captures the gloomy essence of Eastern Delhi to full tilt. And features a solid rendering of its fairly dark subject.
Watch Titli on Amazon Prime
10. Saraansh (1984)
In what is remembered as Anupam Kher’s best performance, Saraansh is a story of a mother and father adjusting to life after their son is killed in a mugging accident. It is an intriguing portrayal of the social circumstantial complexity of life. The film, among the finest in Mahesh Bhatt’s filmography, was India’s official entry to the Academy Awards that year.
Watch Saaransh on Amazon Prime
11. Blow The Man Down (2020)
A regional noir, Blow The Man Down world premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival early last year. The dark comedy thriller is a sparkling debut from writer-director duo Bridget Savage Cole-Danielle Krudy. Not to be missed.
Watch Blow The Man Down on Amazon Prime
12. Portrait of a Lady on Fire (2019)
A young female painter is commissioned by a lady to sketch her daughter’s portrait for a suitor in Milan. Set in the 18th century, the film follows the romantic relationship between the reluctant bride and her painter. With an all woman cast, director Celine Sciamma handles a nuanced enigmatic drama with her signature minimalism, and won the best screenplay at the Cannes. If you liked Girlhood by the same director, you’ll love this one.
Watch Portrait of a Lady on Fire on Amazon Prime
13. Gully Boy (2019)
Gully Boy is the 8 Mile of Bollywood. The film is a bare, raw and fierce portrayal of life for the less fortunate. One up for Zoya Akhtar who takes the reins and steers Gully Boy to incredible commercial and critical success. It’s one hell of an incredibly well-made film. Do not miss.
Watch Gully Boy on Amazon Prime
14. A Beautiful Mind (2001)
The story revolves around John Nash, a Nobel laureate in Economics and the effect of paranoid schizophrenia on him and his wife Alicia. After considering many actors, including Gary Oldman and Sean Penn for John Nash’s part, director Ron Howard ultimately cast Russel Crowe. The film went on to win 4 Academy Awards.
Watch A Beautiful Mind on Amazon Prime
15. Raazi (2018)
A taut thriller helped by an edge-of-the-seat narrative and a fine ensemble of actors, Raazi is a wartime tale set in 1971. It chronicles the true story of a young Kashmiri girl trained as a spy and sent behind the enemy lines ahead of the Indo-Pak war. Alia Bhatt as Sehmat renders some fine, jaw-dropping moments and her character transition is smooth. She brings out the innocence and brazenness with equal conviction. Watch Raazi for Meghna Gulzar’s compelling storytelling, supported by brilliant performances.
Watch Raazi on Amazon Prime
16. Pariyerum Perumal (2018, Tamil)
A guy belonging to an oppressed caste falls in love with a girl from an upper caste. Things crumble when their families intervene, creating numerous complications. This is one of the best Tamil films of 2018, one that refrains from being preachy and renders its message with avidity.
Watch Pariyerum Perumal on Amazon Prime
17. Adhe Kangal (2017, Tamil)
This is a delicious Tamil thriller that boasts a captivating story. It’s about a visually impaired chef who falls for a woman he barely knows. The nicely fleshed out characters and tight hold on the script make it one of the best Tamil movies on Amazon Prime.
Watch Adhe Kangal on Amazon Prime
18. Chris Nolan Films (2017)
Amazon Prime has almost all Christopher Nolan films. From Interstellar and Inception, to Dunkirk to The Dark Knight trilogy, the catalogue covers most of Nolan’s filmography.
Watch Dunkirk on Amazon Prime
19. The Big Sick (2017)
Although billed as a romantic comedy, The Big Sick is a fresh and very thoughtful take on relationships. Kumail Nanjiani’s amusing performance and his arresting screenplay stay with you for a long time. It’s one of the best romances of the 21st century.
Watch The Big Sick on Amazon Prime
20. Theeran Adhigaaram Ondru (2017, Tamil)
Few action films bring to the forth the aftermath of violence. Theeran is one of the best Tamil thrillers that vigorously shows the graveness of the crimes. The film was also on Flickside’s top Tamil movies of 2017 list.
Watch Theeran Adhigaaram Ondru on Amazon Prime
21. Wonder Woman (2017)
Directed by Patty Jenkins, Wonder Woman is a monumental film for all ages. It’s one of the best comic book films ever made. The finest film on women empowerment, Wonder Woman shows Gal Gadot in her most rousing avatar.
Watch Wonder Woman on Amazon Prime
22. No Country for Old Men (2007)
Based on Cormac McCarthy’s novel, No Country for Old Men is a meditation on the darker aspects of the human condition. It’s also a grim commentary on the violence and dread that haunts the American nation. Coen Brothers’ regular cinematographer Roger Deakins splendidly realizes this gloomy spectacle. No Country for Old Men largely unfolds like a tense chase film. Yet the Coens’ deep characterizations and artful staging transcends the limitations of the sub-genre in order to ask bigger questions. Set in a greedy and amoral landscape, the narrative zeroes-in on the role of violence in human society. The lack of a cathartic resolution brilliantly emphasizes how violence offers no answers.
