In the mood for a new TV series or a decent film to settle down with? I find it can be a good distraction for stress or chronic pain, whether you’ve got 15 minutes or two hours to spare. Here’s a rundown of 10 picks that are available to watch now on Prime Video, included in the standard Amazon Prime subscription.
Knives Out [ Movie ]
A contemporary twist to the classic whodunnit murder mystery, Knives Out brings us a stellar lineup of famous faces. This is a 2019 release rated Pg-13 falling within the crime and comedy genres. There’s a murder, a party in a mini mansion, a mysterious private Detective, an eccentric family, and a potentially lucrative will belonging to the now deceased patriarch up for grabs. It’s full of contradictory tales from the colourful characters as the puzzle pieces get put together, twists and turns you might not have seen coming, and comical quips to keep things light.
Jamie Lee Curtis, Michael Shannon, Toni Collette, LaKeith Stanfield, Christopher Plummer, Chris Evans and Daniel Craig make this a watchable drama to keep you entertained on a rainy afternoon.
Animal Kingdom [ TV Series ]
A dark crime drama crammed with suspense and violence, Animal Kingdom packs a punch in each 50-ish minute long episode. We’re introduced to J Cody, a teenager who ends up living with extended family after his mother overdoses, except this is a family unlike any other. Criminal shenanigans are all in a day’s ‘work’ for this band of boys and the female head of the table, in between surfing the California beaches and holding wild parties. It’s an exciting tide to ride, with danger simmering beneath the surface.
Workaholics [ TV Series ]
Three best friends who work together in a sales office keep us company for an impressive 7 seasons of outlandish comedy and drama. It’s ridiculous yet oddly watchable, well suited to lazy afternoons or to have on in the background to lighten the mood. The show features the house they had all actually lived in prior to shooting the show, and you can sense the real world friendship that runs beneath each scene. Without taking life too seriously, these best buds can help you forget your problems, albeit briefly for the 20-minute or so episodes.
Broad City [ TV Series ]
Even if it doesn’t seem like your cup of tea, Broad City is worth checking out and appreciating in its own right. Following two best friends, this series looks at all sorts of topics as the two young woman traverse the broad city in the US. Ilana Glazer and Abbi Jacobson star, making the down to earth elements of life endearing and colourful. Nothing is off the table, and all manner of embarrassing issues are comically attended to across the five seasons. It’s refreshing, bold, powerful and addictive viewing.
Bombshell [ Movie ]
Bombshell gives us the inside scoop on Fox News, based on a real story that made headlines when three women took on the media empire’s creator, Roger Ailes. Starring Nicole Kidman, Charlize Theron (who looks almost unrecognisable in this role) and Margot Robbie.
Little Fires Everywhere [ TV Series ]
Based on the book “Little Fires Everywhere” by Celeste Ng, this series explored the interconnected lives of two families and the secrets that lurk beneath the highly lacquered surface. It’s a drama that digs deeper into issues of history, race, identity, family, love, motherhood and family, with Reese Witherspoon, Joshua Jackson and Kerry Washington topping the line-up. It’s dark, artistic and mysterious, keeping us thirsty for the next episode. With a 4.5 star rating on Amazon, it’s one not to miss.
Damages [ TV Series ]
Taking a step back to 2007 when it was first released, all five seasons of Damages are currently included for Prime users. This series gets an impressive 8.1 rating on IMDB and 4.5 stars on Amazon. It follows a ruthless litigator, played by the marvellous Glenn Close, and a protégée that joins her high-stakes firm, Rose Byrne. There’s drama, murder and a lot of twists to keep it gripping. Trust no-one.
Parasite [ Movie ]
Winner of the Best Director & Best Picture awards at the Oscars in 2020, Parasite is a 4.5 star rated movie from the director Bong Joon Hon. We’re introduced to the Kim family, all out of work and struggling financially in Seoul, South Korea. One by one, they worm themselves into the lives of the well-off Park family, working different jobs by pretending to be unfamiliar with one another. How long can this family keep up the ruse before things get dangerous?
It’s an intriguing concept and elegantly directed, making it memorable and unnerving in equal measure. Subtitled with a 15 rating.
Carnival Row [ TV Series ]
This Amazon Original gets a 4.5 star rating on Amazon and stars Cara Delevingne and Orlando Bloom. There’s a serial killer at large on Carnival Row, but the government isn’t interested in protecting these lowly citizens. Rycroft Philostrate is an investigator who might just be the only person that can bring hope to Carnival Row and stop this killer, but when refugee Vignette Stonemoss enters the picture, he’s forced to confront his past at the same time.
This Victorian style fantasy captures our imaginations with mystery, darkness and drama, so it’s ideal if you want to step away from the present for a while.
