The holidays officially begin this week, and so begins everyone's binge-watching of their favorite holiday movies. Don't worry, I'm not going to overwhelm you, but I'm starting this week off with a must-watch mystery comedy. Afterwards, we return to the Roman Colosseum for gladiatorial combat, then switch gears and dive into two thrillers, both based on true events. To finish, I chose a comedy that is guaranteed to make you laugh with a touch of drama that everyone can relate to on some level.
That's five films Amazon Prime Video you need to watch this week.
5
Knives out
Who doesn't love a clever little murder mystery full of wit and plot twists, and an accompanying ensemble of eleven actors?! This alone was enough to draw me into Knives outbut its plot and amazing acting are what kept me going through this terribly good time.
When famed private investigator Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) is called to investigate the death of popular crime writer Harlan Thrombey (Christopher Plummer), he immediately suspects foul play, although the police rule it a suicide. Everyone knows that the Thrombey family is extremely dysfunctional, even Benoit. Sifting through a tangled web of carefully woven lies and red herrings, he knows that it is up to him and him alone to uncover the truth.
Knives out This is a masterfully crafted mystery that successfully balances laugh-out-loud suspense with suspense, creating a fresh, modern take on the classic detective genre. Its star-studded cast also includes Chris Evans, Jamie Lee Curtis, Michael Shannon, Don Johnson, Toni Collette, LaKeith Stanfield, Katherine Langford, Riki Lindhome and Ana de Armas. The film has become a surprise holiday favorite, with its holiday popularity growing every year since 2023.
4
Gladiator
If you're in the mood for a gripping historical epic, check out Ridley Scott's book. Gladiator. In addition to plenty of action, the film is also filled with devilish tension and more drama than you can imagine.
Russell Crowe plays Maximus Decimus Meridius, a powerful and respected Roman general who is sold into slavery and forced to fight as a common gladiator. You see, Emperor Marcus Aurelius (Richard Harris) deeply loved and favored the general even more than his own son Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix). When he is passed over as heir to the throne in favor of Maximus, Commodus takes dastardly actions. But that's not what this story is about. GladiatorHis heart is out for revenge, and watching it happen is simply amazing.
Known for their enormous scale, stunning atmospheric visual effects and meticulously detailed sets and costumes, Scott's films are immersive experiences laced with entertainment. Gladiator is no exception. Now is the perfect time to visit the arena again –a new epic of swords and sandals Spartacus: House of Ashura coming soon and available through Amazon Prime Video.
3
Last breath
I'm always up for exciting thrillers, and Last breath didn't disappoint. In fact, I held my breath as I watched his deadly underwater rescue mission unfold.
The remake of the 2019 British documentary of the same name follows three divers working to repair the underwater gas pipelines of an oil rig 300 feet below the surface of the North Sea. For these guys, it's just another day at work – until the unthinkable happens and one of the divers is left alone on the seabed, with his umbilical cord completely cut and his oxygen rapidly depleting.
This action-packed survival blockbuster puts you right in the middle of the action, forcing you to race against time as these workers risk their lives to save their friend. Last breath is completely created in reality, so it's both fascinating and harrowing to see what a person in this career field has to endure just so that the rest of us can continue to live comfortably. Woody Harrelson delivers visceral acting, as do Simu Liu, Cliff Curtis and Finn Cole (Peaky Blinders), in this gripping, suspenseful story that will leave you breathless and chilled.
2
Alto Knights
Alto Knights this is an ambitious biopic violent crime drama from Barry Levinson and starring Robert De Niro in an unforgettably gripping dual performance between two of New York's biggest crime lords.
Set in the 1950s, De Niro stars as Frank Costello and Vito Genovese, major Mafia bosses and former friends turned enemies as they fight for control of the city streets. Petty jealousies and betrayals undermine their trust, and as these rifts deepen, they find themselves on the path to a deadly clash that will change American organized crime forever.
The real-life rivalry between Frank and Vito pitted them against each other for power within the Luciano crime family. This ultimately led to Genovese striking Costello hard and fast, taking control of the Mafia. The film begins here with this failed assassination attempt, then flashes back to the bosses' rise as Prohibition bootleggers before moving on to their infamous conflict. You'll see a few more recognizable faces, most notably Debra Messing and Cosmo Jarvis (Shogun).
1
Parting
Vince Vaughn and Jennifer Aniston share electric on-screen chemistry in PartingA charming little comedy-drama about one of life's greatest and most unavoidable heartbreaks.
Aniston plays Brooke, a suburban art dealer, and Vaughn plays Gary, a downtown tour bus driver. As a couple, they feel good together, but when they move in with each other and get used to routine life, complacency and disappointment set in. Eventually, they agree to end the contract, but there's one problem: neither of them wants to move out of their shared apartment, so they have to wait until it's sold. The more their friends try to help them reconcile, the more hostile Brooke and Gary become towards each other in a petty comedic manner.
This movie is not all romance and drama, so don't worry. There's more than enough comedy to keep this narrative fresh, thanks to a hilarious cast that includes Jon Favreau, Justin Long, Cole Hauser, Jason Bateman, Vincent D'Onofrio, Joey Lauren Adams and John Michael Higgins. It also features one of the best and most cringeworthy and entertaining family dinner scenes to ever grace our screens. After watching it, you'll be forever giggling every time you hear “Yes.” Master of a Lonely Heart. This is the perfect moment for a holiday dinner that you can recreate.
Have a great week full of fun on and off screen. When you start drinking, don't forget about New November Prime Video films!
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