US actress Sydney Sweeney arrives for the premiere of Sony's "Madame Web" in Los Angeles, ... [+]
As the month of May carries on, Netflix
So what are your best options so far in May 2024? Well, I’ve got just the list for you. Below, I detail what I believe to be ten best new movies available so far to Netflix subscribers this month (up through the end of the weekend: Sunday, May 19). Then at the bottom of the article, you’ll find a full list of every single new movie to hit the platform in May. I think my ten picks are the standout ones, but rest assured you will find even more great options outside my recommendations.
The 10 Best New Movies On Netflix In May 2024
Madame Web (2024)
Back in 2022, Morbius was the designated dubious flick of Hollywood’s spring lineup. But if you were like me and found enjoyment in the superhero film’s utter ridiculous camp, then Madame Web—this year’s most badgered film with its 15% Rotten Tomatoes score—might just be for you. The movie focuses on Cassandra Webb, whose quiet life as a New York City paramedic is shattered when she starts having visions of the future. Her newfound clairvoyance thrusts her into a world of superheroism as she tries to protect three young women destined to become Spider-Women. Pursued by the vengeful Ezekiel Sims, Cassie must navigate a perilous path to save them and fulfill her destiny. Starring Dakota Johnson, Sydney Sweeney, Isabela Merced, and Celeste O’Connor, Madame Web, directed by S.J. Clarkson, is a very entertaining entry in Sony’s Spider-Man Universe.
A Simple Favor (2018)
I wasn’t sure how the combination of Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively would play out in a melodramatic thriller setting would play out—but man does it work in A Simple Favor. From Paul Feig, who brought us comedies like Bridesmaids, The Heat and the Ghostbusters remake, this crime story centers on Stephanie (Kendrick), a mommy vlogger, as she seeks to uncover the truth behind the sudden disappearance of her glamorous best friend Emily (Lively). This stylish, sexy, self-aware thriller does a great job of balancing dark humor with suspense as Stephanie digs deeper into Emily's enigmatic life and uncovers a series of shocking secrets. The film's blend of mystery, humor and chic fashion creates for an enthralling, eye-popping experience, while the on-point performances by Kendrick and Lively keep the audience guessing until the very end.
Thelma the Unicorn (2024)
Director Jared Hess has had quite the movie career, starting by shocking everyone in Hollywood with the offbeat and undeniably hilarious Napoleon Dynamite, followed by other unconventional comedies like Nacho Libre and Gentlemen Broncos. And before his upcoming take on Minecraft, he’s going to make his animated debut with Thelma the Unicorn. Co-directed by Lynn Wang in her feature film debut, Netflix’s latest cartoon follows a small-time pony named Thelma who dreams of stardom. A magical transformation turns her into a glamorous unicorn, catapulting her to global fame. However, Thelma soon learns that being a star isn’t as enchanting as it seems. Voiced by Brittany Howard (the lead singer of Alabama Shakes), with supporting roles by Will Forte, Jemaine Clement, and Edi Patterson, this animated comedy advertises itself as a heartwarming and humorous tale about the cost of fame and the importance of staying true to yourself.
Upgrade (2018)
Many times, a movie that strays from the typical Hollywood formula sneaks under the radar, only to live and thrive on a cult audience. This was certainly the case with the massively under-appreciated Upgrade, which earned 88% on Rotten Tomatoes but failed to reach a wider audience. In this film from Leigh Whannell, who directed The Invisible Man and InsidiousL Chapter 3 (as well as the upcoming Wolf Man starring Christopher Abbott), a man seeks vengeance after a brutal attack leaves him paralyzed and his wife dead. In a near-future world dominated by technology, this sci-fi thriller that explores the dark side of technological advancements. Logan Marshall-Green stars as Grey Trace, who is given a second chance at life through an experimental AI implant called STEM. As Grey's quest for revenge unfolds, the film explores the ethical implications of AI.
The Book of Clarence (2024)
Jeymes Samuel, also known by his stage name The Bullitts, has had an interesting filmic career outside his music, directing two feature films for Netflix—the first being the western The Harder They Fall, which stars the likes of Jonathan Majors, Idris Elba, and Regina King, and now the second being the religious satire The Book of Clarence. In the heart of Jerusalem, AD 33, Clarence is a man drowning in debt, yearning for a better life. Enamored by Jesus’s growing influence, he concocts a daring plan to become a fake messiah himself, hoping to escape his troubles. However, his journey is fraught with obstacles, from losing a chariot race to being racially profiled by Roman soldiers. As Clarence navigates these challenges, he confronts his estranged brother Thomas and seeks redemption through faith. Starring LaKeith Stanfield (in the title role), Omar Sy, Anna Diop, and RJ Cyler, The Book of Clarence is a tongue-in-cheek tale of ambition and salvation that you don’t want to miss.
War Dogs (2016)
After directing more conventional comedies like Road Trip and Old School, Todd Phillips went on to create incredibly black comedies that commented on the world around his characters—from Joker to War Dogs. The latter film will be our focus here, as this based-on-a-true-story story follows two young men who exploit a government initiative that allows small businesses to bid on U.S. military contracts. This dark tale that constantly strays between comedy and drama stars Jonah Hill and Miles Teller as our leading ambitious duo. The film takes you on a wild ride through the world of arms dealing, highlighting the absurdity and dangers of their get-rich-quick scheme. Hill's flamboyant performance as Efraim Diveroli and Teller's more grounded portrayal of David Packouz create a dynamic contrast that drives the story forward, blending humor with a critical look at the consequences of their actions. The film laid the ground for what Phillips would then perfect with the Joker films.
