Amazon Prime Video, alongside Netflix, is one of the leading giants in the streaming market, and with mega-budget shows such as Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power available on the platform, they must be doing something right. Right? Well, The Rings of Power certainly looks like it had an almost unlimited budget, but is it worth subscribing to Prime Video on the strength of it acquiring some hugely popular IP, or does it offer more than just a flashy looking trip to Middle Earth? In this review, we’ll explore everything you need to know, from its content library to streaming quality, pricing, and more. We’ll also highlight some of the latest and most popular titles on Prime Video, so settle in as we take a thorough look at why you should subscribe to the service.
Prime Video Content Library
Prime Video boasts an extensive content library, featuring thousands of movies, TV shows, and documentaries from all genres. Whether you’re a fan of action, drama, comedy, horror, or family-friendly content, the service has something for everyone. One of the platform’s standout features is the sheer variety of content, ranging from Hollywood blockbusters to indie films, classic TV shows, and international content.
Some of the latest and most popular releases include:
- “The Wheel of Time” Season 2 – This fantasy series continues to be a massive hit, with season 2 attracting fans of the genre with its deeper character development and intricate plot.
- “Invincible” Season 2 – Prime Video’s animated superhero series returns with more high-octane action and darker themes, plus, at the time of writing this article, the trailer for season 3 has just dropped.
- “Reacher” – Based upon the hugely popular series of books by author Lee Child, Reacher has enjoyed two very popular and wildly entertaining series, with a third due in 2025 and a fourth also in development.
- “Gen V” – A spin-off of the excellent and outrageous The Boys, Gen V follows a group of college-age superheroes in a similarly gross-out and violent take on the genre.
With regular updates, Prime Video ensures there’s always something fresh to watch, making it a competitive choice in the crowded streaming market.
Prime Video Originals and Exclusive Shows
One of the strongest selling points of Prime Video is its impressive line-up of original and exclusive content. Over the past few years, Amazon has invested heavily in creating original series and movies, competing directly with Netflix and other services.
Some of the must-watch Prime Video Originals include:
- “The Boys” – A gritty, darkly comedic take on the superhero genre, The Boys has been one of Prime Video’s flagship shows. Proceed with caution if you’re easily offended.
- “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” – This critically acclaimed period comedy-drama follows a housewife-turned-standup-comedian in 1950s New York.
- “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power” – Prime Video’s most ambitious project to date, set in the world of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth. While it may lack a compelling narrative and decent battle scenes, it makes up for with scope and some superb visuals.
- “Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan” – A fast-paced political thriller that showcases Amazon’s ability to deliver action-packed series, led by the excellent John Krasinski from The Office.
Subscription Plans and Pricing
Prime Video offers several subscription options, providing flexibility depending on what you need. In the U.S., it’s available as a standalone service for $8.99 per month, or you can access it as part of the full Amazon Prime membership for $14.99 per month (or $139 annually). The full Prime membership offers additional benefits such as free shipping, Amazon Music, and Prime Reading.
One advantage of Prime Video over some competitors is that you get access to a vast content library without any additional fees, unlike some other platforms that charge for newer movies or premium titles. Digital releases of movie that have just left the big screen, or that have a limited cinema release, are a welcome addition, but they do come at a premium cost.
Where to Add Images: You could insert an image comparing the pricing tiers or a chart highlighting the differences between Prime Video’s standalone subscription and the full Amazon Prime membership.
