At the start of every month, your favorite streaming platforms offer new movie options. Prime Video has some stellar additions to its catalogue that are worth checking out in September. With some returning classics and brand new releases, deciding what to prioritize on such a vast platform can be overwhelming.
While there are some strong new additions to Prime Video, some films are worth skipping. They may still be a fun watches for many viewers, but they just aren’t the films to jump to first. To help out, here is a brief list of some of the must-watch and skippable movies from this month’s Prime movies.
Sept. 1: Children of Men (2006)
Alfonso Cuarón‘s dystopian film takes place in the United Kingdom in 2027. Humans are on the brink of extinction due to global infertility. The U.K. has become a totalitarian police state, and it is home to former activist Theo (Clive Owen). Despite his wish to quietly retire, Theo discovers Kee (Clare-Hope Ashitey), a young African refugee who is the world’s first pregnant woman in 18 years. Theo must protect Kee from enemies on all sides as they struggle to find safety and, possibly, a cure.
Children of Men is a film that manages to be multiple things simultaneously. It’s a thriller, a sci-fi drama, a bleak commentary, and, ultimately, a cautionary tale. The story is adapted from a novel by P.D. James, but Cuarón adds his own special touches that bring additional depth to the story. The performances from Owen, Ashitey, and supporting cast members Julianne Moore, Michael Caine, and Chiwetel Ejiofor help bring this world, which feels hostile and chillingly familiar, to life. It is definitely a must-watch now that the film is so easily accessible on Prime Video.
Sept. 1: The Craft (1996)
Prime Video has added a healthy dose of '90s nostalgia with The Craft. Sarah (Robin Tunney) moves to Los Angeles and befriends a trio of odd girls who present themselves as witches. Nancy (Fairuza Balk), Bonnie (Neve Campbell), and Rochelle (Rachel True) discover that Sarah also has unusual abilities and bring her in to complete their coven. They are more powerful than ever, and they can stand up for themselves in ways they couldn’t before. However, they also start to spiral out of control, and eventually the girls take things too far.
The Craft is some good, campy fun. While it would be nice to see a version of this film that treats its feminist themes a little more carefully, the film that exists is a beacon to every young person who feels like an outsider. It’s a dark comedy in the vein of Heathers, but with a magical spin, and the audience that helped make The Craft a cult classic appreciates the way it deviates from the typical ‘90s teenage narratives. Don’t miss this chance to let out your inner goth.
Sept. 1: Crimson Peak (2015)
Guillermo del Toro’s Crimson Peak is a master class in classic Gothic storytelling. Edith (Mia Wasikowska), an American heiress and aspiring author, is instantly smitten with a visiting English baronet, Sir Thomas (Tom Hiddleston). Despite the misgivings of her childhood friend (Charlie Hunnam), Edith and Thomas marry, and she moves into his crumbling mansion. However, Edith struggles to adapt thanks to a chilly reception from Thomas’s sister, Lucille (Jessica Chastain), and the ghostly apparitions that haunt her at night.
Crimson Peak hearkens to Gothic Romance stories like Edgar Allan Poe’s The Fall of the House of Usher or Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre. However, the ambling creatures and the impeccable set design are unique to a classic del Toro film, heightening the scares and keeping us on the edge of our seats. The performances from Wasikowska, Hiddleston, and Chastain perfectly match the tone of the film, with standout moments from Chastain in particular. Heading into spooky season, this film should be at the top of your list.
Sept. 1: The Great Escape (1963)
Inspired by real events, The Great Escape is one of director John Sturges’s most memorable films. A group of Allied soldiers is imprisoned in a German POW camp during World War II, including American Captain Virgil Hits (Steve McQueen) and British Squadron Leader Roger Bartlett (Richard Attenborough). All of the captive soldiers are determined to break out, not just for their own freedom, but also to distract the Nazi army away from the battle to search for their fugitives.
This film offers a story with a lot of heart—the ingenuity and determination of the imprisoned soldiers are inspiring. In addition, there are a ton of standout performances from the most acclaimed actors of their time. James Garner, Charles Bronson, James Coburn, and Donald Pleasance are just some of the supporting cast who bring their talents to the film. There has never been a better time to watch a solidly made film that celebrates the notion of ingenuity, teamwork, and the importance of human connection.
Sept. 5: Black Bag (2025)
Considered one of the best films of the year (so far), Black Bag is a strong addition to Prime’s lineup. Married intelligence agents George (Michael Fassbender) and Kathryn (Cate Blanchett) seem to have it all. George adores his wife, but their relationship is tested when he learns that she is a suspect in the leak of top-secret software. He is at perhaps the most difficult crossroads of his life as he decides if he can trust his wife, and if that trust is more important than protecting his country.
Director Steven Soderbergh brings his usual flair and precise filmmaking to this twisty story about love and loyalty. Black Bag weaves an intricate web in a spy thriller that focuses more on the power of words than the danger of physical violence. It’s an intriguing mix of Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy and Marriage Story that leaves audiences satisfied by the film’s conclusion. If you’re looking for a tense film that keeps you guessing and holds your attention all the way through, then Black Bag is the perfect film for you this September.
Sept. 19: Trolls Band Together (2023)
If you need a film that appeals to both kids and adults, look no further than Trolls Band Together. The third in the series focuses on Branch (Justin Timberlake) and his search for his long-lost brothers and former bandmates. When one of his brothers, Floyd (Troye Sivan), is kidnapped, Branch and Poppy (Anna Kendrick) team up to bring the band back together and save the day.
Much of this film’s appeal for a certain generation may be an *NSYNC reunion on the soundtrack. However, this scrappy animated film has more to offer all audiences. While the Trolls franchise has some hits and misses, the third film holds up as a touching family drama disguised as a candy-coated sugar rush. The songs are catchy, the imagery is fascinatingly bright, and the tears are real.
SKIP: Morbius (2022)
Morbius is an extended universe Sony/Marvel entry that didn’t do much for the cause. Dr. Michael Morbius (Jared Leto) suffers from a rare blood disease, which he has spent his life trying to cure. Costa Rican vampire bats lead him to a scientific breakthrough, but the procedure comes at a price - he is now a vampire. While he tries to navigate his new powers and bloodlust, his surrogate brother, Milo (Matt Smith), also seeks the cure for the same blood disease. However, Milo has more nefarious plans in mind with his newfound strength.
While fans may have hoped for a spin-off in the same vein as Venom, which spawned a flawed but very fun trilogy, Morbius did not rise to the occasion. The idea is good, but the execution is dreary and clunky. The film is mainly remembered for the many memes that it inspired. Something has gone awry if a movie’s lasting legacy is a mocking refrain of, “It’s Morbin’ time!”
SKIP: A Working Man (2025)
While a Jason Statham revenge film is typically a go-to for action fans, A Working Man falls a bit short of the mark. Levon Cade (Statham) is a former black ops military man who has opted for a quieter life in construction. However, when human traffickers kidnap his boss’s daughter (Arianna Rivas), he takes it upon himself to go back to his old ways to get revenge and bring her home.
A Working Man is one of many wannabe John Wick films, and it’s not the only one Statham has starred in. The Beekeeper (2024) has a similar plot (just switch human traffickers with financial fraudsters) and, while not perfect, it’s a fun time and keeps you engaged all the way through. A Working Man doesn’t scratch the same itch—the plot holes are bigger than they should be, and the stakes don’t feel high enough (somehow). Unless you’re a Statham purist, there are likely other, better films of his that you can watch on streaming instead.