Prime Video US vs. Canada: Which Wins on Content?

Amazon Prime Video has become one of the go-to streaming platforms worldwide, offering blockbuster movies, binge-worthy series, and a growing library of originals.

While access to content produced by and made for Canadians is a nice perk, at the end of the day, Americans and Canadians alike want to watch the movies and shows everyone is talking about. But did you know that Prime Video isn’t the same everywhere? In fact, viewers in the United States and Canada get noticeably different experiences.

If you’re wondering which country has the better Prime Video library, or if it’s worth finding a solution to unlock both, this breakdown will help you decide.

Comparing the Content Libraries: US vs. Canada

While both Prime Video US and Prime Video Canada share many titles, the US library is larger. Researchers at Comparitech found that the US library has around 12,150 titles, while Canada has close to 9,900 titles.

This isn’t unusual—streaming rights are often negotiated country by country, and the US tends to secure the broadest access. Canadian subscribers still enjoy plenty of top-tier movies, shows, and Amazon Originals, but the sheer volume of options is more limited compared to the US.

Beyond the numbers, the Canadian and US versions of Prime Video differ in the categories that they excel at. Let’s look at that next.

US-Exclusive Strengths

Although licensing changes over time, users have reported that TV shows such as The Americans, Archer, and earlier seasons of Survivor are available in the US but not in Canada.

Prime Video US tends to dominate when it comes to:

  • Exclusive blockbuster films: Popular Hollywood titles often land on the US platform first, especially newer releases.
  • Older TV series: American classics and long-running sitcoms are more widely available.
  • Niche categories: Genres like documentaries, indie films, and cult favorites go deeper and are better curated in the US library.
  • Sports add-ons: The US market offers additional channels like NFL Thursday Night Football, which are absent in Canada.

Canada-Exclusive Strengths

Some content is not only produced in Canada but is also uniquely Canadian. Titles that are available exclusively to audiences in the true north include Mr. Dressup: The Magic of Make-Believe, LOL: Last One Laughing Canada, and The Tragically Hip: No Dress Rehearsal.

Prime Video Canada, while smaller in scale, has its own unique strengths:

  • Canadian film and TV content: More locally produced shows and movies are accessible thanks to regional licensing.
  • Partnerships with local broadcasters: Some Canadian-only agreements bring in titles that aren’t in the US, including certain BBC series and international films.
  • Stronger kids’ content selection: Families in Canada may find more variety in children’s programming compared to the US library.

Why Prime Video Differs in the US and Canada

So, why does Prime Video modify its libraries to suit each country?

The differences come down to licensing and regional demand. Studios sell streaming rights by territory, which means what’s available in one country may be missing in another.

Amazon also tailors its offerings to local tastes and regulations. For example, Canada requires a certain level of domestic content, which is why Canadian subscribers see more homegrown programming. People who grew up with shows like the Polka Dot Door and Mr. Dressup have a special place in their hearts for Canadian content.

Which Library Is Better Overall?

Many times, Canadians can’t help but wonder if the grass is greener for Americans.

For most viewers, Prime Video US is the stronger option simply because of its size and variety. If you want maximum choice, it’s tough to beat the US library. That said, Canadian Prime Video isn’t lacking—especially if you enjoy Canadian films, family programming, and certain international partnerships not found stateside.

Who Should Choose US vs. Canada

So, if you had to choose, which version would be best suited to your viewing preferences? Let’s get to the heart of what makes each one great.

Prime Video US is best for: Viewers who want the largest possible catalog, fans of blockbuster releases, sports lovers, and anyone who enjoys niche genres.

Prime Video Canada is best for: Families seeking strong kids’ content, fans of Canadian cinema and TV, and those who want access to a handful of exclusives not found in the US.

Unlocking Both Libraries with a VPN

The good news? You don’t actually have to choose. With a VPN, you can switch your virtual location and access both the US and Canadian Prime Video libraries from one subscription. While this may require some extra setup, it gives you the best of both worlds.

Think of a VPN as an intermediate layer between your device and the internet. It works by hiding your true IP address and replacing it with an IP associated with a different location. This gives you a greater level of anonymity, security, as well as the flexibility to view the content you want to see most.

To learn about the top 3 VPN services recommended by LetMeBy, visit this page.

Conclusion

Amazon Prime Video offers terrific content in both the US and Canada, but the experience isn’t identical. The US library is larger and better suited for viewers who crave variety, while the Canadian version has its own hidden gems and exclusive partnerships.

If you’re a casual watcher, either country’s version will serve you well. You might never notice titles that are missing from the Canadian library that are available in the US. For the ultimate streaming experience, combining both with a VPN ensures you won’t miss a thing.