23. Nayakan (1987, Tamil)
The gangster epic — inspired by Mario Puzo’s Godfather — brought together three greats of Indian cinema. Kamal Haasan, Illayaraja and Mani Ratnam. It’s the story of a downtrodden young, rebellious guy becoming a savior of the fellow downtrodden. The film is partly based on real-life Tamil gangster Varadarajan Mudaliar. The nuance Kamal Haasan brings to the central role is up there with Brando’s Corleone.
Other great titles in Ratnam’s filmography — Iruvar, Mouna Raagam, Bombay, Roja, Kannathil Muthamittal, Alaipaayuthey, Thalapathi are also streaming on Prime.
Watch Nayakan on Amazon Prime
24. Pather Panchali, Aparajito (1955, 1956, Bengali)
This was the debut film of Satyajit Ray and is one of the few favourite films of Christopher Nolan. It offers a realistic look into the life of a Bengali family who struggles with poverty. Ray’s second film in the Apu Trilogy Aparajito, portrays the bustle of city life. The film is devoid of melodrama and stays highly insightful and raw in underlining its context.
25. Shutter Island (2010)
A great suspense thriller that stays watertight and doesn’t reveal anything until the very end. DiCaprio plays a US marshal who unravels shocking truths about an asylum situated in a remote area.
Watch Shutter Island on Amazon Prime
26. The Hurt Locker (2008)
One of the best war films ever made, The Hurt Locker takes a close look at the life of a young soldier who disposes of bombs — a job which people rarely survive. The sheer intensity of the film is such that the audience feels like they are in the battlefield right alongside Jeremy Renner, hoping to God that he wouldn’t accidentally snag a trip wire. This is one you don’t want to miss out on.
Watch The Hurt Locker on Amazon Prime
27. The Lord of the Ring Trilogy (2001-2003)
Peter Jackson’s epic needs no introduction. It’s one-of-its-kind fantasy films made in the history of cinema. The trilogy encapsulates unparalleled action and storytelling that is full of original characters and high on emotions. Shot back-to-back, the film released in three consecutive years.
Watch Lord of the Rings trilogy on Amazon Prime
28. Fight Club (1999)
David Fincher’s Fight Club was a late bloomer. Adapted from Chuck Palahniuk’s novel of the same name, Fight Club is everyone’s story. Edward Norton’s performance received immense praise along with The Dust Brothers’ electrifying soundtrack. The film later gained a cult status.
Watch Fight Club on Amazon Prime
29. LA Confidential (1997)
This masterpiece of a film ranks near the top of my all-time favourite movies. It delivers on all fronts so flawlessly. It gives me the noir feel I love, but at the same time nailing the story and not being too far-fetched. LA Confidential may just be the last great film noir.
Watch LA Confidential on Amazon Prime
30. Heat (1995)
A detective, decides to nab a highly intelligent seasonal criminal who has vowed to pull off one last robbery before he retires for good. We all are familiar with how the last act thing goes. What makes Heat remarkable is its intensity. Engrossing from start to finish.
Watch Heat on Amazon Prime
31. Pyaasa (1957)
Guru Dutt’s Pyaasa is a masterpiece that highlights his best work as a filmmaker. He plays the role of a poet, who tries to get his work published but faces constant rejection. It’s one of the rare Bollywood films where songs weren’t mere fillers but aided the narrative. It’s on TIME Magazine’s All-Time Top 100 Movies list.
Watch Pyaasa on Amazon Prime
32. Newton (2016)
Amit Masurkar’s Newton is a darkly comic examination of a frail democratic process. Rajkummar Rao spectacularly plays the titular character, a young idealist who does things by the book. Director Masurkar strikes a perfect balance between satirical humor and tense interplay.
Watch Newton on Amazon Prime
Conclusion
There it is! These are the 32 best Amazon Prime movies available for streaming. We’ve included some lovely slice-of-life films, as well as potboilers and blockbusters. With an ever expanding palette for all kinds of cinema, streaming services are offering a wide range of films spanning different genres. If you’re up for a psychological thriller, check out French film Titane on Amazon Prime.
Over to you now! Which of these is your favourite? What did we miss? Tell us your favourites in the comments below. Sign up for our newsletter to get recommendations on the best films and TV shows, straight to your inbox. Or hop over to our Instagram for new movie recommendations.
Thanks for the reccos. Bookmarked!
Minari was a gem! Everything Everywhere All At Once was so overrated.