Amazon Prime Movie Guide

Amazon Prime Movie Guide

If you love watching movies, you’ll want to get your hands on an Amazon Prime membership.

This membership, which comes with a monthly or yearly fee, gives you access to streaming content so you can stay up to date on the latest movie releases – or curl up with one of your nostalgic favorites – from a variety of compatible devices. 

Are all movies free on Amazon Prime? You can stream and download thousands of Amazon Prime movies and shows without having to pay a cent if you’re a Prime member. 

Here’s our Amazon Prime movie guide so you can find out everything you need to know about streaming movies. We’ll start by learning more about what Amazon Prime Video is and how, exactly, it works. 

Contents

What Is Amazon Prime Video? 

prime video account

Amazon Prime Video enables you to stream and watch content on a variety of devices.

It forms part of your Amazon Prime membership. This subscription gives you immediate access to thousands of TV shows and movies for free. You can also rent or buy content that’s not included with Prime Video, or subscribe to over 100 channels. 

Amazon Channels give you movies and TV shows from a variety of popular channels, such as HBO and Starz. However, HBO will be exiting Amazon Prime in 2021 in favor of HBO Max. This will provide content from the entire Warner Media catalogue, such as TCM and DC films.

In addition to the above, you’ll have access to all Hulu plans and add-ons. This includes Hulu+ Live TV. You can also enjoy Disney Plus, as long as you have compatible devices – these include Fire TV, Fire TV Edition smart TVs, and some Fire tablets.

You don’t need any additional apps to be able to watch these channels, and if you’re a Prime member you’ll be able to enjoy them for between $4.99 to $14.99 per month. 

Even if you don’t opt for Amazon Channels, you’ll have loads of content to enjoy. This includes a library of TV shows and movies in various genres, as well as Amazon Original Movies and Prime Original Series. There are premium features, too, such as 4K Ultra HD, High Dynamic Range (HDR) and mobile downloads that enable you to enjoy offline viewing. 

How To Sign Up For Amazon Video? 

It’s really easy to start enjoying movies on Prime Video. Log into your Amazon account and purchase a Prime membership. 

Once you’re all set up, you can start browsing for content to watch on Prime Video.

Tip: When searching for Prime movies and shows, make sure they have the “included with Prime/Prime video” label, a Prime logo, or “Watch now with Amazon Prime” option in the details of the video content. 

On some devices if you search for a certain TV show or movie, you can also opt for the “Refine” filter as this will only put Prime titles on display from which you can choose.

How To Download Movies On Amazon Prime 

download button

To get started with watching new TV series and movies, you will first need to subscribe to Amazon Prime, then you’ll need to download the Amazon Prime Video app.

This will enable you to stream movies and other content from a compatible device. Devices that you can use with your Amazon Prime app include an Android, iOS, or Fire device. 

  • When you have installed the app, you can launch it and sign into your Amazon Prime account.  
  • Press the “Download” button to download a movie or series. 

Important things to know about downloading titles from Amazon Prime Video:

  • You can’t download content to your laptop or PC. 
  • The titles you download to your device will only be viewed for a certain amount of time. This is usually as follows: you have 30 days to start watching movies you purchase, and then you need to finish them within 48 hours.
  • If you cancel your Amazon Prime subscription, you’ll have to say goodbye to all the content that you downloaded. To find out more about this and if you ever own the content you download, read, “What Happens When You Buy A Movie On Amazon Prime?” 

Can You Enjoy Amazon Prime Video On Your Mobile Device? 

You can enjoy Amazon Prime Video on your iOS or Android device. Here’s how to start using it: 

  • Download the app on your phone. If you have an Android phone, you’ll have to purchase the app from the Google Play Store. If you have an iOS device, you’ll have to purchase it from the Apple app store. 
  • Log into your Amazon Prime account. 
  • Start browsing content and tap a movie title if you want to watch it. 
  • Tap the download icon. The benefit of using your Android or iOS phone is that you can download a title by simply tapping the download icon on the video’s details page. 

How To Enjoy Movies Offline

movies on amazon prime

One of the best features about Amazon Prime Video is that you can work around having a lousy internet connection, such as if you’re going to be traveling outside of your Wi-Fi-enhanced city for a while, and still enjoy your favorite movies during this time.

All you have to do is download the movies to your mobile device so you can enjoy them when you’re offline. To get started, click the download button next to the movie titles you want to download, as per the previous instructions. It’s that easy!  

Can You Buy Amazon Prime Video Without Amazon Prime? 

You know that Amazon Prime Video is automatically included in your Amazon Prime subscription, but can you purchase Prime Video on its own? 

