Netflix is the world's most popular streaming service for a reason – it's always showing new movies and popular shows that make it hard to click that unsubscribe button.
May 2026 is no exception, as the broadcaster is expected to release a slew of new content that is undoubtedly worth the high monthly fee.
As part of the Watch Us team, I've looked at all the movies Netflix has to offer in May and picked the top three movies that you absolutely must watch.
From a Sally Field drama to the art of '90s crime, these pictures should satisfy any cinematic cravings you have before the summer season begins.
'Creatures of Wonderful Light' (2026)
Sally Field is one of the greatest actresses still working today, and her next movie is one of Netflix's top movies of the season. In Remarkably Bright Creaturesshe plays Tova, a kind widow who enjoys her simple life as a cleaner for the Sowell Bay Aquarium in Puget Sound. He is lonely, however, which is why he immediately becomes close to Marcelleus. They don't have much in common – Tova is an old woman, while Marcelleus is an orange octopus that lives in water. But they share a unique bond that attracts Cameron's attention (Lewis Pullman), a drifter who is even more lonely than Tova.
Based on the best-selling novel by Shelby Van Pelt, Remarkably Bright Creatures a beautiful drama about many strangers who have been pushed aside by their communities. The key to making it all work is the Field: anyone you've seen Norma Rae or Steel Magnolias you know the two-time Oscar winner has amazing chops for a role like Tova.
Remarkably Bright Creatures airs on May 8.
'Marty, Life's Short' (2026)
Martin Short in Marty, Life is Short.
NetflixOne of the best things about the success of Loner Criminals in the Building that it sparked a new appreciation for it Martin Shorta veteran comedian who has been making fun of them for almost a century. Now Demo is getting his flowers in a new Netflix documentary directed by Lawrence Kasdanwho helped the ancients as Big Chill, Grand Canyon again The Silverado.
The 100-minute documentary features archival footage of Short's early career on SCTV's dynamic comedy show and, later, It's SNLand in similar movies Three Amigosin new conversations with people he has worked with over the years, such as Steve Martin. The Doctor is very much like Short himself — funny, absurd, and wonderfully moving.
Marty, Life is Short will be available on May 24.
'True Romance' (1993)
Christian Slater and Patricia Arquette in True Romance.
Ron Phillips / © Warner Bros. / courtesy Everett CollectionIt's been seven years Quentin Tarantinothe last movie, Once upon a time in Hollywoodand it doesn't look like the controversial director's drought is ending anytime soon. That's as good a reason as any to re-watch some of his classics, especially those that haven't caught on with recent romantic films like them. Inglourious Basterds accepted.
True Romance is one of those movies. While Tony Scott directed the movie, Tarantino wrote the screenplay, and has the director's signature snappy dialogue and association with profanity and violence. After newlyweds Clarence (Christian Slaterand Alabama (Patricia Arquette) accidentally stole a lot of the mob's cocaine, fleeing to California to avoid capture. But danger has a way of finding them, and their love can end as quickly – and violently – as it began.
With the second season of the blockbuster Beef and Running Point set to be released in the next few months, it's clear that Netflix is very focused on its TV slate. But that doesn't mean there aren't any high-quality movies set to air on the streamer. Among my most anticipated spring 2026 Netflix movies is Unfair […]
Brad Pitt in True Romance.
Warner Bros.True Romance is the epitome of early '90s cinema, with fast-paced, MTV-style editing, plenty of '90s pop culture references and Hans Zimmer a song that continues to be referenced today at shows like this one Euphoria. It's somehow surreal and surreal at the same time, which makes it so much fun to watch. Look for something almost invisible Brad Pitt as a stoned, out-of-work actor who unwittingly helps the mob find Clarence.
True Romance now streaming on Netflix.
