Amazon Prime Video has just added a star-studded film that viewers have called a 'Gen Z remake of a 90s classic' to its catalogue. Twisters, which was released in theaters last summer, stars Hollywood heartthrob Glen Powell, Normal People actress Daisy Edgar-Jones, and Hamilton's Anthony Ramos.
Edgar-Jones plays Kate Cooper, a meteorologist who is persuaded to return to Oklahoma five years after a devastating encounter with a tornado. Her friend Javi (Ramos) brings her back to test a new tornado tracking system. While there, she crosses paths with social media influencer Tyler Owens (Powell), who chases storms for his online content. The trio's individual quests are interrupted when they are caught at the center of multiple storms converging in The Sooner State.
The disaster film is a standalone sequel to the 1996 action thriller Twister, which similarly sees a group of storm chasers facing a brutal tornado. Upon its July 2024 release, viewers were quick to compare the modern flick to its late-90s predecessor. However, their reviews were split, with some claiming that the older film was better, while others disagreed.
Critics on Rotten Tomatoes were impressed by the Powell-led thriller, giving it an impressive 75 percent score, with viewers scoring it a near-perfect 90 percent rating, reports the Irish Star. Comparatively, Twister currently boasts a 67 percent Tomatometer score and 58 percent audience rating.
One viewer gave the 2024 film a glowing 5-star review, saying: "So many similarities to the OG Twister, but it wasn't cringe. It was endearing. They actually did this movie in a way that it paid respect to the OG Twister, but put a new twist on it, pun intended. Loved it! Would watch again! 5 stars, do recommend." On the flip side, IMDB users expressed their dissatisfaction with the sequel. One user reminisced about the original, stating: "I love disaster movies and Twister (1996) is one of my all-time favourites. It embodies the 90s, and although cheesy, it's a total comfort movie." Their sentiment continued with a touch of disappointment: "I was really excited for Twisters and the trailers looked like it would live up to the hype. Seeing this tonight I couldn't help but compare the two movies and feel disappointed. Twisters isn't bad, it's just bland."
Another review, under the headline 'A Gen Z remake of a nineties classic', critiqued the modern take on the film. The reviewer was torn: "It's a mixed bag," they remarked. "I'd argue it's not a patch on the original, which is superior in every single measure, it's watchable, looks good, but is ultimately somewhat unsatisfying."
Twisters is streaming now on Amazon Prime Video. The film was a blockbuster success, becoming the eighth-biggest movie at the US box office last year, raking in over $267 million domestically during its original run. As of March 18, 2025, the movie became available to a broader audience on the popular streaming platform.
The film follows former storm chaser Kate Carter (Daisy Edgar-Jones), who, after a catastrophic tornado incident, left the field. Javi (Anthony Ramos) persuades Kate to return to storm chasing and test a new tracking system from StormPAR, a radar company. Tyler Owens (Glen Powell), a social media influencer, crosses paths with them, bringing his crew's daredevil antics into the mix. The two crews clash but eventually have to band together when faced with the monstrous forces of nature.
Critics have praised the film's thrilling action sequences and standout performances. Rotten Tomatoes reviewers currently highlight the charming interplay between the characters, showcasing how they bring their experiences to life against the backdrop of nature's fury. One critic from Empire, Beth Webb, gave the movie a 4-star rating, stating: "With Edgar-Jones and Powell’s fizzing appeal at its epicentre, Twisters at once feels like a testament to a new generation of stars and a gripping old-school movie event."
Chicago Sun-Times critic Richard Roeper also added his commendation, saying the film was "fantastically entertaining albeit utterly ridiculous and at times bombastic." It's clear that while the film garners mixed opinions regarding its legacy compared to the original, its solid execution offers viewers a dazzling spectacle.
More than just a remake, Twisters aims to resonate with a new generation, infusing its narrative with contemporary themes, humor, and enchanting visual effects that showcase the chaotic beauty of storm chasing.
It stands as a contemporary reflection of the original film, renewing interest in disaster cinema while bringing fresh talent to the forefront. As audiences are reminded of the dangers and excitement involved in chasing tornadoes, this iteration of Twisters could become a favorite for streaming audiences looking for a blend of nostalgia and new thrills.
For those who loved the original or are eager for some high-octane entertainment, Twisters is available now on Amazon Prime Video and promises an exhilarating watch wrapped in the heart-pounding story of storm chasers aiming to conquer nature.
