A documentary about First Lady Melania Trump has surged to the top of streaming rankings after its debut on Amazon Prime Video, quickly becoming the platform’s most-watched movie in the United States.
The film, titled “Melania,” began streaming on March 9 and climbed to the number-one movie position on the service within its first full day, according to streaming analytics trackers. It also ranked near the top of Amazon Prime’s overall entertainment chart, competing with popular television series on the platform.
From Theaters to Streaming
The documentary originally premiered at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., before opening in theaters nationwide on January 30. The project was produced and directed by Hollywood filmmaker Brett Ratner, known for the Rush Hour franchise, and was backed by Amazon MGM Studios.
The film follows Melania Trump during the 20 days leading up to Donald Trump’s second presidential inauguration, offering behind-the-scenes footage of preparations, private meetings, and her return to the role of first lady.
Industry analysts say the documentary’s theatrical release performed unusually well for a non-fiction film. It brought in more than $7 million during its opening period, making it one of the strongest documentary openings in over a decade.
Big Investment From Amazon
Amazon reportedly spent about $40 million to license the film, with tens of millions more invested in marketing and distribution as the company positioned it as a major political documentary release.
The streaming deal also includes plans for a follow-up docuseries that will expand on Melania Trump’s activities and travels during the early months of the administration.
A Divisive Film
Like many politically themed documentaries, Melania has sparked sharply divided reactions. Some critics dismissed the film, with several outlets giving it negative reviews.
Audience reactions, however, have been significantly more positive. Viewer ratings have far outpaced critics’ scores on several review platforms, highlighting a wide gap between professional reviews and audience reception.
Spotlight on a Private First Lady
The documentary attempts to pull back the curtain on one of the more private figures in modern American politics. Cameras follow Melania Trump through planning sessions, fashion fittings, and political events during the transition period as she prepares to return to the White House.
In promotional material for the film, the first lady describes the project as an opportunity for the public to see a side of her life that is rarely shown.
Whether viewed as a political portrait or a personal profile, the film’s strong streaming debut suggests it has captured significant public curiosity — especially as interest in the Trump administration remains high.
With a docuseries already in development, Amazon appears to be betting that the story of Melania Trump is far from finished on screen.