Amazon MGM Studios

Overview

Amazon MGM Studios is the film production and distribution division of Amazon, formed following Amazon's $8.45 billion acquisition of MGM Holdings in 2022. The company combines Amazon Studios' original content operation -- launched in 2010 -- with MGM's vast library of over 4,000 film titles and 17,000 television episodes, and MGM's ongoing production capabilities. Amazon MGM Studios distributes films globally through Prime Video, Amazon's subscription streaming platform with over 200 million subscribers worldwide.

Amazon MGM Studios produces and acquires films for Prime Video distribution and releases select titles theatrically through partnerships with theater chains. The combined entity is one of the largest film distributors in the world by output, covering both original productions and the ongoing licensing and re-release of the MGM library, which includes James Bond, Rocky, Creed, and hundreds of other major franchises.

Distribution Model

Amazon MGM Studios distributes its original films primarily on Prime Video, making them available to Prime subscribers globally. Theatrical releases accompany some productions where the filmmaking talent or awards positioning warrants it -- Amazon has learned from its experience with prestige theatrical releases including Manchester by the Sea and The Big Sick that theatrical releases can significantly elevate a film's profile and awards prospects.

The company's approach to theatrical versus streaming-only release has fluctuated. Amazon's acquisition of filmmaker projects at Sundance and TIFF has included full theatrical commitments for films by directors with strong theatrical track records. The integration of MGM has given Amazon access to theater-friendly franchise content alongside its existing prestige and independent acquisition pipeline.

What Filmmakers Should Know

Amazon MGM Studios acquires films at major festivals and markets, and it is one of the most active buyers at Sundance. The company's acquisition budget and willingness to offer competitive minimum guarantees make it a significant player in the festival acquisition market.

Amazon's deal structure typically involves a platform fee in exchange for global streaming rights on Prime Video, often combined with a theatrical commitment for stronger acquisitions. For filmmakers, the key consideration is Amazon's global reach versus the limited theatrical commitment relative to a traditional distributor. Amazon's platform does not provide filmmakers with detailed audience data, which limits understanding of how a film performs post-release.

The MGM relationship adds a production and co-financing dimension to Amazon MGM's activity -- the company now has the development and production infrastructure to invest in projects at an earlier stage, not just acquire finished films.

Key Franchises and Properties

Post-acquisition, Amazon MGM controls distribution rights to James Bond (jointly with the Broccoli family's Eon Productions), the Rocky and Creed franchise, the Legally Blonde franchise, the Silence of the Lambs universe, and hundreds of classic MGM titles. These properties represent ongoing distribution obligations and revenue streams that run parallel to the original content program.

Notable Acquisitions

Manchester by the Sea (2016), The Big Sick (2017), Coming 2 America (2021), Being the Ricardos (2021), Saltburn (2023 -- distributed by Amazon via its relationship with Caterer Media), Challengers (2024). Amazon's acquisitions span prestige drama, comedy, and international cinema.

See Also

For how streaming platform deals compare to traditional theatrical distribution, see Streaming vs Theatrical Revenue. To model the financial terms of a streaming buyout versus a theatrical-first distribution deal, use the Revenue Forecast Calculator.