Netflix is cultivating a streaming slate sure to flourish in May 2026, thanks to the fantastic films, specials, and live events that will move you with touching tales, captivate you with incredible true stories, and so much more. Whether you’re looking for something intense, sporty, or humorous, Netflix has got you covered. Keep reading for the streamer’s best new movies coming in May.
Netflix is releasing two standout original films in the first half of the month, with the Sally Field and Lewis Pullman-led mystery drama Remarkably Bright Creatures, as well as the Michael B. Jordan and Juno Temple-helmed animated comedy, Swapped, which are both poised to potentially land in the Netflix Top 10.
Additionally, in the back half of the month, Netflix will debut some spectacular specials featuring comedy legends, like Wanda Sykes’s third Netflix stand-up hour, Legacy, and a star-studded gala celebrating the outstanding career of Eddie Murphy in AFI Life Achievement Award: A Tribute to Eddie Murphy.
Lastly, if you want to see something sports-centric at any point of the month, you can check out Netflix Original documentaries and streams from around the world, like USA 94: Brazil’s Return to Glory, Untold UK: Liverpool’s Miracle of Istanbul, F1 Canadian Grand Prix: Race, and more as they drop throughout May.
Want to know what other eye-grabbing movies are dropping on Netflix in the next month? Keep scrolling to check out our full list of must-watch movies and specials on Netflix in May.
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Released May 8
Photo: Netflix CAST: Sally Field, Lewis Pullman, Joan Chen, Kathy Baker, Beth Grant, Sofia Black-D’Elia, Colm Meaney, Alfred Molina, Meghan Heffern, Alfred Molina
RATING: PG-13
DESCRIPTION: One of May’s most highly anticipated streaming premieres is this tender Netflix Original mystery drama film starring Sally Field and Lewis Pullman. Adapted from Shelby Van Pelt’s 2022 novel of the same name, Remarkably Bright Creatures follows an older widow named Tova (Field) as her work at the local aquarium leads her to form unlikely bonds with a down-on-his-luck younger newcomer (Pullman) to town and a Giant Pacific Octopus, sparking senses of joy, wonder, and belonging that the two humans had long been searching for.
Stream Remarkably Bright Creatures on netflix
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Released May 1
Photo: Netflix CAST: Michael B. Jordan, Juno Temple, Tracy Morgan, Cedric the Entertainer, Justina Machado, Ambika Mod, Lolly Adefope, Táta Vega, Nate Torrence, John Ratzenberger
RATING: PG
DESCRIPTION: Swapped is a Netflix Original animated comedy that revolves around woodland creature Ollie (Michael B. Jordan) and majestic bird Ivy (Juno Temple) as they’re forced to join forces after an incident causes them to swap bodies. Although their species are sworn enemies, the creatures must work together to find a solution, culminating in a surprising and beautiful connection strengthened over the course of one life-altering adventure.
STREAM Swapped ON NETFLIX
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Released May 22
Photo: Netflix CAST: Rosamund Pike, Sacha Baron Cohen, Richard E. Grant, Emily Mortimer, Charles Dance, Fiona Shaw, Tom Davis, Weruche Opia, Kathryn Hunter, Kadiff Kirwan, Bill Paterson
RATING: R
DESCRIPTION: Loosely inspired by the 2018 French film I Am Not an Easy Man, this Netflix Original romantic comedy sees the charmed life of powerful businessman and ladies’ man Damien Sachs (Baron Cohen) get turned upside down as he is transported to a parallel universe ruled by women. As this new world order pits him against undervalued employee turned fearless leader, Alex Fox (Rosamund Pike), Damien’s chauvinistic, arrogant ways are challeged never before as he and Alex go all-out to fight to become their company’s next CEO.
STREAM Ladies First ON NETFLIX
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Released May 1
Photo: Netflix CAST: Elisabeth Martínez, Anna Castillo, Paco León, Nagore Aranburu, Manu Ríos, Eneko Sagardoy, Lola Rodríguez, María Galiana, Delphina Bianco
RATING: TV-MA
DESCRIPTION: Based on the 1972 film of the same name, My Dearest Señorita is a Spanish Netflix Original drama film that follows a young woman named Adela (Elisabeth Martínez) as she learns of her own intersectionality that was long hidden by her overprotective mother (Nagore Aranburu). This revelation challenges Adela’s worldview, which was shaped by a conservative, traditional upbringing, launching her on a path towards newfound self-discovery, love, and acceptance.
