Searching for the best new movies on Prime Video? Look no further. Our weekly guide is updated with the latest releases on one of the best streaming services, ensuring you have a fantastic film to enjoy every weekend.
With a vast library of movies on Amazon‘s platform, it can be overwhelming to choose. But we’ve done the work for you, sifting through the options to bring you only the best. From gripping thrillers to captivating historical dramas and heartwarming family favorites, there’s something for everyone.
For a comprehensive list of critically acclaimed films on Prime Video, check out our curated best Prime Video movies guide. But if you’re specifically interested in the freshest offerings, read on to discover the top new movies worth streaming in July 2023.
New Prime Video movies: July 2023
Gladiator
Release date: July 1
Gladiator is an epic historical drama set in ancient Rome. It follows the story of Maximus Decimus Meridius (played by Russell Crowe), a skilled general who becomes a gladiator after his family is murdered and he’s betrayed by the Emperor Commodus. Maximus rises through the ranks of the gladiatorial arena and as Commodus’ grip on power weakens, Maximus becomes a symbol of hope.
Not only is this one hell of a compelling story, but there are plenty of fantastic battle sequences and an amazing score. If you like action, political intrigue and a good tale of revenge and redemption, then this is for you.
The Men in Black Trilogy
Release date: July 1
The Men in Black trilogy is a sci-fi-meets-action-comedy series following a secret government agency tasked with monitoring and regulating extraterrestrial activity on Earth.
The first film introduces Agent J, a rookie officer played by Will Smith who is recruited by veteran Agent K , played by Tommy Lee Jones, to join the Men in Black organization. Together, they protect the world from alien threats while keeping their existence hidden from the general public.
The second installment delves deeper into their world as they face a new alien menace. And, in the third film, Agent J travels back in time to prevent a catastrophe that could alter the course of history. Throughout the trilogy, the films do a great job at blending humor and action with some cool alien creature design.
Saving Private Ryan
Release date: July 1
Saving Private Ryan is an epic war film set during World War II. The story follows a group of American soldiers led by Captain John H. Miller (Tom Hanks), who embark on a dangerous mission to find and bring home Private James Francis Ryan (Matt Damon).
Ryan’s three brothers have been killed in action, prompting the military to send a team to retrieve him and spare his grieving mother from more loss. The film depicts the horrors of war, showcasing intense battle sequences and the toll it takes on the soldiers.
The Shawshank Redemption
Release date: July 1
The Shawshank Redemption is a tense, heart-breaking (and, at times, heart-warming) drama set in the 1940s. It’s about a man called Andy Dufresne (played by Tim Robbins), a successful banker wrongly convicted of murder and sentenced to life in Shawshank State Penitentiary. Inside the brutal prison, Andy befriends fellow inmate Ellis ‘Red’ Redding (played by Morgan Freeman) and uses his financial know-how to gain favor with the prison staff.
Despite enduring years of abuse and hardship, Andy maintains his innocence and gradually earns respect from his fellow prisoners. In fact, through determination and intelligence, he becomes instrumental in transforming the lives of those around him, providing hope and inspiration in the face of such despair. This is a powerful watch that will really tug on your heart strings.
New Prime Video movies: June 2023
Casino
Release date: June 29
Casino is a classic Martin Scorsese movie from the early 1990s with an all-star cast featuring Robert DeNiro, Sharon Stone, Joe Pesci, Don Rickles, Kevin Pollak, and James Woods.
Casino follows the story of Sam ‘Ace’ Rothstein (played by Robert DeNiro) who is asked to oversee the day-to-day running of the Tangiers Casino in Las Vegas. As you might expect, this is a tumultuous task and the film looks at the difficulties he has to face, the role the Mafia plays in casino operations and how Rothstein’s high status shifts over the years.
It’s a tense, at times heart-breaking, and wonderfully acted drama that we think shows Scorsese and DeNiro at their absolute best. For that reason, not only is Casino fresh to land on Prime Video this month, it’s also one of the best movies currently on the streaming service, at least in our books.
Dunkirk
Release date: June 27
Dunkirk is a visually-stunning but emotionally-devastating movie written, directed and produced by Christopher Nolan (Inception, The Prestige, The Dark Knight).
