Los Angeles, CA – January 2024 welcomes a slate of highly acclaimed movies to Prime Video. Instead of relying solely on ratings from Rotten Tomatoes, this month’s selection includes films with a fresh rating of 95% or higher, indicating near-universal critical acclaim. Among the top recommendations is the Joseph Sargent classic “The Taking of Pelham One Two Three.”
“The Taking of Pelham One Two Three” is regarded as one of the greatest heist movies ever made. Starring Robert Shaw, Martin Balsam, Héctor Elizondo, and Earl Hindman, the film tells the story of a group of criminals who hijack a New York City subway train and demand a ransom. Lieutenant Zachary “Z” Garber, played by Walter Matthau, must navigate the high-stakes situation to save lives. This gripping crime drama boasts a 98% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and is now available on Prime Video.
Another must-watch film on the list is the iconic comedy “Airplane!” Released in 1980, the movie stars Robert Hays, Julie Hagerty, Leslie Nielsen, and basketball legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. The hilarious plot follows an ex-fighter pilot who must land a plane after the crew falls ill. Known for its quotable lines and slapstick humor, “Airplane!” is often hailed as one of the funniest movies ever made. With a Rotten Tomatoes score of 97%, it is a must-see for comedy lovers and is currently streaming on Prime Video.
“Good Will Hunting” is a film that launched the careers of Matt Damon and Ben Affleck. Written by the duo, the 1997 drama tells the story of a janitor at MIT who possesses exceptional mathematical abilities. Starring Damon, Robin Williams, and Stellan Skarsgård, the film explores themes of self-discovery and personal growth. With a 97% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, “Good Will Hunting” is a timeless classic that should not be missed.
For music lovers, “Muscle Shoals” is a must-watch documentary. The film delves into the history of Muscle Shoals, Alabama, a town known for its rich musical heritage and the legendary Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section. This group of studio musicians played a pivotal role in recording albums for renowned artists such as Aretha Franklin and Gregg Allman. Featuring interviews with music icons, “Muscle Shoals” provides insight into the influential music scene of the small town. With a Rotten Tomatoes rating of 97%, the documentary is a compelling watch for music enthusiasts.
“Return to Seoul,” an international film from 2022, also makes the list of top movies on Prime Video. Starring Ji-Min Park, the movie follows the journey of a French woman of South Korean origin who embarks on a quest to explore her Korean heritage. The film seamlessly interweaves French, Korean, and English languages and takes unexpected turns along the way. Praised for its performances and storytelling, “Return to Seoul” has an impressive Rotten Tomatoes score of 97%.
Rounding out the top recommendations is the romantic period drama “If Beale Street Could Talk.” Based on James Baldwin’s novel, the film tells the story of a young woman’s fight to free her wrongly convicted lover before their child is born. Directed by Barry Jenkins and featuring a stellar cast including KiKi Layne, Stephan James, and Regina King, the film tackles themes of racial injustice and enduring love. With a Rotten Tomatoes score of 95%, “If Beale Street Could Talk” is a powerful and compelling watch.
In conclusion, January 2024 brings an array of critically acclaimed films to Prime Video. From intense crime dramas to side-splitting comedies and thought-provoking documentaries, there is something for every movie lover this month. With near-universal acclaim from critics, these films are not to be missed. Stream them now on Prime Video and enjoy the best in cinematic storytelling.