You can because you don’t require an Amazon Prime membership in order to enjoy Prime Video. It will cost you $8.99 per month. However, it might not be worth it for you because you will only be able to enjoy video content. You will miss out on all the other benefits of a Prime membership, such as fast shipping, music, games, and books. 

All of the extra perks come with four extra dollars per month, which might be worth it, especially if those are the types of perks that you could really make good use of in your life. 

The Best Amazon Original Movies

Amazon Prime gives you access to original movies. These are produced by Amazon Studios, which sends them to movie theaters and makes them available on the Prime Video streaming service.

These movies include titles that have won Academy Awards. Here are some of the best movies to currently enjoy on Amazon Prime. 

One Night In Miami (2020) 

one night in miami

This movie features the fictional account of historical icons Jim Brown, Malcolm X, Sam Cooke, and Muhammad Ali as they discuss their roles in the Civil Rights Movement as well as the cultural changes of the 1960s.

It’s been reviewed by critics as offering new insight into the interior lives of some of the most important historical figures

Sound Of Metal (2019) 

Imagine pursuing your passion only to be thrown a curveball in life that threatens to destroy your dream? That’s what this movie questions, as it features the story of a heavy metal drummer who starts to lose his hearing. This movie has already won the attention and hearts of audiences and critics alike. 

Troop Zero (2019) 

Now something for comedy fans! Troop Zero is a movie about a young girl’s dream to head into space. Set in 1977 in rural Georgia, a young girl enters a competition to be recorded on NASA’s Golden Record.

To achieve her goal, she joins forces with a troop of Birdie Scouts – girls who are outcasts just like her. You’ll laugh at times and enjoy the friendships that play out on the screen, and you’ll certainly enjoy that the protagonist is a real heroine to be inspired by, even though she’s only nine.

The Vast Of Night (2019) 

the vast of night

If you’re a sci-fi fan, The Vast Of Night should be your new must-see movie. It features the story of two children in the 1950s who start to search for the source of a frequency that has appeared in their town.

It’s not only scary, but intelligently pulled off. While you might think the premise of this movie is a bit cliched, simply because it’s been done so many times before, The Vast Of Night brings new angles to a well-known idea. 

The Big Sick (2017) 

This is a romantic comedy with a twist. It’s about a Pakistani comic who falls in love with an American graduate, but then they’re hit with a massive curveball when she becomes gravely ill.

Instead of spending time with his girlfriend, who’s in a coma, he now finds himself spending more time with her parents. It’s perfect for fans of movies such as When Harry Met Sally, but expect a refreshing take on all things romcom. 

That Sugar Film (2014) 

There are also various documentaries you’ll be able to enjoy on Amazon Prime. That Sugar Film is one. It looks at how sugar affects the body – not just in foods that are known to contain sugar but those hidden sugars that sneak into our meals without us realizing it.

The documentary features director Damon Gameau embarking on a journey to eat high-sugar foods for 30 days. It’s sure to offer interesting insights – and it’s also been said to be a bit disturbing as we see the way the man’s life and body changes for the worse because of his high-sugar diet.   

How To Watch Amazon Prime In Different Countries 

prime video geographical restrictions

You can get Amazon Prime in over 200 countries! But, if you’re based in the U.S., your Amazon Prime content will vary from what someone in, say, India will be able to watch.

This is because some streaming content will be restricted to certain regions. This is as a result of content licenses, which means that you won’t be able to access all the TV shows and movies that are available in every region. 

What about using a VPN? 

Some people use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) in order to make use of the Amazon Prime content that’s available in their home country. So, if someone lives in India and moves to the U.S., a VPN could help them to still gain access to the content that they used to enjoy watching in their home country.

While that might seem like a hassle-free option, it’s worth considering that it’s not allowed by Amazon. It clearly states in Amazon Prime Video’s terms and conditions that the use of any technology to hide one’s location is considered to be a direct breach of the service.

So, you might just have to accept that your Amazon Prime content will vary from one region of the world to another. The good thing is that if you’re traveling out of your home country, you will be able to make use of some content that you love to watch.

This is thanks to the “Watch While Abroad” feature that’s available. If you see this on a movie or TV show title, it means you’ll be able to watch it. But, sadly, not every content is available to be watched when you step out of your country.

So, where does that leave you? If you’re moving to a new country you should update your home location so that you don’t breach Amazon’s terms of use. You can easily do this by heading over to Prime Video and changing your location to get the best of what Amazon Prime has to offer in your region. 

Should You Stick With Amazon Prime Video Or Use Netflix Instead? 

netflix vs amazon prime video

Is Amazon Prime membership worth it or should you opt for Netflix?

