May 2026 is one of the biggest entertainment months of the year. In cinemas: The Devil Wears Prada 2 (out now), Mortal Kombat II (May 8), The Mandalorian & Grogu (May 22), and Backrooms A24 (May 29). On streaming: Wuthering Heights on HBO Max, Remarkably Bright Creatures on Netflix, Spider-Noir on Prime Video, Dutton Ranch (Yellowstone spinoff) on Paramount+, Lord of the Flies on Netflix, Citadel Season 2 on Prime Video, and A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder Season 2 on Netflix. Here is the full guide — organised by platform, genre, and date — so you never miss a moment.
May is here — and it has arrived with one of the most stacked entertainment calendars of 2026. The summer movie season kicks off in cinemas with sequels, Star Wars, and A24 horror, while streamers are delivering some of their most ambitious originals of the year. Whether you’re planning your weekend at the cinema, looking for your next binge, or just trying to figure out what to put on tonight, this is your complete guide.
We have organised everything by cinema releases, streaming platform, and genre — so you can find exactly what you are looking for in seconds.
🎬 IN CINEMAS — What to Watch on the Big Screen in May 2026
⭐ THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA 2
In theaters now | Genre: Comedy-Drama | Rated: PG-13 Cast: Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, Stanley Tucci, Lucy Liu, Kenneth Branagh
Twenty years after the original changed workplace-comedy forever, the entire gang is back. Meryl Streep returns as Miranda Priestly — still terrifying, still impeccable — while Anne Hathaway’s Andy Sachs has carved out a successful journalism career. But when the fashion world is rocked by a seismic industry disruption, old enemies must reckon with each other once again.
The addition of Lucy Liu as a rival media titan and Kenneth Branagh as a European fashion house patriarch gives the sequel fresh energy alongside its beloved returnees. Early box office is strong, and the buzz is real.
Should you watch it? Absolutely. The original is a modern classic, and everything you’ve heard about Streep’s performance suggests she’s found new depths in Miranda. Go opening week for the full experience.
📅 In theaters: Now playing ⭐ Critic consensus: Sharp, stylish, and surprisingly emotional
⭐ MORTAL KOMBAT II
May 8 | Genre: Action | Rated: R Cast: Karl Urban (Johnny Cage), Lewis Tan, Jessica McNamee, Hiroyuki Sanada**
The first Mortal Kombat reboot (2021) was a surprisingly entertaining blast of video game carnage. The sequel bolsters the cast significantly with Karl Urban joining as Johnny Cage — the franchise’s most beloved and charismatic character — while the stakes escalate to a full-scale invasion of Earthrealm by Outworld. Bigger budget, more fatalities, more fan-service moments, and the addition of iconic characters like Smoke, Rain, and Sindel.
Should you watch it? If you like the franchise, go loud. IMAX or 4DX for this one — it was built for a big screen and booming speakers.
📅 In theaters: May 8 ⭐ Critic consensus: Bigger, louder, more fun than the original
⭐⭐ THE MANDALORIAN & GROGU
May 22 | Genre: Sci-Fi / Action-Adventure | Rated: PG Cast: Pedro Pascal, Sigourney Weaver, Jeremy Allen White (voice of Rotta the Hutt)** Director: Jon Favreau
The most anticipated film of May 2026 is also the most important Star Wars release in seven years — the first theatrical Star Wars movie since the divisive Rise of Skywalker in 2019. Directed by Jon Favreau, the film follows bounty hunter Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) and Grogu as they are recruited by the New Republic to help fight what remains of the evil Empire. The plot centres on rescuing Jabba the Hutt’s son, Rotta, in exchange for information on a critical target for the New Republic.
Sigourney Weaver plays Colonel Ward in her Star Wars debut, and Jeremy Allen White voices Rotta the Hutt. Early fan reactions from IMAX preview screenings have been enthusiastic. As the first movie in the Star Wars universe in seven years, May 22 will be a critical day in the history of the Star Wars franchise.
