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"MELANIA" premieres in cinemas on January 30, 2026, and is already drawing controversy, in large part because of its scale and the names involved. Amazon MGM Studios reportedly paid $40 million for the rights, with another $35 million set aside for global marketing, which puts it in rare company for a documentary spend.
Below, you will find our guide to watching "MELANIA" from anywhere with a VPN, plus what to expect when it moves to streaming after its theatrical run.
"MELANIA" is scheduled to open in cinemas on Friday, January 30. Streaming is expected later, but Prime Video has not confirmed a date yet.
• Watch U.S. — Prime Video
• Watch international — Prime Video
• Watch anywhere — try NordVPN 100% risk free
The film is directed by Brett Ratner, in his first major project since 2017, and Melania Trump is an executive producer with reported editorial oversight, including the trailer, music, and wider campaign.
The rollout is big on paper, with more than 2,000 U.S. theatres and 5,000 worldwide booked for the opening weekend.
Even so, industry tracking suggests a soft domestic opening of around $5 million, while advance ticket chatter points to some major city sessions showing few, if any, seats booked in the run-up to release.
Online reaction is similarly split, even as the film is being pitched as an unfiltered behind-the-scenes look.
Read on for everything you need to know about where to watch "MELANIA" online, including next-day streaming and international options.
Watch 'MELANIA' in the U.S.
The easiest way to see it is to book a cinema ticket through major ticketing sites like Fandango, which list local showtimes.
If you’re planning ahead for at-home viewing, Prime Video is expected to carry the documentary after its theatrical run, but you’ll need to wait for a confirmed streaming date.
Watch 'MELANIA' from anywhere
If you’re traveling and your usual ticketing or streaming services are geo-blocked, a VPN can help you access them as if you were back home.
Tom’s Guide regularly recommends NordVPN for streaming thanks to its speed, reliability, and broad device support, and it also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Using a VPN is incredibly simple.
1. Install the VPN of your choice. As we've said, NordVPN is our favourite.
2. Choose the location you wish to connect to in the VPN app. For instance, if you're away from the U.S. but want to watch the show as usual, you'd select a United States server from the list.
3. Sit back and enjoy the action. Head to your usual service, then buy tickets or stream as you normally would.
Watch 'MELANIA' in the U.K.
You’ll be looking at a cinema viewing first. An advance-sales story that’s been circulating focuses on Vue’s flagship London venue, where only one ticket had reportedly been sold for the first Friday screening at the time of publication.
Your best move is to check listings at your local cinemas and then book directly.
Watch 'MELANIA' in Canada
Check local theatrical showtimes first, then plan for Prime Video once the streaming date is announced.
Watch 'MELANIA' in Australia
Theatrical showtimes come first, followed by Prime Video once Amazon confirms the streaming release date.
'MELANIA' — trailer
'MELANIA' — FAQs
What is it about? The film focuses on the 20 days leading up to the 2025 presidential inauguration, offering a behind-the-scenes look at Melania Trump’s role in the transition.
When does it come out? The film officially opens in theaters worldwide on Friday, January 30, 2026.
Where can I watch it? It will screen in more than 2,000 theaters in the U.S. and 5,000 globally. Tickets are available through Fandango and AMC Theatres.
When will it be on streaming? It will stream exclusively on Amazon Prime Video. While a specific date hasn’t been confirmed, it’s expected to arrive later in 2026 following its theatrical run.
What is the runtime? The documentary runs 1 hour and 44 minutes (104 minutes).
Who directed it? The film is directed by Brett Ratner.
Is Melania involved? Yes. She serves as an executive producer, and the film was produced through her company, Muse Films.
How much did it cost? Amazon reportedly paid $40 million for the licensing rights.
Will there be more? Yes. Amazon plans to release a three-part companion docuseries following the film’s release.
More from Tom's Guide
We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad. We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing
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