15 Best Drama Movies on Amazon Prime Right Now

Ah, that famous Saturday night dilemma! The curtains are drawn, the popcorn is ready, the couch has never seemed more comfortable. Before you know it, you realize you’ve been scrolling through hundreds of movie titles and it’s already time for bed.

With the countless options that streaming platforms offer nowadays, it can be daunting choosing something good to watch.

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So, to make things easier for you, we’ve selected 15 of the best drama movies on Amazon Prime right now.

You can thank us later!

Our list features movies on Amazon Prime U.S. only. We frequently update this article to remove and replace new movies on Prime.

1. Oppenheimer (2023)

IMDb: 8.3/10

Here’s a movie you wont want to miss! If you’re wondering what to watch on Amazon Prime, Oppenheimer has finally hit the streaming service, so now’s the time to finally tuck in. This Oscar-winning, widely-talked about blockbuster circles around American scientist J. Robert Oppenheimer, and his creation of the nuclear bomb which would change history forever. If you’ve yet to watch this masterpiece, what are you waiting for?

2. Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961)

IMDb: 7.6/10

The oldest movie on our list of flicks to stream on Amazon Prime, yet one of the most golden and treasured of all time. Breakfast at Tiffany’s is the greatest of Audrey Hepburn’s works. If you haven’t seen it yet, this is a comedy drama you must stream on Prime before it’s gone.

3. Gladiator (2000)

IMDb: 8.5/10

Russell Crowe leads in this action-packed modern-day classic about a Roman General who’s seeking vengeance on an emperor who killed his family. A historical epic with magnificent gladiator fights, brilliant costumes and sets, and enough emotion and thrill to keep you gripped for hours on end. There’s no question why this film should be on your watchlist. Make it a must-watch on your Amazon Prime list today!

4. The Handmaiden (2016)

IMDb: 8.3/10

Fans of period dramas will fall head over heels for this steamy South Korean adaptation of Sarah Waters’ novel “Fingersmith”. A young handmaiden helps a con man steal her beautiful young employer’s fortune until love ruins her plans. By the looks of its rating, this is one of the best drama movies on Amazon Prime. Don’t be fooled by this rather standard premise, that’s only the tip of the fabulous, intricate iceberg that is The Handmaiden.

5. Rocky (1976)

IMDb: 8.1/10

There’s no introducing this one. But here goes. Rocky Balboa is just a small-time boxer until he goes up against the world heavyweight champion. Whether you like boxing or not, this classic movie will have you gripped from the get go. In fact, the whole movie collection is available to stream. It’s a great pick if you’re struggling and scrolling through films on Prime, we’ll tell you that much.

6. Top Gun: Maverick (2022)

IMDb: 8.2/10

Another gem that’s available to stream this month! Top Gun: Maverick is the follow-up to the iconic 80’s movie which sees daredevil pilot Maverick make his way around and teach at the United States Navy’s elite fighter weapons school. This is an action-drama film on Prime that probably won’t be around for long, and even if you haven’t watched the original, you can still get a kick out of this great sequel.

7. The Big Sick (2017)

IMDb: 7.5/10

In this heartfelt comedy drama, Kumail Nanjiani and Emily Gardner find love in a hopeless place where cultures and families clash. Combining three genres into one (romance, comedy, drama), this blockbuster offers a superb cast (Kumail Nanjiani, Zoe Kazan) and poignant story of cultural conflict alongside some brilliant laugh-out-loud funny moments.

8. The Lost City of Z (2016)

IMDb: 6.6/10

If you’re yearning for a great adventure film set in the early 1900s, you’ve come to the right place. In this epic drama movie, an explorer sets out to prove that the Amazon once sheltered an highly advanced, unknown civilization, even as everyone around him believes he has lost his mind. Fans of exploration epics will enjoy this beautifully shot, intense drama from beginning to end. What’s more? This film is based on a book and true story.

9. The Report (2019)

IMDb: 7.2/10

There isn’t a film that Adam Driver stars in that isn’t excellent. The Report features one of the actor’s most recent performances and is certainly a movie that all drama, crime and thriller enthusiasts will love. Senate staffer Daniel J. Jones is ordered to investigate the CIA’s use of torture following the September 11 attacks, meanwhile uncovering shocking secrets that make jaws drop. Tuck in if you’re up for a real thrill!

10. Saving Private Ryan (1998)

IMDb: 8.6/10

Here’s an action-drama film to stream on Prime! If you’re a warfare movie junkie and have yet to delve into this absolute classic, you know what to do next. This Tom Hanks and Matt Damon flick will put you at the forefront of World War II as Captain John Miller (Tom Hanks) takes his men to find Private James Ryan whose brothers have been killed in battle.

11. Spectre (2015)

IMDb: 6.8/10

A beloved James Bond movie is available on Prime! Daniel Craig takes on the role of 007, giving fans the ultimate action-packed, spy-filled ride. In this opus, Bond works to stop and destroy the looming threat of SPECTRE, a foreboding organization. Whether you’ve watched the previous installments or not, now’s your chance to tuck in on one of the most iconic movie sagas of our time.

12. Superman Returns (2006)

IMDb: 6.0/10

After more than a decade following Christopher Reeve’s riveting performance as the man of steel, Superman returned in the form of Brandon Routh. Superman Returns featured the actor’s only appearance as the iconic hero and was one of the decent takes on the popular movie saga. This film is a must-watch on Prime for those who are superhero geeks and fans of a bit of make-believe.

13. My Policeman (2022)

IMDb: 6.3/10

Harry Styles stars in this romance drama that will tug at your heartstrings. Policeman Tom marries a teacher named Marion, while simultaneously falling in love with a museum curator, Patrick during the 1950s when homosexuality was illegal. This poignant blockbuster is listed on Amazon Prime and makes for a wonderful watch if you haven’t seen it already.

14. Sicario (2015)

IMDb: 7.7/10

Here’s a good drama film on Prime you don’t want to miss! FBI agent Kate Macer sets out on a journey to the border between the United States and Mexico, to break down an escalating war against drugs. This blockbuster’s worthy of its high rating and has every bit of dramatic action and suspense you’ve been looking for.

15. Being the Ricardos (2021)

IMDb: 6.7/10

A biographical drama that can’t go unmissed. With an all-star cast including Nicole Kidman, Javier Bardem and J.K. Simmons, this story will have you gripped as you learn about the behind-the-scenes lives of iconic television stars Lucille Balland Desi Arnaz in the 1950s. Personal and professional struggles of the I Love Lucy couple will open your eyes in more ways than expected…

There you have it, the best drama movies on Amazon Prime Video right now. Your friends and family will thank you for reading this list, so you don’t have to subject them to hours of hesitant scrolling every movie night.

What did you think of this list? Let us know your recommendations of some hidden gems on Amazon Prime that you think we’ve forgotten.

Originally published in July 2020.

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