The 10 Best Movies Added To Netflix In May 2023 (Updated)

As we welcome the blooming flowers and warmer weather of May, we also embrace a refreshing influx of cinematic gems now available on Netflix. The past month has seen an array of movie additions, each offering its own unique narrative, artistic vision, and emotional resonance. Yet, amidst this abundance, a few titles truly stand out. These films, carefully selected based on my personal taste, showcase the depth and diversity of storytelling that cinema has to offer.

From the quiet corners of indie filmmaking to the grandeur of Hollywood blockbusters, there’s something here for every kind of cinephile. Join me as we delve into the richness and variety of these cinematic treasures, and perhaps along the way, you might find a new favorite to add to your personal collection.

If you’re interested in reading my weekly-updated movie rankings, check them out here.

The Mother (2023)

The Mother is a magnetic fusion of action and suspense, headlined by the indomitable Jennifer Lopez. This film bursts onto Netflix this month as a must-see, teeming with palpable tension and high-stakes drama. Lopez’s compelling portrayal of a lethal combat expert pulls us into a thrilling narrative where she must rise from obscurity to protect her long-lost offspring from vengeful adversaries. This promises to be a cinematic adrenaline rush, underscored by a sense of maternal grit and determination.

Soft & Quiet (2022)

Soft & Quiet hails from the renowned Blumhouse Productions. This critically-lauded horror film, the brainchild of director Beth de Araújo, introduces us to Emily (Stefanie Estes), a kindergarten teacher who unexpectedly finds herself hosting a white supremacist meeting. The plot thickens as a cryptic figure from her past resurfaces, poised to sow chaos. This film promises a chilling exploration of the human psyche, blurring the lines between the ordinary and the ominous.

A Man Called Otto (2023)

A Man Called Otto marks its anticipated SVOD premiere on Netflix, casting a warm, humorous glow over the platform’s offerings this month. This heartening dramedy, under the nuanced direction of Marc Forster, presents Tom Hanks as Otto Anderson, a dispirited widower seemingly resigned to his melancholic existence. His life takes an unforeseen turn when a vivacious young family moves next door, leading to an endearing bond with the expectant mother, Marisol. Starring Truman Hanks, Mariana Treviño, Rachel Keller, and Mack Bayda, this film is a poignant blend of laughter and sentiment that promises to deeply resonate.

Pitch Perfect (2012)

Pitch Perfect is a harmonious blend of comedy and music, conducted masterfully by director Jason Moore. Anna Kendrick and Rebel Wilson spearhead an ensemble cast, breathing life into the Barden Bellas, an all-female a cappella group. The film offers a rousing symphony of their journey, marked by vivacious camaraderie and musical prowess, as they strive to reclaim their lost honor and clinch the national championship.

Royalteen: Princess Margrethe (2023)

Per-Olav Sørensen’s Norwegian young adult film, Royalteen: Princess Margrethe, deftly navigates the tumultuous waters of controversy and identity. It centers around Princess Margrethe (Elli Rhiannon Müller Osborne) in the fallout of a seismic prom scandal. Amidst the reverberating shockwaves of the scandal, Margrethe yearns for the simplicity of normality, all while striving to uphold her untarnished image amidst a whirlwind of familial discord.

Dawn of the Dead (2004)

Dawn of the Dead, Zack Snyder’s 2004 reimagining of the classic zombie horror, imbues the genre with a fresh sense of dread. Featuring Sarah Polley and Ving Rhames, the film immerses us in a post-apocalyptic nightmare where survival is the only victory. Within the eerie confines of a suburban shopping mall, the survivors face a new breed of swift, relentless zombies, ratcheting up the terror to a heart-stopping crescendo.

St. Vincent (2014)

Theodore Melfi’s St. Vincent is a tenderly humorous and deeply moving comedy-drama that underscores the transformative power of unexpected friendships. Jaeden Martell stars as Oliver, a young boy who forms a bond with his irascible neighbor, Vincent, played by the incomparable Bill Murray. The film navigates their unlikely camaraderie, revealing profound life lessons along the way. With Melissa McCarthy and Naomi Watts rounding out a stellar cast, St. Vincent presents a touching portrayal of personal growth and redemption.

This Is the End (2013)

This is the End, a brilliant apocalyptic comedy from the minds of Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, brings together an ensemble cast of Hollywood’s finest, each playing larger-than-life versions of themselves. With comedic heavyweights like Rogen, James Franco, and Jonah Hill at its helm, this film maneuvers through the chaos of the apocalypse with an irreverent yet surprisingly heartfelt exploration of friendship and fame. This unique cinematic spectacle promises both laughter and introspection in equal measure.

Girl, Interrupted (1999)

James Mangold’s Girl, Interrupted offers a compelling and sensitive portrayal of mental health struggles. Headlined by Winona Ryder’s gripping performance and Angelina Jolie’s Oscar-winning turn, this intense drama takes us into the hushed corridors of a 1960s psychiatric institution. The film highlights the resilience of its female characters, offering an intimate and moving insight into their lived experiences. It is a poignant testament to their strength and the power of shared stories.

Léon: The Professional (1994)

Leon: The Professional, from the visionary lens of Luc Besson, serves as a showcase for the exceptional talents of Jean Reno and a then-burgeoning Natalie Portman. This cinematic tour de force deftly weaves together innocence and brutality as it delves into the complex relationship between Leon, a solitary hitman, and Mathilda, a precocious young girl. As they navigate the frenzied underbelly of New York, a unique, tragically beautiful bond forms, making this film an unforgettable journey into the depths of human connection.