30 Best Movies on Prime Video UK Right With 90%+ Rotten Tomatoes Scores
Looking for something actually worth watching on Prime Video UK? You’re not alone. With thousands of titles flooding the platform, separating the cinematic gems from the forgettable filler can feel like a chore. That’s where Rotten Tomatoes comes in, serving as a trusted barometer for critical acclaim. In this guide, we’ve handpicked 30 of the absolute best movies currently streaming on Prime Video UK, each earning an impressive 90% or higher on the Tomatometer.
From modern indie masterpieces to beloved classics and high-octane blockbusters, these films represent the cream of the crop. You’ll find award-winning performances, Oscar-nominated direction, and stories that have captured both critics’ praise and audience love. Whether you’re in the mood for an edge-of-your-seat thriller, a powerful drama, or a feel-good comedy, this list covers a wide spectrum of genres, each backed by critical consensus.
So grab your popcorn and get ready to upgrade your movie night. These are the 30 best movies on Prime Video UK right now that critics agree you shouldn’t miss. Scroll through to discover which must-see movies deserve a spot on your watchlist today.
Hoosiers (1986)
Hoosiers is a beloved sports drama that has become a classic in its genre, acclaimed for its heartfelt storytelling and powerful performances. The film tells the inspiring true story of a small-town Indiana high school basketball team that defies expectations to compete for the state championship.
Gene Hackman delivers a standout performance as the troubled coach who helps transform a ragtag group of players into champions. Praised for its authentic portrayal of teamwork, perseverance, and redemption, Hoosiers captures the spirit of the underdog and continues to resonate with audiences decades after its release.
Dunkirk
Directed by Christopher Nolan, Dunkirk is widely regarded as one of the best war films in recent years, earning critical praise for its immersive storytelling and technical brilliance. The movie recounts the tense evacuation of Allied soldiers stranded on the beaches of Dunkirk during World War II.
Nolan’s signature nonlinear narrative keeps viewers on the edge of their seats as he weaves together land, sea, and air perspectives. The film’s haunting score by Hans Zimmer, minimal dialogue, and stunning cinematography work together to create an intense, almost visceral experience. Nominated for eight Academy Awards and winning three, including Best Film Editing, Dunkirk is both a gripping survival story and a tribute to the courage of ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances.
Arctic
Directed by Joe Penna, Arctic is a gripping survival drama starring Mads Mikkelsen in a powerful, mostly dialogue-free performance. The film follows a man stranded in the unforgiving Arctic wilderness after a plane crash, who must decide whether to stay in the fragile safety of his makeshift camp or risk a perilous journey across the ice to seek rescue.
Praised for its tense atmosphere and stark, breathtaking cinematography, Arctic showcases Mikkelsen’s ability to convey raw emotion and resilience with minimal words. The film received acclaim for its realistic portrayal of survival and was noted for its haunting, immersive storytelling, making it a standout in the survival thriller genre.
Manchester by the Sea
With a remarkable 96% on Rotten Tomatoes and an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay, Manchester by the Sea is a deeply affecting drama about grief and the challenges of moving on. Casey Affleck delivers an Oscar-winning performance as Lee Chandler, a man forced to confront a painful past when he becomes the guardian of his teenage nephew.
The film’s quiet, realistic approach to storytelling highlights the complexities of family, loss, and forgiveness. Michelle Williams and Lucas Hedges also give standout performances, adding emotional layers to this beautifully crafted film. Directed by Kenneth Lonergan, the movie’s authenticity and emotional depth have earned it critical acclaim and a lasting place in modern cinema.
The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
This iconic spaghetti Western directed by Sergio Leone is a masterpiece of the genre, boasting a stellar 97% Rotten Tomatoes rating and a cult following that spans generations. Starring Clint Eastwood, Eli Wallach, and Lee Van Cleef, the film tells a gripping tale of three gunslingers competing to find buried gold during the American Civil War.
Known for its memorable score by Ennio Morricone and striking visuals, The Good, the Bad and the Ugly is more than just an action-packed Western; it’s a stylish, epic story about greed, betrayal, and survival. Its influence on cinema is profound, shaping the way Westerns are made even today.
Spotlight
Spotlight is a hard-hitting, true-crime drama that won the Academy Award for Best Picture and Best Original Screenplay. The film chronicles the Boston Globe’s investigative team as they uncover widespread abuse within the Catholic Church.
With a 97% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, it’s praised for its sharp writing, meticulous direction by Tom McCarthy, and a strong ensemble cast including Mark Ruffalo, Michael Keaton, and Rachel McAdams. The movie serves as a powerful example of journalism’s role in seeking justice and holding powerful institutions accountable. It’s both a gripping thriller and a thought-provoking look at institutional corruption and the human stories behind the headlines.