Should you watch it? Yes — even if you haven’t seen all three seasons of The Mandalorian. The emotional core (Din Djarin and Grogu’s father-son bond) is universally accessible, and this is a rare chance to experience a new Star Wars story in cinemas.
📅 In theaters: May 22 (IMAX available) ⭐ Critic consensus: Early reactions call it “a love letter to fans”
⭐ BACKROOMS (A24)
May 29 | Genre: Horror / Sci-Fi | Rated: R Cast: Chiwetel Ejiofor, Renate Reinsve, Mark Duplass, Finn Bennett, Avan Jogia** Director: Kane Parsons
One of the most fascinating origin stories in cinema history. What originated as a creepypasta on a 4chan board and evolved into a web series on director Kane Parsons’ YouTube is now a major motion picture. Parsons’ debut feature follows Dr. Mary Kline (Renate Reinsve) as she enters a yellow-walled dimension in search of her missing patient, a furniture store owner played by Chiwetel Ejiofor.
A24 gave the young director complete creative control — which, given his extraordinary YouTube series, is exactly the right call. This is the most original horror concept of 2026, and the combination of A24’s production values with Parsons’ intimate, claustrophobic style should be genuinely terrifying.
Should you watch it? If you like slow-burn horror with a strong conceptual premise, absolutely. Watch Kane Parsons’ Backrooms YouTube series first for context — it makes the film infinitely richer.
📅 In theaters: May 29 (streams on Shudder in July) ⭐ Critic consensus: Unsettling, original, and unlike anything else in cinemas this month
🎵 BILLIE EILISH: HIT ME HARD AND SOFT — THE TOUR (Concert Film)
May 8 | Genre: Concert Film | Directed by: Billie Eilish
James Cameron directs this stunning concert film capturing Billie Eilish’s sold-out world tour. Shot in IMAX across multiple continents, it is an intimate, cinematic experience that doubles as the definitive document of one of the greatest tours in recent memory. If you missed the tour — or even if you didn’t — this is the closest you will get.
📅 In theaters: May 8 (also streaming on Prime Video later in May)
MORE FILMS IN CINEMAS THIS MAY:
- Power Ballad (May 8) — Paul Rudd as a washed-up wedding singer trying to reclaim fame from Nick Jonas. Expect big laughs.
- Mortal Kombat II (May 8) — See above.
- Top Gun (70mm Re-release, May 13) — The original 1986 film back in cinemas for its 40th anniversary.
- Three Bags Full (May 8) — Hugh Jackman stars in a live-action comedy about sheep solving a murder mystery. Genuinely.
📺 STREAMING — What to Watch on Every Platform in May 2026
🔴 NETFLIX
⭐⭐ REMARKABLY BRIGHT CREATURES
May 8 | Genre: Drama | Cast: Sally Field
The adaptation of Shelby Van Pelt’s beloved bestselling novel arrives on Netflix just in time for Mother’s Day weekend — and the timing is perfect. Sally Field leads as Tova, a widow working the night shift at an aquarium, who forms an unlikely bond with a giant Pacific octopus named Marcellus. What begins as a quirky premise becomes a deeply moving story about grief, connection, and the lives we don’t know we’re living.
Should you watch it? Yes. Sally Field is extraordinary. Perfect for a quiet evening, especially if you loved Where the Crawdads Sing or The One Hundred Year Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared.
📅 Streaming from: May 8 on Netflix
⭐⭐ LORD OF THE FLIES (Limited Series)
May 4 | Genre: Drama / Thriller | Episodes: 4
Based on the classic novel by William Golding, the four-part limited series is the story of schoolboys stranded on a tropical island. Created by the team behind Adolescence — the most talked-about British series of 2025 — this adaptation brings a fresh, contemporary psychological edge to one of literature’s most enduring stories. Early reviews from those who’ve seen it call it “devastating.”
Should you watch it? Essential viewing. The Adolescence creative team alone makes this mandatory. Four episodes means you can finish it in a weekend.
