Amazon Prime Video is perfect for a weekend movie marathon, and there are endless possibilities for a late summer binge-watch. Prime Video is one of the premier names in the streaming game, and the blue brand rivals major competitors like Netflix in its breadth and scope. Besides carrying classic content, Prime Video produces plenty of original movies and shows too.
One thing that sets Prime Video apart is that they have a pay-per-view option which allows streamers to watch the latest movies days after they leave the theater. This, along with the seemingly endless streaming catalog, has launched the platform to unprecedented heights. Though it can be difficult to decide, Prime Video has everything for a curated binge-watch.
Death Becomes Her (1992)
Often regarded as one of the best cult classics of the ’90s, Death Becomes Her was director Robert Zemeckis’ attempt to be a bit subversive. The dark comedy has an all-star cast including Bruce Willis, Goldie Hawn, and Meryl Streep, and is something of a twisted fairy tale with a humorous and macabre moral lesson attached.
Death Becomes Her has gained cult classic status despite being successful at the box office, earning $150 million (via Box Office Mojo).
The effects are surprising and hilarious, and Zemeckis’ light touch gives Death Becomes Her that timeless feel. It’s a far cry from Back to the Future or Forrest Gump, but it’s an excellent addition to a Prime Video binge-watch because of its cult status. It’s still woefully underseen, and a weekend watch-a-thon is the perfect time to uncover hidden gems.
The Magnificent Seven (2016)
Remaking one of the greatest westerns of all time was a big gamble, but the 2016 version of The Magnificent Seven was up to the task. It swapped out Yul Brynner for Denzel Washington, and the cast was much more diverse than its 1960 counterpart. It was a more-or-less straightforward remake, but offered a lot of fun action too.
Critics gave the movie a mixed reception, with many pointing out that it lacked enough originality to justify itself. While that is true, it certainly delivers a lot of excitement, and is still a great entry into the genre for the uninitiated. For a bit of light, action-packed fun, The Magnificent Seven is perfect for whiling away a few hours.
The Birdcage (1996)
The French comedy film, La Cage aux Folles, inspired the hit Broadway musical in the ’80s, and was then adapted into The Birdcage in 1996. Starring Robin Williams and Nathan Lane in the lead roles, the hilarious farce was groundbreaking because it was one of the first major studio movies to feature LGBTQ+ characters in the lead roles.
Besides being sidesplitting and charming, The Birdcage is also a heartfelt story about family and the discrimination faced by members of the gay community. All the lighthearted fun makes it a nice addition to a Prime Video binge-watch, but viewers will leave the film with a lot more than a few chuckles.
founded
September 7, 2006
first original series
alpha house
