What to Watch on Prime Video | Must See Movies Now Available

Do you have a Prime Video subscription? If so don’t miss out on some really great movies that are apart of your subscription that came to Prime Video on November 1st. Here’s your guide to some of my favorites that are now available to you.

1. The Apartment (1960)

This guy holds the key to success…

How do you follow up 1959’s Some Like It Hot, without question one of the greatest comedies ever made? That was the question facing screenwriter Billy Wilder. His answer was with The Apartment, another all-time classic, and once more starring Jack Lemmon. Lemmon is C.C. Baxter, a New York insurance drone who attempts to climb the corporate ladder by loaning his brownstone to the company’s executives so they might commit adultery in peace. Trouble comes about when Baxter, himself, falls for one of his boss’ favorites, elevator operator Fran Kubelik (Shirley MacLaine). Winner of five Academy Awards including Best Picture and Best Director, certainly rare for a comedy film, but this timeless picture is no ordinary comedy, it’s also tender, cynical, and risqué. So much so, that some entertainment papers of the time, dismissed it as a “dirty fairy tale.”

2. Airplane! (1980)

This is a flight you will remember…

Airplane!, taking off from the ‘70s disaster movie runway, lobbed zingers at speed, clearing the way for Naked Gun and other movie mockers to follow. This film is the mother of all mirth-splattering mischief-makers, and this is partly due to its inspired restraint. Directors Jim Abrahams, David Zucker and Jerry Zucker instructed the cast “We want you to pretend that you don’t know you’re in a comedy.” Alongside broad skits on Saturday Night Fever and Jaws, some lines and names were lifted direct from 1957’s inflight food-poisoning drama Zero Hour! Serious actors mischievously counter-cast included Peter Graves as a pedophile, while self-styled “closet comedian” Leslie Nielsen brought a fart machine to set and dropped deadpan one-liners with pungent drollery. Just don’t call him… (come closer, I’ll whisper it.)

3. Silver Linings Playbook (2012)

Hey, look on the bright side…

Director David O. Russell, despite chaotic on-set accounts, clearly has a way with getting the best out of his actors. The first film in 30 years to be nominated for all four acting Oscars (a trick by the way, Russell would repeat with American Hustle), Silver Linings Playbook would take home one of those. Jennifer Lawrence, who replaced the departing Anne Hathaway, would secure the Oscar as Tiffany, a widow who enters a dance competition with Bradley Cooper’s Pat, a former teacher with bipolar disorder who returns from a mental-health facility to live with his parents. What appears on screen is an invigorating story, thanks to committed performances and Russell’s deconstruction of typical romcomdram tropes. What really makes the film with serious subject matter a winning success, is its grin-inducing, punch-the-air finale.

4. Meet John Doe (1941)

This is American individualism…

Meet John Doe is now considered the climax of a trilogy in which famed Hollywood director Frank Capra dealt with American individualism, following 1936’s Mr. Deeds Goes to Town and 1939’s Mr. Smith Goes to Washington. After helping to establish Gary Cooper’s all-American image in Mr. Deeds Goes to Town, Capra propels him into the ranks of top Hollywood stars with this outing. Ironically, the former presented him as a man who keeps his small-town ideals despite a bruising encounter with big-city corruption, while Meet John Doe presents him as a man with no true ideology who develops his ideals after almost being destroyed by political manipulators. Thanks to this film and the release of Sergeant York later the same year, Cooper made his first appearance on the year-end list of top box office stars.

5. Midnight in Paris (2011)

A spiritual walk through Paris of the 1920s…

While in Paris with his fiancée, Inez (Rachel McAdams), frustrated screenwriter Gil (Owen Wilson) takes to wandering the Left Bank after hours in search of the artistic mojo of the city’s 1920s heyday. It turns out these streets hold more than meets the eye, when F. Scott Fitzgerald (Tom Hiddleston) stops to offer him a lift, and his quest takes on literal and literary dimensions. The premise is a setup for yes, ridiculous, but oh so stunning fantasy film. Gil ends up getting caught between the potential affections of three wonderful women, not including a brief flirtation with France’s First Lady, Carla Bruni, as a museum guide. The stunning Marion Cotillard, as former Picasso paramour Adriana, is Gil’s chief distraction, with Inez sucking up to Michael Sheen’s pompous professor. The point of this wonderful film is as director Woody Allen says “Nostalgia is form of denial, every era glances back to another as the ideal. Grasp your time.”

6. Gosford Park (2001)

The Murder Mystery…

One can bask in the old-world majesty, gossamer plotting and acute ear for English social mores, thanks to screenwriter Julian Fellowes, a master of the milieu. Director Robert Altman skewers the English class system with precision in 2001’s Gosford Park. On early dame duties, the formidable Maggie Smith, spearheads a typically fantastic Altman ensemble that boasts Michael Gambon, Helen Mirren, Kristin Scott Thomas, Clive Owen, Charles Dance, Ryan Phillippe, and a lot more. Frankly, it might be easier to list who is not in this fine film. Per typical, Altman’s film cooly dissects the myths of this upstairs/downstairs world; that all aristocrats are elegantly commanding and all servants cap-doffing diffident, and gives us a mix of blunderers and misanthropes, made more chaotic by the sudden revelation that Michael Gambon’s host has been murdered. With the camera constantly in motion, rich characters spilling from the frame, and the overlapping dialogue, this all adds up to Altman’s unique trademark style and it creates a sense of a world in elegant tumult.