Bates Motel [ TV Series ]
Bates Model is a prequel to the infamous 1960 psychological thriller Psycho. Starring the wonderful Vera Farmiga and the very talented Freddie Highmore, this series has five seasons to suck you in, get under your skin and keep you obsessively watching every single episode. It’ll put you off staying away from home anytime soon.
Homecoming [ TV Series ]
With season two recently released, Homecoming has proven popular with viewers even though this second instalment doesn’t feature Julia Roberts. It’s essentially an anthology style series that centres around a somewhat shady wellness company, the Geist Group, and their even more unconventional ‘Homecoming Initiative’.
Whiplash [ Movie ]
Once you’ve watched it, it’s easy to see how this won 3 Academy Awards. We’re introduced to a talented student drummer, Andrew, who enrols at the hardcore Shaffer Conservatory, New York. His teacher, Fletcher, is both abusive and incredible in his punishing perfectionism, crossing any and all boundaries to push his student to the limits of his (very sweaty) potential.
This is an explosive and emotive film that shouldn’t be underestimated based on the seemingly modest premise. Its energy keeps up a nail biting tempo throughout and the passion for music is palpable.
Bonus > Sarah Millican : Control Enthusiast Live [ Stand-up Comedy ]
I wanted to include this as a bonus because stand-up can be a lighthearted alternative to a series or film when you don’t want to challenge your brain cells. I watched this recently with my mum and it had the both of us chocking on our tea and testing the strength of our bladder control.
Millican has a down to earth lovability about her; she’s easy to watch, very skilled at what she does and has a natural way of challenging the embarrassing, taboo subjects with aplomb. Topics spanned a wide range, from daily annoyances and road rage, to IBS and sex. Only the odd joke fell flat for me, which was probably 1% of the whole show. Hilarious, thoughtful and well worth a watch.
There’s also an older stand-up from Sarah Millican, Outsider Live, free to view on Prime if your bladder can manage it.
Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime is a service available in many countries, paid for an an annual or monthly subscription. For value for money, it typically exceeds other streaming services for the range of content included. It includes free next day delivery on millions of items, access to Prime Reading with eBooks & magazines, access to Amazon Music, unlimited photo storage, and of course a selection of free to view Prime Video shows and movies, including exclusive Amazon Originals.
If you’re new to Prime and haven’t used it in a while then it’s always worth checking whether you’re eligible for a free trial or discounted week, even if you’ve had a free month with them in the past. You can check out Amazon Prime UK here and Amazon Prime US here.
What have you been watching recently? Is there anything you’d recommend?
Caz ♥
54 comments
Thanks for the heads up — have wanted to watch Parasite for ages!
It was the same for me with wanting to watch Parasite for so long that I thought I’d never get around to it. I’m glad I did – highly recommended, I hope you get to watch it soon! x
Great list. We are currently watching Bosch. I love Amazon and I love Amazon Prime.
Have a fabulous day, Caz. ♥
How are you finding Bosch? I loved the books and I was looking forward to the series. Unfortunately I gave up after two episodes. Just couldn’t do it. It didn’t gel with the characters in my head from the books at all sadly. It seems to be quite popular though – enjoy! xx
I loved Parasite – I kept hearing great reviews and we watched it on television when my daughter was staying last year. I love films that are from somewhere totally different.
I’d been hearing good things about it too so I’m glad you guys got to see it as well. Well worth it, wasn’t it? An intriguing premise, very novel, and very well directed. xx
We’ve been watching Prime movies every night.
There are some decent picks on there. Anything else you’d recommend from Prime Video, Jo? xx
Bates Motel was awesome!
It really, really was. Freddie is a very talented actor & I love Vera Farmiga in anything. Casting did a great job with the line-up.x
Thanks Caz, we all need some more TV series to watch, I am looking forward to Sarah Millican though I must say xx
You’ll love Sarah’s Millican’s Control Enthusiast – so, so good! ????
It’s been a treasure trove of content to enjoy…one of the quirkiest is “Travels By Narrowboat”, the fascinating story of a man facing a mid-life crisis, so he sells everything, buys a narrowboat and putters along…DYI TV-making that I loved!
I’m glad you’ve found Prime Video to have some pretty awesome finds, too. I can’t say I’ve seen that one but it sounds interesting. When I have my next midlife crisis, I’ll consider a narrowboat! ????
Great list! My family watched Knives Out a while back and loved it, would definitely recommend. On Amazon Prime US, I’ve been watching a reality TV series called The Amazing Race, which has been keeping me very entertained and distracted from all the chaos unfolding in the world. Thank god for TV and movies, right?
