How Long is a Movie on Amazon Prime Video After Purchase? A Comprehensive Guide

When you buy a movie on Amazon Prime Video, the movie typically remains available in your library forever. However, purchasing and rental periods vary. This guide breaks down the differences between buying and renting a movie on Amazon Prime and ensures you make the most of your movie purchases.

Purchasing a Movie on Amazon Prime Video

Purchasing a movie on Amazon Prime Video grants you a life-time license to view the movie. You own the movie and have the right to watch it anytime, anywhere, as long as Amazon continues to offer the service and the movie is in their library. This exclusivity is a hallmark of a purchase and means that once you've bought the movie, you can revisit it at any time without any restrictions.

Renting a Movie on Amazon Prime Video

Renting a movie on Amazon Prime Video is a different experience. When you rent a movie, you must start watching it within 30 days from the purchase or rental date. You then have 48 hours to finish watching the movie in its entirety. This rental period helps protect the rights of the content creators and distributors. Once this 48-hour window has passed, you may not be able to complete the movie unless you start watching it before the 30 days are up. After that, the movie becomes available for viewing again provided it remains in Amazon Prime Video's library.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I watch a purchased movie anytime after the purchase?

A: Yes, once you purchase a movie on Amazon Prime Video, you can watch it anytime, provided the movie remains in the library and the service is active. There are no time restrictions on watching a purchased movie.

Q: What happens if I don’t finish a rented movie within 48 hours?

A: If you do not complete the movie within 48 hours, the movie becomes unavailable for viewing until you start watching it again within the initial 30-day rental period.

Q: Is there any time limit for starting to watch a rented movie?

A: You must begin watching a rented movie within 30 days of the rental date. If you don’t start within this period, the movie will become unavailable for viewing until the 30-day period is reset by starting the movie again.

Key Differences Between Purchasing and Renting

Purchasing a movie:

You own the movie for life. No time limitations on when or how often you can watch it. Can be shared among multiple devices (within limitations). No risk of becoming unavailable due to rental period expiration.

Renting a movie:

Your access is limited to the rental period. You must start watching the movie within 30 days. 48-hour window to finish the movie start to finish. No sharing across multiple devices without additional fees.

For more detailed information about Amazon Prime Video's terms of service and customer support, visit the official Amazon customer support page.

Conclusion

Amazon Prime Video offers a range of options for movie viewing, from purchasing to renting. Understanding the differences between a purchase and a rental can help you make the most of your viewing experience. Whether you want to enjoy the flexibility of owning a movie or the convenience of renting, Amazon Prime Video has got you covered.