Amazon Bets Big on Theatrical Film Releases

The e-commerce giant plans to release 15 movies per year in theaters by 2027.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 10:26pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A high-end, photorealistic studio still-life photograph featuring a stack of film reels, a vintage movie camera, and a director's clapperboard, all arranged elegantly on a clean, monochromatic seamless background, conceptually representing Amazon's strategic shift into the theatrical film market.Amazon's push into theatrical film releases signals the company's growing ambitions in the entertainment industry.Los Angeles Today

Amazon is making a major push into theatrical film releases, with plans to release 15 movies per year in theaters by 2027. The company highlighted its upcoming film slate at CinemaCon, including titles like "The Sheep Detectives," "Masters of the Universe," and "Spaceballs: The New One." Amazon sees theatrical releases as a way to give audiences "a reason to leave the house" with "scale, ambition, and something to say."

Why it matters

Amazon's move into theatrical film releases represents a shift from the company's traditional focus on e-commerce and streaming. By investing in big-screen experiences, Amazon is betting that audiences still value the in-theater experience and are willing to leave their homes to see high-quality films. This could help Amazon diversify its revenue streams and better compete with traditional Hollywood studios.

The details

At CinemaCon, Amazon MGM Studios head Mike Hopkins said the company is in the "top half of the first inning" when it comes to its film ambitions. Amazon highlighted that its recent film "Project Hail Mary" grossed over $670 million at the box office in just four months. The company plans to release 15 films per year in theaters by 2027, including titles like "The Sheep Detectives," "Masters of the Universe," and "Spaceballs: The New One." Amazon is also focused on building out its international film distribution to grow its global presence.

  • Amazon plans to release 15 films per year in theaters by 2027.
  • "Project Hail Mary" grossed over $670 million at the box office in just four months.

The players

Mike Hopkins

Head of Amazon MGM Studios.

Kevin Wilson

Amazon's Head of Domestic Theatrical Distribution.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“While some of our competitors have dipped their toes in and out of the theatrical waters, for us, this isn't a test or an experiment.”

— Mike Hopkins, Head of Amazon MGM Studios

“We are building films that give audiences a reason to leave the house. Films with scale. Ambition. Something to say.”

— Kevin Wilson, Amazon's Head of Domestic Theatrical Distribution

What’s next

Amazon plans to continue expanding its theatrical film slate, with nine more films on the way after its recent success. The company is also focused on finding the right actor to lead the next James Bond film, which it acquired the rights to as part of the MGM acquisition.

The takeaway

Amazon's push into theatrical film releases represents a strategic shift for the e-commerce giant, as it looks to diversify its revenue streams and better compete with traditional Hollywood studios. By investing in high-quality, big-screen experiences, Amazon is betting that audiences still value the in-theater experience and are willing to leave their homes to see compelling films.