If your Netflix queue has started to feel like an endless scroll of 'maybe later,' May is here to sort that out. From star-studded documentaries and buzzy book adaptations to offbeat comedies and high-concept dramas, this month's lineup is packed with genuinely watchable picks. We've cut through the noise to spotlight the titles actually worth your time – no filler, no regrets, just your next obsession waiting to be queued up.
Swapped – 1 May
In this Freaky Friday-style romp with a wild twist, the animal kingdom gets a chaotic shake-up when a scrappy woodland critter (voiced by Michael B. Jordan) and a regal bird (voiced by Juno Temple) suddenly switch bodies. Forced into each other's worlds – feathers, fur and all – the unlikely enemies must navigate survival, identity, and a growing (if reluctant) respect as their misadventure spirals into something bigger than either of them expected.
Remarkably Bright Creatures – 8 May
This heartfelt adaptation of Shelby Van Pelt's bestseller stars Sally Field as Tova, a widowed aquarium worker who's quietly drifting through life – until an unusually perceptive octopus and a searching young stranger pull her back into the world. What unfolds is a tender, quietly magical story about grief, connection, and the surprising ways life can begin again when you least expect it.
Marty, Life Is Short – 12 May
Directed by Lawrence Kasdan, this affectionate deep dive into Martin Short's extraordinary career blends rare archival footage with candid interviews to paint a portrait that's as funny as it is moving. More than just a highlight reel, it's a look at the man behind the laughter – and the resilience, heartbreak, and sheer comedic brilliance that have defined his five-decade run.
The Crash – 15 May
What begins as a devastating car accident quickly unravels into something far more unsettling. This true-crime documentary revisits the shocking case of a high-speed collision that claimed two young lives – and the troubling evidence that suggested it may not have been an accident at all. As investigators peel back the layers, a darker, more complicated story emerges, centred on a volatile relationship with tragic consequences.
The Boroughs – 21 May
From the creators of Stranger Things comes a supernatural mystery with a fresh twist: a retirement community hiding secrets far stranger than bingo night. When a group of overlooked residents stumbles onto something sinister, they're forced into action – proving that age is no barrier when it comes to saving the day (or the world).
Ladies First – 22 May
This sharp, playful comedy flips the script – literally. Starring Sacha Baron Cohen as a smooth-talking womaniser and Rosamund Pike as his formidable counterpart, the story follows a man who wakes up in a world where gender dynamics are completely reversed. Forced to rethink everything he thought he knew, he goes head-to-head with a fiery colleague in a witty, eye-opening satire with plenty of bite.
The Four Seasons (Season 2) – 28 May
Everyone's favourite friendship circle is back – played by Tina Fey, Will Forte, Steve Carell, Kerri Kenney-Silver, Colman Domingo, Marco Calvani and Erika Henningsen – and this time they've got a fresh set of destinations (and likely dilemmas) on the itinerary. While plot details are tightly under wraps, expect more of the cosy chaos, sharp humour, and heartfelt moments that made the first season such an easy watch.
Rafa – 29 May
This intimate docu-series retraces Rafael Nadal's remarkable journey, with appearances from tennis greats including Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and John McEnroe. Blending never-before-seen footage with candid access to Nadal and his inner circle, it captures both the physical toll and emotional weight of a sporting legend preparing to step away – offering a rare, deeply human look at greatness in transition.
