12 Underrated Movies Recently Added to Prime That Deserve to Be on Your Watchlist

12 Underrated Movies Recently Added to Prime That Deserve to Be on Your Watchlist

Streaming platforms are packed with blockbusters, but hidden beneath all the hype are incredible films waiting to be discovered. Prime Video recently added a treasure trove of underrated movies that flew under the radar but pack just as much punch as the big-name releases. Whether you’re in the mood for suspense, humor, or something totally unexpected, this list has something special for every kind of viewer.

1. Group Therapy (2024)

Sometimes the best healing happens in the most unexpected places. This darkly funny indie brings together a group of strangers who are forced to confront their deepest emotional wounds through methods that are anything but traditional.

The ensemble cast shines with performances that balance razor-sharp humor and genuine vulnerability. Each character feels real and relatable, making their journeys toward healing both entertaining and deeply moving.

What makes this film stand out is how it refuses to take the easy route. It doesn’t shy away from uncomfortable truths, yet it manages to find warmth and hope in the messiest moments of human connection.

2. 18½ (2021)

Picture this: a nervous transcriptionist accidentally stumbles upon the most controversial recording in American history. Set during the Watergate scandal, this clever dramedy imagines what might have happened to Nixon’s infamous missing tape minutes.

The retro flair is absolutely spot-on, from the costumes to the color palette to the period-perfect dialogue. Every frame feels like it was pulled straight from the 1970s, creating an immersive experience that history buffs will love.

Beyond the visual style, the witty writing keeps you guessing throughout. It’s a refreshingly original take on political satire that manages to feel both timely and timeless.

3. Joy Ride (2001)

Road trips are supposed to be fun, but this one quickly turns into a nightmare. Paul Walker and Steve Zahn play brothers who make the mistake of pranking a mysterious trucker over the CB radio, only to find themselves hunted across dark highways.

The tension builds masterfully from the first prank call to the heart-pounding finale. Director John Dahl knows exactly how to keep audiences on the edge of their seats, mixing dark humor with genuine terror.

What really elevates this thriller is the cat-and-mouse dynamic. You never quite see the full threat, which makes it even more terrifying as the brothers realize they’ve messed with the wrong person.

4. The Negotiator (1998)

When a master negotiator becomes the hostage-taker, who can possibly talk him down? Samuel L. Jackson delivers a powerhouse performance as a police negotiator framed for murder who takes hostages to prove his innocence.

Kevin Spacey enters as the only negotiator Jackson’s character will trust, creating an electrifying battle of wits. Their verbal sparring is as intense as any action sequence, with both actors bringing their A-game to every scene.

The smart writing keeps you guessing with twist after twist. This is one of the 1990s’ most criminally overlooked action thrillers, combining intelligent storytelling with pulse-pounding suspense that never lets up.

5. The Island on Bird Street (1997)

Survival stories don’t get much more powerful than this. Based on a true story, this film follows a young Jewish boy who must hide alone in a destroyed Warsaw ghetto building, waiting for his father to return.

The cinematography is absolutely beautiful, capturing both the horror of war and the small moments of beauty that keep hope alive. Every frame is carefully composed to reflect the boy’s emotional journey.

What makes this war drama truly special is its focus on resilience and the human spirit. It’s an emotionally rich film that deserves far more recognition than it received upon release.

6. Split Second (1992)

Imagine a future London half-submerged in water, where a burned-out cop hunts a creature that’s part serial killer, part monster. Rutger Hauer brings his signature intensity to this wild blend of sci-fi and horror that feels like a fever dream.

The practical effects hold up surprisingly well, giving the creature genuine menace without relying on CGI. The gritty, rain-soaked atmosphere creates a uniquely oppressive world that pulls you in completely.

This film has serious cult-classic energy with its over-the-top action and dark tone. It’s the kind of bold, strange spectacle that Hollywood rarely makes anymore, and that’s exactly what makes it worth watching.

7. Dreaming Out Loud (1940)

Step back into a simpler time with this heartwarming slice of old-fashioned Americana. Real-life radio stars Lum and Abner bring their beloved characters to the big screen in a story filled with small-town charm and gentle humor.

The film captures the optimism and community spirit of 1940s rural America beautifully. Every scene feels like a warm hug, reminding us of a time when neighbors looked out for each other and problems were solved with kindness.

While it might seem old-fashioned today, there’s something genuinely comforting about its sincerity. It’s a perfect watch when you need something uplifting and genuinely wholesome.

8. Lifeforce (1985)

Space vampires invading London—yes, you read that correctly. Directed by horror legend Tobe Hooper, this film is as wild and ambitious as it sounds, blending science fiction with gothic horror in the most unexpected ways.

The visual effects are absolutely spectacular for 1985, creating genuinely unsettling imagery that sticks with you. Hooper’s direction brings a sense of epic scale to the chaos, making every scene feel larger than life.

Critics were harsh when it first released, but time has been kind to this bizarre masterpiece. It’s bold, strange, and completely unforgettable—everything a cult classic should be, and so much better than its reputation suggests.

9. The Woman in the Yard (2025)

Grief can make us see things that aren’t there—or are they? This haunting new thriller explores the blurry line between reality and psychological breakdown through the story of a woman dealing with profound loss.

The moody cinematography creates an atmosphere thick with dread and uncertainty. Every shot is carefully crafted to keep you questioning what’s real, making the viewing experience delightfully unsettling.

The layered storytelling rewards careful attention, revealing deeper themes about trauma and healing. It’s one of Prime’s most intriguing recent additions, offering the kind of thoughtful suspense that stays with you long after the credits roll.

10. The Chocolate War (1988)

What happens when one student refuses to participate in his school’s annual chocolate sale? This quietly powerful drama explores the brutal reality of conformity and rebellion within the walls of a strict Catholic school.

Adapted from Robert Cormier’s controversial young adult novel, the film doesn’t pull punches. It presents a stark, honest look at peer pressure, institutional power, and the cost of standing up for your beliefs.

The performances from the young cast are remarkably mature and nuanced. This remains one of the most underrated teen films of the 1980s, offering a sharp, unflinching perspective that still feels relevant today.

11. Anything’s Possible (2022)

Love is love, and this film celebrates that truth with joy and authenticity. Billy Porter’s directorial debut follows Kelsa, a confident trans teen navigating the complexities of first love while staying true to herself.

The vibrant visual style matches the film’s optimistic spirit perfectly. Porter brings a theatrical flair to every frame, creating a world that feels both grounded and wonderfully hopeful.

What really shines is the genuine heart at the story’s center. This is a modern coming-of-age tale that deserved far more attention than it received, offering representation and warmth that too many viewers missed out on.

12. Blow the Man Down (2019)

Small coastal towns always hide the darkest secrets. Two sisters find themselves covering up a terrible mistake in their sleepy Maine fishing village, only to discover their community has been hiding something far worse.

The film blends dark comedy with genuine suspense masterfully, creating a unique coastal noir atmosphere. The biting wit keeps things entertaining even as the tension ratchets up with each revelation.

The eerie New England setting becomes a character itself, with fog-shrouded docks and weathered faces telling stories without words. This is a chilling, overlooked gem that proves women-led thrillers can be just as gripping as anything Hollywood’s mainstream has offered.