Prime Video in 2026: What Amazon Prime Includes and How to Access It
Prime Video has been part of Amazon’s entertainment push for years, but its value proposition has shifted over time—from a standalone add-on to a mainstream perk bundled with Amazon Prime. In 2026, that “everyone gets it” approach becomes even more straightforward: if you have an Amazon Prime subscription, Prime Video access comes along with it. If you’re only interested in streaming (and not the broader Prime bundle), you can still choose a Prime Video-only subscription and tailor how you pay.
Prime Video access window: bundling with Prime, plus standalone options
Prime Video first launched in the U.S. in 2006 under the name Amazon Unbox. The service later went through multiple rebrands, and it wasn’t until 2011 that it became included with Amazon Prime instead of functioning as an extra add-on. Fast-forward to 2026: anyone with access to an Amazon Prime subscription can watch movies and shows through Prime Video as an included membership benefit. If you prefer not to use the full Prime membership, you can still subscribe to Prime Video separately.
| Service | Key availability detail | Standalone option |
|---|---|---|
| Prime Video | Included with Amazon Prime starting in 2011; bundled access for Prime subscribers in 2026 | Yes, Prime Video can be purchased separately |
| Digital movies | Also functions as a VOD platform for renting and buying titles | N/A (rent/buy is part of the service experience) |
Streaming service and VOD platform
Prime Video isn’t just a subscription streaming library. It also operates as a video-on-demand marketplace where you can rent or buy movies digitally.
Subscription plans and pricing structure
With Prime Video, the streaming subscription cost is typically included inside an Amazon Prime membership. However, you can also pay for Prime Video by itself. Within the standalone Prime Video route, you can choose between the standard plan that includes ads and an ad-free alternative. Amazon also offers two billing rhythms: monthly payments, or an annual subscription option with a small discount.
One important caveat: as of the April 2026 price increase, the switch to ad-free is only available via a monthly payment tier priced at $4.99.
Free trials: what’s available and what to expect
There isn’t a free trial specifically for a standalone Prime Video subscription. That said, Amazon Prime does provide trial access that can still get you into Prime Video.
Two trial lengths are mentioned: a standard 30-day free trial and a 6-month free trial for young adults. Both trial options waive the subscription fee during the trial window, but payments begin automatically once the trial period ends.
Streaming add-ons on the same bill
Prime Video’s base subscription can also be expanded with additional streaming service add-ons. Those added services can be billed together on the same monthly payment.
Original movies and TV shows
Prime Video’s catalog is broad at any given time, but it’s especially associated with original programming. You can browse the full lineup of Amazon Originals directly through the Prime Video website, and there’s also a dedicated look at what’s coming in July 2026.
Popular original TV shows
Amazon’s roster of original series is extensive. Here are some of the highlights:
- Fallout — 2 seasons
- The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power — 2 seasons
- The Boys — 4 seasons
- The Legend of Vox Machina — 3 seasons
- Reacher — 3 seasons
- Invincible — 4 seasons
- Bosch — 7 seasons
- Fleabag — 2 seasons
- The Mighty Nein — 1 season
- Mr. & Mrs. Smith — 1 season
- The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel — 5 seasons
- Hazbin Hotel — 2 seasons
- Upload — 4 seasons
- The Wheel of Time — 3 seasons
- Good Omens — 2 seasons
- Young Sherlock — 1 season
- Batman: Caped Crusader — 2 seasons
Beyond the list above, Amazon also has the God of War series planned for the future, plus a new live-action Tomb Raider show starring Sophie Turner.
Popular original movies
Amazon releases dozens of original films each year. Here are notable highlights so far:
- Air (2023)
- Red One (2024)
- The Big Sick (2017)
- Challengers (2024)
- Manchester by the Sea (2016)
- My Old Ass (2024)
- Saltburn (2023)
- Suspiria (2018)
- Playdate (2025)
- Cinderella (2021)
- Another Simple Favor (2025)
- Heads of State (2025)
- Jackpot! (2024)
- Luci & Desi (2021)
- Borat 2 (2020)
Up next: Prime Video plans and pricing
Top guide sections
- Prime Video Plans and Pricing
- Rent and Buy
