If you’ve noticed a lot more classic movies and shows popping up on Amazon Prime Video, you’re not imagining things. There’s a good reason for that, and it all comes down to a massive corporate acquisition that reshaped the streaming landscape. The question on many people’s minds is a simple one: does Amazon now own the legendary MGM studio?
The short and direct answer is yes. In a landmark deal, Amazon officially acquired MGM, the iconic Hollywood studio behind beloved franchises like James Bond, Rocky, and Legally Blonde. This move was one of the biggest tech and entertainment mergers in recent history, bringing a century of cinematic history under the Amazon umbrella.
The Story Behind the Amazon and MGM Deal
So, how did this happen? Amazon announced its intention to purchase MGM back in May 2021. After a lengthy regulatory review process that lasted nearly a year, the deal was finally completed in March 2022. Amazon paid a staggering $8.45 billion to make MGM a part of its growing portfolio. The primary goal? To significantly boost the content library of its streaming service, Amazon Prime Video, giving it a stronger edge in the competitive “streaming wars.”
What This Means for Your Streaming Experience
For you as a viewer, this acquisition is a game-changer. It means that the vast MGM catalog is being integrated into Prime Video. This includes thousands of classic films and television shows. You can now more easily find and enjoy titles like RoboCop, Silence of the Lambs, and The Pink Panther without needing an additional subscription. Furthermore, Amazon now controls the valuable rights to major franchises, paving the way for new original series and spin-offs based on these iconic characters.
A Look at MGM’s Most Valuable Properties
When Amazon bought MGM, it wasn’t just buying a name; it was buying a treasure trove of intellectual property. Some of the most notable properties that Amazon now oversees include the entire James Bond film library, the Rocky and Creed series, the Handmaid’s Tale television adaptation, and beloved family franchises like The Addams Family. This gives Amazon a deep well of content to draw from for years to come.
In the world of streaming, content is king, and Amazon’s purchase of MGM was a powerful move to claim more territory. By bringing MGM’s legendary library in-house, Amazon has made Prime Video a much more compelling destination for movie and TV fans, offering a richer and more diverse selection of entertainment for its subscribers.
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