David Farnor | On 29, Apr 2015

The weather may be getting better outside, but Amazon is doing its best to keep you on the sofa. And not just because you’re planning to re-watch Pitch Perfect for the 15th time.

This May sees several binge-worthy series land on Prime Instant Video, from the second season of Israel’s Homeland to Italy’s Gomorrah. But it’s the wave of classic movies that excites, from the welcome return of The Illusionist to the arrival of the original Superman. And, of course, there’s The Avengers. No, not that one…

Here are the top 16 new releases coming soon to Amazon Prime in May 2015:

Note: Release dates are subject to change.

One Direction – Reaching for the Stars Pt 2 – Friday 1st May

Still feeling sad about Zayn? Relive the good old days with this 60-minute One Direction flick, which aims – through commentary from “industry insiders” – to show how the boys lives have been transformed over the last few years.

Prisoners of War: Season 2 – Friday 1st May

The original Israeli series that was turned into Homeland follows the return of soldiers Nimrod and Uri to home soil. It was good enough to inspire not only the gripping US remake but also a second season of terrorism-based thrills. Season 2 picks up the pieces a few days after the events of Season 1. Counting down the days until Carrie returns? Get hooked on this instead.

The Driver: Season 1 – Friday 1st May

David Morrissey stars as taxi driver Vince McKee in this three-part drama – the story of an ordinary man who, because of family mystery, frustration with his job and his life, makes a terrible decision.

Hall Pass – Sunday 3rd May

Owen Wilson and Jason Sudeikis are given free rein by their partners to do what they want with whom they want. Blokey antics ensue.

The Iron Giant – Thursday 7th May

This 1999 Warner Bros. animation follows a young boy, Hogarth, who discovers an iron giant that has fallen from space. Scored by the legendary Michael Kamen and directed by The Incredibles’ Brad Bird, this is a loving adaptation of Ted Hughes’ book. The fact that Vin Diesel voices the gigantic robot is a bonus.

Gomorrah: Season 1 – Thursday 7th May

Sky’s first foreign language series, Gomorrah shows the inside story of the Naples mafia from the point of view of Ciro, the obedient right-hand man of the clan’s godfather. Gritty and realistic, it’s based on Robert Saviano’s book, which previously inspired the 2008 film of the same name. That was nominated for both a BAFTA and a Golden Globe.

Before I Go to Sleep – Tuesday 12th May

Nicole Kidman, Colin Firth and Mark Strong bring shades of grey – not those kind – to this psychological thriller, which sees a woman with no long-term memory struggling to work out what’s happening to her and whom she can trust. The result is aptly forgettable, but certainly entertaining.

The Illusionist – Wednesday 13th May

Sylvain Chomet takes an old Jacques Tati script and turns it into a timeless animated gem about an ageing magician, who befriends a girl in period Edinburgh. The stunningly simple visuals will make you smile, but the gently tragic plot – which unfolds in almost total silence – will bring tears to your eyes.

2001: A Space Odyssey – Thursday 14th May

What is there left to say about Stanley Kubrick’s sci-fi classic? From the dawn of man to its brain-melting future, this is a unique, dazzling epic.

After Earth – Thursday 14thMay

Will Smith and Jaden Smith partner up for M. Night Shyamalan’s sci-fi movie, which sees a father and son return to Earth after it has been overrun by wildlife that has evolved to kill humanity. Watch out for the alien monsters that can literally smell fear.

Doctor Who: Season 7 Part 2 – Monday 18th May

Matt Smith’s time in the TARDIS steps up a gear with the introduction of Clara Oswald for Part 2 of Season 7. From evil Wi-Fi and a submarine complete with prowling monster to a timeline-bending conclusion that takes us directly into 50th Anniversary special The Day of The Doctor, this long-awaited batch of episodes is a strong finish for everyone’s favourite bow tie-wearing Time Lord.

Superman – Thursday 21st May

Richard Donner’s 1978 movie isn’t just one of the first superhero films, but one of the best. Christopher Reeve is perfectly cast as Clark Kent and even more so as the Kryptonian American icon. Backed by John Williams’ rousing score, you really will believe a man can fly.

Due Date – Wednesday 27th May

Robert Downey Jr. and Zach Galifianakis team up for this road trip comedy from The Hangover’s Todd Phillips.

Before Midnight – Thursday 28thMay

After seeing Ethan Hawkes’ Jesse and Julie Delpy’s Celine meet on a train in 1995, Richard Linklater’s second follow-up, Before Midnight, isn’t just the next chapter in their relationship or a deeply honest exploration of love and reality (unlike the majority of romantic comedies produced today) – it’s like catching up with old friends. When was the last time you could say that about a film?

The Avengers – Thursday 28th May

When Marvel’s The Avengers was released in the UK, it was renamed Avengers Assemble to avoid confusion with the 1998 feature-length film based on the 60s TV series. Now, as Marvel’s heroes land in cinemas once again, the other other Avengers stride on to Amazon, complete with Sean Connery as their weather-controlling villain.

The Devil’s Advocate – Thursday 28th May

Keanu Reeves is having something of a comeback, thanks to John Wick. This 1997 supernatural thriller, which arrived back in the actor’s last heyday, sees him play Kevin, a defence attorney who has never lost a case – a talent that prompts a wealthy lawyer (Al Pacino) recruit him to their firm…

 

Amazon Prime Instant Video costs £5.99 a month – or, if you want free next-day delivery on Amazon purchases, £79 a year for Amazon Prime, with a 30-day free trial. For more information, click here.

Other new releases coming soon to Amazon Prime in May

Friday 1st May
Fear: Season 1
Maison Close: Season 1
Run: Season 1
Switched at Birth: Seasons 1 to 4

Friday 15th May
Wentworth Prison: Season 2

Monday 18th May
The Face of Love

Thursday 21st May
Deadfall

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