A Hero
Directed by acclaimed Iranian filmmaker Asghar Farhadi (Oscar-winner for A Separation), A Hero is a gripping drama centered on Rahim (Amir Jadidi), a man temporarily released from prison to resolve a debt dispute. As Rahim tries to convince his creditor to drop the complaint by repaying part of the sum, he faces a moral dilemma that spirals beyond his control.
The film explores themes of honor, societal pressure, and the complexity of truth. A Hero was widely praised for its nuanced storytelling and earned several international accolades, solidifying Farhadi’s reputation as one of the world’s foremost directors of psychological realism.
Paterson
Directed by indie auteur Jim Jarmusch, Paterson is a poetic slice-of-life drama starring Adam Driver as a bus driver and poet in Paterson, New Jersey. The film is a subtle meditation on routine, creativity, and everyday beauty as Paterson writes poems inspired by his surroundings while living a quiet, loving life with his wife Laura (Golshifteh Farahani).
Praised for its understated elegance and heartfelt performances, Paterson was lauded for capturing the small, meaningful moments of daily life with warmth and authenticity.
Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation
This fifth installment in the Mission: Impossible franchise directed by Christopher McQuarrie elevates the spy thriller genre with intense action and complex plotting. Tom Cruise reprises his role as Ethan Hunt, now facing the dangerous Syndicate, a rogue group intent on global destabilization.
Joined by Rebecca Ferguson’s Ilsa Faust, a disavowed British agent, Hunt must navigate a high-stakes world of espionage with dazzling stunts and sharp storytelling. The film was praised for its thrilling set pieces and strong performances, cementing the franchise’s place among the best action series today.
Die Hard
A quintessential action classic directed by John McTiernan, Die Hard stars Bruce Willis as NYPD officer John McClane, who single-handedly fights a terrorist takeover of a Los Angeles skyscraper on Christmas Eve. With a sharp script, iconic one-liners, and an unforgettable villain played by Alan Rickman, the film revolutionized the action genre. It has won multiple awards and remains a beloved, critically acclaimed staple for blending suspense, wit, and gritty realism.
Herself
Herself is a powerful British drama directed by Phyllida Lloyd, focusing on Sandra (Clare Dunne), a single mother escaping abuse and determined to build a home for her children. Inspired by a bedtime story and supported by an unlikely community, Sandra’s journey is a moving testament to resilience and hope against systemic barriers. The film was praised for Clare Dunne’s authentic performance and its social commentary on housing and empowerment.
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
The epic conclusion to Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings trilogy, this film won 11 Academy Awards including Best Picture and Best Director, tying the record for most Oscars won by a single film. It follows Frodo and Sam’s perilous quest to destroy the One Ring and Aragorn’s rise as the rightful king battling Sauron’s forces. Celebrated for its groundbreaking visuals, emotional depth, and sweeping scale, it remains a landmark in fantasy cinema.
Man From Reno
A neo-noir thriller directed by Dave Boyle, Man From Reno stars Ayako Fujitani as a Japanese crime novelist entangled in a real murder mystery in San Francisco. The film is noted for its intricate plot twists, strong performances, and atmospheric tension. Critics praised it for smart storytelling and character-driven suspense, standing out as a compelling indie thriller with a fresh take on the genre.
Sense and Sensibility
Directed by Ang Lee and based on Jane Austen’s novel, this period drama is a critically acclaimed adaptation lauded for its delicate performances and lush cinematography. Emma Thompson (who also wrote the screenplay) leads as Elinor Dashwood, with Kate Winslet as Marianne. The film won several awards, including an Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay, praised for its emotional depth and faithful yet fresh take on Austen’s classic.
The Salesman
From Oscar-winning director Asghar Farhadi, The Salesman is a gripping Iranian drama about a couple (Shahab Hosseini and Taraneh Alidoosti) whose lives unravel after moving into a new apartment. The film explores themes of trauma, justice, and morality, receiving international acclaim including the Best Foreign Language Film Oscar. Its taut screenplay and nuanced performances solidify it as one of Farhadi’s masterpieces.
Bull Durham
This beloved sports romantic comedy directed by Ron Shelton stars Kevin Costner, Susan Sarandon, and Tim Robbins. Set in minor league baseball, the film combines witty dialogue, romance, and sports drama, earning cult classic status. Praised for its sharp writing and chemistry among leads, it remains one of the best baseball movies ever made and a cultural touchstone for sports films.