I’m glad your family got to see Knives Out, it’s a lot of fun and the cast was great. I’m pretty sure I’ve come across The Amazing Race before but I’ve no idea what it’s about. I’ll have to investigate that one. Glad it’s helping you as a distraction, too. I really don’t know how we’d cope without TV and movies lately!x
I love a good watch list for Amazon Prime! I really enjoyed watching Carnival Row when it first came out, and I am hoping for a second season. I saw the trailer for Knives Out, and it did look interesting, so your review confirms I need to watch it. I also like the sound of Bates Motel, so I might give that a watch. Thank you for sharing! ????
Oh absolutely check out Bates Motel, I highly recommend it. Knives Out was far more decent than I expected it to be, in part because of the cast. Not the best film out there, but very watchable. I’ve not actually seen Carnival Row, that’s the only one here I’ve not watched for myself. I hope you get a second season! x
Thanks for this! I’m on the lookout for some new series to watch. There are a few there which I’d like to watch. But I am so glad you included Sarah Millican. I love that woman. Like you say, she’s down to earth and hilariously funny.
Sarah Millican really is fantastic, isn’t she? Just seeing her puts me in a better mood instantly. Have you seen this particular one, Control Enthusiast? Highly recommended if you haven’t, it’ll definitely make you chuckle. xx
Charlee: “Our Dada says he loved ‘Knives Out’ and he and Mama both liked ‘Carnival Row’ as well as ‘Whiplash’ and ‘Parasite’.”
Chaplin: “Dada also said he wants to see ‘Bombshell’ but has to wait to watch it because it’s too much related to current events for Mama. Maybe after January 20th they will watch it.”
Charlee: “By the way, Dada says ‘Animal Kingdom’ is filmed right here in Oceanside, and in the past they’ve had to take detours coming home from the studio because of streets being closed for filming.”
Chaplin: “Despite this, Mama and Dada have never seen the show.”
Lulu: “I haven’t seen any of them as I don’t like the big giant heads on the television so I usually just go sleep in the office when the TV is on, just in case Mrs. Coulter shows up.”
Charlee: “Who’s Mrs. Coulter?”
Lulu: “You don’t want to know! She’s very very very scary!”
Sounds like Mama and Dada have both watched lots of these good ones. I didn’t realise about Mama and Bombshell. I’m sorry. I want to be nosy and ask more but I won’t. I’m definitely asking to come visit you & pretend I’m on set for Animal Kingdom! That’s amazing. It’s a brilliant series, I loved it. It might be even scarier than Mrs Coulter though. Maybe.
Thank You for this, Caz!!! I’m such a dinosaur! We’re going to have to get hip to the jive and join Amazon Prime someday!!! ???? Huge hugs and Cheers!!! ????????????
Hahah love it ???? Have you never tried Amazon Prime before, Katy? If not, get yourself a free trial (then cancel before it ends so you don’t get charged for the following month). It’s a great freebie! xx
Thanks for giving me some ideas for things to watch Caz. I love, love, love Carnival Row! I hope it comes back; we’ve watched all the episodes that are on Amazon so far. We also liked Homecoming; it’s one of those shows that really makes you think. Now that I’ve read your post, I’m going to put Parasite on our watchlist. It sounds quite intriguing. Sending lots of love and hugs your way sweet friend!
I’d absolutely recommend Parasite for something a little different. I’m glad you’ve loved Homecoming & Carnival Row. The latter is the only one here I’ve not actually seen myself, I’ll have to make sure to watch it soon. I hope you get another season of it to enjoy in the not-too-distant future! Thanks for the comment lovely xx
Some to add to my list here thanks.
I LOVED Bates Motel! Little Fires Everywhere was good too, but different from the book, and that annoyed me a bit to be honest. I maybe watched it too soon after reading. I am totally obsessed with This Is Us on Prime, wow it has all the feels.
Bates Motel is awesome, isn’t it? Absolutely love Highmore & Farmiga. I’ve not read the Little Fires Everywhere novel but it sounds like I should be glad for that fact now. It’s always a shame when the film adaptation doesn’t gel with the original book. This Is Us is another top choice, I’ve not seen the latest season yet so I’m looking forward to that. Enjoy! x
I have to say Little Fires book was better but that’s usually the case! I’m watching the latest season of This Is Us weekly and it’s always leaving me hanging. I’m better at binging!
Oh yeah, I can’t do that any more with weekly instalments of something, I wait until the whole season has finished airing. The problem is by then everyone’s been talking about it, I’ll forget about it, then by the time I eventually get to watch it I’ve totally forgotten everything about the show & everyone in it ???? I suppose at least it gives you something to look forward to each week. Justin Hartley, who plays Kevin in This Is Us, is going to feature in a new crime thriller ‘The Never Game’ which sounds like it could be good.