Dunkirk is about the infamous evacuation in 1940, so expect a great deal of violence, death and destruction. It came out in 2017 when it was critically-acclaimed for its suspenseful cinematography and music. Although there’s relatively little dialogue, the acting is also superb, creating a deeply tense and atmospheric mood that’s impossible to peel your eyes away from.
Gremlins
Release date: June 27
We’ve always thought of Gremlins as a kids movie, but despite the fact there are some cute and cuddly critters along the way, it’s more of a black comedy that even borders on horror at times – no wonder it was criticized at the time for some of its more violent scenes.
Gremlins follows the story of a man called Zach Galligan (played by Billy Peltzer) who is given a weird creature as a pet. He soon discovers it’s able to spawn other creatures that transform into little mischievous monsters and end up wreaking havoc in his town on Christmas Eve.
If you loved this movie as a kid we highly recommend giving it a rewatch now it’s on Prime Video. And although there is some violence – and plenty of mini jump scares! – it’s a good option for the whole family.
American Sniper
Release date: June 21
Bradley Cooper is one of the most underrated actors of his generation, and his superb performance in 2014’s American Sniper is another example of how impressive his acting talents are.
In this biographical war flick from legendary actor-director Clint Eastwoord, Cooper plays Chris Kyle, whose name was written into folklore for being the most successful marksman in US military history. While he was celebrated as a hero by his nation, though, Kyle’s 255 kills (from four tours during the Iraq War) significantly impacted his mental health, as well as his personal life.
Hailed for Eastwood’s sensitive and considered direction, plus Cooper’s stunningly emotional turn as Kyle, American Sniper delivered on its depiction of the horrors of war and the isolation veterans feel upon their return from active duty. A visceral, dramatic, and harrowing watch.
Interstellar
Release date: June 11
It’s not everyday we say that a film is epic, but it’s how we find ourselves referring to Christopher Nolan’s 2014 Interstellar. It’s a sci-fi movie that packs a punch, telling a multi-layered story across space and time filled with awe-inspiring discovery and heart.
Interstellar is set in a future in which there’s widespread famine and suffering. In order to save humanity, a group of astronauts are tasked with travelling through a wormhole near Saturn in a bold attempt to find a new home for humankind. They embark on a long and dangerous adventure that’ll fill you with wonder and pull at your heartstrings.
If you love sci-fi movies, you’re going to want to watch this one. But it’s also a drama about love, connection and the extreme lengths the best of us will go to in order to create a brighter future.
Tár
Release date: June 6
Tár is a hard-hitting psychological drama that won big during awards season. What that means is this isn’t a feel-good film, but one that we think most audiences will appreciate and admire for its ambition and fantastic cast.
It follows the story of a conductor called Lydia Tár (played by Cate Blanchett), who is known all over the globe for her talent and intense passion for her music. However, she runs into several problems and must face accusations of misconduct. This leads to a gradual unravelling of the dizzying power she’s built up over the years as well as her sanity.
There are times when Tár is tense, more like a thriller than a drama. Then at others it feels deeply meditative, lingering on Lydia Tár so we can get a glimpse what might be under than impenetrable armour of an exterior. It goes without saying that the always fantastic Cate Blanchett is completely mesmerizing as Lydia Tár – we couldn’t take our eyes off her.
Silver Linings Playbook
Release date: June 1
Silver Linings Playbook is a romcom-meets-drama both written and directed by David O’Russell (of American Hustle and Joy fame), although it is based on a novel of the same name by Matthew Quick.
This warm and funny movie actually deals with some serious topics. It’s about a man called Patrizio “Pat” Solitano Jr. (played by Bradley Cooper) who has bipolar disorder and movies back in with his parents (played by Robert De Niro and Jacki Weaver) after a recent divorce. He meets a woman called Tiffany Maxwell (played by Jennifer Lawrence), a widow who makes a deal with Pat to find a way to get him and his wife back together if he joins her in a dance competition.
Silver Linings Playbook has lots of laugh-out-loud scenes and more subtle moments of humor. But we like that it also explores the heavy, deeply human themes of overcoming conflict, moving on from grief and dealing with mental illness. If you’re looking with a romcom that isn’t all sunshine and roses, this is the one for you.
