The Top 10 Underappreciated Films from Amazon Studios, Ranked

Undoubtedly, streaming services have become an integral part of our lives. In an attempt to preserve the traditional theatrical distribution model, traditional studios are grappling to keep up, while platforms like Netflix and Disney+ have effortlessly captivated audiences by offering the convenience of streaming new films at home. An interesting twist on the conventional streaming approach has been adopted by Amazon Studios – some movies are first released in theaters, while others are directly premiered on their streaming service.

Although some cinephiles may feel conflicted about supporting a corporate giant like Amazon, there is no denying the exceptional repertoire of films produced by Amazon Studios. Navigating through the vast selection of titles available on their platform can be overwhelming, however, there are hidden gems that deserve recognition. From the enchanting musical romantic drama, Annette, to the witty period comedy film, Love & Friendship, here are ten underrated Amazon Studios films that deserve your attention, ranked accordingly.

10. 'My Policeman' (2022)

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Despite facing criticism for his performance in Olivia Wilde's Don't Worry Darling, Harry Styles showcases his true acting skills in the overlooked historical romance My Policeman. Set in 1950s Brighton, the film follows museum curator Patrick Hazelwood (played by David Dawson) as he embarks on a forbidden love affair with police officer Tom Burgess (portrayed by Styles).

Through poignant flashbacks featuring an older version of Patrick (played by Rupert Everett), the film effectively portrays the heart-wrenching tragedy of their early relationship. My Policeman fearlessly tackles the themes of hate and bigotry that both men encountered during their youth.

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9. 'Love & Friendship' (2016)

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Crafting the perfect tone for a Jane Austen adaptation is no easy feat, but writer/director Whit Stillman rises to the occasion in his 2016 rendition of Austen’s beloved novel, Love & Friendship. In this delightful film, Kate Beckinsale shines as Lady Susan Vernon, a young widow who takes it upon herself to play matchmaker for her brother-in-law Charles (Justin Edwards) and his wife Catherine (Emma Greenwell).

Love & Friendship retains Austen's original prose while the film's dynamic performances give it a refreshingly modern feel. Beckinsale showcases her range beyond the Underworld franchise with one of her most impressive portrayals. Stream on Prime Video.

8. 'Encounter' (2021)

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Exploring the difficulties of living with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Encounter utilizes a science fiction-adjacent narrative. Riz Ahmed takes on the role of Malik Khan, a U.S. Marine who strives to safeguard his two young sons from invasive parasitic life forms threatening the world. As they make their way to safety, Khan's son Jay (Lucian-River Chauhan) gradually begins to question his father's mental stability.

While Encounter may overextend itself with a surprising plot twist in its final moments, Ahmed's compelling performance enhances the credibility of the story. This is a prime example of how exceptional acting can elevate an otherwise average film.

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7. '7500' (2019)

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Few situations are as gripping as isolating a character in a confined setting, and 7500 masterfully achieves this. In this film, Joseph Gordon-Levitt takes on the role of a seasoned airline pilot who finds himself in a harrowing predicament when his plane is hijacked during a flight.

Gordon-Levitt gained recognition through his performances in comedies such as 10 Things I Hate About You and 500 Days of Summer. Hence, witnessing him take on a more intense role unveils a new facet of his acting skills. 7500 is an enthralling thriller that no movie enthusiast would want to miss, particularly not during a flight. Stream it on Prime Video.

6. 'The Electrical Life of Louis Wain' (2021)

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Benedict Cumberbatch, an exceptional actor, possesses the remarkable talent of making any character exceedingly likable. In the biographical film, The Electrical Life of Louis Wain, Cumberbatch delivers one of his funniest performances as the eponymous artist. Louis Wain, renowned for his captivating cat portraits, is brought to life by Cumberbatch, highlighting the artist's quietly revolutionary approach to his work.

Director Will Sharpe skillfully incorporates Wain's paintings into the visual aesthetics of the film, utilizing them to enhance the narrative and provide a deeper understanding of the artist's artistic ideals.

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5. 'The Report' (2019)

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With acclaimed screenwriter Scott Z. Burns at the helm, notable for his work on Stephen Soderbergh's timeless films Contagion and The Informant!, the 2019 biopic The Report delves into the aftermath of 9/11, examining the dehumanizing impact of torture on individuals accused of terrorism.

Watch "The Torture Report" on Prime Video, where Burns skillfully highlights the story of David Jones, a dedicated United States Senate staffer who bravely blew the whistle to expose concealed truths. Notably, the film intriguingly incorporates moments that directly reference Kathryn Bigelow's war film, "Zero Dark Thirty."

4. 'Last Flag Flying' (2017)

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Last Flag Flying, directed by Richard Linklater in 2017, is a contemporary adaptation of Hal Ashby's acclaimed film The Last Detail from 1973. Bryan Cranston, Laurence Fishburne, and Steve Carell take on the roles of Vietnam War veterans who come together after years apart from their military service.

The reunion prompts deep reflections on their individual journeys and how they have evolved since their time in the military. Combining dark humor with genuine empathy, Last Flag Flying deserves recognition as one of Linklater's overlooked masterpieces.

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3. 'The Lost City of Z' (2016)

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Few filmmakers grasp the concept of obsession as profoundly as James Gray. In his 2017 adventure film, The Lost City of Z, Gray delves into the captivating true tale of Percy Fawcett (Charlie Hunnam), an intrepid explorer who dedicated years of his life scouring the depths of the Amazon jungle in search of a mysterious lost city rumored to house an extraordinary fortune.

Despite the perilous nature of the journey and its seemingly unfruitful nature, Fawcett remains committed to exploring the depths of the jungle. The movie highlights the detrimental effects of Fawcett's obsessions on his family life, as he motivates his son (Tom Holland) to accompany him on the expedition.

Stream on Prime Video.

2. 'Annette' (2021)

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Leos Carax's Annette masterfully dissects parental anxiety and artistic integrity, resulting in an entertaining and bizarre musical experience. The story revolves around Henry McHenry (Adam Driver), a chauvinistic comedian, and his wife Ann Defrasnoux (Marion Cotillard) as they grapple with the challenges of bringing their new child into the world.

Carax skillfully creates a surrealist atmosphere, where Henry's visions come to life, instilling both absurd hilarity and intense terror. The film's unique tone is perfectly executed by Carax. Additionally, the original soundtrack by Sparks stands out as one of the best in recent years.

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1. 'Paterson' (2016)

Adam Driver shines once again in Amazon Studios' latest film. In Jim Jarmusch's 2016 masterpiece, Paterson, Driver delivers a subtly powerful performance as the main character. Playing the role of a compassionate bus driver with aspirations to be a renowned poet, Driver draws inspiration from the people around him to fuel his writing journey.

Similar to many of Jarmusch's movies, Paterson is characterized by its observational nature. The film joyously highlights the joys found in everyday life, portraying how individuals such as Paterson can transcend their circumstances and achieve greatness as artists.

Stream on Prime Video.