What to watch in May 2026: The best movies and TV shows of the month on Netflix, HBO, Apple TV+, and in cinemas

Every month, streaming services and theaters release dozens of new titles, and it's easy to get lost in the flow. We've gathered the best movies and TV shows of May 2026: major theatrical premieres, new seasons of popular series, and exclusives from Netflix, HBO, Apple TV+, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+. For every new release, we've included the release date, platform, and a brief description. Choose according to your preferred genre and mood.

May 2026 is packed with TV premieres: finales of iconic projects, long-awaited sequels, and fresh debuts from leading streaming platforms. Below are the most anticipated series of the month, along with their release dates and platforms.

The sequel expands on the story of the legendary demon hunter Dante, the details of which you can learn by reading our review of the Devil May Cry animated series. In the second season, the stakes rise: while the protagonist tries to manage his agency's debts, the shadows of his father Sparda's past begin to haunt him with renewed vigor, threatening to blur the line between the human world and the underworld.

Viewers can expect even more dynamic and bloody battles, where Dante demonstrates his mastery of the sword and pistols to a high-octane soundtrack. The plot delves deeper into the conflict between the brothers and introduces dangerous new allies and enemies, all while maintaining the signature bold humor and gothic atmosphere of the original game franchise.

A gritty and uncompromising conclusion to the story of Frank Castle, in which he faces the most dangerous enemy from his past. Years after the main events of "The Punisher" series (2017–2019), the aging yet still ruthless hero is forced out of the shadows to protect his family's legacy and put a definitive end to his long-standing war on crime.

Viewers can expect an extremely grounded and dark thriller where every shot carries weight and the hero's moral boundaries finally blur. This is a story about a man who became the personification of retribution, and the price he must pay for his final judgment. Signature brutality, deep psychological complexity, and a poignant final chapter make this episode a must-watch for all fans of the character.

The final chapter of the story arrives in an unusual format — instead of a full season, viewers will see a single expanded 90-minute special that concludes the journey of the angel Aziraphale and the demon Crowley. The events continue the storyline of the second season, where the heroes found themselves on opposite sides: Aziraphale accepted Metatron's offer and departed for Heaven, while Crowley remained on Earth alone following their painful breakup. The finale focuses on the consequences of this choice and whether they can find a common path once again, with not only their relationship but the fate of the world at stake.

A youth romantic drama based on the bestsellers by Elle Kennedy. The story unfolds at the fictional Briar University, focusing on student life, relationships, and the stars of the hockey team, who are constantly at the center of intense emotions and events.

The plot of the first story follows Hannah Wells — a smart and sarcastic student — and the team captain, Garrett Graham. Their acquaintance begins with a simple deal: she helps him improve his grades so he doesn't lose his spot on the team, and he pretends to be her boyfriend to help her get someone else's attention. However, the game quickly moves beyond pretense as real feelings begin to develop between the characters, gradually transforming a light student intrigue into a more sincere and emotional coming-of-age story.

The new series expands the Yellowstone universe created by Taylor Sheridan. Unlike the prequels "1883" and "1923", this project shifts the focus to the present day, centering less on family history and more on the daily life of the ranch itself.

The plot immerses viewers in the harsh everyday lives of cowboys working on the legendary lands of Montana, where strict rules, a personal code of honor, and a rigid hierarchy prevail. In parallel, the theme of the Dutton legacy unfolds: the story develops against the backdrop of the main series' events, showing how the ranch navigates new threats and changes while maintaining its influence and traditions in a shifting world.

The plot centers on Paula Sanders, a recently divorced mother going through a crisis and struggling to maintain control over her own life and her children's future. Her daily routine shifts drastically during an ordinary video call when she becomes an accidental witness to what appears to be a kidnapping.

Attempting to make sense of what happened pulls Paula into a dangerous chain of events involving blackmail, murder, and the seemingly harmless world of youth soccer. Gradually, her amateur investigation leads her to a large-scale conspiracy that threatens not only herself but her entire family, transforming a personal drama into a tense thriller with a mounting sense of danger.

The story takes place in a picturesque retirement community in New Mexico. At the heart of the narrative is a group of charismatic seniors whose peaceful lives are interrupted by a supernatural threat. The main plot twist involves an otherworldly force that begins stealing time from the town's residents. The protagonists, who are already acutely aware of the value of each passing day, must unite not only to save their own lives but also to prevent a global catastrophe.

The series follows an aging private investigator who was once New York City's only superhero. Although his story is much darker than the best superhero movies we are used to, he must now confront problems from his past. Set in the 1930s, the show captures a gritty noir atmosphere where investigations intertwine with the hero's personal drama and the shadows of his former life.

A sci-fi series that expands the For All Mankind universe but shifts the focus to the other side of the space race. Unlike the original, which told an alternative history through the lens of NASA, the new series is entirely dedicated to the Soviet space program. The plot returns to the turning point when the USSR was the first to land a man on the Moon and shows the events unfolding behind the Iron Curtain — from closed scientific centers and secret cities, including Star City, where cosmonauts are trained.

In May 2026, theaters and streaming platforms will see the release of animated blockbusters, biographical dramas, psychological thrillers, and horror films. We have compiled the main movie premieres of the month, including release dates and platforms.