Stargate
Release date: June 1
These days Stargate has turned into a media behemoth, but this original movie that first came out in 1994 is where it all began.
Directed and co-written by Roland Emmerich (whose other movies include Independence Day, The Patriot, The Day After Tomorrow), this is a sci-fi movie with plenty of big, dramatic scenes and action sequences, but we love that it really gets you thinking too, exploring wondrous concepts that will be like catnip for sci-fi lovers.
It follows the story of a classified U.S. Air Force team (including Kurt Russell) and renowned archaeologist and linguist Dr. Daniel Jackson (played by James Spader), who venture into an ancient device called the Stargate, which transports them to a desert planet that looks eerily like like Ancient Egypt.
12 Years a Slave
Release date: June 1
Based on the memoir of the same name, 12 Years a Slave is about an African American man called Solomon Northup (played by Chiwetel Ejiofor) who was kidnapped and sold into slavery in the US in the mid-1800s. What follows is years of unrelenting cruelty at the hands of conmen and plantation owners.
Director Steve McQueen (Shame, Hunger) was highly praised for 12 Years a Slave. As were the phenomenal cast. Ejiofor gave the performance of a lifetime as Northup, Lupita Nyong’o plays enslaved woman Patsey who experiences horrendous treatment at the hands of plantation owner Edwin Epps, played by Michael Fassbender.
12 Years a Slave isn’t comfortable viewing. In fact parts of it are brutal. But it’s been highly praised as one of the best portrayals of the African-American experience, which makes it a must-watch.
Arrival
Release date: June 1
Arrival is a movie about aliens arriving on Earth. So far so done a hundred times, right? But what we love so much about this film is it brings a fresh perspective that’s superbly told and mind-bending in its revelations.
It follows the story of a linguist called Louise Banks (played by Amy Adams) who is asked to help make contact with aliens that have landed (or, more accurately, are hovering just above land) on Earth. What follows is a fascinating story that weaves themes of time, memory and communication in a way that’s guaranteed to leave you feeling changed.
The film is based on a short story called The Story of Your Life by highly acclaimed sci-fi author Ted Chiang. We highly recommend you give it a read if you’re a fan of the movie, as there are quite a few differences that it’s fun to spot and consider.
New Prime Video movies: May 2023
Three Thousand Years of Longing
Release date: May 23
Directed by George Miller (of Mad Max, Babe and Happy Feet fame), Three Thousand Years of Longing is a gorgeous-looking fantasy movie based on a short story by A. S. Byatt published in the 90s called ‘The Djinn in the Nightingale’s Eye’.
It follows the story of a British professor, played by Tilda Swinton, who purchases an antique bottle on a trip to Istanbul and finds a djinn (a spirit), played by Idris Elba, inside it. The djinn offers to grant the professor three wishes and ends up telling her three stories about his own past and how he wound up trapped inside a bottle.
Three Thousand Years of Longing looks truly stunning with incredibly ambitious visuals and rich fantasy stories that’ll envelope you. It’s a testament to the power of storytelling, as well as love and desire. If you like beautiful-looking fairy tales and seeing worlds imagined in myths and legends adapted for the screen, it’s a must watch.
She Said
Release date: May 19
She Said is based on the true story of New York Times reporters Megan Twohey, played by Carey Mulligan, and Zoe Kazan, played by Jodi Kantor, who were responsible for the investigation that initially exposed Harvey Weinstein’s abuse and sexual misconduct and was responsible for the #MeToo movement.
Mulligan and Kazan truly shine in these meaty roles, so much so you might even forget you’re watching a movie and not a fly on the wall documentary at times.
She Said isn’t an easy watch, but it’s an important one, showing just how close the reporters at the New York Times were to having the story and investigation shut down – a chilling thought. But if you like true stories, especially ones about journalistic integrity, we think it’s well worth a watch.
Air
Release date: May 12
Based on real-life events, Air tells the story of the origins of the legendary Air Jordan sneakers. Matt Damon stars as Sonny Vaccaro, a Nike talent scout who’s tasked with finding a new spokesperson for Nike’s line of basketball shoes. It’s a journey that sees him cross paths with NBA rookie and eventual basketball legend Michael Jordan (played here by Damian Delano Young), and sets in motion events that lead to the creation of one of the world’s most iconic shoelines.
