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This guide covers the month’s headline releases organized by type, a complete date-ordered calendar of all U.S. additions, editorial picks for different viewing moods, and a clear explanation of what is included with a Prime membership versus available for rental, purchase, or add-on channels.
May 2025’s Documentary and Reality Releases
Octopus! (May 8)
Format: Prime Video original documentary | Included with Prime: Yes
This nature documentary, narrated by Phoebe Waller-Bridge, explores the intelligence, behavior, and ecosystems of octopuses. For documentary-focused viewers, Octopus! was the month’s strongest entry in the genre, combining scientific observation with narrative appeal. It represents Prime Video’s continued investment in prestige natural-history documentaries.
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Earnhardt (May 21)
Format: Documentary feature | Included with Prime: Yes
A documentary about Dale Earnhardt, the legendary NASCAR driver known as “The Intimidator,” Earnhardt examines his racing career, competitive drive, and cultural impact on motorsports. This is a full-length documentary feature rather than a brief biopic, making it a significant addition for audiences interested in sports history and automotive documentaries.
Molly-Mae: Behind It All, Part Two (May 9)
Format: Reality/documentary series | Included with Prime: Yes
The second part of this documentary series follows British media personality Molly-Mae Hague. This release appeals to viewers interested in contemporary celebrity documentation and personal narrative. The series sits at the boundary between reality television and documentary filmmaking.
Major Scripted Series and Films
Another Simple Favor (May 1)
Format: Prime Video original film | Cast: Anna Kendrick, Blake Lively | Included with Prime: Yes
The most prominent theatrical film arrival of May, Another Simple Favor is a sequel to the 2018 thriller A Simple Favor. Returning leads and a proven franchise appeal make this the month’s largest film release and the likely top search driver for Prime Video additions in May 2025.
Motorheads (May 20)
Format: Prime Video original scripted series | Included with Prime: Yes
Motorheads is a coming-of-age drama centered on street racing and high school social hierarchy. This is a scripted drama series, not a racing documentary or unscripted car show. It represents one of the month’s major original series launches and targets audiences interested in teen-focused ensemble dramas.
The Better Sister (May 29)
Format: Prime Video original limited series | Cast: Jessica Biel, Elizabeth Banks | Included with Prime: Yes
A limited series crime thriller exploring family dynamics and deception, The Better Sister arrives late in May as the month’s final major scripted release. The casting of Biel and Banks signals prestige positioning within the thriller genre.
Overcompensating (May 15)
Format: Original comedy series | Creator/Star: Benito Skinner | Included with Prime: Yes
A comedy series from performer and creator Benito Skinner, Overcompensating provides the month’s primary comedic original series entry. This launch appeals to audiences seeking humor-focused programming.
The Fire Inside (May 22)
Format: Film | Subject: Boxer Claressa Shields | Included with Prime: Check availability (may be rental/purchase)
A sports drama based on boxer Claressa Shields’ life and career, The Fire Inside arrives mid-month alongside Earnhardt and Motorheads. Verify current availability through Prime Video, as some films may be offered as rental or purchase rather than included in a Prime membership.
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Full U.S. Release Calendar for May 2025
| Date | Title | Type | Included with Prime |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 1 | Another Simple Favor | Film (Prime Original) | Yes |
| May 1 | Agent Cody Banks (2003) | Catalog film | Yes |
| May 1 | Agent Cody Banks 2: Destination London (2004) | Catalog film | Yes |
| May 1 | Animal House (1978) | Catalog film | Yes |
| May 1 | Babe (1995) | Catalog film | Yes |
| May 1 | Babe: Pig in the City (1998) | Catalog film | Yes |
| May 1 | Barbershop (2000) | Catalog film | Yes |
| May 1 | Blood Diamond (2006) | Catalog film | Yes |
| May 1 | Cinderella Man (2005) | Catalog film | Yes |
| May 1 | Fury (2014) | Catalog film | Yes |
| May 1 | Gattaca (1997) | Catalog film | Yes |
| May 1 | Her (2013) | Catalog film | Yes |
| May 1 | Jarhead (2005) | Catalog film | Yes |
| May 1 | The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001) | Catalog film | Yes |
| May 1 | The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002) | Catalog film | Yes |
| May 1 | The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003) | Catalog film | Yes |
| May 1 | Some Like It Hot (1959) | Catalog film | Yes |
| May 1 | The Jerk (1979) | Catalog film | Yes |
| May 8 | Octopus! | Documentary (Prime Original) | Yes |
| May 9 | Molly-Mae: Behind It All, Part Two | Reality/Documentary | Yes |
| May 15 | Overcompensating | Comedy Series (Prime Original) | Yes |
| May 20 | Motorheads | Scripted Series (Prime Original) | Yes |
| May 21 | Earnhardt | Documentary | Yes |
| May 22 | The Fire Inside | Film | Check availability |
| May 29 | The Better Sister | Limited Series (Prime Original) | Yes |
Note: This calendar includes May 2025’s major releases and the largest May 1 catalog additions. Licensed films may be available as rental or purchase on Prime Video; availability varies by region and can change after the initial announcement. Check individual titles on Prime Video for current offer type (included with Prime membership, rental, purchase, or channel access).
