Prime Video is losing an intense psychological thriller movie that’ll twist your mind — but it’s now streaming on Netflix instead – 1v1 Video Chat & LIve Streaming & Influencer Subscription

Tom’s Guide

Search Tom’s Guide

View Profile

Newsletters

Best Picks

Entertainment

Prime Day Deals
Switch 2 Restock

Galaxy Z Fold 7
Wordle Today

Best Mattress
Best laptops

You may like

Netflix is about to lose one of the most intense thriller movies I’ve ever watched — don’t miss your last chance to stream

One of 2025’s best thrillers you missed in theaters is now streaming — and it’s pure entertainment from start to finish

5 best Netflix thrillers to stream right now

Thankfully, it’s not vanishing entirely. You can also stream it on Netflix, where it recently climbed into the top 10, proof that viewers are rediscovering this underrated classic. Even if you’ve seen it before, “Copycat” is absolutely worth revisiting. The suspense holds up beautifully, the performances are solid, and nearly 30 years on, it still knows how to get under your skin.

So, here’s everything to know about “Copycat” and why you should add it to your Prime Video (or Netflix) watchlist.
What is ‘Copycat’ about?

Copycat (1995) Official Trailer – Sigourney Weaver, Holly Hunter Movie HD – YouTube

“Copycat” follows Dr. Helen Hudson (Sigourney Weaver), a renowned criminal psychologist and expert on serial killers. After surviving a traumatic attack by one of her former subjects, Helen develops severe agoraphobia and becomes a recluse, confined to her high-tech San Francisco apartment.
Her isolation is interrupted when a series of murders begin to surface, each one eerily replicating the methods of infamous serial killers from the past. The police, struggling to track the killer, enlist Helen’s help.

Sign up to get the BEST of Tom’s Guide direct to your inbox.
Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips.
Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.
Detective M.J. Monahan (Holly Hunter) and her partner Reuben Goetz (Dermot Mulroney) form a reluctant alliance with the reclusive psychologist, relying on her expertise to build a profile of the murderer.
As Helen becomes more involved in the investigation, she discovers that the killer is not only mimicking historical murderers but also closely studying her work and life. The case grows increasingly personal, with the killer taunting Helen directly, drawing her out of her isolation and into a dangerous game of cat and mouse.
‘Copycat’ needs to be on your watchlist

(Image credit: Warner Bros. Pictures / ScreenProd / Photononstop / Alamy)
There’s a reason “Copycat” keeps popping back into the streaming spotlight nearly 30 years after its release. It’s just a really solid and confidently crafted thriller. No frills, no gimmicks, just clean, absorbing storytelling that locks in from the opening scene and steadily tightens its grip.
Sigourney Weaver plays a criminal psychologist who’s retreated from the world after a violent attack. We first meet her giving a lecture about serial killers, totally in control of the room, and then everything unravels. She’s not Ripley here. She’s not saving the world. She’s anxious, terrified, and brilliant.
And while “Alien” will always be my favorite franchise ever (and her role as Ellen Ripley remains iconic), “Copycat” deserves some love too. It’s one of Weaver’s most underrated performances, and somehow it’s rarely mentioned when we talk about her best work.

(Image credit: Warner Bros. Pictures / Melissa Moseley / PictureLux / The Hollywood Archive / Alamy)
This thriller is essentially a slow-burn murder mystery that hits all the right notes. A new killer is on the loose, copying the signatures of infamous murderers from the past, and Helen is reluctantly pulled into the case. She’s paired with Holly Hunter’s rational detective (who’s also excellent), and the dynamic between the two is half the fun.
The screenplay, by first-time writer David Madsen and Ann Biderman, offers a clever twist, one that feels somewhat in step with the vibe of “Seven.” The concept of a killer replicating real-life infamous murders is deeply unsettling, arguably even more so than using the seven deadly sins as a framework.
And it’s refreshing to see a crime thriller anchored by a female duo for a change, breaking away from the typical buddy-cop formula.