Amazon Prime and Netflix are both some of the most popular streaming services available. Based on that fact alone, you might not know which one you should use. Let’s look at both of them in greater detail to help you make the best decision. 

First, they both share some important elements, such as offering original series and tons of content. However, Netflix is said to dominate when it comes to its original programming whereas Prime Video gives you more titles to choose from, especially when it comes to movies.

Netflix offers approximately 3,589 movies and 1,827 TV shows, while Amazon Prime offers customers 11,710 movie titles and 1,283 TV shows. 

What about devices? 

If you’re wondering which streaming service is best when it comes to the devices you can use with them, the good news is that both streaming services can connect to a variety of different devices. 

What about security? 

When it comes to account security, it’s worth knowing that Amazon Prime Video wins in this category. This is because Netflix doesn’t offer its customers two-factor authentication.

That said, both Amazon Prime and Netflix let you log out of unauthorized devices remotely to keep your account out of the wrong hands. 

What about price? 

When it comes to how much they cost, Netflix has three plans available. These are the Basic plan, which costs $9 per month; the Standard plan, which costs $13 per month; and the Premium plan, which is $16 per month.

They all offer ad-free movies, specials, and TV series. But the quality of the videos will vary from one plan to the next, as will how many devices can be used to stream at the same time. On a Premium plan, you’ll be able to stream to up to four devices. 

By comparison, Amazon Prime Video is a lot simpler. You pay a monthly fee of $12.99 or a yearly fee of $119 and you not only get movies and TV shows, but a range of other Amazon Prime benefits, such as books, music, and fast deliveries on purchases. 

To how many devices can you stream?  

device registering on amazon

Earlier, we mentioned that you can stream content on up to four devices if you’re a Premium Netflix member.

On Amazon Prime, you can stream movies and shows on up to three devices, but there’s a catch: you’ll only be able to stream the same content on two devices simultaneously. 

What are their extra benefits? 

One of the biggest reasons why you should opt for a Prime membership instead of a Netflix one is because of the extra benefits you will be able to make use of when you sign up.

While Netflix gives you the chance to stream a lot of content, that’s where the perks end. With Amazon Prime, streaming movies and other content is just the beginning of all the fantastic features you’ll be able to enjoy.

By having an Amazon Prime membership, you’ll have a variety of benefits to enjoy, such as free shipping and deliveries on orders, faster delivery times, free music, unlimited photo storage, the opportunity to gain access to fresh reading material, discounts on the site, and discounts at Whole Foods supermarkets, to mention just a few! 

Which one is right for you?

After reading the above comparison, you might have a better idea of whether you should choose Netflix or Amazon Prime. If you want to stream content and you’re specifically interested in watching TV shows on multiple devices, then Netflix might be a better choice for you.

On the other hand, if you love movies and you’re interested in extra perks from Amazon, there’s no doubt that a Prime membership will tick all the right boxes. Of course, you don’t have to choose one or the other – you could make use of both!  

Pros And Cons Of Amazon Prime Video 

amazon prime on mobile app

To find out if Amazon Prime Video is worth it, you should check out its pros and cons. 

Pros 

  • You get behind-the-scenes content to enjoy on your favorite movies. 
  • You can make use of offline viewing, which is a nice travel perk.
  • You can enjoy 4K Ultra-HD video content. 
  • It’s really easy to sign up to Amazon Prime Video and start using the app.
  • You can pay for a monthly or yearly subscription, and its payment plans are straightforward.

Cons 

  • Many new shows and movies will have an extra cost you have to pay in order to enjoy them. This is why you should search for content that has the Prime tag on them as these are free since they’re included in your membership. 
  • You have a limited time in which to watch the movies that you download. If you’ve rented a video, you’ll have 48 hours to watch it. If you’ve purchased it, you will have 30 days in which to start watching it and then 48 hours in which to complete your viewing. 

Related Questions 

Can you use Prime Video on tablets? 

Maybe you’d like to watch Prime Video content on your tablets. Can you? Yes! There are many tablets that are compatible with Amazon Prime Video. These include Fire tablets, iOS tablets, and Android tablets.

What is Amazon Prime Video’s X-Ray feature? 

This provides you with information about the movie or show you’re watching, such as with music, trivia, and cast info. You can even read character backstories and view behind-the-scenes photos. 

Conclusion 

Is Amazon TV worth it? If you love binge-watching movies when you have some spare time at your disposal, an Amazon Prime Video subscription makes a lot of sense.

You’ll gain access to tons of new and old movies, all with the comfort of streaming them to your favorite device, whether that’s a tablet, phone, or Smart TV. 

In this article, we’ve provided you with information about Amazon Prime movies and how to get started with enjoying them. So, what are you waiting for? Go on and sign up to get Prime! 

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *