The 10 Best New Movies On Netflix In May 2024 (Updated)

As we near the end of the month, Netflix Netflix is adding the final films to its already-stacked May lineup. Just when you think it can’t get any better, the streamer delivers to its subscribers an AI-themed sci-fi film starring Jennifer Lopez, an eye-popping anime flick that mixes fantasy with coming-of-age drama, and an underrated culinary drama that stars so many fantastic actors that you won’t believe you haven’t seen it yet. Yes, all in all, the final days of May 2024 are turning out to be pretty great for Netflix watchers, meaning you’ve got lots to choose from for your next movie night.

So what are the best movies available this month? Let’s take a look. Below in the first section, you’ll find my picks for the ten most interesting films available to subscribers in May (this list will include all movies set to be released between today and May 31, 2024). Then at the bottom of the article, you’ll find a full rundown of every single new movie available this month. Enjoy!

The 10 Best New Movies On Netflix In May 2024

Atlas (2024)

Director Brad Peyton spent years working with arguably the top male action star in cinema of the past decade: Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. Together they made movies like San Andreas, Journey 2: The Mysterious Island and Rampage. But in Peyton’s move over to Netflix, he’s partnered with a woman who, throughout her career, has arguably had just as large of an impact: Jennifer Lopez. The triple thread takes the title role in Atlas as a resolute data analyst thrust into a cosmic battlefield. This science-fiction epic pits Atlas Shepherd against her greatest fear: artificial intelligence. Our hero must navigate a hostile universe in an armored suit, joining forces with the very technology she distrusts to thwart a renegade robot from her troubled past. The film also stars Simu Liu and Sterling K. Brown.

My Oni Girl (2024)

Netflix has quite a wealth of anime available in its ever-expanding library. But perhaps the most exciting under-the-radar move the streamer made was its recent three-film deal with Studio Colorido. The first film we got from this collaboration was the enchanting Drifting Home, and now it’s being followed up with the promising fantasy flick My Oni Girl. In this film directed by Tomotaka Shibayama and co-produced by Twin Engine (which gave us awesome movies like Night Is Short, Walk On Girl), we journey into a world where the boundaries of season and myth blur. The film tells the story of Hiiragi Yatsuse, a shy high school student whose life transforms when he encounters Tsumugi—a spirited “oni” (aka “demon”) on a quest. As unexpected snow begins to fall, our two protagonists (voiced by Kensho Ono and Miyu Tomita) share an adventure into self-discovery and friendship.

Burnt (2015)

Burnt is one of those movies you’ve seen the poster for, but probably never watched—that is until you look at the stacked cast, which includes Bradley Cooper, Sienna Miller, Daniel Brühl, Alicia Vikander, Uma Thurman, Omar Sy, Lily James, Emma Thompson—okay, I’ll stop there. Cooper takes the leading role in this underrated foodie film as a once-celebrated chef on a quest for redemption and a third Michelin star. Directed by John Wells, this culinary drama showcases the high stakes and fierce competition of the restaurant world. Adam's journey from the depths of his past addictions to the brutal pursuit of culinary perfection is filled with intense showdowns in the kitchen and really interesting dynamics between the characters. I think it’s time for you to go ahead and finally watch this movie.

The Book of Clarence (2024)

As a fan of genre cinema, I can’t hide how excited I am by a director like Jeymes Samuel. Also known by his stage name The Bullitts, this captivating artists made the move into cinema with his Netflix western The Harder They Fall, and now he’s embracing satire with the biblical comedy-drama The Book of Clarence. This thought-provoking and undeniably entertaining venture embraces a creative blend of history and humor set in A.D. 33 Jerusalem. The infinitely great LaKeith Stanfield stars as Clarence, a man down on his luck, dabbling in illusions of grandeur as he imagines himself a messiah during the rise of Jesus Christ. This audacious comedy, which also stars Omar Sy, Anna Diop and RJ Cyler, challenges the conventions of biblical epics, presenting a story of love and redemption amidst the backdrop of ancient gypsies, Roman soldiers and celestial visions.

The Matrix: Resurrections (2021)

I don’t know how it’s possible, but The Matrix seems to get better every single time I watch it. Just when I think its story and stylistic antics will become tiring or out-of-date, Lana and and Lilly Wachowski’s groundbreaking sci-fi only becomes more relevant and timeless—and, honestly, a lot of that has to do with the universe the Wachowskis have built since the original film. Which brings us to The Matrix: Resurrections (directed solely by Lana), which brings back Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Anne Moss as the iconic Neo and Trinity. This sequel not only revisits the familiar virtual battleground but also redefines it, blending new allies and old enemies into a complex narrative of love, choice, and reality. As Neo confronts a new version of the Matrix, the film interlinks past and present, challenging perceptions and pushing the boundaries of the world the sisters built back in 1999.

