Top 15 new releases coming soon to Netflix UK in May 2015
David Farnor | On 28, Apr 2015
As April fades away into distant memory, May brings a new wave of titles to Netflix’s line-up – and, for those who have just finished re-watching Daredevil for the second time, the streaming giant’s original projects just keep on coming. From Grace and Frankie, which sees Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda team up, to a Canadian sci-fi series and a music documentary, the range is as diverse as ever.
But it’s the other offerings that really excite, from a fresh slice of It’s Always Sunny to Vin Diesel and The Rock driving very fast (and furious) cars.
Here are the top 15 films and TV shows coming soon to Netflix UK in May 2015:
Note: This list will be regularly updated as more May releases are confirmed. All dates are subject to change.
Beyond Clueless – Friday 1st May
Film critic Charlie Shackleton’s ode to the teen movie legacy covers over 200 movies. To watch an entire genre like this, weaved together as naturally as the braids in a prom queen’s up-do, is to witness the on-screen canonisation of a singular teen experience. That is, a singular teen experience as dictated to ourselves by what we see at the cinema, as we uphold the myth of Hollywood high school as a kind of biblical truth.
It doesn’t matter whether you grew up on The Dreamers or EuroTrip, Beyond Clueless proves you’ll have come to the exact same conclusions about your own teenage life either way. Read our full review.
Chalet Girl – Sunday 3rd May
The fantastic Felicity Jones gets a chance to take the lead in this hugely enjoyable film about a snowboarder-turned-chalet-girl for a wealthy family. The rich son may be heartthrob Ed Westwick and his dad may be played by Bill Nighy, but don’t be fooled: this is more sports movie than rom-com, which makes it a welcome piece of character-driven fun. Think Bridget Jones on ice.
The Summit – Tuesday 5th May
For every four people who reach the summit of K2, one person dies. It’s a sobering, shocking fact revealed early on in The Summit. But it’s nothing compared to 2008, when a disaster killed 11 climbers on the world’s most-feared mountain. What happened up there? The survivors still don’t know. This gripping, heartfelt documentary attempts to find out.
Adore – Tuesday 5th May
Naomi Watts and Robin Wright play two mothers who become involved with each other’s sons in this ripe romantic drama.
Grace and Frankie: Season 1 – Friday 8th May
Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin play the titular two women, whose lives are suddenly turned upside down when their husbands reveal they are gay and leave them for each other. Both sparring partners and partners-in-crime, they form an unlikely bond to face an uncertain future together – one that ranges from joint pain to joint rolling and blind dates to night blindness.
Anastasia – Wednesday 13th May
Former Disney animation directors Don Bluth and Gary Goldman teamed up to make this reworking of the Russian legend of Grand Duchess Anastasia Nikolaevna. From the bat sidekick and the quality voice cast (Kirsten Dunst, Meg Ryan, John Cusack, Christopher Lloyd) to the music and visuals, Fox Animation’s first film proved such a strong rival to Disney’s usual fare that the House of Mouse have since bought the rights to it. Officially crowning Anastasia a Disney Princess? Praise doesn’t come much higher than that.
Damien: Omen II – Wednesday 13th May
Little Damien grows up in this sequel to the seminal horror, which takes a teenage stint at military school and combines it with the Book of Revelation. A classic? Far from it, but Omen fans may well have a giggle.
Only the Lonely – Wednesday 13th May
Chris Columbus reunites with Home Alone’s John Candy for this 1991 comedy about a 38-year-old policeman still living with his mother.
Fast & Furious 6 – Saturday 16th May
If you had to bet on one film from 2001 being turned into a franchise, The Fast and the Furious wouldn’t be top of the list. But as the Fast & Furious series bids a moving farewell to Paul Walker in cinemas, number six revs up on Netflix, pumping its engine full of codswallop and showing no signs of stopping. With The Rock and Vin Diesel teaming up again after Fast Five, the result is a dumb, bonkers action flick that turns cars into Swiss army knives with wheels. And then does the same with a plane.
It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia: Season 10 – Sunday 17th May
Five despicable humans – Dennis and Deandra Reynolds, their friends Charlie, Mac, and their sort-of father Frank – all do horrible things to each other in a run-down Irish bar in South Philadelphia. If that sounds like an unfunny way to spend your time, prepare to be unpleasantly surprised: with no sympathy on the cards for any of the characters, every depraved insult and betrayal is horribly hilarious. A 10th season? Go on then.
Doctor Who: Season 7 Part 2 – Tuesday 19th 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 builds up to the 50th Anniversary special, this long-awaited batch of episodes is a strong finish for everyone’s favourite bow tie-wearing Time Lord.
Between: Season 1 – Thursday 21st May
Netflix’s original sci-fi series, which stars Jenette McCurdy, follows a town under siege from a mysterious disease that has wiped out everybody except those 21 years old and under. Over six episodes, the show explores the power vacuum that results when a government has quarantined a 10-mile diameter area and left the inhabitants to fend for themselves.
World War Z – Thursday 21st May
This Brad Pitt-starring zombie flick has become known for its uneven CGI and disjointed final act, but the movie’s adrenaline-fuelled rush for survival makes World War Z an underrated spectacle.
The Other One: The Long, Strange Trip of Bob Weir – Friday 22nd May
Directed by Mike Fleiss (The Bachelor), this Netflix original documentary about Grateful Dead’s Bob Weir chronicles the singer’s journey from Palo Alto youth to global success as a member of the popular band. With a special emphasis on his brotherhood with Jerry Garcia, the movie features interviews with bandmates, colleagues, fans, family and Bob Weir himself, as well as musical performances and archival footage.
Jen Kirkman: I’m Gonna Die Alone (And I Feel Fine) – Friday 22nd May
The latest show to join Netflix’s line-up of stand-up comedy sees Jen Kirkman talk about everything from loving divorce to living alone.
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Other titles coming soon to Netflix UK in May
Friday 1st May
Spartacus: Blood and Sand
Spartacus: Gods of the Arena
Web Junkie
Friday 22nd May
Meet the Mormons
Wednesday 6th May
Little Hope Was Arson
Friday 15th May
Instructions Not Included
Serial Mom
Granite Flats: Season 1