Finding a good movie to watch can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack these days, considering the sheer volume of content available on streaming platforms. With new releases and popular films taking up the feed, it is all too easy for underrated gems to get buried deep within the algorithm. However, if you know where to look, Prime Video can be a gold mine of hidden cinematic masterpieces.
As one of the largest and most diverse streaming libraries, Prime Video knows exactly which films to host. From the most-talked-about fresh releases to cult classics that have stood the test of time, it gives you so much to choose from. However, that can also be overwhelming when all you want to do is watch something lesser-known and more deserving of attention. As Prime Video continues to add new titles every month, here are 10 recent additions that are underrated and very much worth a watch.
‘Group Therapy’ (2024)
Neil Berkeley’s Group Therapy is a documentary film that brings together a group of well-known comedians to engage in raw and unfiltered conversations about mental health. With Neil Patrick Harris moderating the talk, the movie unfolds in a live setting, where each comedian shares deeply personal and introspective experiences, laced with humor and emotion.
Honest and Humorous Conversations
The documentary is filled with candid discussions that explore the fine line between using comedy as a coping mechanism and the genuine struggles behind the laughter. The result is both hilarious and heartfelt, as it sheds light on the power of open dialogue while keeping the audience entertained. It creates an engaging space for comedians to dissect their own lives and mental health struggles.
’18½’ (2021)
A quirky political thriller, 18 ½ is set against the backdrop of the Watergate scandal in 1974. It follows Connie, a young White House transcriber who stumbles upon the only copy of the infamous 18 ½-minute gap in Nixon’s tapes. She teams up with journalist Paul Marrow and checks into a motel to listen to the recording, only to find herself embroiled in a web of paranoia and unexpected twists.
Political Thriller with a Twist
The film shifts from a political thriller to a darkly comedic mystery as the two main characters dive deeper into the truth. The offbeat storytelling paired with subtle historical intrigue makes it an unconventional dive into the past. The movie is clearly underrated, as it has not received much attention since its release. But the bizarre encounters, malfunctioning tape players, and absurd dialogue make it a must-watch.
‘Joy Ride’ (2001)
Estranged brothers Lewis and Fuller are on a cross-country road trip to pick up Lewis’ friend and childhood crush, Venna, from college. On their way, they decide to use a CB Radio to mess with a trucker named Rusty Nail. But their harmless prank backfires when Rusty turns out to be a relentless psychopathic killer who becomes obsessed with hunting them down across the desolate highways.
Overshadowed by Bigger Horror Releases
A road trip thriller meets a twisted revenge plot in Joy Ride, an underrated movie directed by John Dahl and starring Steve Zahn, Paul Walker, and Leelee Sobieski in the leading roles. Despite its simple premise, the movie takes unexpectedly sharp narrative turns. Rusty’s voice alone is enough to send chills down the spine. The motel scenes, where the trio makes pit stops and Rusty watches them all along, are true tension-builders.
‘The Negotiator’ (1998)
The Negotiator follows Danny Roman, a Chicago Police Lieutenant and the city’s best negotiator. When he finds himself framed for his partner’s murder and embezzlement, Roman has no one to trust, and he takes matters into his own hands, holding members of Internal Affairs hostage till he can find evidence that suggests he’s innocent. Meanwhile, fellow negotiator Chris Sabian handles the situation.
Smart, Thrilling, and Cerebral
Meticulously crafted, this one elevates the thriller genre with its intelligent storytelling and stunning character dynamics. The movie takes little time to transform into a tense, psychological showdown between two men trained to manipulate, and they are played with absolute brilliance by Samuel L. Jackson and Kevin Spacey. Their verbal sparring and F. Gary Gray’s direction make the claustrophobic setting impossible to look away from.
‘The Island on Bird Street’ (1997)
The Island on Bird Street is set in the Warsaw Ghetto during World War II, and it follows the story of 11-year-old Alex, who is left alone after his family is taken to a concentration camp by the Nazis. Determined to survive, he hides in the ruins and scavenges for food, waiting patiently for his father to return while his pet mouse gives him company.
About Strength and Hope
Days turn into months for the young protagonist in this movie as he evades danger by using underground tunnels and abandoned buildings to stay alive. It’s a heartbreaking depiction of war, blending fear and the passage of innocence with themes of resilience and hope. But despite its harrowing subject matter, it stands out as an intimate and character-driven story. The film’s cinematography enhances its haunting nature, reflecting how war forces children to grow up too soon.
