As summer winds down and August slips away, the skies across much of the UK are already beginning to grey. The days are getting shorter, the rain a little more persistent, and the sunshine just a bit more reluctant to show up. It’s the perfect time to retreat indoors, get cozy, and put on a film that can truly hold your attention, but with so many films out there, few things are more frustrating than starting one, only to turn it off 10 minutes later because it’s not quite what you were hoping for.
Whether you’re looking to be gripped by an intense thriller, swept up in a world of fantasy, or just need a laugh to lift your mood, choosing the right film is half the battle. From adrenaline pumping action and sharp witted comedies to dramatic thrillers and captivating musicals, these 11 films recommended by the TV Guide are now streaming on Amazon Prime and offer something for every taste and mood.
1. The Pickup
Two mismatched armored lorry drivers get tricked into helping a clever thief pull off no other than a $60 million casino heist. What follows is a chaotic ride of betrayal, misfires, and wild twists as they try to survive the fallout of the job they never meant to join in the first place.
Directed by Tim Story, the film came out on Amazon Prime on August 6 and stars Eddie Murphy, Pete Davidson, Eva Longoria, and Keke Palmer. While the reviews have been mixed, it’s the kind of movie you can kick back with when you’re after light, silly entertainment rather than something overly serious.
2. Miami Vice
This reboot from the original 1984 film brings a darker, more modern edge to the classic Miami Vice story, trading neon lights for gritty realism and updating the action for a new generation. Directed by Michael Mann, the film is admired for its action sequences, electronic soundtrack, and its moody visuals being a highly sensorially powerful film.
The film tells the story of two undercover detectives Sonny Crockett (Colin Farrell) and Ricardo Tubbs (Jamie Foxx) who infiltrate a powerful drug trafficking network operating between South Florida and international cartels. As they dive deeper into the dangerous world of smuggling, blurred lines between their real identities and cover stories threaten both their mission and their lives.
3. Wicked
The 2024 film, starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, is a reimagining of the beloved Broadway musical, with a screenplay adapted by Winnie Holzman and Dana Fox. It has earned an impressive 88% on Rotten Tomatoes, praised for its visuals, choreography, singing, and the chemistry between both actors.
4. Heads of State
Released at the start of July, the film stars John Cena as the President of the United States and Idris Elba as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. The political rivals, forced to work together after Air Force One is shot down, must overcome their differences and team up to survive and save the day.
5. Nosferatu
This atmospheric gothic horror film from 2024 is a feast for fans of haunting visuals and eerie storytelling. A chilling reimagining of the classic 1922 silent vampire film, Nosferatu follows Ellen Hutter (Lily-Rose Depp), who unknowingly invites the sinister Count Orlok (Bill Skarsgård) into her life. As darkness descends, Ellen’s husband Thomas (Nicholas Hoult) tries desperately to save her from the vampire’s deadly grasp.
6. Nobody
Bob Odenkirk stars as an ordinary man whose quiet life is turned upside down when a violent home invasion reveals his hidden past as a deadly assassin. The film earned a 84% on Rotten Tomatoes and Nobody 2 was released just days ago, on August 15.
7. Deep Cover
This British crime comedy follows a struggling comedian who, along with two improv students, is recruited by the police to use their improv skills undercover to infiltrate a criminal organisation. The film received an impressive 90% on Rotten Tomatoes and stars Bryce Dallas Howard, Sonoya Mizuno, Orlando Bloom and it came out just a few months ago, in May 2025.
8. The Accountant 2
Ben Affleck returns as Christian Wolff, a brilliant accountant with autism who secretly works for criminal organisations while feeding information to the authorities. In this film, he teams up with his mercenary brother, played by Jon Bernthal, as they face new threats in a high-stakes thriller filled with action, suspense, and some unexpected humour.
9. Another Simple Favor
Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively reunite in this thriller sequel that came out earlier this year where Emily (Lively) is out of prison and preparing to marry in Italy. Stephanie (Kendrick), now a successful true crime vlogger, attends the wedding to uncover what Emily’s really up to.
10. Conclave
This political thriller from 2024 delves into the intense and secretive process of selecting a new Pope following the death of the previous pontiff. Ralph Fiennes leads a star-studded cast as a cardinal navigating power struggles, hidden agendas, and shocking secrets that could change the future of the Catholic Church forever.
11. Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes
Set three centuries after War for the Planet of the Apes, this next chapter follows a young chimpanzee named Noa who embarks on a perilous journey to challenge a tyrannical ape ruler. As apes have become the dominant species and humans have regressed into a more feral state, Noa must decide what kind of future he wants to help build for both apes and the scattered remnants of humanity.