Madame Web (2024)

I used to hide the fact that I liked a movie like Madame Web. But as I get older and care less and less about what people think—and as I get more and more bored with the tired superhero formula that monotonously falls into the same rhythm over and over—I have no qualms with admitting I dig an irreverent movie like Madame Web. Entertainment is the first and foremost concern with this outrageous film (directed by S.J. Clarkson) that introduces us to Cassandra Webb, a New York City paramedic with the ability to see the future—a talent that thrusts her into a world of danger and superheroic duty. This entry into Sony’s Spider-Man multi-verse features Dakota Johnson as the titular clairvoyant who must protect potential future superheroes from a deadly foe. The film features a number of talented actors who know what kind of movie this is, from Sydney Sweeney to Isabela Merced to Celeste O-Connor.

A Simple Favor (2018)

There’s one thing you can count on for sure when it comes to Paul Feig: a fun time at the movies. His winning formula, which has given us fantastic comedies like Bridesmaids, The Heat and Spy, has repeatedly paid off over the years. But in my opinion his absolute best and most entertaining outing was A Simple Favor. The film stars Anna Kendrick as Stephanie, a mommy vlogger who seeks to uncover the truth behind the sudden disappearance of her mysterious friend Emily, played by Blake Lively. What starts as a simple act of concern spirals into a thrilling roller-coaster of twists and betrayals, revealing dark secrets and deadly games. Set against the backdrop of the seemingly serene suburbs, the film mixes suspense with humor to create a stylish modern noir.

Thelma the Unicorn (2024)

Never in a million years would I have expected the career of Jared Hess, the guy who gave us Napoleon Dynamite and Nacho Libre, to result in an animated for Netflix. but that’s exactly what happened—and yeah, it’s just as entertaining as those movies of a generation’s past. In Thelma the Unicorn, a seemingly ordinary pony named Thelma dreams of something bigger than herself: pop stardom. Co-directed as well by Lynn Wang, this animated musical comedy brings Thelma’s glittering aspirations to life after a whimsical twist turns her into a unicorn, catapulting her to fame. With voice talents like Brittany Howard (the lead vocalist of the Alabama Shakes) Will Forte, Jermaine Clement and Edi Patterson, the family-friendly film that offers something for both kids and adults explores the allure and pitfalls of fame and the search for authenticity.

Traffic (2000)

Steven Soderbergh has an incredible ability to infuse highly dramatic situations with thrills and laughs, backed by a formula that can sometimes almost feel cartoonish. This approach worked beautifully for films like Ocean’s Eleven, Erin Brokovich and Magic Mike. But when Soderbergh goes full-heavy-drama like he did for Traffic, the results hit on a more visceral level. This film that earned Soderbergh Best Director at the Academy Awards is a gripping exploration of the complex world of drug trafficking. The story weaves together multiple stories from different perspectives, including a conservative judge appointed as the US drug czar, a Mexican police officer caught in a corrupt system, and the wealthy wife of a drug lord. Through these interconnected lives, Traffic paints a vivid picture of the international drug trade and its devastating effects on both personal lives and society at large.

Mother of the Bride (2024)

One of my favorite movies of 2022, Ticket to Paradise, made me realize a sad truth: there aren’t enough romantic comedies about older couples. In a sea filled with twenty-somethings performing the ole will-they-or-won’t-they, I was happy to find a film that focused on characters in their twilight years—and now Mother of the Bride has filled that void as well. Directed by Mark Waters, who gave us other rom-coms like Just Like Heaven, Mean Girls and Ghosts of Girlfriends Past, this joyous Netflix production stars Brooke Shields as Lana, a mother facing the unexpected and somewhat complicated wedding of her daughter Emma, played by Miranda Cosgrove. The romantic comedy unfolds with the revelation that Emma is to be married in Thailand—to the son of Lana's former lover, no less. As the wedding preparations spin into chaos, Lana and Emma navigate the tricky dynamics of their evolving relationship, using that love and laughter to overcome their biggest obstacles.

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)
• 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)
• May 23: Illusions for Sale: The Rise and Fall of Generation Zoe (2024); In Good Hands 2 (2024)
• May 24: Atlas (2024); My Oni Girl (2024)
• May 28: Burnt (2015)
• May 29: Bionic (2024); Colors of Evil: Red (2024)
• May 31: A Part of You (2024); Tòkunbọ̀ (2024)