A surprisingly good horror prequel is now haunting Prime Video’s newest library additions. Horror prequels have a reputation of being unsuccessful. From Exorcist: The Beginning to Paranormal Activity 3, attempts to expand the stories of well-grounded original films have fallen flat with audiences, but a horror movie released last year managed to successfully revitalize a decades-old franchise.
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As of September 1st, The Omen prequel movie The First Omen (2024) is available to stream on Prime Video. Directed by Arkasha Stevenson in her directorial debut, The First Omen serves as a prequel to Richard Donner’s 1976 horror classic and explores the origins of Damien. The movie stars Nell Tiger Free as Margaret, a young American woman sent to work at a Catholic orphanage in Rome, where she uncovers a terrifying conspiracy to bring about the birth of the Antichrist. The movie is the sixth film in The Omen franchise, but fans hoping to stream the complete film series will unfortunately be out of luck, as the five other movies are only available to rent or buy online.
Why You Should Watch The First Omen
The First Omen managed to successfully revitalize a 50-year-old franchise in ways that The Omen’s other follow-ups couldn’t. Remaining true to the central narrative and themes of the 1976 classic, the movie expands the lore of the franchise without undermining the original and introduces new captivating twists in its efforts to set the stage for the first movie. More than just that, under Stevenson’s direction, the movie captures the spirit of the original Omen through a creeping sense of fear, unsettling atmosphere, and unsettling imagery. But for horror fans not ready to commit to an entire six-film movie binge, The First Omen still works great as a standalone film.
The movie achieved new heights in The Omen franchise. With a “Certified Fresh” Rotten Tomatoes critics’ score of 83% and audience rating of 61%, it became the highest-rated film in the franchise since the first movie, which holds 85% critic and 81% audience scores. The movie was praised by critics and audiences alike for its great performances, connection to the original, and overall frightening premise. At the box office, the film grossed $53 million against its $30 million budget.
Other Horror Movies Now on Prime Video
The First Omen was one of several horror movies to join Prime Video’s streaming lineup in September 2025. On September 1st, A Monster Calls, Children of Men, Crimson Peak, Machete Kills, The Craft, and Winchester all started streaming on Amazon’s platform.
Prime Video’s September horror arrivals are pretty light in comparison to the long lists added by other streamers, but the platform is already home to other horror movies such as My Bloody Valentine, Piranha 3D, Rings, Frozen, Terrifier 2, Killer Clowns from Outer Space, and 28 Months After.
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