It's almost May, and you know what that means. Yes, flowers, the arrival of spring, sunshine, birds chirping, blah blah blah. That's all well and good, but all anyone really cares about is what new movies will be streaming in May. Every month the major streaming services, i.e. Netflix, HBO Now, Hulu, Amazon Prime, and iTunes, all vie for your attention by bringing forth a new collection of films to ensure that you won't leave your couch until at least another 30 days; and this month is no different. So what are the best movies streaming this May?
As usual, there's a wide range and something for practically every taste. There are several well-regarded new releases, some of which are still even in theaters. There are a ton of cult-favorites, some legendary award winners that you may have never seen, and an unusually solid collection of beloved rom-coms. There are also a few surprises, like an Adam Sandler movie that looks like it *might* actually be funny (don't quote me on that), an all-time great from Hollywood's Golden Age, and the full spectrum of Nicolas Cage's acting abilities seen in just two perfectly chosen films. So put your shorts and sandals back into storage for another month and check out the best movies streaming in May.
1. Bring It On
Oh, you know this movie's going to bring it.
Where to watch: Netflix, starting May 1.
2. Pleasantville
A very clever premise that makes for an endlessly charming movie.
Where to watch: Netflix, starting May 1.
3. Sixteen Candles
No list is complete without a John Hughes movie starring Molly Ringwald.
Where to watch: Netflix, starting May 1.
4. Goosebumps
It isn't often that Netflix gets new releases, but when they do they sure know how to pick 'em.
Where to watch: Netflix, starting May 11.
5. The Do-Over
I may end up eating my words, but this Netflix original looks like it may be a funny Adam Sandler movie, a sentence that hasn't been uttered since 1998.
Where to watch: Netflix, starting May 27.
6. Election
The second (of three) film on the list in which Reese Witherspoon totally steals the show, and perfectly timed for this insane primary season.
Where to watch: Hulu and Amazon, starting May 1.
7. Airplane!
Surely I can't be serious when I say this is one of the funniest movies ever made? I am serious, and don't call me Shirley.
Where to watch: Hulu and Amazon, starting May 1.
8. Benny & Joon
One of the most bizarre romance movies you're likely to come across, starring a very young and innocent Johnny Depp.
Where to watch: Hulu and Amazon, starting May 1.
9. Sex, Lies, & Videotape
If you're in the mood for something a little more risqué, this adulterous romp won the Palme d'Or at the 1989 Cannes Film Festival.
Where to watch: Amazon, starting May 1.
10. When Harry Met Sally
Widely considered to be the best romantic comedy of all time, you've almost definitely seen it. Now it's time to see if it still holds up. Spoiler: it still does.
Where to watch: Amazon, starting May 1.
11. Leaving Las Vegas
Nic Cage crazy performance number one, and also his best. He won both the Oscar and the Golden Globe for this role.
Where to watch: Amazon, starting May 1.
12. Hot Pursuit
This was one of the worst-reviewed movies of last year, but so what? Reese Witherspoon and Sophia Vergara in a buddy cop comedy sounds like a perfectly fine way to spend an afternoon to me.
Where to watch: Amazon, starting May 6.
13. 99 Homes
Overshadowed by The Big Short last year, this film arguably gives a more down-to-earth look at the 2008 housing crisis.
Where to watch: Amazon, starting May 9.
14. The Age Of Adaline
Blake Lively doesn't get as many lead roles as she deserves, which she proves by knocking this fantasy drama out of the park.
Where to watch: Amazon, starting May 27.
15. Face/Off
Nic Cage crazy performance number two. He certainly didn't win any awards for this movie, but his hammy, over-the top acting is the height of his insanity. Ditto John Travolta's performance.
Where to watch: HBO, starting May 1.
16. Juno
A witty and fun look at a pretty serious subject.
Where to watch: HBO, starting May 1.
17. The Grapes Of Wrath
You probably haven't watched this since high school, and it's a lot better when you know you're not going to be tested on it.
Where to watch: HBO, starting May 1.
18. The Man From U.N.C.L.E.
This criminally-underrated action flick flopped last summer, but it's a lot of fun and was maybe the best looking movie of 2015.
Where to watch: HBO, starting May 1.
19. The Intern
The concept is undeniably silly, but you'll definitely feel things.
Where to watch: HBO, starting May 28.
20. The Witch
Is this the scariest movie of the year? Watch it and find out... if you dare.
Buy it on iTunes starting May 3.
21. How To Be Single
There are countless movies about dudes hitting bars and trying to get laid, so it's great to finally see a female-led comedy that flips the script.
Buy it on iTunes starting May 3.
22. Hail, Caesar!
If you like the Coen Brothers, you will like this movie.
Buy it on iTunes starting May 24.
23. 10 Cloverfield Lane
One of the best-reviewed films of the year so far, and one of the most intense movies in recent memory.
Buy it on iTunes starting May 31.
24. Midnight Special
What the? Didn't this just get released in theaters last month?! Yes, yes it did. But you can already buy this retro sci-fi thriller, and I suggest you do just that.
Buy it on iTunes starting May 31.
There you have it. 24 movies to last you until June, when we can do this all over again. Isn't 2016 great?
