Have you ever found yourself scrolling through the streamers searching out something to watch and uncovered an old favorite? It’s the best, right? Well, allow me to save you some time and share with you 10 forgotten gems, with selections for every person in your family, that are currently available to enjoy on Prime Video.
When was the last time you sat down to rewatch a familiar face? This is your sign! Sit back and relax with a story you already love, or find yourself something brand new from the vault. Whether you’re in the mood for a raunchy comedy, an action-packed sci-fi adventure based on a kickass comic book, or even some cult classics, there’s something just for you waiting to be rediscovered.
10
‘Tank Girl’ (1995)
Directed by Rachel Talalay
Based on the comic books from Jamie Hewlett and Alan Martin, Tank Girl is a gritty and gorgeous post-apocalyptic sci-fi adventure directed by Rachel Talalay. Lori Petty (Orange Is the New Black) stars as the titular Tank Girl, an anti-hero member of an Australian commune. She, along with Jet Girl (Naomi Watts), battles the tyranny of an evil mega-corporation, Water & Power, that dominates the planet’s dwindling water supply. Leaning into the comic book origins, Tank Girl is a visual masterpiece, with a delightfully quippy script written by Tedi Sarafian and an unexpectedly fantastic performance by Ice-T as a genetically modified supersoldier.
9
‘Heartbreakers’ (2001)
Directed by David Mirkin
An underrated gem, Heartbreakers co-stars Sigourney Weaver and Jennifer Love Hewitt as a mother-daughter con-artist team with their sights set on one last job before splitting up and going out solo. Their intended mark? A wealthy tobacco tycoon who partakes a bit too much in his own product, played to repulsive perfection by the late Gene Hackman. Directed by David Mirkin, Heartbreakers is a charming comedy with a fun plot supported by a fantastic cast that also includes a delightful Ray Liotta, as well as appearances from Sarah Silverman, Kevin Nealon, Nora Dunn, and Zach Galifianakis.
8
‘The Librarians: and the Quest for the Spear’ (2004)
Directed by Peter Winther
Before checking out The Librarians: The Next Chapter or even revisiting the Rebecca Romijn series The Librarians, discover where the mythology started in the first made-for-TV movie of the franchise, starring The Pitt’s Noah Wyle. From producer Dean Devlin, The Librarians: and the Quest for the Spear was written by David Titcher and directed by Peter Winther, who brought Flynn Carson (Wyle) to our screens with an epic and charming adventure. Launching a family-friendly universe with a ‘brain over brawn’ mentality (not unlike Doctor Who), The Librarian movies and series champion intelligence and compassion, even when protecting the Librarian by assigning him a kickass woman as his guardian.
7
‘The Birdcage’ (1996)
Directed by Mike Nichols
Adapted from the 1978 French film La Cage aux Folles – which was also an adaptation of the 1973 play of the same name – by Elaine May, The Birdcage is a hilarious comedy film directed by Mike Nichols. One of the most underappreciated performances from the late Robin Williams, The Birdcage watches him and his partner (Nathan Lane) as they prepare for a dinner party with their son’s in-laws-to-be, a conservative senator (Gene Hackman) and his wife (Dianne Wiest), along with his future wife (Calista Flockhart). The talented all-star cast, which also includes roles for Hank Azaria and Christine Baranski, is what makes this film so brilliant.
6
‘Ferngully: The Last Rainforest’ (1992)
Directed by Bill Kroyer
Ferngully is like The Lorax meets a reverse Little Mermaid, focusing on a rambunctious sprite named Crysta (voiced by Samantha Mathis) who accidentally shrinks a human logger, Zak (voiced by Jonathan Ward), and welcomes him into her world of magical beings and woodland creatures. A beloved cult classic, the voice cast is absolutely stellar, with Christian Slater, Robin Williams, and Tim Curry. This non-Disney animated film is the feature directorial debut for Bill Kroyer, who leaned into the environmental themes of the story, particularly revolving around the destruction of our planet’s rainforests.
5
‘Donnie Darko: The Director’s Cut’ (2001)
Directed by Richard Kelly
Donnie Darko was the film that made Jake Gyllenhaal a household name. The psychological sci-fi thriller was written by Richard Kelly and serves as his directorial debut. A trippy premise sees the titular Donnie inadvertently escape a bizarre accident by sleepwalking and have visions of the mysterious rabbit figure Frank, who warns him of the end of the world. Since release, the movie garnered cult classic status and has been praised as one of the greatest independent films of all time. Gyllenhaal appears in the film beside his real-life sister, actress Maggie Gyllenhaal, along with Jena Malone, Drew Barrymore, Patrick Swayze, and Noah Wyle.
4
‘Waiting…’ (2005)
Directed by Rob McKittrick
Before slipping into the tight red suit, Ryan Reynolds was known for raunchy comedies with quippy dialogue… so not much has changed. But before Deadpool, he didn’t provide violence with his zingers. Waiting… has become a cult classic among millennials, those in the service industry, and stoners. Taking place over the course of one day at a fictional traditional American chain-style restaurant, Waiting… is the story of one of the waiters (Justin Long), who must choose to stay and be promoted or move on with his life. Rounding out the cast is Anna Faris, David Koechner, Alanna Ubach, Chi McBride, and Luis Guzmán.
3
‘War, Inc.’ (2008)
Directed by Joshua Seftel
A satirical political comedy from director Joshua Seftel, War, Inc. stars John Cusack – who serves as a producer and co-wrote the film with Mark Leyner and Jeremy Pikser – as a professional assassin hired by a corporation to infiltrate a pop star wedding as a trade show producer to kill an adversary. While critics have stated that War, Inc. failed at its attempts to satirize the military-industrial complex, audiences have found this unofficial sequel to Grosse Pointe Blank to be clever and enjoyable, with an undeniably stellar cast that includes Hilary Duff,Marisa Tomei, and Ben Kingsley.
War, Inc.
- Release Date
-
April 28, 2008
- Runtime
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106 minutes
2
‘City Island’ (2009)
Directed by Raymond De Felitta
Written and directed by Raymond De Felitta, City Island is the story of secrets unraveling for the dysfunctional Rizzo family, living on the lesser-known New York island. The comedic drama explores family dynamics through a naturally humorous script and incredible ensemble cast of actors who are usually seen in more grandiose dramatic roles. Leading the Rizzos is Andy Garcia as the family patriarch, with Julianna Margulies playing his wife. Also bringing the laughs and warmth to the screen are Alan Arkin, Emily Mortimer, and Steven Strait.
- Release Date
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March 19, 2010
- Language
-
English
- Run Time
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1 hr 44 min
- Director
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Raymond De Felitta
1
‘The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert’ (1994)
Directed by Stephan Elliott
Before To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar, across the globe, a couple of drag queens and their trans friend crossed the Australian outback on a tour bus. The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, written and directed by Stephan Elliott, was based on the lives of a trio of real Australian drag queens. The comedy, which earned critical praise for its roaring comedy and universally relatable messaging, starred English and Australian actors Terence Stamp,Hugo Weaving, and Guy Pearce. Highlighted by flashy and campy styles, it’s no surprise that Priscilla, Queen of the Desert earned an Academy Award for costuming.
