The month of May offers plenty of natural goodness to draw us out of hibernation: vibrant flowers in full bloom, ideal temperatures, prolonged hours of sunshine. But thanks to the power of premium streaming services — we do, after all, owe some credit to Hulu, Amazon Prime, and Netflix for helping us survive winter — we have just as many reasons to stay indoors this spring. With the start of a new month comes a range of binge-worthy movie releases (from the Oscar winners to the exclusive originals) that might just rival our need for more vitamin D.
But before getting started, we’ve put together a guide so you can maximize your couch time without the endless scrolling or regret that can result from a bad viewing experience. We got a head start and checked out all of May’s film releases so you know exactly what to stream or skip, as well as which title is deserving of a permanent place in your entertainment universe.
Out: May 3 on Netflix
If you couldn’t get enough of the Conversations With A Killer docu-series on Netflix earlier this year, you’ll definitely want to add this film to your list. Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile follows the crimes of serial killer Ted Bundy from the perspective of his girlfriend, Elizabeth Koepler, played by Lily Collins. Even if you know the story, you don’t want to miss Zac Efron’s disturbingly believable performance as Bundy (something we’re sure will generate lots of buzz in the wake of the film’s release). Plus, we get to understand the eerie appeal of Bundy through the eyes of someone that fell victim to his charm.
Photo courtesy: Netflix
Out: May 3 on Netflix
Riverdale fans, rejoice! K.J. Apa is taking it to the big screen in this film about a group of high school grads enjoying their final summer before college begins. It’s got that intersecting storyline format (à la Love Actually) and, unsurprisingly, deals with the drama of young love, friendships, and the transition into adulthood that comes with being a college kid. Yes, it’s quite predictable, but it’s also the kind of light, fun flick to enjoy on a lazy Sunday.
Photo courtesy: Netflix
Out: May 3 on Amazon Prime
If you’re looking for something truly scary, consider this haunting new take of the 1977 thriller by the same name. Featuring a star-studded cast — we’re talking Dakota Johnson, Chloe Grace-Moretz, and Tilda Swinton — this movie is a definite must-see, if you can handle it. It follows an American ballerina who becomes the star pupil at a creepy-yet-world-renowned dance academy. Prepare yourself for lots of darkness, hidden rooms, and unexplained disappearances.
Photo courtesy: Amazon
Out: May 8 on Amazon Prime
The future of an aging amusement park is at risk when a big-time corporate spot opens nearby. The park’s owner, played by Jackass alum Johnny Knoxville, does everything he can to save it in a storyline that feels quite pointless. While it is a stunt comedy, Jackass fans are likely to be disappointed with the film’s more action-packed moments. It’s no surprise that this film marked the lowest wide release debut of Knoxville’s career.
Photo courtesy: Paramount Pictures
Out: May 11 on Hulu
Is the story about how a depressed accountant finds new meaning in life after joining a men’s synchronized swimming team as bizarre as it sounds? Yes, it most certainly is. While we want to love this movie because it challenges society’s rigid perception of masculinity, it falls flat in developing characters that viewers can really connect to. The camaraderie that forms between this group of underdogs as they prepare to compete in a world championship is charming, but the overall film is, unfortunately, unremarkable.
Photo courtesy: IFC Films
Out: May 14 on Amazon Prime
This comedy is about an ex-convict who lands a job as a caregiver to a paralyzed billionaire, resulting in a heartwarming and unlikely friendship. The two continue to bond over sharing joints and listening to Aretha Franklin throughout moments that are genuinely funny. Extra points for the fact that Nicole Kidman is in it. Stereotypes of race and class aside, this film evokes a sense of warmth that will leave you wanting to watch it over and over again.
SHOP: The Upside, $22.99 (Blu-ray), available on Amazon
Photo courtesy: STX Films
Out: May 15 on Hulu
The characters are complex, and the humor is sharp in this film following two couples and a surrogate as they each grapple with what it means to bring life into this world. It all happens at a Brooklyn loft when artist Tina invites her pregnant school rival to come over. And, comedy or not, it’s about time we start seeing more female directors behind stories that are directly related to women’s choices and identities.
Photo courtesy: Gravitas Ventures
Out: May 15 on Amazon Prime
When Idris Elba does anything, we pay attention — especially when it’s his directorial debut. His indie film Yardie tells the story of a young Jamaican man who, after witnessing his brother’s murder in 1970s Kingston, seeks revenge after being sent to London by a Jamaican crime lord. Despite its predictability at times, this is an entertaining thriller that’s worth checking out this May.
Photo courtesy: StudioCanal
Out: May 21 on Netflix
If this title sounds familiar, it’s because it won the Academy Award for Best Picture in 2017 (after that unforgettable La La Land mixup, of course). Moonlight made history in two ways that night as the first LGBTQ movie and all-black cast to win this award. So if you haven’t seen it already, now is definitely the time. This coming-of-age film explores the experience of a gay black man growing up in Miami. It’s a touching drama that features incredible character work and is as touching as it is revolutionary.
SHOP: Moonlight, $10, available on Amazon
Photo courtesy: A24
Out: May 28 on Hulu
We love Dianna Agron as much as the next Glee fan, but not enough to save this film from a hard “skip.” It tells the story of a woman who won’t let the CIA extract intel from the brain of her husband, an agent who went into a coma during a recent mission. She then sets out to find out the truth about what happened in a series of disjointed events that are increasingly incomprehensible to the viewer. Honestly we’re still pretty confused about the whole thing.
Photo courtesy: Gravitas Ventures
