Rami Malek’s $60 Million Spy-Thriller Flop Is Officially a Streaming Hit on Prime Video
Rami Malek’s 2025 spy thriller The Amateur, which underperformed in cinemas despite a reported $60 million budget, has become a streaming success on Prime Video. Its resurgence suggests that the film’s unusual premise—an inexperienced CIA decoder pursuing his wife’s killers—may be better suited to home audiences than theatrical ones, and could strengthen Malek’s case for further action roles.
The film earned under $100 million worldwide during its cinema release but is now Prime Video’s second most-watched film in the United States, according to FlixPatrol, after spending 21 days in the platform’s top 10. Based on Robert Littell’s 1981 novel, it co-stars Rachel Brosnahan and follows Malek’s character Charlie Heller, who uses intelligence and improvised tactics rather than conventional combat skills; Malek has since moved to a different genre with the musical fantasy The Man I Love.
- The Amateur has found a large Prime Video audience after a weak cinema run.
- It is currently Prime Video’s second most-watched US film.
- The film may revive interest in Malek as an action lead.
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The Amateur is a spy thriller based on a 1981 novel by Robert Littell. It centres on Charlie Heller, a CIA employee whose work is decoding information rather than carrying out dangerous missions.
After his wife is killed, Heller sets out to find those responsible. Unlike the trained agents often seen in spy films, he relies on intelligence, planning and improvised methods rather than physical fighting skills.
Rami Malek plays Heller, with Rachel Brosnahan among the supporting cast. The film’s journey from a modest cinema performance to strong viewing figures on Prime Video reflects how some films find a larger audience once they are available to watch at home.