📅 Streaming from: May 4 on Netflix (all episodes available)
⭐ A GOOD GIRL’S GUIDE TO MURDER — SEASON 2
May 27 | Genre: Mystery Thriller | Cast: Emma Myers Episodes: 6 (all at launch)
Based on the sequel book Good Girl, Bad Blood, Season 2 follows Emma Myers’ Pip into a new investigation with six new episodes. Season 1 was a breakout hit for Netflix, turning Emma Myers — best known as Enid in Wednesday — into a genuine star. Season 2 has been the most pre-anticipated Netflix drop of May.
Should you watch it? If you watched Season 1, absolutely. If you haven’t — watch Season 1 first (it’s only six episodes and completely addictive).
📅 Streaming from: May 27 on Netflix (all episodes at once)
⭐ THE FOUR SEASONS — SEASON 2
May 28 | Genre: Comedy-Drama | Cast: Tina Fey, Steve Carell, Colman Domingo, Will Forte
Co-created by Tina Fey, Season 2 expands the plot and addresses the aftermath of Nick’s shocking death at the end of Season 1. The combination of Fey, Carell, and Colman Domingo (who earned an Emmy nomination for Season 1) makes this one of the most reliably entertaining ensemble comedies on any platform.
📅 Streaming from: May 28 on Netflix (all 8 episodes)
🎭 ALSO ON NETFLIX IN MAY:
- Devil May Cry Season 2 (May 12) — Fan-favourite anime adaptation continues
- Perfect Match Season 4 (May 13) — Reality TV drama returns
- Rick and Morty Season 9 (May 24) — The animated sci-fi comedy keeps going
- The Boroughs (May 21) — Horror series about a retirement community with dark secrets
🟡 PRIME VIDEO (Amazon)
⭐⭐ SPIDER-NOIR
May 27 | Genre: Superhero Noir | Cast: Nicolas Cage, Lamorne Morris, Li Jun Li, Brendan Gleeson
The most visually inventive show of May 2026. Spider-Noir is a live-action series based on the Marvel comic Spider-Man Noir. It tells the story of Ben Reilly, a seasoned, down-on-his-luck private investigator in 1930s New York, who is forced to grapple with his past life following a deeply personal tragedy. Audiences can watch the series in either black-and-white or colour — a choice that perfectly mirrors the show’s dual identity as both pulp noir thriller and superhero origin story.
Nicolas Cage doing TV for the first time in his career, playing a 1930s Spider-Man private detective, in black and white. This sentence should tell you everything you need to know about whether this is for you.
Should you watch it? If you like noir, Spider-Man, Nicolas Cage, or any combination of the above — yes, immediately.
📅 Streaming from: May 27 on Prime Video
⭐ CITADEL — SEASON 2
May 6 | Genre: Action / Spy Thriller | Cast: Richard Madden, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Lesley Manville
Season 2 of the globally set action series about two spies whose memories have been wiped premieres in full on May 6 with seven new episodes. Season 1 was one of the most expensive television productions ever made, and Season 2 doubles down with Oscar-nominated Lesley Manville joining as the villain opposite two of the most attractive leads on television. Pure, glossy, globe-trotting entertainment.
📅 Streaming from: May 6 on Prime Video (all 7 episodes)
⭐ JACK RYAN: GHOST WAR
May 20 | Genre: Action Thriller | Cast: John Krasinski, Wendell Pierce, Michael Kelly, Sienna Miller
John Krasinski returns as Jack Ryan after his Prime Video action series ended after four seasons back in 2023. The movie format gives the character room to breathe in a single, contained adventure — and the return of Wendell Pierce as James Greer makes this feel like a genuine reunion rather than a cash grab.
📅 Streaming from: May 20 on Prime Video
🎭 ALSO ON PRIME VIDEO IN MAY:
- Good Omens Season 3 (May 13) — One 90-minute finale episode. The story of Crowley and Aziraphale ends here.