Joining Damon and Young on the *ahem* court are A-listers like Ben Affleck (who also directs Air), Jason Bateman, Viola Davis, Chris Messina, Marlon Wayans, and Chris Tucker. And, given the starry nature of its cast, it’ll come as no surprise to learn that Air is one of the best fact-based dramas you’ll see all year. It’s a movie that nobody can *double ahem* dunk on, with its dramatization of one of the greatest off-the-field sports stories ever told on point from beginning to end.
Dallas Buyers Club
Release date: May 1
Based on real-life events, Dallas Buyers Club tells the story of the challenges of accessing healthcare and treatment for anyone living with AIDS in the 1980s. Matthew McConaughey stars as Ron Woodroof, a man who is trying to come to terms with his AIDS diagnosis, as well as dealing with the resulting stigma and attempting to find the medication he needs. He crosses paths with Rayon (played by Jared Leto), a fictional trans woman who helps Woodroof distribute unapproved drugs to people in need – the movie is named after the ‘club’ they create.
Dallas Buyers Club is one exceptional and incredibly tough-to-watch movie that tells a powerful story about healthcare, connection and adversity. Matthew McConaughey is one of those hugely talented actors who shines on the screen, but it’s no surprise critics called his performance in Dallas Buyers Club a career-best, as he’s phenomenal, compassionate and persuasive as Ron Woodroof.
True Grit
Release date: May 1
True Grit is a Coen brothers movie, but one with a difference. Sure it’s packed with their telltale clever dialogue and compelling storytelling, but it doesn’t feel quite so eccentric as their other hit films (like Fargo, The Big Lebowski and No Country For Old Men). Instead, True Grit is a fresh take on the classic Western genre, which is why we think this movie will have huge appeal to Coen fans old and new.
True Grit follows the story of a 14-year-old girl (played by Hailee Steinfeld) who hires Rooster Cogburn (Jeff Bridges), a drunk lawman, to help track down an outlaw named Tom Chaney (Josh Brolin). Joined by a Texas Ranger (Matt Damon), they embark on a dangerous adventure through the Arkansas countryside in search of the notorious Cheney.
Shutter Island
Release date: May 1
Enjoy psychological thrillers and unravelling mysteries? Then stick Shutter Island on your must-watch list.
A dark and at-times disturbing film, Shutter Island is set in the 1950s and stars Leonardo DiCaprio as a US Marshal investigating the disappearance of a murderer from a hospital for the criminally insane. He ends up stumbling upon plenty more eerie goings-on, and you’ll be sat on the edge of your seat the whole time as you try to anticipate the twists and turns.
Ben Kingsley, Mark Ruffalo, Emily Mortimer, and Michelle Williams join DiCaprio in Shutter Island, all bringing their A-game, and the movie is directed by Martin Scorsese. In the mood for more Scorses classics? Take a look at the rankings in our guide to every Martin Scorsese movie rated from worst to best.
A Beautiful Mind
Release date: May 1
If you like films based on real-life people, we highly recommend A Beautiful Mind. The film follows mathematician John Nash (played with real heart and authenticity by Russell Crowe) from Princeton University through to working in cryptography, where his life begins to unravel in heart-breaking and horrifying ways.
A Beautiful Mind isn’t a fun, lazy, Sunday afternoon watch, but it’s a well-acted and moving story about love, mental illness, and one incredibly gifted mathematician at the center of it all. A Beautiful Mind received great praise from film lovers and critics, as well as from the real life John Nash himself. Knowing he gave the movie his seal of approval makes it even more of a rewarding and emotional watch in our books.
Madagascar
Release date: May 1
Looking for a fun family movie to watch this weekend? Try Madagascar.
Madagascar is a computer animated film that follows the story of a group of animals at Central Park Zoo in New York who find themselves stranded on the island of Madagascar. How will Alex the lion, Melman the giraffe, Gloria the hippopotamus, and Marty the zebra make it back to New York?
It’s a charming movie with a predictable but entertaining storyline and plenty of kid-friendly humor. We guarantee it’ll be a hit with all ages, and you’ll have fun trying to identify the great actors and comedians who voice the animals in Madagascar, including Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, David Schwimmer, Jada Pinkett Smith, and Sacha Baron Cohen.