(Image credit: Warner Bros. Pictures / United Archives GmbH / Alamy)
“Copycat” has plenty going for it, but it’s not without its imperfections, of course. The premise of a murderer imitating well-known killers can feel a bit familiar, and at times, the plot’s direction becomes fairly easy to predict.
Beyond Weaver and Hunter’s standout performances, the rest of the cast doesn’t get a lot of development. This leaves much of the surrounding world feeling somewhat underwritten and less engaging than it could be.
However, I’m confident that viewers will find “Copycat” compelling, and despite its flaws, it’s definitely worth a watch.
This isn’t an action-packed thriller, and it won’t blow your mind. Instead, “Copycat” aims to be thoughtful and tightly wound, which work perfectly when anchored by two brilliant performances. If you missed it the first time around (or just haven’t revisited it in years), it’s more than earned its spot back on your watchlist.
As a reminder, “Copycat” leaves Prime Video on July 1, so you still have time. Otherwise, you can stream it on Netflix right now.
More from Tom’s Guide

Netflix shares first look at Cillian Murphy’s new drama movie
Netflix drops first look at new action-thriller series
‘Ransom Canyon’ is officially returning for season 2 on Netflix

Streaming device deals not to miss

Roku Streaming Stick 4K (2021)

$41.50View
See all prices

Google Chromecast with Google TV

$55.99View
See all prices

Apple TV 4K (2022)

$135.49View
See all prices

Roku Express 4K+ (2021)

See all prices

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max 2023

$64.48View
See all prices

We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices

See more Entertainment News

Alix Blackburn

Social Links Navigation
Senior Streaming Writer (UK)

Alix is a Senior Streaming Writer at Tom’s Guide, which basically means watching the best movies and TV shows and then writing about them. It’s a dream job for someone who’s been obsessed with storytelling since she first figured out how to work a remote.

Before joining Tom’s Guide, Alix honed her skills as a staff writer with outlets like Screen Rant and Bough Digital, where she discovered her love for the entertainment industry.

She heads to the cinema every week as a tradition, no matter what’s showing. For her, movies aren’t just entertainment — they’re a ritual, a comfort, and a constant source of inspiration. When she’s not at her desk or at the cinema, you’ll probably find her deep into a horror video game on her PC.

You must confirm your public display name before commenting

Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.

Netflix is about to lose one of the most intense thriller movies I’ve ever watched — don’t miss your last chance to stream

One of 2025’s best thrillers you missed in theaters is now streaming — and it’s pure entertainment from start to finish

5 best Netflix thrillers to stream right now

5 best Prime Video thrillers to stream right now

Prime Video is losing one of the best disaster thriller movies — don’t miss your chance to stream it

Netflix is about to lose the wildest psychological thriller of 2024 — here’s your last chance to stream it

Latest in Prime Video

It’s official: ‘House of David’ season 2 will cost an extra fee on top of Prime Video

I’ve already watched the first three episodes of Prime Video’s new action series — and it’s no thrill ride

5 best Prime Video movies to stream now before they leave this month

‘The Boys’ season 5 reportedly just finished filming — here’s when we think it’ll debut on Prime Video

This action-crime series just crashed the Prime Video top 10 — and now’s the perfect time to binge-watch

Prime Video is losing one of the best Tom Hiddleston movies you (probably) haven’t watched — and it’s a gripping sci-fi thriller

Latest in News

Android 16’s broken back button is driving me crazy — but there’s finally a fix

Alexa+ reviewer pans new AI: ‘If this is Amazon’s version of intelligent, I’m low-key scared for the future’

ChatGPT was down — Here’s what happened during the quick OpenAI outage

Apple CarPlay Ultra stalled — these brands now say they’re out

Over 40,000 security camera feeds found exposed online – here’s how to protect yours

‘Emily in Paris’ season 5 cast news confirmed by creator: Who’s in and who’s out?