Looking for something great to watch on Prime Video this week? You're in luck. While the platform's top spot is currently held by the slick heist thriller Crime 101 (starring Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, and Halle Berry), there's a treasure trove of cinematic gems waiting for you. Whether you're in the mood for a thought-provoking drama, a sharp comedy, or a joyous musical, we've got you covered. Here are three standout movies streaming on Prime Video right now.
1. 'Do the Right Thing' (1989)
Spike Lee's masterpiece remains as powerful and relevant today as it was upon its release. Set over the course of a sweltering summer day in Brooklyn, the film follows the simmering tensions between the Italian-American owners of a local pizzeria and the predominantly African-American residents of the neighborhood. What starts as a slice-of-life comedy-drama slowly builds to a tragic and explosive climax. Lee himself stars alongside an incredible ensemble that includes Danny Aiello, Ossie Davis, Ruby Dee, Giancarlo Esposito, John Turturro, and Samuel L. Jackson, with early performances from Martin Lawrence and Rosie Perez.
When it debuted in 1989, Do the Right Thing sparked intense debate—praised for its unflinching honesty and criticized for its provocative portrayal of racial conflict. Today, it's widely regarded as one of the greatest American films ever made. It earned two Academy Award nominations and was selected for preservation in the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress in 1999. For fans of perfectly directed cinema, this is a must-watch—check out our ranking of the most perfectly directed classic movies for more.
2. 'Bad Words' (2013)
Jason Bateman made his directorial debut with this delightfully dark comedy, and he also stars as Guy Trilby, a cynical eighth-grade dropout who exploits a loophole to enter a national spelling bee. His mission? To wreak havoc on the competition. But along the way, he forms an unexpected bond with a young competitor (Rohan Chand), leading to moments of surprising warmth. The supporting cast includes Kathryn Hahn, Ben Falcone, Philip Baker Hall, and Allison Janney.
Bad Words divided critics and audiences when it first hit theaters, but it has since gained a cult following for its sharp writing and Bateman's fearless performance as an intentionally unlikeable protagonist. It's a fun, irreverent watch—as long as you don't take it too seriously. If you're in the mood for more underrated gems, check out our list of underrated action horror movies that deserve more love.
3. 'Mamma Mia!' (2008)
Get ready to sing along! This jukebox musical rom-com, based on the hit stage show, follows Sophie (Amanda Seyfried) as she invites three of her mother Donna's former lovers to her wedding, hoping to discover which one is her father. Meryl Streep leads a star-studded cast that includes Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth, Stellan Skarsgård, Julie Walters, Dominic Cooper, and Christine Baranski. The film is a joyful celebration of ABBA's greatest hits, with music by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus.
Though critics were mixed upon its release, Mamma Mia! was a massive box office success, grossing over $700 million worldwide and becoming the fifth highest-grossing film of 2008. Over the years, it has become a beloved fan favorite, cherished for its feel-good story, campy charm, and irresistible soundtrack. A sequel, Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, followed in 2018. For more streaming picks this week, don't miss our roundup of must-see Netflix movies to stream this week.
Whether you're in the mood for a classic drama, a dark comedy, or a musical escape, Prime Video has something for everyone this week. Happy streaming!
