The 15 best films on Amazon Prime Video you can stream for free

Are you making the most out of your Amazon Prime subscription? 

Everyone knows to turn to Prime Video when it’s time to rent or purchase in-demand releases — but if you’re not keeping an eye on the service’s rotating movie offerings, then you’re probably missing out on all the “free” stuff Prime Video gets you. Chockfull of popular releases from last year, including numerous Oscar contenders, and some older favorites, Prime Video has a solid lineup worth sorting through. 

But for folks looking to stream right away, here are the 15 best free films on Amazon Prime Video, curated for your convenience. Y’know, just to get you started.

15. A Simple Favor

Based on Darcey Bell’s novel of the same name, A Simple Favor is a slinky, sexy, ridiculous comedy thriller from Paul Feig perfect for any occasion. Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively lead as moms who connect over their sons’ friendship, but soon form a sinister bond far more lasting. Think a lesson in interior decorating meets Fashion Week meets murder. It’s great. 

How to watch: A Simple Favor is now included free with Prime Video.

14. Dirty Dancing

“Nobody puts Baby in a corner.” Kick back, relax, and return to the ’80s with a screening of Emile Ardolino’s always-iconic movie Dirty Dancing. Jennifer Grey and Patrick Swayze star as a young woman on vacation in the Catskills and the totally jacked dance instructor she falls in love with. Oh, when you inevitably want to try the lift after watching this? Maybe…don’t.

How to watch: Dirty Dancing is now included free with Prime Video.

Director Ari Aster’s second feature-length film combines colorful dreamscapes with terrifying occult rituals for a totally engrossing horror experience. Half scary movie, half fantasy story book, Midsommar isn’t a casual watch. Save this one for when you have time process. Then, pair it with Hereditary (which Prime Video has too) for a mini Aster movie marathon.

How to watch: Midsommar is now included free with Prime Video.

Want even more A24? Add some Robert Eggers to your queue and revel in the baffling mystery that is The Lighthouse. This black-and-white nightmare features leading performances from Robert Pattinson and Will Dafoe as two lighthouse keepers spiraling into madness. That goes about as well as you’d expect.

How to watch: The Lighthouse is now included free with Prime Video.

11. Honey Boy

Written by Shia LaBeouf based on his own experiences growing up, Honey Boy is a surprisingly heartfelt and impactful watch. Chronicling the life of a former child actor who spirals into alcoholism, this semi-autobiographical work offers profound insight into the pain and pressure of a man forced to evolve in the public eye.

How to watch: Honey Boy is now included free with Prime Video.

10. Marvel’s The Avengers

Start your hero’s journey all over again by rewatching the first Avengers movie. Of course, Disney+ has the most Marvel films of any streaming service so if you want to do a marathon that’s the place to start. But if you’re not subscribed there and just want to relive the Battle of New York, then this is a great opportunity to do so. Plus, shawarma! 

How to watch: Marvel’s The Avengers is now included free with Prime Video.

We’re still waiting on the release of director John Krasinski’s A Quiet Place Part II, pushed back to Sept. 4, 2020 thanks to the coronavirus. But in the meantime, there’s no reason we can’t speculate and theorize about the horrors to come by looking back on the original. Just be sure to put on your quietest socks and do some volume control. Don’t wanna bother your neighbors.

How to watch: A Quiet Place is now included free with Prime Video.

8. Eighth Grade

Director Bo Burnham and star Elsie Fisher dazzle in this timeless reflection on growing up. An occasionally painful yet consistently spectacular narrative chronicles a 13-year-old girl’s final week of middle school, a chance to set the record straight and reimagine her future high school self.

How to watch: Eighth Grade is now included free with Prime Video.

7. Clue

Clue is one of those classically funny films you just can’t not enjoy. Eileen Brennan, Madeline Kahn, Christopher Lloyd, Michael McKean, Martin Mull, Lesley Ann Warren, Colleen Camp, and the always iconic Tim Curry band together to run around a mansion, make some of the best puns ever written, and solve a murder like it’s a board game. 

How to watch: Clue is now included free with Prime Video.

6. Guava Island

Rihanna and Donald Glover lead in this darkly joyous musical movie journey. A vibrant blend of contemporary tracks and timeless storytelling (with just a sprinkling of FX’s Atlanta style), Guava Island tells a of tale oppression and resistance always worth revisiting. If you haven’t seen it before, make the time. At just 55 minutes, it’s a steal.

How to watch: Guava Island is now included free with Prime Video.

5. Rocketman 

Taron Egerton leaves it all on the stage in director Dexter Fletcher’s Elton John biopic. Reaching the highest highs and the lowest lows, Rocketman is a rollercoaster of emotional turmoil and unparalleled showmanship that somehow manages to impart a profound perspective on legacy and staying true to yourself. Come for the songs, stay for the heartbreak. And glitter. So much glitter.

How to watch: Rocketman is now included free with Prime Video.

4. The Cabin in the Woods

If you have somehow managed to go your whole life without having this movie spoiled for you, head directly to Prime Video. Do not pass Go, do not collect $200, just go watch it. If you haven’t, watch it again! There’s never a bad time to enjoy Joss Whedon’s unmatched horror comedy movie. It’s got intrigue, it’s got zombies, it’s got Chris Hemsworth on a motorcycle. Go forth and rewatch! 

How to watch: The Cabin in the Woods is now included free with Prime Video.

With so many phenomenal Adam Driver films out last year (and all vying for Oscars, no less), you may have missed The Report. Directed by Scott Z. Burns, this drama takes a chilling look at the Senate Intelligence Committee’s investigation of the CIA’s use of torture following the September 11 attacks. Supporting performances by Annette Bening, Jon Hamm, Michael C. Hall, and more make this an ensemble effort worthy of acclaim.

How to watch: The Report is now included free with Prime Video.

2. The Last Black Man in San Francisco

In director Joe Talbot’s feature-length film  debut, leads Jimmie Falls and Jonathan Majors present a friendship so compelling you’ll have a soft spot in your heart for it always. Falls, playing a semi-autobiographical version of himself, embarks on a journey to restore his grandfather’s Victorian-style home in the midst of widespread gentrification.

How to watch: The Last Black Man in San Francisco is now included free with Prime Video.

1. Knives Out

Rian Johnson’s Academy Award-nominated whodunnit Knives Out checks every box on a movie lover’s list. It’s got Chris Evans as the bad boy in a sweater, Daniel Craig doing the worst accent you’ve ever learned to accept, Ana de Armas just existing. Join the Thrombey family for a wholesome night of backstabbing in this delightful murder mystery.

How to watch: Knives Out is now included free with Prime Video.