From original movies like Rebel Moon: Part 2 to award-winning features like The Godfather, May’s Netflix premieres served up engaging stories for all tastes; see list and more details.
The best Netflix movies in 2024 are still coming to the platform, but May releases are already some of the highlights. The features bring together a variety of productions involving romance, mystery, adventure, and action. Among the most anticipated movies to hit streaming this month was the continuation of the epic saga Rebel Moon: Part 2, by filmmaker Zack Snyder (Batman vs. Superman). Already in the romance mood, subscribers received the adaptation of Erin Doom’s best-selling book, The Tear Maker, which shows a forbidden love between adopted siblings.
Thinking about helping you choose, Streameast Watch prepared a list with recommendations on what to watch on Netflix in the fourth month of the year, taking into account the opinions of critics and also the platform’s subscribers. This list includes both new and feature movies that were added to the platform during the month. See the titles, plot, and repercussions below.
In the list organized by Streameast Watch, you will find the following movies that were popular on Netflix in May:
- The Tear Maker (2024)
- Rebel Moon: Part 2 (2024)
- What Did Jennifer Do? (2024)
- Stolen Inheritance (2024)
- The Godfather (1972)
- The Big Interview (2024)
- Rocketman (2019)
- The Wages of Fear (2024)
- Damsel (2024)
- Code 8: Renegades (2024)
1. The Tear Maker (2024)
Based on the best-seller by Erin Doom, the movie was one of Netflix’s highlights in May. Although it didn’t please fans of the book as much, the work remained stable in the ranking of the platform’s favorites. Starring Caterina Ferioli (Belcanto) and Simone Baldasseroni (L’amor fuggente), the Italian romance shows a story of forbidden love between two adopted brothers. The script revolves around Nica and Rigel, two young people who live in the same orphanage and hate each other, but when adopted by the same family, they have to deal with a feeling that could ruin them. Directed by Alessandro Genovesi (Seven Women and a Mystery). The movie received a 5.2 rating on IMDb and a 17% critical approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
2. Rebel Moon: Part 2 (2024)
The science fiction movie by filmmaker Zack Snyder was also one of the productions that debuted in May, stealing the show and was trending on Netflix. The saga tells the story of an intergalactic village that was dominated by a tyrannical government. In this second part, Kora, played by Sofia Boutella (Climax), leads the village’s survivors on a journey of revenge towards rebellion against the empire. The movie received a 6.1 rating on IMDb and a 59% critical approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
3. What Did Jennifer Do? (2024)
The true crime documentary was featured on Netflix when it narrated the events of the attempted murder case of the Pan couple, which took place in 2010, in Canada. The story revolves around Bich and Hann Pan, a Vietnamese couple who left their country in search of opportunities, but ended up being victims of an invasion. Bich is murdered and Hann is left in a coma. Jennifer, his daughter, is the only witness.
The movie focuses on reports about the night, exploring the events and their consequences. Directed by Jenny Popplewell (Scenes from a Homicide: A Family Next Door). The movie reached the top on the platform, but critical reception on aggregators is modest, obtaining 6.1 on IMDb and 57% approval on Rotten Tomatoes.
4. Stolen Inheritance (2024)
Netflix’s original drama won over the platform’s subscribers with a gripping thriller based on a true story. The script tells the story of a young woman from the indigenous Sámi community, in Sweden, who seeks revenge on a murderer after the death of her father. The lands inherited by the girl become the target of a relentless dispute and she will do everything to protect them from other people’s ambitions.
The cast stars newcomer Elin Oskal, whose performance was highly praised. The movie by director Elle Márjá Eira (Makta) was also well received by critics and received a 5.6 rating on IMDb and an 80% specialized approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
5. The Godfather (1972)
The big-screen classic was also featured on the platform in May. A work by filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola (Vidas Sem Rumo), it follows the trajectory of Italian-American mafioso Don Vito Corleone in the 1940s. He is the leader of a group of criminals who want to dominate New York. But among his goals is also the personal mission of bringing his son Michael closer to the family’s illicit business.
The movie stars Marlon Brando (Last Tango in Paris), Robert De Niro (The Irishman), and Al Pacino (Scarface), among other movie stars. The movie got a 9.2 on IMDb, and a 97% critical approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with a fresh seal on the Tomatometer.
6. The Big Interview (2024)
Another movie inspired by real events gained the attention of Netflix subscribers and therefore earned its place on the list. The biographical drama reveals the behind-the-scenes behind the iconic interview with Prince Andrew and how Newsnight professionals achieved the feat. At the time, Andrew was asked about his friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The project stars Billie Piper (Doctor Who), Gillian Anderson (The X-Files), and Rufus Sewell (The Illusionist). Directed by Philip Martin (The Crown), the movie was also well received by the specialized press and scored 6.5 on IMDb. On Rotten Tomatoes, the work gained 78% approval from critics, earning the “fresh” seal.
7. Rocketman (2019)
Another great biopic that stands out on Netflix is the movie about English singer Elton John. For those who love music, the work is a good option to learn about the life of the iconic artist and the nuances of his career. The plot follows the star’s youth, from his time as a prodigy at the Royal Academy of Music to his international success. The movie also addresses controversial topics in the artist’s career, such as his fight against depression, substance abuse, and acceptance of his sexual orientation.
The cast stars Taron Egerton (Tetris) and Jamie Bell (Fantastic Four 2). Directed by Dexter Fletcher, the production received a 7.3 rating on IMDb and an 89% critical approval rating on RT.
8. The Wages of Fear (2024)
The movie is a remake of the 1953 French classic and debuted on Netflix as one of the most-watched productions this month. Directed by Julien Leclercq (Underworld), the plot follows a team of agents on a dangerous rescue mission to put out an imminent oil fire, which poses a humanitarian threat.
The cast stars Franck Gastambide (A Difficult Day), Alban Lenoir (Undercover) and Ana Girardot (Madame de Sévigné). Although it pleased the audience on streaming, the movie had a modest performance on aggregators, obtaining a 4.5 rating on IMDb and a 25% critical approval rating on RT.
9. Damsel (2024)
Although the movie starring Millie Bobby Brown (Stranger Things) originally premiered on the platform in March, the movie has remained a highlight on streaming and has been acclaimed by subscribers throughout May as well. The plot tells the story of a princess who, after her wedding, discovers that the royal family used her to pay off an old debt. When thrown into a cave with a fearsome dragon, she will do anything to survive and avenge her betrayal.
The work is directed by Juan Carlos Fresnadillo and written by Dan Mazeau. Although an audience success, the production had a modest performance on aggregators and received a 6.1 rating on IMDb and a 56% critical approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
10. Code 8: Renegades (2024)
Finally, one of the most beloved science fiction franchises among the Netflix audience could not be missing, even though the second part premiered at the end of February. The saga tells the story of a worker who teams up with a criminal to help his sick mother. Soon, they discover that they have superpowers and that they must join forces to escape the government’s authoritarianism. Afterward, after they separate, the duo comes together once again to help a girl who needs to be protected.
The movie continues starring cousins Robbie (Flash) and Stephen Amell (Arrow). The direction and screenplay is by Jeff Chan (The Mystery of Grace). The movie, although loved by the platform’s subscribers, had a modest performance on the main aggregators and received a 5.7 rating on IMDb and a 69% critical approval rating on RT.
