Summer lovin’: The hottest movies hitting Netflix this May
School is coming to an end and summer’s waiting just around the corner – but we’re not quite there yet. If you’re looking for quality content to get you through the tough weeks ahead, Netflix is more than happy to serve up another round of new and classic movies to accompany all that “studying”. Here’s a list of our top picks:
Swapped (2026)
Netflix drops its latest original on May 1 with Swapped, a CGI animated buddy comedy from director Nathan Greno. Michael B. Jordan, Juno Temple, and Tracy Morgan voice a pair of mismatched woodland creatures trading places for the summer. The premise lands squarely in the end-of-school sweet spot, offering quick gags and a bright color palette that plays well on living-room screens.
Remarkably Bright Creatures (2026)
Sally Field leads this May 8 drama as a widow who forms an unexpected bond with an octopus at the local aquarium. Lewis Pullman co-stars in the adaptation that balances quiet grief with small moments of joy. The story sits comfortably alongside other summer family watches while giving older viewers something thoughtful to mull over between pool runs.
Ladies First (2026)
Sacha Baron Cohen returns May 22 in a raunchy comedy that flips gender roles after his character crosses into a parallel world run by women. The Netflix original draws loose inspiration from French source material and keeps the laughs loud and the stakes low. It slots neatly into late-month lineups looking for something irreverent after the school year closes.
Fried Green Tomatoes (1991) and Ouija: Origin of Evil (2016)
Both titles land on the May 2026 slate, giving viewers a choice between nostalgic Southern drama and spooky séance horror. Fried Green Tomatoes brings back the familiar cast and comfort-food storytelling, while Ouija: Origin of Evil supplies jump scares for viewers who want something darker once the sun sets. The pairing expands the month’s options beyond the usual 2000s and 2010s catalog picks.
Amélie (2001)
If you’re in the mood for romance (or just have a sweet tooth), you can never go wrong with this delightfully French delicacy. Audrey Tautou stars as the adorable, eccentric waitress who makes it her mission to help others find love and happiness in their lives. Amélie (2001) is not currently streaming on US Netflix following its 25th anniversary theatrical re-release; check regional libraries or other platforms.
God’s Own Country (2017)
This striking debut from British up-and-comer Francis Lee proves why new queer cinema is a force to be reckoned with. It’s the story of two young men who get more than they bargained for when they find themselves falling in love on an isolated farm. If that’s not sweet enough for you, baby lambs.
Hellboy II: The Golden Army (2008)
An evil elf threatens all-out war against humanity, and it’s up to half-demon superhero Hellboy and his team to take him out. Guillermo del Toro brings his trademark wit and unmistakable gothic flair to this spectacular sequel which really manages to up the ante on the first one. It’s hilarious and action-packed, with some insane monster effects.
Scream 2 (1997)
From the mind of the late, great Wes Craven comes this blood-soaked sequel, set two years after the events of the original slasher. Expect a bigger body count, more horror movie in-jokes, and new levels of 90s attitude.
The Bourne Ultimatum (2007)
It’s the best of the Bourne lot, and it’s one of the best spy thrillers of all time. The pesky J.B. is brought out of hiding once more, forced to confront the shadiness of his past while evading The Company’s efforts to wipe him out for good.
Faces Places (2017)
Legendary French filmmaker Agnès Varda partners up with artist JR for a simple and life-affirming journey through the French countryside, making large-scale, black-and-white photographs of the ordinary people they meet along the way. The lovable doc earned a Best Documentary Feature nomination at the 2018 Oscars and now has limited streaming availability outside Netflix.
Only God Forgives (2013)
This strange, violent follow-up to Drive once again pairs Ryan Gosling with director Nicolas Winding Refn for something completely different. In this one, Gosling plays a gangster seeking bloody vengeance for the death of his brother. It may be light on story, but there’s an intensely dark, brutal atmosphere that never quite lets up until it’s done with you.
The 40-Year-Old Virgin (2005)
A breakthrough for Judd Apatow and for a pre-Office Steve Carell, this sweet, perceptive comedy offers an entertaining take at relationships, adulthood, and dressing up like Thor to get your sexual partner in the mood.
The Kingdom (2007)
Peter Berg’s underrated The Kingdom treads a fine line between taut political drama and brutal, heart-pounding thriller. It follows a team of US government agents (including Jamie Foxx and Jennifer Garner) sent to investigate the bombing of an American facility in the Middle East.
Wanted (2008)
This adrenaline-pumping, balls-to-the-wall bulletfest has secret assassin guilds, a train crash, and James McAvoy exploding rats. What more could you ask for? How about Angelina Jolie and Morgan Freeman? How about a brutal keyboard face-smash where the letters fly out and spell F-U-C-K-Y-O-U in mid-air? What else do you want?
Cargo (2017)
Based on the 2013 viral short of the same name, Cargo is a post-apocalyptic drama about a father racing against the clock to protect his infant daughter from zombie attacks. Even if you’re feeling a little burned-out with zombie content, this one promises to be a gripping and emotional ride with family and honor at its core.
Bridge to Terabithia (2007)
If you spent a lot of time escaping to magical, imaginary places in your childhood, here’s a movie that gets you. It still holds up today, with some stellar performances from both the kids and the adults. But be warned – this fantasy fable stands out to be a real heartbreaker.
Small Town Crime (2017)
The discovery of a body leads an alcoholic ex-cop down a dark path of redemption and self-discovery. For fans of Tarantino and the Coen brothers, this seedy neo-noir is one to watch out for.
Survivors Guide to Prison (2018)
Today, the US continues to hold one of the world’s highest incarceration rates. Director Matthew Cooke offers a comprehensive look at the systems that keep people behind bars with help from more than a few celebrity guests like Danny Trejo and Busta Rhymes.
Coco (2017)
Pixar’s wildly popular Mexican musical odyssey has strong family summer draw. It previously arrived on Netflix in May 2018, so you’ve finally got an excuse to throw this one on “for the kids” and sing your heart out to “Remember Me” all night long.
Bombshell: The Hedy Lamarr Story (2017)
Alexandra Dean’s endearing tribute to the great inventor, innovator, and movie star Hedy Lamarr uses a mix of archive footage, stills, and interview clips to piece together the story of her many achievements. Well-known for her Hollywood roles in the Golden Age of the 40s and 50s, Lamarr also helped to revolutionize weapon systems and played a part in the creation of cellphones.
