One of my favorite things about Prime Video is the ability to watch classic movies. While its biggest streaming rival Netflix typically focuses on new originals, and the additions to its library are mostly from the 21st century, the Amazon-owned platform is approaching retirement age. They often celebrate the history of cinema by adding older films to their catalogs.
I keep track of new releases added to Prime Video each month, and I’m always on the lookout for classic movies. As you know, movies have withstood the ultimate test of time, and some of them are shown in stunning black and white (very positive in my book). Although January 2025 isn’t as rich in new releases as in previous months, we were still able to find a few classic movies worth adding to your watchlist this week.
Even better, all of the picks on this list have a score of at least 90% on the comprehensive site Rotten Tomatoes. While this does not guarantee exact personal preference, it is a useful indicator of general consensus. So, without further introduction, here are the undisputed classic movies added to Prime Video this month.
“Some Like It Hot” (1959)
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For lovers of classic movies, there aren’t many trios bigger than Billy Wilder, Jack Lemmon, and Marilyn Monroe, but “Some Like It Hot” boasts all three of them. The crime was a farce, and while it was met with backlash, it also received praise upon release (it went on to be nominated for six Academy Awards and entered the National Film Registry). Despite some controversy due to its cross-dressing appearance, Some Like It Hot was a huge box office success in the 1950s and remains one of Monroe’s best romantic films to this day. It continues to exist.
The film follows two musicians, Joe (Tony Curtis) and Jerry (Jack Lemmon), who must flee Chicago as soon as possible after witnessing a Valentine’s Day shooting by a group of gangsters. With their options limited, they are forced to join an all-girl group heading to Flordia. Donning a disguise to hide his true identity, Joe meets Sugarcane Kowalczyk (Monroe) and is determined to win her heart. Meanwhile, Jerry is courted by a clueless businessman. Soon the gang arrives on the scene and things escalate further.
Rotten Tomatoes 95%
Stream on Prime Video
“In the Heat of the Night” (1967)
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This 1967 crime drama film won Best Picture (and four other Oscars) at the 40th Academy Awards, so watch In the Heat of the Night during Oscar Nominations Week It’s the right time to do so. Also on the National Film Registry, this film, based on John Ball’s 1965 novel of the same name, is one of Sidney Poitier’s best works and follows the path of many in the mystery genre, even modern films. I am grateful to you for making this movie. .
Virgil Tibbs (Poitier) is an African-American detective who is falsely arrested on suspicion of murder by Mississippi State Police Chief Bill Gillespie (Rod Steiger). After proving his innocence, Tibbs is forced to help Gillespie track down the real culprit. As the investigation brings them closer to the truth, they make new enemies, but also develop stronger bonds as Bill reconsiders his personal biases. Most notably, “In the Heat of the Night” explores racism in America without falling into stereotypes.
Rotten Tomatoes 95%
Stream on Prime Video
“Something Wild” (1986)
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“Something Wild” may be more recent than the previous two, but with the spirit of classic Hollywood, this Jonathan Demme comedy-thriller, which will celebrate its 40th birthday next year, is well-received. I think it deserves to be evaluated alongside the two Golden Ages. Choose the top. Starring Melanie Griffith, Jeff Daniels, and Ray Liotta, the film was even compared to the work of Alfred Hitchcock and received a near-perfect score from the world’s most famous film critic, Roger Ebert.
Charles Driggs (Daniels) is a strict investment banker whose life changes dramatically when he meets Lulu (Griffith), a free spirit with a criminal past. Picked up in the car of this mysterious and alluring stranger, Charles finds himself whisked away on an ill-advised road trip to visit Lulu’s mother and attend her high school reunion. But the fun turns a little scary when Lulu’s violent ex-husband Ray (Liotta) makes it clear he wants her back.
Rotten Tomatoes 91%
Stream on Prime Video
