Things have been a little lackluster on Netflix during the first few months of 2021, but that's all changing come May. The streaming giant is adding dozens of movies and TV shows to its library over the next several weeks — and there will be something for every type of viewer to sit back and enjoy. There are a few Netflix originals, kids' movies (both old and new), a slew of romantic comedies, and some nail-biting thrillers, too — and that's only the movies.
On top of that, Netflix will also add a number of new TV shows and new seasons of existing shows this month. So not only will May bring the unofficial kickoff to summer with Memorial Day weekend, it'll also treat us to plenty of options for binge sessions and movie marathon at home date nights.
But since there are seriously so many films and TV shows landing on the streaming platform this May, we've whittled down the list to only those most worthy of a busy mom's precious viewing hours (along with a few that are sure to keep her kids occupied for a while so she can catch a nap or cook a meal in peace). From funny, mindless escapes to edge-of-your-seat thrillers, here's everything coming to Netflix in May that's actually worth watching.
'Back to the Future' Trilogy
Coming to Netflix: May 1
Just in time for summer viewing, the entire Back to the Future trilogy is returning to Netflix at the beginning of May. All three classic films of course chronicle the adventures of Marty McFly and his mad scientist sidekick, Doc Brown, as they embark on a series of wacky time travel journeys.
'Mystic River'
Coming to Netflix: May 1
This 2003 Clint Eastwood film — starring Sean Penn, Kevin Bacon, Tim Robbins, and Marcia Gay Harden — scored two Academy Awards. It's a moody crime drama about three men who grew up together and experienced a great deal of tragedy. As adults, their lives are further torn apart when one of them is tasked with investigating the murder of another's daughter.
'Notting Hill'
Coming to Netflix: May 1
The iconic romantic comedy Notting Hill, starring Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant, is returning to Netflix. It's a must-watch for any fan of the genre or the incredible Julia Roberts, who gives one of her best performances in the 1999 film. In short, it's the super-sappy, but utterly enjoyable story of a London bookshop owner who falls head over heels for the most famous movie star in the world.
'Scarface'
Coming to Netflix: May 1
Another classic film, Scarface, starring Al Pacino, will make its way to Netflix in May. The 1983 cult fave is an action-packed drama about a Cuban immigrant in Miami who is set on taking over a drug cartel no matter the cost. The nearly three-hour drama practically defines this particular era in Miami crime history.
'State of Play'
Coming to Netflix: May 1
Another intense drama starring big-name actors, the 2009 film State of Play features stellar performances from Russell Crowe, Ben Affleck, Rachel McAdams, and Helen Mirren, as well as cameos by the likes of Jason Bateman and Jeff Daniels. As the story unfolds, a congressional aide is killed, prompting a journalist to investigate the case.
'The Land Before Time' (1 & 2)
Coming to Netflix: May 1
What '80s or '90s kid doesn't want to introduce their own children to adorable dinosaurs Littlefoot, Duckie, and Cera? Both the Land Before Time and the Land Before Time II: the Great Valley Adventure will be available on Netflix this May. There's no telling how long these classic films will stay on the streaming service, so watch them ASAP.
'The Pelican Brief'
Coming to Netflix: May 1
It's absolutely impossible for anything starring both Denzel Washington and Julia Roberts to not be incredible, and the 1993 political drama the Pelican Brief — which is based on the John Grisham novel of the same name — is just that. It's the riveting story of a law student who uncovers a dangerous conspiracy.
'The Whole Truth'
Coming to Netflix: May 1
Keanu Reeves is no stranger to playing a lawyer, which he did back in 2016's the Whole Truth, which also stars Renée Zellweger. It's a drama about lawyers working to get an underage client (and the son of a close friend) acquitted of murder charges in the death of his wealthy father.
'Zack and Miri Make a Porno'
Coming to Netflix: May 1
This 2008 Kevin Smith movie, starring Seth Rogen and Elizabeth Banks, is the hilarious tale of two lifelong friends who decide to make a porn film together to solve their financial problems. Only while doing so, they come to realize they actually have romantic feelings for each other.
'Zombieland'
Coming to Netflix: May 1
Rounding out the best of the options coming to Netflix on the first day of May is the cult favorite horror-comedy Zombieland, starring Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Abigail Breslin, and Emma Stone. It's a totally amusing end-of-days flick that sees a group of people with mismatched personalities come together to travel across the country in the wake of the zombie apocalypse.
'Selena: The Series'
Coming to Netflix: May 4
The second part of Netflix's Selena: The Series will land on the streaming service on May 4. This installment will presumably cover the later years of the legendary Tejano singer and crossover artist Selena Quintanilla, as well as her marriage to her bandmate Chris Pérez and her relationship with the woman who would ultimately kill her.
'The Clovehitch Killer'
Coming to Netflix: May 4
Fans of the mystery genre should enjoy a night tucked in watching the Clovehitch Killer, starring Dylan McDermott and Charlie Plummer. It spins the tale of a teenager from what looks to be the perfect family, happily living in an idyllic but murder-plagued town — that is, until he begins to suspect his father of being a killer.
'Jupiter's Legacy'
Coming to Netflix: May 7
A new Netflix original series, Jupiter's Legacy, starring Josh Duhamel and Leslie Bibb, follows the children of the first generation of superheroes as they attempt to fill their famous parents' shoes while navigating the lofty expectations set upon them, as well as their own personal struggles.
'Monster'
Coming to Netflix: May 7
Although the new film Monster, starring Kelvin Harrison Jr., Jennifer Ehle, Tim Blake Nelson, and John David Washington, premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2018, it's just now getting a full release. It's a contagion film that chronicles a group of scientists and soldiers making their way across the country.
'Layer Cake'
Coming to Netflix: May 13
Starring Daniel Craig and Sienna Miller, 2004's Layer Cake is an intriguing action flick about a drug dealer who is on the brink of retirement when his boss tasks him with two of the most challenging jobs of his career. His final assignments are so risky, there's no telling whether he'll make it out alive.
'I Am All Girls'
Coming to Netflix: May 14
A new Netflix original film, I Am All Girls, is a crime drama out of South Africa about a detective who befriends a serial killer in order to bring down a global child sex trafficking ring. The story is set during the last days of apartheid and based on actual events, so it's sure to be an intense one.
'The Woman in the Window'
Coming to Netflix: May 14
Originally slated to be released in 2019, the Woman in the Window will premiere on Netflix mid-month. The film, which stars Amy Adams, is about an agoraphobic woman living in New York City who adopts the habit of spying on her neighbors through her window, until one day she witnesses a terrible act of violence. And this one has a shocking twist that thriller fans will love.
'Army of the Dead'
Coming to Netflix: May 21
Another Netflix original film, Zack Snyder's Army of the Dead, starring Ella Purnell and Omari Hardwick, puts an interesting twist on the zombie genre. It's actually a heist film about a group of criminals who head to Las Vegas to pull off a major robbery in the middle of a zombie outbreak.
'Home'
Coming to Netflix: May 25
The 2015 animated film Home, featuring the voice talents of Jennifer Lopez and Rihanna, will once again appear on Netflix at the end of May. It's a beautiful and touching story about a mother and daughter that's sure to capture the hearts of young children. Plus, there's an adorable little purple alien!
'Lucifer' Season 5
Coming to Netflix: May 28
The popular series about the fallen angel will return with its fifth season at the end of the month. For those who haven't seen it, the premise is that Lucifer has become unsatisfied with his life in hell so he moves back to Earth to live in Los Angeles, where he has nearly unlimited access to all of his favorite vices. But in an unlikely scenario, he ends up working with the police.
