Summer is heating up, and while blockbusters like The Odyssey are poised to dominate, Prime Video is sneaking in a contender that might just steal your weekend. Ride or Die, a new action-comedy series starring Oscar winner Octavia Spencer and Emmy winner Hannah Waddingham, delivers exactly what its title promises: a wild, adrenaline-fueled ride with a core of genuine friendship. But does it stick the landing? Let's break it down.
What's the Story?
Debbie Claybourne (Spencer) and Judith Burton (Waddingham) have been best friends for over 20 years, sharing book clubs, vacations, and antique shopping. But Judith has been hiding a big secret: she's a highly skilled assassin. When one of her targets crosses paths with Debbie and her husband David (Jamie Parker), the truth comes out, and the duo is thrust into a world of car chases, shootouts, and international intrigue. Executive producer Peyton Reed (Ant-Man) directs the first two episodes, setting a breakneck pace with kinetic fight scenes and inventive choreography. Waddingham, already known for her comedic timing, transforms into a full-fledged action star, bringing intensity and brutality to every encounter.
Too Many Plots, But Great Characters
The series builds a rich world around Judith's shadowy agency, run by the enigmatic Director (Bill Nighy). Alongside Interpol and the Albanian mob, there's plenty of moving parts. While the Albanians feel one-note, other characters like Queenie (Savannah Steyn) and Sam (Calam Lynch) have intriguing backstories that intersect in satisfying ways. However, the show suffers from one subplot too many, especially past the midpoint. Trimming a storyline—or cutting to seven episodes—could have made the season more focused. Still, the dangling threads leave room for a potential second season, and the cast's rapport makes you want to see more.
The Real Love Story: Friendship
Buddy duos are a staple of action comedies, but female-led ones are rarer. Ride or Die joins the ranks of The Heat and The Spy Who Dumped Me with a winning combination. Spencer and Waddingham have incredible synchronicity, selling a friendship that feels lived-in and genuine. There's also romance—Judith's chemistry with Ed Skrein's Billy Donovan is electric, and Debbie catches the eye of Interpol officer Jacques (Jacky Ido). But the heart of the series is the platonic soulmates at its center, a smart choice by creator Tessa Coates. The show ultimately lives or dies by its leads, and they make it worth the ride.
If you're looking for more great content on Prime Video, check out our list of Best Movies on Prime Video: July 13, 2026, or see why Zendaya and Robert Pattinson's 'The Drama' is a streaming sensation. For horror fans, Mike Flanagan's modern 'Carrie' is coming to Prime Video.
Ride or Die is an exhilarating, if slightly overstuffed, adventure that celebrates the rare people who stick with you through thick and thin—even if that means jumping off a moving train while evading assassins. It's a satisfying ride that leaves you hoping for more.