7. School of Rock (2003)

Battle of the Bands…

Jack Black is a big personality and it takes a special movie to capture all that is magical about Jack Black, but School of Rock did it so well that an entire business chain was created to capitalize on kids wanting to learn to kick a** in a band. The film is a hilarious crowd-pleaser, with Black playing a struggling rocker, Dewey Finn who sees an opportunity to win a Battle of the Bands using his reluctant prep school students. Director Richard Linklater utilizes the Mike White script to make a tonally perfect film full of infectious energy.

8. Catch-22 (1970)

Yossarian lives…

Granted this Mike Nichols adaptation of the famed Joseph Heller novel doesn’t quite match its source material, but it’s a solid production nonetheless. Starring the late Alan Arkin as Yossarian, a young bombardier who goes to desperate lengths to get out of his fighting duties during World War II, it’s a compelling exploration of the madness inherent in warfare, with its uniquely comedic take on a strong anti-war narrative makes it a standout among other stories surrounding the Second World War.

9. Mean Girls (2004)

It’s the girls vs the girls…

The crowning glory of what once was a bright future for star Lindsay Lohan, in Mean Girls she is new girl Cady Heron, taking on A-group the ‘Plastics’ led by Queen Bee Regina George (Rachel McAdams). Lohan’s Cady is the likable access point to a movie that examines the complex self-constructed social classes in girl-group dynamics. Helping Mean Girls get this spot on is the fact that it’s adapted not from fiction but a self-help book Queen Bees and Wannabes by Rosalind Wiseman, aimed at aiding parents of teenage girls in negotiating the nightmare years of female adolescence. The biting screenplay from SNL alum Tina Fey developed with SNL producer Lorne Michaels and directed by Freaky Friday’s Mark Waters is altogether hilarious, excruciating and poignant. This is all mostly true as long as you’re not currently living it, as Fey is on record stating “Adults find it funny, young people watch it like a reality show.”

10. The Holiday (2006)

From Surrey to Los Angeles with love…

The Holiday is a wonderful holiday-adjacent film, the film concerned with relationships, has not one, but two great romantic stories in its runtime, not to mention all the wonderful aspects of friendship that run throughout as well. Romantic comedies, not your thing, I get it… But don’t sleep on this film. Because as much fun as it is watching Amanda (Cameron Diaz) and Graham (Jude Law) fall for each other, or Jack Black’s Miles sweeping Kate Winslet’s Iris off her feet, the real winning moments are watching Iris bond with Arthur played by Eli Wallach. The Hanukkah party with all of Arthur’s friends may be one of my favorite moments of the entire film. And the settings in the film are just about as stunning as the cast and plot, moving seamlessly from Surrey to Los Angeles and back again. The film’s Prime Video availability makes it a perfect addition to your pre-Christmas rotation.

11. Scrooged (1988)

Did we just get Charles Dickens twisted…

Scrooged is an inventive, enjoyable, dark and twisted take on Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” starring Bill Murray as the reimagined Ebenezer Scrooge. The dark comedy follows Frank Cross (Murray), a successful but cynical television executive who is visited by three Christmas spirits intent on helping him rectify past mistakes. Murray’s performance as a sarcastic crank is hilarious and the film holds several other fantastic casting decisions including New York Dolls’ band member David Johansen as the cab-driving Ghost of Christmas Past and Carol Kane as the enchanting, yet volatile Ghost of Christmas Present.

12. Just Like Heaven (2005)

A heavenly romance…

Named after the dreamy alt rock song from The Cure, the 2005 romantic comedy Just Like Heaven sees Reese Witherspoon playing the ghost of a comatose woman who “haunts” her apartment’s new tenant David, played by Mark Ruffalo. David happens to be a widower, and naturally, the two begin to fall for each other as David seeks to restore Witherspoon’s Elizabeth’s soul before her doctors disconnect her from life support. The film isn’t perhaps, the sexiest romantic comedy, but for the hopeless romantics and for those just looking for a fun movie, Just Like Heaven has plenty of uplifting spirit.

13. The Lady in the Van

The Somewhat True Story of Miss Mary Shepherd…

Miss Mary Shepherd, a homeless woman, parked her van in playwright Alan Bennett’s driveway for 15 years and The Lady in the Van tells her story. Dame Maggie Smith brilliantly captured Miss Shepherd’s eccentricities, with the portrait of a guarded, enigmatic woman while alluding to a hidden past. The performance earned Smith her ninth Golden Globe nomination. Despite Shepherd’s demanding demeanor, Smith is able to infuse the character with depth and likability, making The Lady in the Van an endearing film.