‘Split Second’ (1992)
In a dystopian London where rain-soaked streets and perpetual darkness have become the norm, Detective Harley Stone is haunted by the brutal murder of his partner. With rookie detective Dick Durkin, he tries to track down the killer, but when a series of gruesome murders surface – victims found with their hearts ripped out – Stone realizes that he’s hunting for something far worse than a human serial killer.
Cult Classic with Horror Twist
Split Second is a cult classic that gives an investigative thriller a sinister edge. The result is a wild mix of cyberpunk, horror, and buddy-cop action, making it one of the most unique yet underrated movies of the early ‘90s. Rutger Hauer’s grizzled performance as Stone adds weight to the dark and moody aesthetic, while the creature design – reminiscent of Alien – keeps the horror element alive from start to finish. Critics dismissed the film as violent and messy, but fans embraced its sheer absurdity.
‘Dreaming Out Loud’ (1940)
Based on the popular Lum and Abner radio show, Dreaming Out Loud follows two elderly storekeepers in a small Arkansas town. Their general store serves as the heart of the movie and the community, and as Lum Edwards and Abner Peabody navigate local misadventures like dealing with a town drunk and matchmaking young lovers, the film captures the charm and beauty of rural life.
A Forgotten Gem
A lighthearted comedy that transports audiences to the golden age of radio and fills them with warmth, Dreaming Out Loud thrives on its simplicity. Chester Lauck and Norris Goff are perfect in their roles, embodying the wisdom and humor of small-town elders. Their chemistry is the driving force behind the film’s moments of kindness and loss because it’s so genuine and organic. If you enjoy classic films that celebrate slow living, community, and the importance of human connection, this one is definitely worth watching.
‘Lifeforce’ (1985)
A space shuttle discovers a mysterious spacecraft with a young woman inside aboard Halley’s Comet and brings it back to Earth. Once brought back and awakened, the woman reveals her true nature and begins feeding off others like a vampire. Following a trail of the dead, Colonel Tom Carlsen (Steve Railsback) and Dr. Hans Fallada (Mathilda May) rush to try to figure out how to stop the alien force before it takes over Earth.
Vampires From Space
Tobe Hooper is a somewhat misunderstood figure in the horror genre. Yes, he established himself as a remarkable talent with The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974), but many of his other efforts are often overlooked, including Lifeforce. A box office bomb, the film’s mix of sci-fi and horror, with some camp appeal, did not really resonate with audiences on release. Yet, there are some phenomenal practical effects here, with some unforgettable, surreal, and bizarre imagery.
‘The Woman in the Yard’ (2025)
Grieving widow and mother Ramona, played by Danielle Deadwyler, attempts to piece back her life on a small rural farm with her children after the death of her husband in a car crash. Shortly after their arrival, a mysterious dark figure appears on their front lawn, delivering ominous warnings. As she gets closer to the family home, madness and past trauma start to overwhelm Ramona.
An Underrated Slow-Burn
Landing on Prime on October 30, 2025, such a new release as being instantly underrated may seem like a bit of a reach. However, The Woman in the Yard ended up being somewhat carelessly grouped in with other less-than-well-received Blumhouse productions; it only made $23 million off its $12 million budget, excluding marketing costs. Still, the atmospheric tension in The Woman in the Yard is wonderfully crafted for those who love a good, unnerving, slow-burn horror movie.
Danielle Deadwyler is also phenomenal and is at the heart of why the movie works so well as a psychological horror film. This one is definitely worth a shot for those who dismissed it on release as a silly gimmick or were unaware of its more nuanced approach compared to other, more sensational Blumhouse productions.
‘The Chocolate War’ (1988)
Based on Robert Cormier’s 1974 novel of the same name, The Chocolate War follows high schooler Jerry Renault (Ilan Mitchell-Smith) as he tries to navigate the school system. Notably, Jerry becomes the target of the school’s secret society, known as “The Vigils,” and the staff after he refuses to participate in the annual chocolate-selling fundraiser. What begins as an act of defiance turns into a fight for survival during adolescence as the entire school turns against him for not conforming to tradition.
Navigating the Perils of Adolescence
The Chocolate War is a dark and often bleak psychological drama that uses the fundraiser as a lens to examine larger issues such as institutional control, conformity, and moral courage; apt for those who grew up feeling like they were on the outside looking in. A realistic and unflinching portrayal of adolescent life, the movie can be grim and intense at times. Still, the film remains a thought-provoking character study that is not nearly as celebrated as it deserves to be.