- One Battle After Another (May) — Paul Thomas Anderson’s Oscar winner arrives on Prime Video
🟣 HBO MAX
⭐⭐ WUTHERING HEIGHTS (2026)
Streaming now | Genre: Romance / Drama | Cast: Margot Robbie, Jacob Elordi Director: Emerald Fennell
Emerald Fennell’s buzzy Wuthering Heights adaptation arrives on HBO Max after earning $241 million at the worldwide box office this winter. Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi as Catherine and Heathcliff — two of the most charismatic actors of their generation playing literature’s most doomed lovers, directed by the woman who made Saltburn. The film divided audiences with its eroticism and intensity, which means it is exactly the kind of film you need to see and form your own opinion on.
Should you watch it? Yes. Emerald Fennell has yet to make a boring film, and the chemistry between Robbie and Elordi is reportedly electric. Fair warning: this is a dark, intense watch.
📅 Streaming from: Now on HBO Max
⭐ CHARLI XCX: THE MOMENT (Documentary)
Streaming now | Genre: Music Documentary
Charli XCX’s The Moment debuts on HBO Max after being one of the biggest premieres at Sundance. Following the cultural phenomenon of Brat and one of the most talked-about pop years in recent memory, this documentary captures the creative process, the chaos, and the human being behind the brat summer. Essential viewing for anyone who lived through 2025’s Charli moment.
📅 Streaming from: Now on HBO Max
🔵 DISNEY+
⭐ THE PUNISHER: ONE LAST KILL
May 12 | Genre: Action / Marvel | Cast: Jon Bernthal Director: Reinaldo Marcus Green
The Marvel Television special presentation follows Frank Castle, who searches for meaning beyond revenge, when an unexpected force pulls him back into the fight. Jon Bernthal is reprising his iconic MCU role ahead of his big-screen debut in Spider-Man: Brand New Day. Directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green (King Richard), co-written by Bernthal himself — this feels personal, intentional, and a genuine send-off for one of Marvel’s most beloved characters.
Should you watch it? If you were a fan of Bernthal’s Punisher in Daredevil and Born Again, absolutely. This bridges his TV career to the upcoming film.
📅 Streaming from: May 12 on Disney+
🟤 PARAMOUNT+
⭐⭐ DUTTON RANCH (Yellowstone Spinoff)
May | Genre: Drama / Western | Cast: Kelly Reilly, Cole Hauser, Ed Harris, Annette Bening
The Yellowstone universe continues — and this time, it’s focused entirely on the couple fans love most. In Dutton Ranch, as Beth and Rip Dutton fight to build a future together, they collide with brutal new realities and a ruthless rival ranch in South Texas. Kelly Reilly and Cole Hauser reprise their roles from Yellowstone, joined by Ed Harris and Annette Bening — an extraordinary addition to the cast.
Beth Dutton in South Texas with Ed Harris as the villain. That is the pitch. It sells itself.
Should you watch it? If you watched Yellowstone for Beth and Rip, this is the spinoff made entirely for you.
📅 Streaming: May on Paramount+
🟢 APPLE TV+
⭐ STAR CITY
May | Genre: Sci-Fi Thriller
Apple TV+ adds to the lineup with a sci-fi thriller called Star City, which is a spin-off from the acclaimed series For All Mankind. The new series examines the same basic story as its predecessor but from the perspective of the Soviet Union, with this first season serving as a prequel that depicts the USSR’s frantic efforts to land a man on the moon ahead of the Americans in an alternative-history 1960s. Rhys Ifans and Anna Maxwell Martin lead the cast.
Should you watch it? For All Mankind fans — absolutely. New viewers — watch For All Mankind Season 1 first, then come back.
