Prime Video has confirmed its slate for April 2026, and as per usual, the Amazon-owned streaming service is kicking off the month by adding a couple of dozen movies to its already well-stocked library. Whenever this happens, I’m looking for one thing only: thriller flicks.
I love thriller movies. Any film packed with tension, suspense, and twisting narratives instantly has my attention, and Prime Video isn’t disappointing in its latest movie drop. There are plenty of fresh picks worth mentioning, but to save you time scrolling through all the newcomers, I’ve collected together what I believe to be a strong trio of compelling Prime Video watches.
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‘Guy Ritchie’s The Covenant’ (2023)
If you put a lot of stock in Rotten Tomatoes’ viewer scores, then “The Covenant” should be at the very top of your Prime Video watchlist. This war thriller holds an extremely strong 98% score, with viewers labeling it “incredible,” “full of action,” and “very intense.”
It stars Jake Gyllenhaal and is set during the later stages of the Afghanistan war. Between the intense frontline stand-offs, the gripping suspense, and the strong bond between its two lead characters, “The Convenant” is a war movie that deserves your attention and respect.
US Army Sergeant John Kinley (Gyllenhaal) forms an unexpected bond with a local Afghan interpreter, Ahmed (Dar Salim). The two start at odds, but when Ahmed saves Kinley’s life, they develop a close brotherhood. Shortly afterwards, Ahmed and his family are in danger of being captured and killed, and Kinley sees this as the opportunity to repay his debt.
Watch “The Covenant” on Prime Video from April 1
‘Red Dawn’ (1984)
“Red Dawn” is one of the quintessential Cold War cult classics of American cinema. It wasn’t a blockbuster during its initial run, but its reputation has improved with age, and it now stands as quite a fascinating insight into the mindset of the era.
Even if you don’t care about the context of its release, it’s still an engaging action-thriller led by the late Patrick Swayze and Charlie Sheen. Prime Video will add the 2012 “Red Dawn” remake on the same date, starring Chris Hemsworth, but you can very much file that one into the skip category.
“Red Dawn” envisions an alternative 1980s in which combined Soviet and Cuban forces invade the United States. Set in Calumet, Colorado, the movie starts on a day like any other, until paratroopers appear in the sky, and America’s freedom is under threat. Our heroes are a group of patriotic teenagers who flee to the mountains and fight back against the unwelcome invaders using guerrilla tactics. “Red Dawn” is pulpy, but undeniably intense.
Watch “Red Dawn” on Prime Video from April 1
“The Menu” is a dark thriller that is always bouncing around streaming services. It’s been on Netflix, it’s been on HBO Max, and now it’s returning to Prime Video. That’s good news, as this twisted fest is quite the ride. Anchored by a commanding performance from Ralph Fiennes as an exacting head chef, and also featuring Anya Taylor-Joy and Nicholas Hoult, “The Menu” dips into the surreal to deliver an unforgettable fine dining experience.
Best enjoyed with as little prior knowledge as possible (if you can resist, I’d even advise skipping the trailer before streaming), “The Menu” sees foodie Tyler (Hoult) bring his date, Margot (Taylor-Joy), to the exclusive restaurant of famed chef, Julian Slowik (Fiennes). They are treated to a true Michelin-star meal, but as the evening progresses, things get twisted. Its narrative beats can get pretty dark, but it’s paired up with some quite exquisite comedy, too.
Watch “The Menu” on Prime Video from April 1
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