STREAM My Dearest Señorita ON NETFLIX
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Released May 19
Photo: Netflix CAST: Wanda Sykes
RATING: TV-MA
DESCRIPTION: The talented Wanda Sykes heads to her alma mater, Hampton University, for her latest and greatest Netflix stand-up special. Wanda Sykes: Legacy sees the entertainer crack jokes, throw barbs, and make clever observations about everything from the cultural differences in washcloth usage to the state of the world and beyond, cementing her status as a comedy icon in the process.
STREAM Wanda Sykes: Legacy ON NETFLIX
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Released May 24
Netflix CAST: N/A
RATING: PG
DESCRIPTION: Netflix is poised to rev up Formula One fans all over the country with live streams of the Canadian Grand Prix motor racing events that culminate in what’s sure to be an epic final contest. The F1 Canadian Grand Prix: Race looks to raise the bar for this long-running annual event as top competitors and heated rivals hit the track at Quebec’s Mosport Park in an exhilarating competition that’ll be a must-see for motorsports supporters everywhere.
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Released May 12
Photo: Netflix CAST: Martin Short
RATING: TV-14
DESCRIPTION: This engaging new Netflix Original documentary reflects on the exceptional career and character of decorated comedian Martin Short. Marty, Life Is Short weaves together archival footage, exclusive interviews, and one-of-a-kind home movies to celebrate the beloved Canadian entertainer and his many amazing achievements across film, television, and stages throughout the last five decades.
STREAM Marty, Life Is Short ON NETFLIX
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Released May 7
Photo: Netflix CAST: N/A
RATING: TV-MA
DESCRIPTION: USA 94: Brazil’s Return to Glory is a Netflix Original sports documentary that is sure to ensnare soccer fans of all ages as it recounts Brazil’s wild ride to winning the 1994 World Cup. Utilizing exclusive player interviews, old game videos, and never-before-seen footage, this film depicts Brazil’s unlikely return to football glory since the nation’s three World Cup championships with the legendary Pelé. See how the team used exemplary leadership, gameplay, and teamwork to silence skeptics by catching this title on Netflix in May.
STREAM USA 94: Brazil’s Return to Glory ON NETFLIX
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Released May 10
Photo: Netflix CAST: Kevin Hart, Shane Gillis
RATING: TV-MA
DESCRIPTION: Enjoy Netflix Is a Joke Fest 2026 by tuning into The Roast of Kevin Hart as it streams live from The Kia Forum in Los Angeles. Shane Gillis will host this entertaining event that takes comedian and actor Kevin Hart from roast master to roastee as various friends and colleagues engage in some good-natured ribbing for this hilarious humiliation ritual.
STREAM The Roast of Kevin Hart ON NETFLIX
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Released May 19
Photo: Netflix CAST: N/A
RATING: TV-14
DESCRIPTION: The Untold anthology film series widens its scope across the pond with three May Untold UK titles, including this sports documentary about Liverpool Football Club’s exhilarating and unbelievable comeback in the 2005 UEFA Champions League final. Down 3-0 to AC Milan at halftime, Liverpool pulled off an incredible feat to fight their way back and win the game. Untold UK: Liverpool’s Miracle of Istanbul tells that tale through the perspectives of the manager and players who came together to make their mark on soccer history.
STREAM Untold UK: Liverpool’s Miracle of Istanbul ON NETFLIX
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Released May 31
Photo: Netflix CAST: N/A
RATING: TV-PG
DESCRIPTION: End the month on a high note with this special tribute to the incredible career and legacy of Eddie Murphy. 51st AFI Life Achievement Award: A Tribute to Eddie Murphy honors Murphy with a much-deserved accolade to celebrate and reflect on the entertainer’s trailblazing work in comedy, acting, and music, culminating in dynamic humor, art, and collaborations that continue to leave a lasting impact on audiences around the world.
Maddy Casale is a Chicago-based writer and comedian who covers everything from animated series to Hallmark movies. Follow her on Duolingo @MCasale.
