Prime Video is the right place to go for movies this weekend, as the streaming service presents multiple timely releases to watch ahead of the industry’s biggest event, the Academy Awards, which take place this Sunday, March 15. On last weekend’s Prime Video movie recommendations, I went over Sherlock Holmes, Teen Wolf — the Michael J. Fox film — and Shadow Force.
Those three movies explored different genres, giving Prime Video subscribers a wide range of adventures for the weekend. That is precisely what I aim to do with this weekend’s recommendations, which do not include a Prime Video original movie. Still, audiences will find great comfort in a classic animation and two perfect Oscar companions.
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Shrek (2001)
First up is Shrek. When it comes to animated franchises, few are as beloved and successful as Shrek. The ogre’s first adventure is action-packed, hilarious, and does a great job of introducing Shrek’s world and roster of fan-favorite characters. This is the perfect movie for a weekend session with the whole family.
Watching Shrek in 2026 is also a timely affair, as the character will soon be back with another big-screen adventure. Shrek 5 will be released on June 30, 2027, adding Zendaya as Shrek and Fiona’s daughter. As such, now is the time to rewatch the franchise ahead of its return, starting with the animated movie that birthed it.
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Aftersun (2022)
Now we enter our Oscar territory. Paul Mescal is one of the stars of the Academy Award-nominated Hamnet, where he gives life to none other than William Shakespeare. To get in the right state of mind for that film’s possible many Oscar wins, Aftersun, which stars Mescal in a Best Actor-nominated performance, is a must-watch.
Aftersun has a near-perfect 96% critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes.
Aftersun is not for those looking for a fast-paced film or action. Instead, this story is a slow-burning character study that explores the complicated relationship between a father and his daughter during a trip. Mescal’s powerful performance as a father trying to put on a brave face for his daughter amid internal turmoil is heartbreaking.
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Sinners (2025)
Finally, the second companion to the Oscars this Sunday is the movie that broke the record for most nominations in history. Sinners is a supernatural horror masterpiece from director Ryan Coogler. It brings a nuanced performance from collaborator Michael B. Jordan, who gives life to the twins Smoke and Stack in the film.
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Sinners became a worldwide box office hit with $369.3 million. The vampire movie was also a hit with critics, as Sinners boasts a wild 97% critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes. With a stacked cast that features names like Hailee Steinfeld, Delroy Lindo, Miles Caton, Jack O’Connell, Wunmi Mosaku, and more, Sinners, which is now #7 on Prime Video in the United States, is a weekend must-watch.