Best new drama on Amazon Prime
JJ Abrams directs a new Batman animated series in August, while The Mallorca Files and Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power also drop new seasons
Batman: Caped Crusader
Animation | Crime | Action & Adventure
Summary:J.J. Abrams reimagines DC Comics’ Batman and his origin story for a new animated series. Forged in the fire of tragedy, wealthy socialite Bruce Wayne becomes something both more and less than human—the Batman. His one-man crusade for justice attracts unexpected allies within the police department and City Hall, but his heroic actions spawn deadly, unforeseen ramifications.
Why to watch: J.J. Abrams reimagines DC Comics’ Batman for a new animated series, focusing on the detective noir aspects of the character and Gotham City setting. This is Batman’s origin story told through a darker lens than its predecessors. Christina Ricci lends her voice to Catwoman, Jason Watkins is Alfred Pennyworth, and Minnie Driver is The Penguin.
Available now.
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power
Action & Adventure | Sci-Fi & Fantasy | Drama
Summary:Set in Tolkien’s beloved fantasy world, we follow an ensemble cast of characters as they confront the re-emergence of evil to Middle-earth. From the darkest depths of the Misty Mountains, to the majestic forests of Lindon, to the breathtaking island kingdom of Númenor, to the furthest reaches of the map, these kingdoms and characters will carve out legacies that live on long after they are gone.
The Mallorca Files
Crime | Drama
Summary:Amongst the vibrant international community of the eponymous Spanish island, a British and a German detective with very different approaches to policing have a clash of personalities. Despite - or perhaps because of - their very different approaches, the sleuths form a perfect complementary partnership as they seek to solve a new crime on the island each week.
Why to watch: After an agonising three year wait and a transfer from BBC One to Prime Video, The Mallorca Files is back. Elen Rhys and Julian Looman play detectives with nothing in common except their sizzling chemistry with each other - and their relationship is addictive to watch unfold. There's also the sunny paradise setting, which is still enviable even in the peak of British summer (previous series of the show aired in winter, possibly just to rub it in).
Available now.
Those About to Die
Drama
Summary:New drama set in the spectacular, complex and corrupt world of gladiatorial sports in Ancient Rome. Those About To Die follows an ensemble of diverse characters across the many layers of Roman society where sports, politics and business intersect and collide.
Why to watch: For those who just can't stop thinking about the Roman Empire, or those who love its deliciously dangerous politics, Those Who Die is, well, what it says on the tin. Nobody, be they an emperor or gladiator, is safe in this stylised version of Ancient Rome. Iwan Rheon plays crime boss Tenax, while Anthony Hopkins is the ageing Emperor Vespasian, and Tom Hughes and Jojo Macari his warring sons.
Available now.
One Fast Move
Action | Drama | Romance
2024 | Kelly Blatz | 107 mins | 15
Summary:A dishonorably discharged soldier seeks out his estranged father to help him pursue his dream of becoming a professional motorcycle racer. While training, he meets a small-town, aspiring singer and a motorcycle shop owner who begin to break down the walls his father's absence had built up.
Why to watch: If there's a crossover between motorcycle enthusiasts and fans of The CW, they're in luck. Riverdale star CJ Apa stars in this drama, which is a loving tribute to motorbikes, racing and bike culture. Apa isn't the only face famous from a teen drama in the billing, either, as his co-stars are Eric Dane (Euphoria), Maia Reficco (Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin) and Austin North (Outer Banks).
Available now.
Tyler Perry's Divorce in the Black
Drama | Thriller
2024 | Tyler Perry | 121 mins
Summary:Ava, a young bank professional is devastated when her husband Dallas abandons a marriage she is determined to fight for until fate intervenes, revealing Dallas' wicked deeds that have trashed their marriage, and once upon a time sabotaged Ava's destiny to be loved by her true soulmate.
Why to watch: Love him or hate him, Tyler Perry’s latest work is just as divisive as ever. Meagan Good and Cory Hardrict deliver powerful performances in this entertaining, if overlong, drama. If nothing else, it's worth watching just to take part in the heated arguments online.
Available now.
Betty la Fea, the Story Continues
Soap | Comedy | Drama
Summary:While an empowered and wiser Betty works hard on rebuilding her relationship with her teenage daughter Mila, her relationship with Armando begins to deteriorate, making her question if she made the right decision 20 years ago.
Why to watch: The story of Betty Pinzón Solano - who Western audiences might know as “Ugly Betty” - picks up two decades after her makeover, dream job and marriage to the hot CEO. The original Betty la Fea is widely considered Latin America’s most famous telenovela, having been remade in 26 different countries. It's a concept that clearly works, and so what's not to love?
Available now.
The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare
Action | Comedy | War
2024 | Guy Ritchie | 120 mins | 15
Summary:During World War II, the British Army assigns a group of competent soldiers to carry out a mission against the Nazi forces behind enemy lines... A true story about a secret British WWII organization – the Special Operations Executive. Founded by Winston Churchill, their irregular warfare against the Germans helped to change the course of the war, and gave birth to modern black operations.
Why to watch: Guy Ritchie’s latest blockbuster is - as you might expect - stylish and action packed. A star-studded cast includes Henry Cavill, Eiza González, Alan Ritchson, Henry Golding and Alex Pettyfer, while even Freddie Fox drops in as James Bond writer Ian Fleming.
Available now.
Troppo
Crime | Drama
Summary:An eccentric private investigator with a criminal past recruits a disgraced ex-cop to help solve the disappearance of a Korean tech pioneer in the wilds of Far North Queensland.
Why to watch: Based on the bestselling 2017 novel Crimson Lake by award-winning writer Candice Fox, this series features both unusual and compelling leads, plus a tightly-plotted mystery. New episodes air weekly.
Available now.
The Boys
Sci-Fi & Fantasy | Action & Adventure
Summary:A group of vigilantes known informally as “The Boys” set out to take down corrupt superheroes with no more than blue-collar grit and a willingness to fight dirty.
Why to watch: An award-winning satirical superhero series with a kick-ass cast including Karl Urban as Billy, the leader of the titular vigilantes, alongside Jack Quaid and Antony Starr. While it's definitely out there, and at times gruesome, there's nothing else quite like it on TV right now.
Available now.