Mother of the Bride (2024)
The “romantic comedy” can feel like a bit of a lost art sometimes, with few films successfully breaking free from the trope-laden formula that weighs so many love stories down. But director Mark Waters has found continual success over the years, from Just Like Heaven to Mean Girls to The House of Yes—and now with Mother of the Bride. In this Netflix rom-com, Lana’s world is upended when her daughter Emma returns from abroad with news of an imminent wedding in Thailand. As Lana grapples with the shock, she discovers Emma’s fiancé is the son of a man from her past. This revelation leads to comedic chaos and heartfelt moments as the family navigates the hardships that come with love and relationships. Starring Brooke Shields and Miranda Cosgrove, Mother of the Bride is a charming rom-com that lovingly explores the bonds between mothers and daughters amidst wedding mayhem.
Starship Troopers (1997)
On the other side of history, certain filmmakers will stand as “misunderstood geniuses” who weren’t properly appreciated during their time—and Paul Verhoeven will be at the top of that list. For years, people failed to recognize the satiric flair of campy classics like RoboCop, Total Recall and Showgirls. Oh, and you can include Verhoeven’s Starship Troopers in that group. In the future, a group of young soldiers and the rest of humanity is locked in a brutal war against a race of giant alien insects (the deadly Arachnids) in this satirical takedown of totalitarianism. The film stars Casper Van Dien as Johnny Rico, who enlists in the Mobile Infantry alongside his high school friends, played by Dina Meyer, Denise Richards, and Neil Patrick Harris. As they face the horrors of interstellar warfare, the film exposes the absurdity of militaristic propaganda and the ultimate cost of war. To this day, Starship Troopers remains a provocative and entertaining cult classic.
Unfrosted (2024)
Before reaching the ripe age of 70 years old, Jerry Seinfeld had miraculously never taken this single crucial step in Hollywood: directing his own feature-length film. Well, that all changed this month when Netflix finally gave him the opportunity to unleash his revolutionary brand of comedy in movie form. The result was Unfrostec, which explores the quirky world of 1960s breakfast innovation. This biographical comedy about the insanity of corporate culture chronicles the fierce rivalry between Kellogg’s
The Matrix: Resurrections (2021)
In a world where reboots have become the norm, it was still utterly shocking for me to be walking into a theater back in 2021 to watch the latest Matrix movie. As a huge fan of the original trilogy (yes, I enjoyed all three of them), I couldn’t wait for this ambitious update of one of sci-fi cinema’s greatest stories. In The Matrix: Resurrections, Neo is drawn back into the reality-bending world he thought he had left behind. Directed once again by Lana Wachowski, this long-awaited sequel stars Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Anne Moss reprising their iconic roles as Neo and Trinity. The film explores the nature of reality and the power of the human mind, as Neo must once again confront the forces that control the Matrix. With as-expected stunning visual effects and a compelling story to boot, The Matrix: Resurrections continues the legacy of the groundbreaking original while introducing new twists and characters to the saga.
Every New Movie on Netflix in May 2024
- May 1: Airport (1970); Airport 1975 (1974); Airport ’77 (1977); Blended (2014); Blue Mountain State: The Rise of Thadland (2016); Dark Waters (2019); Deaw Special: Super Soft Power (2024); Down the Rabbit Hole (2024); Eat Pray Love (2010); Girls Trip (2017); Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar (2024); Hellboy (2019); Hulk (2003); Jerry Lee Lewis: Trouble in Mind (2022); Jumanji (1995); Liar Liar (1997); Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa (2008); Mortal Kombat (2021); Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2005); My Mercury (2024); One More Shot (2024); Patriots Day (2016); Public Enemies (2009); Rather (2023); Ride Along (2014); Shrek (2001); Shrek Forever After (2010); Starship Troopers (1997); The Best Man Holiday (2013); The Edge of Seventeen (2016); The Equalizer (2014); The Gentlemen (2019); The Great Wall (2019); The Matrix: Resurrections (2021); The Nutty Professor (1996); The Nutty Professor II: The Klumps (2000); The Wedding Planner (2001); The Young Victoria (2009); Traffic (2000); White House Down (2013); Woody Woodpecker (2018)
- May 2: Beautiful Rebel (2024); Lola (2024); Secrets of the Neanderthals (2024); Shadow in the Cloud (2020)
- May 3: 2 Hearts (2020); Unfrosted (2024)
- May 5: Larva in Mars (2024); The Peanut Butter Falcon (2019)
- May 6: 30 for 30: Broke (2012); 30 for 30: Deion’s Double Play (2012); 30 for 30: The Two Escobars (2010)
- May 8: The Final: Attack on Wembley (2024); War Dogs (2016)
- May 9: Hamka & Siti Raham Volume 2 (2023); Mother of the Bride (2024); Sing Street (2016); The Guardian of the Monarchs (2024)
- May 10: Living with Leopards (2024); The Courier (2024)
- May 11: The Book of Clarence (2024)
- May 13: Adagio (2023)
- May 14: Madame Web (2024)
- May 15: Ashley Madison: Sex, Lies & Scandal (2024); The Clovehitch Killer (2018)
- May 16: Dumb and Dumber To (2014); Monster (2024); Upgrade (2018)
- May 17: Open Heart (2023); Power (2024); Thelma the Unicorn (2024)
- May 19: A Simple Favor (2018); Golden Kamuy (2024)
