Image Credit: Neon
As we enter the early months of summer, Netflix is turning up the heat and providing a much-needed breath of fresh air to its movie library. After a busy start to the year, the streaming giant is keeping things moving with a stellar lineup of heavy-hitting original features and an incredibly strong roster of titles licensed in the US. Whether you’re in the mood to watch an Oscar-winning drama, a hair-raising horror flick, or some laugh-out-loud comedy, here are our picks for the best new movies on Netflix.
As always, we’re going to split this article into two sections: First, we’ll cover the most anticipated (and best) and biggest new Netflix Original movies. Some we may already see, and some have yet to be released, so keep that in mind. Again, we’ll move on to licensed titles scheduled for release specifically in the US, but keep in mind that other regional availability may vary dramatically.
For a full list of new movies and new series arriving throughout May, keep it locked to What’s on Netflix here.
Most Anticipated Netflix Original Movies for May 2026
cloudy (2026)
Added to Netflix: 1 may
the month was beginning cloudyA brand new animated family-friendly adventure from Skydance Animation, the second of a huge output deal signed by Netflix, which began with mesmerized and will continue till the end of this year Ray Gunn.
The story follows a mismatched pair whose wild journey begins when a magical accident forces them to live life in each other’s shoes. Reviews for the film were great across the board, but as you may already know, the film is breaking Netflix records for the most views in a week for a Netflix animated film, and has the best launch of any Netflix animated film to date.
In our review, we wrote: “Many times ahead of Skydance’s Spellbound in terms of animation, Swapped has a charming sensibility and impressive world design to help it overcome its narrative challenges.”
remarkably bright creatures (2026)
Added to Netflix: 8th May
Based on the beloved, best-selling novel by Shelby Van Pelt, remarkably bright creatures was easily one of the most anticipated Netflix originals of the year. The film stars Lewis Pullman alongside the legendary Sally Field, telling the story of a widow who forms an unexpected and profound relationship with a giant Pacific octopus. As it turns out, this highly intelligent sea creature may be the key to uncovering the mystery of her son’s disappearance. Bring your tissues for this—it’s guaranteed to be a pretty poignant tear-inducer.
ladies First (2026)
Coming to Netflix: 22 may
If you need a good laugh this May, look no further than ladies First. Directed by Thea Sharrock (me before you, wicked little letters), this new comedy stars the powerhouse leading duo of Sacha Baron Cohen and Rosamund Pike, and it’s already turning heads and causing controversy among some of the worst people on the Internet, just like it was planned.
This is because the film is a critical parody where the main character finds his life in disarray when he wakes up in a parallel world dominated by women. With the rules of engagement changing, he comes face to face with a flamboyant female co-worker. This looks interesting on paper at least, will the execution pay off? We will find out soon.
The best licensed movies coming to Netflix in May 2026
Jennifer’s Body (2009)
Added to Netflix: 1 may
Image Credit: 20th Century Fox
As per our licensed recommendations, this is a film that has rightly earned its status as a cult classic. Jennifer’s Body Megan Fox stars as a popular high school cheerleader who is possessed by a hungry demon who transforms her into a succubus because of her taste in her male classmates. Amanda Seyfried plays her best friend to stop her terrifying reign of terror.
It was added to Netflix in both the United States and the United Kingdom and this is the first time I’ve watched it again in 15 years. It’s campy, funny at times, a product of the era with costumes and references and honestly, it’s still funny all these years later.
green book (2018)
Added to Netflix: 1 may
If you’re looking for iconic cinema, the 2018 Best Picture Winners green book Touched on the first of the month. The film follows a working-class Italian-American bouncer (Viggo Mortensen) who is tasked with escorting a world-class African-American classical pianist (Mahershala Ali) on a concert tour in the 1960s American South. Their unexpected bond drives the film, which is driven by two phenomenal central performances that make it a compelling, emotionally satisfying journey.
black phone 2 (2025)
Coming to Netflix: 16th May
In case you missed it, Netflix has been getting new Universal movies immediately after their theatrical release, initially on Peacock, since the beginning of the year. It has brought many great titles to Netflix for a period of 10 months, and the next one is black phone 2.
Blumhouse’s 2022 horror flick black phone It was a huge critical and commercial success, and now its awesome sequel is coming to Netflix. Ethan Hawke returns in his full creepy glory with Mason Thames. If this follow-up is anything like the original, you can expect unbearable tension, dark twists, and extremely chill atmosphere. Horror fans definitely won’t want to miss this.
No (2022)
Coming to Netflix: 18th May
Sticking to the horror theme, Jordan Peele has firmly established himself as a modern master of the thriller/horror genre, and Nope is a stunning sci-fi spectacle that demands your attention. Starring Daniel Kaluuya and Keke Palmer as horseback-riding siblings living in an isolated outback in California, the film follows their efforts to capture evidence of an extraterrestrial, predatory UFO hovering over their ranch.
Of the three main horror Peel films released so far, this is easily the best looking film, but ranks below Gobut up We For me.
true love (1993)
Coming to Netflix: 19 may
Written by the then-up-and-coming Quentin Tarantino and directed by Tony Scott, True Romance is a relentlessly entertaining, ultra-violent joyride. The story follows a comic book nerd (Christian Slater) and a call girl (Patricia Arquette) who fall madly in love, steal a suitcase full of mob cocaine, and make their way to Hollywood with ruthless gangsters. Filled with an incredible ensemble cast and Tarantino’s brilliant dialogue, it’s a 90s classic.
dead man’s telegram (2026)
Coming to Netflix: 28th May
If you missed seeing this critically acclaimed true-crime thriller during its theatrical run earlier this year, you’re in for an absolute wild ride.
Directed by Gus Van Sant in his first feature film in six years, dead man’s telegram takes viewers back to 1977 for an intense 63-hour, live-broadcast hostage standoff. Bill Skarsgård delivers a charming, live-wire performance as Tony Kiritsis, a frustrated, working-class man who feels swindled out of a commercial real estate deal. Armed with a sawed-off shotgun, Tony takes a hostage broker (Dacre Montgomery) hostage, and ties a deadly string to the trigger to the man’s neck. With an impressive 91% on Rotten Tomatoes and boasting an absolute powerhouse supporting cast including Colman Domingo, Al Pacino, and Cary Elwes, this is easily our most anticipated film for the month on the licensed side, especially considering that it’s going to be the SVOD debut for the film.
ferrari (2023)
Coming to Netflix: 24th May
Our list for May includes Michael Mann’s fascinating and intense biopic, Ferrari. Set during the summer of 1957, the film follows ex-racer turned entrepreneur Enzo Ferrari (Adam Driver) as he faces a bitter crisis in his personal life and a financial threat to his auto empire. In a desperate bid to save his company, he pushes his drivers to the limit in the dangerous 1,000-mile Mille Miglia race across Italy. The racing sequences are amazing and thrilling, making it an entertaining weekend adrenaline rush.
Are you going to watch any of these movies when they hit Netflix this month? Let us know in the comments below, and check out our other previews of the best new series, along with roundups of new documentaries and reality TV.