14. Mr. Mom (1983)

Should this guy really be in charge of the kids…

Sure Mr. Mom is dated in its stereotypes concerning gender roles and parenting, but it certainly is funny. The movie portrays the hilarity of a father (Michael Keaton) who has no experience running a household and must adapt when his wife goes to work and becomes the breadwinner. This was one of Keaton’s first starring roles, and showcases his ability in the comedy world and it’s still a fun film to watch four decades later.

15. Roxanne (1987)

Dream a little dream…

”It’s not a big dream, it’s just a little dream.” In Roxanne, the modern retelling of the classic Cyrano de Bergerac story, Steve Martin plays C.D. Bales, a witty fire chief with an exceptionally large nose. Bales is a beloved figure in his community, despite his physical insecurity. He falls for the beautiful and intelligent Roxanne, played by Daryl Hannah, but believes she could never return his feelings due to his appearance. Instead, he helps a handsome but less articulate firefighter named Chris (Rick Rossovich) woo her by feeding him lines and advice. The result is a subtly charming and occasionally poignant romantic comedy. To this day, Roxanne maintains a warmth and charm that can’t help but be infectious thanks primarily to the appeal of the central character.

16. How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003)

This is modern dating?…

This concept of this film has always seemed like a nod to the romantic comedies of the 1940’s, at least to me. I can see it now, starring the very debonair Cary Grant and the headstrong beauty, Katherine Hepburn. Though not a critical darling, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, invigorated audiences who fell for the undeniably wonderful chemistry between leads Matthew McConaughey and Kate Hudson. McConaughey, who was living in rom-com land during this time in his career, finally got a match with this charming and funny story. Here, he plays Benjamin, a man who wants to prove he’s capable of making any woman fall in love with him in 10 days. Of course, he meets and instead falls for Hudson’s Andie, who is researching how to get a man to leave a woman in 10 days. Sure, it’s a silly rom-com premise, but you’ll overlook it as well, because McConaughey and Hudson elevate the script and are the perfect match.

17. Sonic the Hedgehog (2020)

Anyone looking for a blue friend…

With the third installment in the franchise releasing next month in theaters, it’s easy to forget that the early signs for the Sonic the Hedgehog movie didn’t look good. Fans reacted so badly to initial designs for the blue blur, that filmmakers went back to the digital drawing board. But when the film was released in 2020, it won over audiences with Ben Schwartz’s enthusiastic voice-over work and Jim Carrey hamming it up as Dr. Robotnik. In fact, I dare to say, it has cemented itself as one of the best video game adaptations of all time, primarily due to its understanding of Sonic as a character and perfect tone. The movie follows Sonic and a Montana sheriff as they try to evade Robotnik and track down Sonic’s iconic rings. Since its release, we’ve had a stellar sequel and again, Sonic 3 hits theaters in December.

18. Anger Management (2003)

Sandler and Nicholson makes for strange bedfellows …

Dave Buznik (Adam Sandler) is a businessman who unexpectedly finds himself in a wildly unconventional anger management program in the film, Anger Management. Led by a therapist (Jack Nicholson) whose methods are as bizarre as they are hilarious, the film serves as one of Sandler’s most memorable roles. As Buznik struggles to navigate this absurd new world, the therapy sessions spiral into comedic chaos, taking the audience on an entertainingly unpredictable journey.

19. Neighbors (2014)

Do you want this guy living next door…

Well-received both commercially and critically, the sharp and witty script for 2014’s Neighbors provided the perfect showcase for a Seth Rogen vs Zac Efron battle of comedic talents, marking a turning point in both the actors careers. Here, Efron plays Delta Psi Beta president Teddy Sanders, who faces off with his neighbor Mac, played by Rogen, when his fraternity moves in next door. The film is a breakthrough moment for Efron as an actor, showcasing him in his first major blockbuster as a leading man, and also seems to be the moment where Rogen moves from playing the over thirty lovable-stoner into real adulthood. The financially successful film’s winning touch is the two men pitted against each other in a battle of wits. Rogen, arguably one of the foremost voices of modern cinematic comedy, and Efron go toe-to-toe, and Efron doesn’t miss a beat. Thanks to both Rogen and Efron Neighbors is a standout film very much worth your time.

20. Jingle All the Way (1996)

Back when Black Friday actually meant you had to leave your home to get that hot new toy…

Are you a stressed-out parent? Are you desperate to get your kid the must-have toy of the season? I dare say, this story must ring true for lots of frustrated parents around Christmas time, as this film’s popularity only seems to grow. The difference between most of us however, is Arnold Schwarzenegger has the ability to take direct action and yes, sometimes violent action in pursuit of said so-hot-right-now toy while still finding the energy to quip occasionally “Put that cookie down NOW!” and most of us don’t have to compete with Sinbad to get that toy. Which, on reflection, he can just have it, is the right decision.

And that completes your guide to twenty movies currently streaming on Prime Video available to you with your subscription. Have fun and let me know your thoughts in the comments below.