What Are Amazon Originals? Your Complete Guide

Ecommerce Apr 24, 2025 24 Add to Reading List

Amazon Originals are unique TV shows and movies produced by Amazon. They are only available on Amazon Prime Video. In this guide, you will learn what Amazon Originals are, why they matter, how to find and watch them, and answers to common questions. We’ll keep things simple, fun, and easy to read—no fluff, no technical words, and clear headings using the focus keyword Amazon Originals six times.

What Are Amazon Originals?

Amazon Originals are special shows and films created by Amazon Studios. They are not found on regular TV channels or other streaming services. Amazon puts its own money into creating these titles. That’s why you can say, “This is an Amazon Originals show,” and only find it on Prime Video.

The Birth of Amazon Originals

Amazon started making Originals to give Prime members more reason to join. Back in 2013, Amazon released its first Original series, “Alpha House.” Since then, Amazon Originals have grown in number and quality. Now, Amazon makes dozens of new Originals every year.

How Amazon Originals Differ from Licensed Shows

Licensed Shows: Amazon rents these from other studios. They must pay fees, and sometimes lose rights.
Amazon Originals: Amazon owns these. They can keep them on Prime Video as long as they like.

Why Amazon Originals Matter

Watching Amazon Originals matters for several reasons:

Exclusive Content
You cannot watch these shows or movies anywhere else. They give you fresh stories to enjoy.
High Quality Production
Amazon spends a lot on filming, sets, and sound. That means clear images, good sound, and great effects.
Big Name Talent
Amazon hires top actors, directors, and writers. This brings award-winning shows like “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.”
No Ads
Unlike network TV, Prime Video has no commercials in the middle of your show.

Popular Amazon Originals Series

Here are some hit Amazon Originals series you might love:

The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
A bright, fun show set in the 1950s about a woman who tries stand-up comedy.
Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan
An action-packed spy thriller with hero Jack Ryan on big missions.
The Boys
A wild, dark take on superheroes, full of action and drama.
Fleabag
A clever comedy about a young woman in London.
Hunters
A suspenseful series about Nazi hunters living in New York.

These show why Amazon Originals attract fans worldwide.

Award-Winning Amazon Originals

Some Amazon Originals have won big awards:

The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel — Emmy Awards for Best Comedy and more.
Transparent — Golden Globe for Best TV Series, Musical or Comedy.
Manchester by the Sea — Oscar nomination for Best Picture.

Awards prove the top quality of Amazon Originals.

Popular Amazon Originals Movies

Amazon also makes feature films. Here are a few:

Manchester by the Sea
A touching drama about family and loss.
The Big Sick
A funny, sweet love story based on real events.
One Night in Miami
A drama imagining a meeting of Black icons in 1964.
Borat Subsequent Moviefilm
A comedic mockumentary starring Sacha Baron Cohen.

Each movie shows Amazon’s push for strong stories.

Genres Covered by Amazon Originals

Amazon Originals span many genres:

Comedy: Fun and laughs.
Drama: Serious stories and feelings.
Action: Exciting fights and stunts.
Sci-Fi & Fantasy: Worlds of make-believe.
Documentaries: True stories and facts.

There’s an Amazon Originals title for every taste.

Kids and Family Amazon Originals

Amazon makes Originals for all ages:

Tumble Leaf — Animated show for preschoolers.
Pete the Cat — Fun cartoon based on the popular book.
Lost in Oz — A new take on the Wizard of Oz story.

Family-friendly Amazon Originals let kids enjoy safe content.

How Are Amazon Originals Made?

Making an Amazon Originals title follows these steps:

Idea Pitch
Writers and creators pitch story ideas to Amazon Studios.
Selection
Amazon picks the best ideas to fund and develop.
Pre-Production
Teams plan filming: sets, costumes, actors, and schedules.
Filming
Cameras roll! Directors lead actors in acting out scenes.
Post-Production
Editors cut footage, add music, and polish sound.
Release
The finished Amazon Originals show or movie appears on Prime Video.

Investing in Amazon Originals

Amazon invests millions per episode on big shows. This budget covers stars, special effects, and more. The goal? To make Amazon Originals feel like a night at the movies in your living room.

Behind the Scenes of a Hit Original

For a show like The Boys, Amazon hired stunt teams for action scenes. They built custom sets and used green screens for special effects. This work shows why Amazon Originals look so polished and exciting.

How to Watch Amazon Originals

You can easily watch Amazon Originals:

Get Amazon Prime
Sign up at Amazon’s website. A Prime membership costs a flat yearly fee or monthly plan.
Install Prime Video App
Download on your phone, tablet, smart TV, or game console.
Log In
Use your Amazon account email and password.
Browse “Amazon Originals”
In the menu, select the “Originals” section.
Select and Play
Pick your show or movie, then press play.

Devices to Stream Amazon Originals

Smart TV (Samsung, LG, Sony)
Streaming Devices (Fire TV Stick, Roku, Chromecast)
Phones/Tablets (iOS, Android)
Computers (Windows, Mac via browser)
Game Consoles (PlayStation, Xbox)

With so many options, you can enjoy Amazon Originals anywhere.

Tips for Best Streaming Quality

Strong Internet: At least 5 Mbps for HD.
Ethernet: Wired connection on TV or console can be more stable.
Update App: Keep Prime Video app current.
Adjust Quality: In settings, choose HD or Best.

Cost and Subscription Details

A Prime membership gives you:

Prime Video: All Amazon Originals, plus licensed content.
Free Shipping: On millions of Amazon products.
Music & Books: Access to Prime Music and Prime Reading.

Prime Video alone also offers a monthly plan if you don’t need shopping benefits. But the full Prime membership adds extra perks.

Free Trials and Savings

Amazon often offers a 30-day free trial. Students and those on government assistance can get discounts. Check Amazon’s deals page for current offers.

Cancel Anytime

If you change your mind, you can cancel Prime in your account settings. You will still have access until the trial or billing period ends.

FAQs About Amazon Originals

What exactly are Amazon Originals?
Amazon Originals are TV shows and films made and owned by Amazon Studios. You watch them on Amazon Prime Video.

Are Amazon Originals free with Prime?
Yes. All Amazon Originals come at no extra cost with an Amazon Prime membership.

How often does Amazon release new Originals?
Amazon adds new Originals several times each year, with some months seeing multiple releases.

Can I watch Amazon Originals offline?
Yes. Download episodes or movies to your phone or tablet and watch without internet.

Are Amazon Originals kid-friendly?
Many are. Look for age ratings like “TV-Y” or “TV-PG” in the description.

How do I know if a title is an Amazon Original?
Look for the label “Amazon Original” under the title’s name in the app or website.

Do Amazon Originals have subtitles?
Yes. You can turn on subtitles and choose your language in the player settings.

Can I gift Amazon Originals?
You can gift a Prime membership or give an Amazon Gift Card, which the receiver can use to subscribe.

Final Thoughts

Amazon Originals offer exclusive, high-quality shows and movies for every taste. From comedy and drama to action and family-friendly titles, you’ll find something new to love. With no ads, offline viewing, and big-name talent, Amazon Originals make Prime Video a top choice for streaming. Sign up for Amazon Prime, browse the Originals section, and start watching today!