Babe
A charming family film about a piglet who learns to herd sheep, Babe was nominated for seven Oscars including Best Picture. Directed by Chris Noonan, the movie won hearts worldwide with its innovative animatronics and heartfelt story. It’s praised for its gentle humor, universal appeal, and memorable characters, making it a beloved classic in family cinema.
Blow the Man Down
A darkly comic thriller set in a Maine fishing village, this indie film from Bridget Savage Cole and Danielle Krudy stars Morgan Saylor and Sophie Lowe as sisters covering up a crime and uncovering small-town secrets. Critics hailed it for sharp writing, atmospheric setting, and strong female leads, making it a standout in the neo-noir genre.
A Fistful of Dollars
Sergio Leone’s iconic spaghetti western introduced Clint Eastwood as the “Man with No Name,” reshaping the Western genre with its gritty style and morally ambiguous hero. The film’s influence is immense, spawning sequels and inspiring countless filmmakers. It’s praised for its memorable score by Ennio Morricone and pioneering direction, cementing Leone’s status as a master of cinema.
Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One
Christopher McQuarrie returns to direct another adrenaline-packed chapter starring Tom Cruise as Ethan Hunt. Facing a new global threat and haunted by his past, Hunt’s latest mission pushes him to the limit in a globe-trotting race against time. The film was widely praised for its jaw-dropping stunts, intense action sequences, and a complex villain, reinforcing the franchise’s enduring popularity.
Knives Out
Rian Johnson’s modern whodunit features an all-star cast led by Daniel Craig as detective Benoit Blanc unraveling the mystery behind a wealthy patriarch’s death. Praised for its clever screenplay, sharp humor, and engaging performances, Knives Out was nominated for numerous awards and revitalized the murder mystery genre with a contemporary twist.
Leviathan
Directed by Andrey Zvyagintsev, Leviathan is a powerful Russian drama exploring corruption, loss, and resistance through the story of a fisherman fighting to save his ancestral home from a corrupt mayor. The film won the Best Screenplay award at Cannes and was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. It’s acclaimed for its bleak beauty and social critique.
The Big Sick
A heartfelt romantic comedy based on the real-life courtship of Kumail Nanjiani, who stars as himself, The Big Sick explores cultural clashes, illness, and family bonds. Directed by Michael Showalter, the film was a critical darling, nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay and praised for its warmth, humor, and emotional honesty.
Annie Hal
Woody Allen’s classic romantic comedy broke new ground with its neurotic humor and innovative narrative style. Starring Allen and Diane Keaton, the film won four Oscars including Best Picture and Best Director. It remains a defining work in American cinema, celebrated for its witty examination of modern relationships and its influence on the genre.
Love & Friendship
Based on Jane Austen’s novella Lady Susan, this film by Whit Stillman stars Kate Beckinsale as the cunning and witty Lady Susan who manipulates social circles for personal gain. Praised for its sharp dialogue and period accuracy, it received critical acclaim for breathing fresh life into Austen’s lesser-known work with charm and humor.
Lost in Translation
Sofia Coppola’s tender drama features Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson as two Americans forming a poignant connection while adrift in Tokyo. The film won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay and was nominated for three others. It’s hailed for its subtle performances, evocative atmosphere, and exploration of loneliness and connection.
Creed
Directed by Ryan Coogler, this critically acclaimed spin-off/revival of the Rocky series stars Michael B. Jordan as Adonis Creed, seeking to honor his father’s legacy with the help of Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone). The film received multiple award nominations, including Oscars for Best Supporting Actor (Stallone), praised for its emotional depth, strong performances, and fresh take on boxing dramas.
WarGames
A pioneering techno-thriller starring Matthew Broderick as a high school hacker who inadvertently nearly triggers World War III. Directed by John Badham, the film was praised for its timely Cold War commentary and suspenseful storytelling. It became a cult classic and influenced pop culture depictions of hacking and computer warfare.
Sylvie’s Love
A lush, romantic drama set in 1957 New York, Sylvie’s Love follows the deepening relationship between saxophonist Robert (Nnamdi Asomugha) and Sylvie (Tessa Thompson), who dreams of a television career. Directed by Eugene Ashe, the film was celebrated for its warm depiction of black love, jazz culture, and mid-century life, praised for its nostalgic yet fresh storytelling.
American Fiction
Cord Jefferson’s sharp directorial debut stars Jeffrey Wright as Monk, a novelist critiquing racial stereotypes in literature by writing a satirical “Black” book under a pseudonym. The film was lauded for its humor, incisive social commentary, and strong performances, positioning Jefferson as an important new voice in contemporary cinema.