Most Worth-watching Movies and TV Shows on Prime This Month

This month, a plethora of new shows and movies will premiere on Prime. Here are the cream of the crop.

Aubrey Plaza and Macy Strauss in "My Old Ass"
Source: Amazon - YouTube
I took a close look at the movies premiering on Amazon Prime in November, seeking out the best new cinematic and streaming offerings.

In November, Prime will add a vast array of previously released films — over 170, and that's just on November 1! (Click here for the full list.) However, Prime is more selective with its original and premiere films. Among them are the high-concept comedy "My Old Ass" starring Aubrey Plaza, the Prime original crime series "The Crucifix," a remake of the 1999 feature film "Cruel Intentions," and more.

My Old Ass (2024)

"My Old Ass" is a story about growth, with Macy Strauss portraying the confused 18-year-old Eliot. During a summer vacation mushroom trip, she not only sees brighter colors but also meets her 39-year-old self, portrayed brilliantly by Aubrey Plaza. Plaza is one of a kind, and "My Old Ass" gives her ample space to showcase her deadpan, eye-rolling performance style. Yet, it's also a clever and sensitive film. A must-watch.

Streaming begins on November 7.

Every Second Counts
This Amazon original series is set against the backdrop of the 1985 Mexico City earthquake. As the most expensive production ever made by Prime Video Latin America, "Every Second Counts" vividly portrays the hours following the magnitude 8.1 earthquake, telling the story of a doctor and his nurses striving to rescue unfortunate lives trapped under the ruins of a general hospital.

Streaming begins on November 8.

Cross

"Cross" is adapted from a series of novels by James Patterson, featuring forensic psychologist and DC Metro detective Alex Cross. Played by Aldis Hodge, Cross uses his brain, training, and unique insight into the human mind to solve cases that others cannot. But his exploration of serial killer psychology comes at a cost, especially when his work life starts to threaten his family.

Streaming begins on November 14.

Malice

The classic 1999 cult film "Cruel Intentions" will receive a reboot. From the trailers, this eight-episode series includes homages to the original, such as the "Bittersweet Symphony" theme song and Pierre Choderlos de Laclos' 1782 novel "Les Liaisons Dangereuses," but it won't feature Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippe reprising their roles. The new cast is composed of wealthy, sexy college students, including Sarah Silverman, John Harlan Kim, and Kobe Clark. The series seems aimed at capturing the same cynical yet exaggerated atmosphere of the original as it tells the story of a vulgar wager among step-siblings, this time involving the Vice President's daughter.

Streaming begins on November 21.

Jeff Dunham's Scrooge Holiday Special

In this new stand-up comedy special, Jeff Dunham celebrates the holidays with his puppet friends. Specifically, it's an adaptation of Dickens' "A Christmas Carol," with Walter playing Scrooge and arguing with Pepe, Peanut, Little Jeff, and Achmed about their roles in the story. It's a lifelong mission of mine to watch every version of "A Christmas Carol," so this version ranks high on my personal must-watch list.

Streaming begins on November 19.

Last Month's Highlights

Canary Black

In "Canary Black," Kate Beckinsale portrays Avery Graves, a CIA agent whose husband thinks her job is normal. When he's kidnapped by terrorists, Graves must choose between saving his life and betraying her country. Isolated from the world, she must rely on her training, intelligence, and combat skills to deliver the ransom and rescue her husband.

Streaming began on October 24.

Trophy House

If "Bear" featured a female protagonist and was a horror movie, it might resemble "Trophy House." Ariana DeBose stars as a hungry young chef who gets a potential career-making opportunity: running her own high-end restaurant. While her restaurant has the usual obstacles for a new establishment — a remote location, imperfect staff, suspicious investors — the biggest problem is supernatural. The "farm" part of her farm-to-table menu seems to come from a witch's garden, and haunted food makes achieving Michelin stars even more difficult.

Streaming began on October 2.

Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader? Season 1

This game show isn't "Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?", but you get the idea. In "Are You Smarter Than a Celebrity?", ordinary people go head-to-head with "stars" like comedian Nikki Glaser, football analyst Ryan Fitzpatrick, and reality TV star Lara Kent. I was going to say I'm smarter than all these people and host Travis Kelce combined, but then I realized they're paid to answer trivia questions on TV, and I'm writing this article, so who's the idiot now?

Streaming began on October 16.

The Pradeeps of Pittsburgh Season 1

"The Pradeeps of Pittsburgh" is a family comedy with suspense at its core. The family has just gotten off a plane from India, but their new life in America quickly becomes bizarre as they clash with a diametrically opposed family in their new neighborhood, and things spiral out of control. This comedy, partially told through flashbacks in interrogation rooms with a hint of "Rashomon" style, offers a fresh interpretation of the immigrant comedy genre.

Streaming began on October 17.

Brothers

Josh Brolin and Peter Dinklage star as a pair of (fraternal) twins in the crime comedy "Brothers." Brolin is an ex-con desperately trying to stay straight, but his unruly brother drags him on a cross-country road trip to chase a vast amount of money that will change their family's life — if they can avoid killing each other along the way.

Streaming began on October 17.

The Legend of Vox Machina Season 3

The first and second seasons of the animated series "The Legend of Vox Machina" received perfect scores on Rotten Tomatoes for their epic adventures and hilarious comedy, and Season 3 aims to deliver more of the same for fans. This noisy adventure show, adapted from the D&D campaign of the YouTube series "Critical Role," is a perfect treat for comedy, adventure, and role-playing game enthusiasts, and I believe it covers everyone.

Streaming began on October 1.

Castlevania: Diane, Season 1

In "Castlevania: Diane," Matilda De Angelis portrays Diane Cavalieri, a secret agent without an agency. Castlevania is a once-powerful international spy organization that has been taken over by the evil Manticore, and Cavalieri is in a pickle: trapped behind enemy lines and undercover inside the Manticore. To escape, she must rely on unexpected allies and take dangerous actions. If you love cloaks and daggers, give "Castlevania: Diane" a try.

Streaming began on October 10.

Evil Hour Season 2

Jessica Raine and Peter Capaldi return for the new season of this Emmy-nominated, critically acclaimed series. Season 1 of "Evil Hour" was known for its mind-bending plot twists, solid acting, and dark humor. In Season 2, former adversaries Lucy (Raine) and Gideon (Capaldi) team up to hunt a terrifying monster. Worse still, Lucy becomes the target of her former life's ex-husband. If you want to watch an intelligent psychological horror show, this one should satisfy your needs.