Best Picks: What to Watch in May 2025
For documentary viewers: Octopus! and Earnhardt are the must-watch originals. Octopus! offers a visually rich exploration of marine intelligence and behavior, while Earnhardt provides a comprehensive sports documentary about NASCAR’s most iconic driver.
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For teen/coming-of-age viewers: Motorheads, the original drama series about street racing and high school culture, launched May 20 as the month’s major scripted series entry for younger audiences.
For comedy: Overcompensating from Benito Skinner is the primary comedy series launch of the month, arriving May 15.
For reality and celebrity content: Molly-Mae: Behind It All, Part Two continues the documentary-style series following British personality Molly-Mae Hague, offering insight into celebrity life and media presence.
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Understanding Prime Video Availability in May 2025
A critical distinction exists between different types of Prime Video content:
Included with Prime: Amazon Prime Video originals—series, documentaries, and films created or exclusively commissioned by Prime Video—are included at no additional charge for Prime members in the U.S. This includes Octopus!, Earnhardt, Motorheads, The Better Sister, Another Simple Favor, Overcompensating, and Molly-Mae.
Licensed catalog films: Movies such as The Lord of the Rings trilogy, Gattaca, Babe, and others added to the service on May 1 are included with Prime membership, but availability can vary by region and may change as licensing agreements expire or renew.
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1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteRental and purchase options: Some titles appearing in Prime Video’s storefront are available for rent or purchase as digital transactions rather than included in a Prime membership. Verify each title’s offer type directly on Prime Video before watching.
Prime Video Channels: Certain content may require a separate Prime Video Channel subscription (such as premium cable networks’ channels available through Prime Video). These are separate subscriptions with additional monthly costs.
Regional variation: Prime Video’s catalog and availability differ by country. A title included with Prime in the U.S. may be unavailable, available for purchase/rental, or behind a channel subscription in other regions. This guide covers U.S. availability only.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.International Release Dates Differ
Amazon publishes separate release calendars for different regions. The dates and titles in this guide are specific to the U.S. market. For example, Amazon Australia’s May 2025 guide lists different availability dates and regional titles. If you access Prime Video outside the U.S., check your local Amazon Prime or Prime Video page for your region’s May calendar and availability status.
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The official Prime Video promotional video, released May 1, 2025, confirmed the major releases covered in this guide for the U.S. market. Sources include Prime Video’s official May announcement and comprehensive roundups from streaming coverage sites.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the biggest new movie on Prime Video in May 2025?
Another Simple Favor, the sequel to the 2018 thriller starring Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively, was the month’s largest theatrical film arrival, released May 1. It is included with Prime membership.
What new documentaries came to Prime Video in May 2025?
Octopus!, a nature documentary narrated by Phoebe Waller-Bridge, arrived May 8. Earnhardt, a documentary about NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt, premiered May 21. Both are included with Prime membership.
Is Motorheads a racing documentary or a scripted show?
Motorheads is a scripted drama series centered on street racing and high school social hierarchy. It is a coming-of-age fictional drama, not a documentary or unscripted show. It premiered May 20.
What are the biggest new series in May 2025?
The month’s major original series were Motorheads (May 20), a coming-of-age drama; The Better Sister (May 29), a limited series crime thriller starring Jessica Biel and Elizabeth Banks; and Overcompensating (May 15), a comedy series from Benito Skinner.
Are all movies listed included with Prime membership?
Prime Video originals and most May 1 catalog additions are included with Prime. However, some films arriving later in May may be available as rental or purchase only. Verify each title on Prime Video directly, as offer type varies.
Is The Better Sister a movie or a series?
The Better Sister is a limited series (multiple episodes) starring Jessica Biel and Elizabeth Banks. It premiered May 29, 2025, and is included with Prime membership.
What was added to Prime Video on May 1, 2025?
May 1 brought Another Simple Favor (Prime Original film) and a large batch of licensed catalog films including The Lord of the Rings trilogy, Gattaca, Babe, Animal House, Some Like It Hot, Her, Jarhead, Blood Diamond, and others.
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Is Octopus! included with Prime membership?
Yes, Octopus! is a Prime Video original documentary and is included with Prime membership. It premiered May 8, 2025.
Do May 2025 release dates apply outside the U.S.?
No. Prime Video release dates vary significantly by country. The dates in this guide are for U.S. availability only. Check your local Prime Video page if you are outside the U.S., or consult regional Amazon pages such as Amazon Australia for your region’s calendar.
Can I watch The Fire Inside with Prime membership?
Verify directly on Prime Video. While some May releases are included, The Fire Inside may be available as rental or purchase rather than included with a Prime membership. Check the title page for the current offer type.
What is Molly-Mae: Behind It All about?
Molly-Mae: Behind It All, Part Two is a reality and documentary series following British media personality Molly-Mae Hague. Part Two premiered May 9, 2025, and is included with Prime membership.
How many episodes does each May 2025 series have?
Episode counts vary by title. Check individual series pages on Prime Video for complete episode information, release schedules (weekly vs. all-at-once), and episode lengths.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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