Thanks for the recommendations Caz, Will definitely check some of these !
You’re welcome, Nisha – Hope you enjoy whatever ones you check out! xx
By the way we watched Knives out and thoroughly enjoyed it!
I Ioved Carnival Row & Bates Motel 🙂
Great list, friend
Carnival Row is the only one here I’ve not seen so I’ll have to check that out soon. Glad to see another fan of Bates Motel, that was an amazing series!
We don’t have Amazon Prime – we have Netflix. That being said,I am looking forward to some of these films. Knives Out and Parasite are definitely on my ‘to watch’ list! Great ideas!
I chop & change between a few providers but I’ve not had Netflix for a while now so I’ll look forward to seeing what they’ve got soon. I think you’ll like Knives Out & Parasite, both well worth watching! x
We just finished watching “Two Weeks to Live” on HBO Max, which was mainly notable for starring Maisie Williams in the main role. It was pretty amusing to see Arya Stark cursing and drinking and getting into a lengthy comical brawl with Sean Pertwee which included such an awesome shout-out to “Game of Thrones” that I had to rewind it and watch it again.
Ooo I hadn’t come across Two Weeks to Live. I’ll have to make sure to check that one out!
I haven’t seen any of these! Looks like I’ve got some TV watching in my future. Carnival Road looks especially watch worthy.
That’s the only one I’ve not seen from this list but it gets some great reviews. It’s on my to-watch list now so I hope you enjoy it too if you check it out! x
Carnival Row & Parasite look compelling! I am in America, as you know, but I have Amazon Prime.
I also saw Hannibal Series- it’s somewhat of a theatrical version, but nonetheless gruesome. I was glued to my screen for hours on end, every day, until the last episode.
Another series that was entertaining was “Revenge”.
My favorite genre of movies is Thrillers.
Thank you for sharing your post about more exciting movies and series!
Thor prefers Lassie and Flipper.
Hugs,
Tamara xoxo
I’d definitely recommend Parasite. I also really liked Hannibal, that’s a good one to mention. Theatrical yes, gruesome yes and a decent cast. I’ve not seen Revenge, but I think I’ve come across it. I’m a thriller fan, too. Thor must get fed up waiting for the bloody TV to be over so he can watch Lassie. ????
Thanks for posting this list! I read the book ‘Little Fires Everywhere’ and look forward to checking out the show! I thought both Parasite and Knives Out were well done, and I have been meaning to watch Carnival Row for a while! Thanks for the reminder!
How did you find the book version? I quite enjoyed Little Fires Everywhere but I know some people weren’t as keen on the adaptation after reading the book first. Carnival Row is the only one here I’ve not seen, and like you I’ve been curious about it for a while – I hope you enjoy it if you watch it soon too! xx
I liked the book. I’m interested in seeing how the show differs from the book and will have to check it out soon, although I do often find film versions are never as good as the book!
Thanks for this, Caz. I have Amazon Prime mainly for the free, fast deliveries, but do watch the videos as well, so recommendations are always welcome! I think they still have the full first series of Picard free to watch. I highly recommend this to any Star Trek fans, although (like many) I did find the ending a bit disappointing. There is a huge amount to enjoy in the series, though, including the always-brilliant Patrick Stewart.
Prime is a pretty good value service, especially when you compare it to the rate of NowTV or Netflix these days. Oh yes, lots of Star Trek and Picard! Mr Stewart is a brilliant actor & just generally, isn’t he? I read he was very emotional filming the last of Picard. xx
Thanks for these suggestions! I love Amazon Prime. Bombshell was so good. As was Knives Out. I can’t wait for a second season of Carnival Row either!
Carnival Row is one I’ve not seen myself but I’ve seen a lot of people saying how good it is so I’m looking forward to checking it out. Hope you don’t have to wait too long for Season 2! ????
Thank you for sharing!!.. don’t have Amazon Prime but have been watching interesting shows on PBS Passport; Call The Midwife, Professor T, Modus, Endeavour, Grantchester, Miss Scarlet and the Duke, etc… 🙂
Until we meet again…. 🙂
There are good ships and there a wood ships
The ships that sail the sea,
But the best ships are friendships
And may they always be!
(Irish Saying)
Some of those shows are incredibly popular in the UK, like Call The Midwife, Grantchester & Endeavour. I’ve got to admit… I’ve not seen any of them! Sounds like some great choices on there to check out though. I hope you enjoy all the goodies on PBS Passport! ????
You should check out The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. It’s absolutely hilarious.
You know, I think I started that one. Is there singing in it? If it’s the one I’m thinking of, I didn’t even make it through the first 20 minutes of episode 1. Oops! Maybe I wasn’t in the right frame of mind for it that day so perhaps I need to give it another shot! xx