📅 Streaming: May on Apple TV+
📊 QUICK REFERENCE — Full May 2026 Release Calendar
| Date | Title | Where | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Now | The Devil Wears Prada 2 | Cinemas | Movie |
| Now | Wuthering Heights | HBO Max | Movie |
| Now | Charli XCX: The Moment | HBO Max | Documentary |
| May 4 | Lord of the Flies | Netflix | Limited Series |
| May 6 | Citadel Season 2 | Prime Video | Series |
| May 8 | Mortal Kombat II | Cinemas | Movie |
| May 8 | Billie Eilish Concert Film | Cinemas | Concert Film |
| May 8 | Remarkably Bright Creatures | Netflix | Movie |
| May 12 | The Punisher: One Last Kill | Disney+ | Special |
| May 13 | Good Omens Season 3 | Prime Video | Special |
| May 20 | Jack Ryan: Ghost War | Prime Video | Movie |
| May 22 | The Mandalorian & Grogu | Cinemas | Movie |
| May 22 | Ladies First | Netflix | Movie |
| May 27 | Spider-Noir | Prime Video | Series |
| May 27 | A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder S2 | Netflix | Series |
| May 28 | The Four Seasons Season 2 | Netflix | Series |
| May 29 | Backrooms | Cinemas | Movie |
| TBA | Dutton Ranch | Paramount+ | Series |
| TBA | Star City | Apple TV+ | Series |
🏆 OUR TOP PICKS FOR MAY 2026
Best cinema experience: The Mandalorian & Grogu (May 22) — the most important big-screen event of the month
Best streaming drama: Remarkably Bright Creatures (Netflix, May 8) — Sally Field at her finest
Best binge: Lord of the Flies (Netflix, May 4) — four episodes, devastating impact
Most original concept: Backrooms (Cinemas, May 29) — from 4chan creepypasta to A24 horror film
Biggest surprise: Spider-Noir (Prime Video, May 27) — Nicolas Cage, 1930s New York, watch it in black and white
Best guilty pleasure: The Devil Wears Prada 2 — Meryl Streep, need we say more
Best for couples: Wuthering Heights (HBO Max) — dangerous, romantic, Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi
Best for families: Three Bags Full (Cinemas) — Hugh Jackman, murder-solving sheep, truly
FAQs
What is the best movie in cinemas in May 2026?
The Mandalorian & Grogu (May 22) is the biggest event film of the month — the first Star Wars theatrical release in seven years. The Devil Wears Prada 2 is already in cinemas and delivering strong reviews. Backrooms (May 29) is the most original horror film of the month.
What is the best new show on Netflix in May 2026?
Lord of the Flies (May 4, four episodes, from the creators of Adolescence) and Remarkably Bright Creatures (May 8, starring Sally Field) are Netflix’s strongest offerings. A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder Season 2 (May 27) is the most anticipated Netflix return.
What is on HBO Max in May 2026?
Wuthering Heights — the Emerald Fennell film starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi — is available now. Charli XCX’s Sundance documentary The Moment is also streaming. Both are unmissable.
Is Spider-Noir worth watching?
Yes. Nicolas Cage plays a 1930s Spider-Man private detective in a series available in both colour and black-and-white on Prime Video (May 27). It’s unlike anything else streaming in May.
What is the Mandalorian movie about?
Star Wars: The Mandalorian & Grogu follows Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) and Grogu, recruited by the New Republic to rescue Jabba the Hutt’s son Rotta. Directed by Jon Favreau, it opens May 22 in cinemas including IMAX.
What is the Yellowstone spinoff in May 2026?
Dutton Ranch on Paramount+ follows Beth Dutton (Kelly Reilly) and Rip Wheeler (Cole Hauser) as they battle a rival rancher in South Texas. Ed Harris and Annette Bening join the cast.
What are you watching in May 2026? Drop your picks in the comments and share this guide with anyone who asks “what should I watch this weekend?” For daily entertainment news, movie reviews, and streaming recommendations, bookmark our blog.
Read more
- Aamir Khan’s 18 kg Weight Loss in 2026
- Met Gala 2026 Best and Worst Dressed — Every Look Ranked
- Megan Thee Stallion Biography 2026: From Houston Freestyle Queen to Broadway Star
- Don 3 Casting Controversy: Ranveer Singh’s Exit, SRK’s Possible Return
- Euphoria Season 3 — Premiere, Cast, Plot & Everything You Need to Know
- Every TV Show Cancelled in 2026 So Far