20 Amazon Prime Originals That Fell Flat
Amazon Prime Video has rolled out countless original movies and shows, aiming to carve out a space among streaming heavyweights. While some have earned praise and loyal fans, others have stumbled, failing to spark interest or live up to their potential.
This article highlights 20 Amazon Prime Originals—both films and series—that missed the mark. From overhyped projects to forgettable experiments, I’ll explore why these titles fell flat, organized under clear subheadings.
The After (2014)
Created by Chris Carter, this supernatural drama follows strangers caught in a bizarre apocalyptic event. Aldis Hodge and Andrew Howard starred.
The pilot felt scattered, with weak character development and vague stakes. Amazon scrapped plans for a full series after the pilot failed to grip viewers.
Oasis (2017)
This sci-fi drama, set on a distant planet, follows a priest uncovering dark secrets. Richard Madden and Haley Joel Osment led the cast.
The pilot’s slow pacing and murky plot didn’t hook audiences. Amazon passed on a full series, leaving the story unresolved.
The Collection (2016)
Set in post-World War II Paris, this drama about a fashion house starred Richard Coyle and Frances de la Tour. It promised glitz and drama.
The show leaned too heavily on soap-opera tropes, and its weak narrative couldn’t match its lavish visuals. It ended after one season.
Comrade Detective (2017)
A satirical “Romanian” detective series, this meta-comedy featured dubbed performances by Channing Tatum and Joseph Gordon-Levitt. It aimed for clever humor.
The gimmick grew stale fast, and the jokes lacked bite. Audiences didn’t latch on, and the show vanished after its single season.
Lore (2017-2018)
Based on a hit podcast, this anthology series mixed horror with historical tales, starring actors like Robert Patrick. It aimed for chilling storytelling.
Uneven episodes and cheap production values dulled its impact. While some stories landed, most didn’t, leading to cancellation after two seasons.
Patriot (2015-2018)
This dark comedy follows a spy juggling a mundane cover job, starring Michael Dorman and Kurtwood Smith. It aimed for quirky espionage.
The slow pacing and niche humor didn’t click with a broad audience. Despite a cult following, it wrapped after two seasons.
Too Old to Die Young (2019)
Nicolas Winding Refn’s gritty crime drama tracks a detective in a surreal underworld, led by Miles Teller. It leaned on bold visuals.
Its glacial pace and dense style turned off viewers, despite some critical praise. The single season felt too niche to continue.
The Feed (2019)
A sci-fi thriller about a mind-linking implant, this series starred Guy Burnet and Nina Toussaint-White. It explored technology’s dark side.
The predictable plot and flat characters undercut its promising premise. It failed to draw viewers, ending after one season.
Utopia (2020)
A remake of a British conspiracy thriller, this series follows comic fans uncovering real threats. Sasha Lane and John Cusack starred.
It felt like a weaker version of the original, with clunky pacing and forced twists. Released at a tough time, it ended after one season.
Panic (2021)
This YA drama, based on a novel, centers on teens playing a dangerous game in a small town. Olivia Welch led the cast.
Clichéd writing and shaky character motives hurt its appeal. It struggled to find viewers and ended after a single season.
The Wilds (2020-2022)
A survival drama about teen girls stranded on an island, this show blended mystery and coming-of-age themes. Rachel Griffiths starred.
The premise intrigued, but slow pacing and contrived twists lost viewers. It fizzled out after two seasons, failing to sustain momentum.
Hunters (2020-2023)
This pulpy drama about Nazi hunters in 1970s America starred Al Pacino and Logan Lerman. It aimed for bold, gritty action.
The uneven mix of history and over-the-top violence didn’t gel, and pacing issues hurt it. Despite a second season, it never fully landed.
The Map of Tiny Perfect Things (2021)
A time-loop romance about two teens stuck in the same day, this film starred Kathryn Newton and Kyle Allen. It aimed for sweet charm.
It felt too similar to better time-loop stories, lacking fresh ideas or emotional weight. It faded quickly from memory.
Tom Clancy’s Without Remorse (2021)
Michael B. Jordan stars as a Navy SEAL seeking revenge in this Tom Clancy adaptation. It promised high-octane action.
The generic plot and shallow characters made it forgettable. It failed to kickstart a franchise, blending into the action movie crowd.
The Tomorrow War (2021)
Chris Pratt leads this sci-fi action film about a future alien war with time travel. It had a hefty budget and big ambitions.
Its long runtime and predictable story dulled its impact. Though it had some fun moments, it didn’t leave a lasting impression.
Cinderella (2021)
A musical reimagining of the fairy tale, this film starred Camila Cabello and Nicholas Galitzine. It aimed for a modern twist.
The songs were forgettable, and the story lacked charm. Panned by critics and viewers, it fizzled out quickly.
Being the Ricardos (2021)
This biopic about Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, starring Nicole Kidman and Javier Bardem, focused on a key week in their lives.
Its narrow scope and uneven pacing didn’t capture their legacy. Mixed reviews and low buzz led to it fading fast.
The Voyeurs (2021)
A steamy thriller about a couple spying on neighbors, this film starred Sydney Sweeney and Justice Smith. It aimed for sexy suspense.
The twists felt silly, and the plot was contrived. It failed to grip audiences, slipping into obscurity.
My Policeman (2022)
A drama about a closeted policeman in 1950s Britain, this film starred Harry Styles and Emma Corrin. It promised emotional depth.
The sluggish script and predictable story let down the performances. It felt flat compared to similar dramas, disappointing viewers.
Shotgun Wedding (2022)
This action-comedy about a chaotic wedding starred Jennifer Lopez and Josh Duhamel. It aimed for fun, wild energy.
The humor flopped, and the action felt tired. Despite big names, it couldn’t rise above its generic premise.
Which Amazon Prime Original left you disappointed, or is there another misfire I overlooked? Share your take in the comments!