So, the summer is almost here and you want to sit back, relax, and watch some movies on quiet nights in. Maybe you set up a projector in the backyard for movie night under the stars, have an outdoor TV, or a wonderful basement theater. Or you’re just kicking back on the couch in the living room or curling up in bed to enjoy. Whatever the case, there are plenty of movies from which to choose on streaming services like Amazon Prime Video.
These three underrated movies on Prime Video you need to watch in June will have you laughing, crying, and reminiscing. Two are from this decade, one of which is a perfect fit for Pride Month, while one is a classic teen comedy you might have passed over or forgot how funny it actually is.
Not Another Teen Movie (2001)
At a time when movies like 10 Things I Hate About You, American Pie, and Can’t Hardly Wait were getting a lot of attention, Not Another Teen Movie was designed to parody this influx of teen comedies, as well as classics in the genre from the ’80s and ’90s. Aside from the star-studded cast that includes Chris Evans, Jaime Pressly, Randy Quaid, and Samaire Armstrong, along with fun cameos from Molly Ringwald, Mr. T, Melissa Joan Hart, and others, the movie is clever, irreverent, and downright hilarious.
The story is set in the fictional John Hughes high school community and follows a played-out trope whereby the jock makes a bet that he can turn the nerdy girl into a prom queen beauty. The only criticisms given to the movie are that you really need to understand the movies being parodied to get the jokes, and have an affinity for toilet humor. But if these types of movies are up your alley, Not Another Teen Movie will get you laughing.
Stream Not Another Teen Movie on Amazon Prime Video.
Annette (2021)
Described as a rock opera, Annette is a musical romantic drama with a killer cast that didn’t get the attention it deserved. Ferrari‘s Adam Driver stars as Henry McHenry, a stand-up comedian, and Marion Cotillard is Ann Desfranoux, his opera singer wife. The film follows the redirection of their lives once they have a child, a girl named Annette who is strangely played by a wooden marionette puppet. While Ann’s career is flourishing, Henry’s is not, and this causes friction in the marriage, leading to tragic circumstances.
Receiving decent reviews, Annette is one of those movies that flew under the radar, but those who watched enjoyed it. Anupama Chopra of Film Companion calls the movie “beautiful, bonkers, and genuinely moving,” while Rebecca Johnson of Film Focus Online says it’s a “surreal, grandiose musical that is full of allegory yet manages to pull you in with its bizarre charm.” If you love Driver’s acting style and can appreciate stories that skew toward weird, Annette is worth exploring.
Stream Annette on Amazon Prime Video.
Everybody’s Talking About Jamie (2021)
Another movie with decent reviews but little fanfare, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie is an uplifting biographical coming-of-age musical comedy-drama about the real-life of Jamie Joseph Campbell, also known by his drag queen name Fifi la True. Based on the stage musical of the same name, Max Harwood stars as the titular character, a 16-year-old boy who courageously fights his way through bullying and prejudice to become one of the biggest drag queens in the world.
Lauded for its positive messaging, fabulous choreography, and catchy tunes, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie feels like you’re diving into a Broadway play right from your own home. Joey Moser from Awards Daily calls the movie, quite simply, a “glittering good time.” It’s a wonderful choice for Pride Month.
Stream Everybody’s Talking About Jamie on Amazon Prime Video.