Miranda Priestly faces the consequences of the print industry's decline, which puts the magazine's position at risk. Meanwhile, Andy Sachs returns to Runway, taking on a key role and finding herself at the very heart of the transformation. The editorial team attempts to find new ways to attract an audience, but the situation is complicated by competition from Emily Charlton — a former employee of the magazine who is now playing for the opposing side. It is one of the most anticipated films of 2026.

The film tells the story of Om Baumann, a writer suffering from creative block and unable to finish the dark epilogue of his successful trilogy, The Conquistador. Everything changes when he begins to see his mother's ghost and decides to travel to a secluded hotel, The Bilberry Woods, in rural Ireland — the place where his parents once spent their honeymoon and where he intends to scatter their ashes.

At the hotel, Om encounters its strange inhabitants: the owner Mr. Cobb, the receptionist Mal, the gardener Fergal, the bartender Fiona, and the bellboy Albie. Initially, he remains detached and cold, but he gradually begins to grow closer to Fiona, who helps him uncover traces of the past. As he delves into memories and personal experiences, Om crosses paths with a local resident named Jerry — a mysterious loner whose life and odd habits add a touch of surrealism and internal search to the story.

The story unfolds in a quiet Irish pasture, where a flock of sheep leads a calm and orderly life — until their world shatters after the death of their shepherd, George, who is found dead under mysterious circumstances. Instead of scattering, the sheep decide to take matters into their own hooves and conduct their own investigation. Convinced that George was the best of shepherds, they try to make sense of what happened, confronting a human world that proves to be far more complex and dangerous than it appeared from the outside. The blend of absurdity, humor, and detective intrigue turns the story into an unusual take on a classic crime plot.

The sequel returns viewers to the heart of the bloody confrontation between Earth's warriors and the forces of Outworld. Following the events of the first installment, Cole Young and his team gather new allies — including the debut of the legendary Johnny Cage — to decide humanity's fate once and for all in the official Mortal Kombat tournament.

Bear is a music store employee working alongside his childhood friend Nikki. He has long harbored feelings for her but hesitates to confess, especially since Nikki herself doesn't seem to share his emotions. In an attempt to change everything, Bear finds a strange artifact in an esoteric shop that promises to grant one wish. It works almost instantly: Nikki begins to reciprocate, but her feelings quickly spiral out of control. Affection turns into obsession, and Bear's every attempt to fix things only intensifies the situation. Gradually, the girl's behavior becomes increasingly disturbing — she sees things that aren't there and loses her grip on reality, turning a romantic story into a terrifying psychological nightmare. While waiting for the premiere, check out our top best horror movies of recent years.

The film follows the new adventures of the Mandalorian and Grogu. Despite the fall of the Empire, its warlords continue to hold power in certain parts of the galaxy, threatening the fragile balance. The emerging New Republic strives to protect the ideals of the Rebels and entrusts a vital mission to Din Djarin — an experienced bounty hunter — and his young companion. Their path leads them once again to dangerous tasks where the Empire's past still makes itself felt.

A horror adaptation of the popular internet creepypasta about "The Backrooms". The plot centers on the concept of "noclip" — the moment a person accidentally "glitches" out of reality and finds themselves in an endless labyrinth of monotonous office spaces. Yellowed walls, the smell of damp carpet, and the persistent hum of fluorescent lights create a sense of unease that gradually turns into terror. Loneliness and isolation become the primary enemies, while attempts to find an exit evolve into a struggle with one's own sanity.

Despite the apparent emptiness, distorted creatures lurk deep within this space, watching every step. An additional layer of the story involves the mysterious ASYNC organization, which studies this dimension and may be complicit in its very existence, blurring the boundaries between worlds.

Most new releases come out on major streaming platforms: Netflix, HBO Max, Apple TV+, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and Hulu. Some films are released in theaters first and then appear on streamers — usually 30–90 days after the premiere. The release dates for each platform are specified in the description of each new release above.

Follow our monthly selection: we update it at the beginning of each month and add current release dates. You can also subscribe to notifications from specific platforms or add projects you're interested in to a "must-watch" list.

Among the most discussed projects of 2026 are the second season of Devil May Cry on Netflix, the final chapter of Good Omens on Amazon Prime Video, and the premiere of the superhero series Spider-Noir on MGM+. For the current list of the best series of the month, see the section above. Also, check out our feature on the best series of recent times.

Several thrillers are set to be released in May 2026: Hokum starring Adam Scott and The Backrooms with Chiwetel Ejiofor. For horror fans, there's Obsession and Hokum. While you wait, take a look at our selection of the best thrillers with a dramatic twist.

Yes, the movie The Sheep Detectives is perfect for family viewing.

The wide releases expected in May 2026 include The Devil Wears Prada 2, The Mandalorian & Grogu, and Mortal Kombat II. Check theater websites for exact dates in specific regions — international releases sometimes shift by 1–2 weeks.

Go by genre and mood: for an evening with the family — animation and comedies; for an intense solo watch — thrillers and horrors; for a long binge-watch — sequels to cult projects. In our selection, every new release includes a genre, platform, and brief description — that's enough to decide quickly.

If you're looking for time-tested cinema, check out our top 120 best movies of recent years: only proven films with high ratings and personal recommendations from our editors.

If you've watched everything from the May selection or are looking for something for tonight right now — check out our thematic lists. We've gathered the best movies and series by genre and year: best movies of recent years, top thrillers with an unexpected twist and best horror movies of recent years.

We update this page every month: new premieres with release dates, trailers, and descriptions appear at the beginning of each month. Come back often — and you'll always know what to watch.