LaKeith Stanfield stars as the titular character in 'The Book of Clarence.' The film makes its ... [+] Netflix debut on May 11, 2024.
Every single week, Netflix Netflix continues to astound with awesome new movie additions. Sometimes it’s a brand new satire of religious hypocrisy featuring one of Hollywood’s best actors (this time it’s LaKeith Stanfield). Or it’s a refreshing twist on the rom-com formula that’s just in time for Mother’s Day. Or it’s an under-appreciated indie gem that features incredible performances that deserve much more praise and attention than they originally got. All of this and more is part of Netflix’s cinematic lineup this week. So, as a subscriber, where should you start?
I’m here to help. Below, I’ve highlighted the best new movie options available so far this month (going up to Sunday, May 12) on the streaming platform. Then at the bottom of the article, you can find a full list of every single new film that’s been added to Netflix over the course of May 2024. Somewhere in this article, I’m sure you find your next movie night event—and perhaps a new favorite that you’ll continue to revisit for years to come.
The Book of Clarence is set in Jerusalem during the year 33 A.D., where Clarence (played by LaKeith Stanfield) struggles under the weight of his debts. Directed by Jeymes Samuel (aka the singer-songwriter The Bullitts), who previously directed the Netflix western The Harder They Fall, this latest film follows Clarence as he concocts a plan to pose as a messiah—inspired by the real rise of Jesus Christ. His journey is marked by troubles with Roman soldiers, disputes with his cynical twin brother and a complicated love affair with Varinia (portrayed by Anna Diop). Clarence's story intertwines personal redemption with a critique of religious hypocrisy, blending historical drama with elements of personal transformation that ring true to this very day.
Set against the windswept dunes of the Outer Banks, The Peanut Butter Falcon is a thoughtful, heartwarming odyssey of hope and friendship. This charming adventure, directed by Tyler Nilson and Michael Schwartz, features Zack Gottsagen as Zak, a young man with Down syndrome who escapes from a residential nursing home to pursue his dream of becoming a professional wrestler. Along his journey, he forms an unlikely friendship with a wayward fisherman named Tyler (played by Shia LaBeouf). Together, they discover more both about themselves and about the world, providing us with a tale of resilience amidst the search for belonging.
Mother of the Bride, a romantic comedy directed by Mark Waters and written by Robin Bernheim, features Brooke Shields as Lana, whose daughter Emma, played by Miranda Cosgrove, announces her sudden wedding in Thailand to a man whose father once broke Lana's heart. The film comes from an expert in romances, Mark Waters, who directed movies like Just Like Heaven, Mean Girls and Ghosts of Girlfriends Past. This time around, Mother of the Bride explores the challenges and chaos of arranging a wedding under such complex family connections, highlighting both the humor and tenderness of mother-daughter relationships—just in time for Mother’s Day. As Lana and Emma navigate their past selves and now where they’re heading, they find that love and understanding can triumph over old wounds and new challenges.
In a battle for the universe, Mortal Kombat plunges audiences into an ancient tournament where Earthrealm’s mightiest warriors fight against the enemies of Outworld in a high-stakes duel that could alter the fate of the worlds. Directed by Simon McQuoid in his feature directorial debut, this reboot resurrects the beloved franchise with a fresh cast and visceral, modernized fight scenes. Lewis Tan stars as Cole Young, a washed-up mixed martial arts fighter who finds himself as Earth's unlikely champion. Alongside him, Jessica McNamee, Josh Lawson and Joe Taslim embody iconic characters such as Sonya Blade, Kano and Sub-Zero, bringing to life the epic video game saga with awesome action and a rich backstory.
War Dogs spins the unbelievable yet true story of two young Americans who become international arms dealers. Directed by Todd Phillips, who brought us darkly comedic classics like The Hangover, Road Trip and Joker, the film stars Jonah Hill and Miles Teller as Efraim and David, childhood friends who exploit a little-known government initiative that allows small businesses to bid on U.S. Military contracts. Set against the backdrop of the Iraq War, this ridiculous and wilding entertaining story fit for a feature film weaves a gripping tale of greed, friendship and the corrupting power of money, offering a darkly comedic glimpse into the absurdities of war and capitalism.
In a world where reality and simulation blur, The Matrix: Resurrections thrusts audiences back into the enigmatic universe first explored over two decades ago. Directed by Lana Wachowski, who also brought us flicks like Cloud Atlas, Jupiter Ascending and Speed Racer, this sci-fi sequel sees Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Anne Moss reprising their iconic roles as Neo and Trinity, navigating a visually stunning landscape fraught with familiar and novel challenges. Wachowski crafts a narrative that delves into themes of rebirth and transformation, while incorporating modern technological anxieties, making this installment a profound commentary on the evolving human condition.
In a chilling exploration of corporate greed and environmental disregard, Dark Waters tells the true story of a tenacious attorney who uncovers a dark secret that connects a growing number of unexplained deaths to one of the world's largest corporations. Directed by Todd Haynes, who also gave us award-winning films like May December, Carol, and Far from Heaven, this compelling legal drama features Mark Ruffalo as Robert Bilott, the real-life lawyer who dared to challenge the powerful DuPont corporation over their contamination of a small town's water supply. As Bilott delves deeper, the stakes rise, pitting his own health and family's safety against the ruthless might of an industry giant. Anne Hathaway and Tim Robbins also deliver powerful performances, contributing to a tense, slow-burning narrative that highlights the often-dire consequences of environmental destruction.
There are some traditions that never die in my household, and one of them is watching White House Down on the 4th of July every year. From blockbuster guru Roland Emmerich, who gave us entertaining gems like Independence Day, The Day After Tomorrow and Godzilla, this wildly entertaining escapade catapults us into the heart of an adrenaline-pumping action thriller where the stakes couldn’t be higher: the White House is under attack. Channing Tatum stars as John Cale, a Capitol Police officer who finds himself in the unlikely role of national hero when a paramilitary group seizes the White House. Tasked with saving the President, played by Jamie Foxx, Cale’s journey is fraught with explosive set-pieces and heart-stopping suspense, making this film a riveting exploration of valor and duty under fire.
Unfrosted is Jerry Seinfeld’s first film as a director, taking a comedic look at the invention of the Pop-Tart. Set in the 1960s, the movie portrays the intense competition between Kellogg’s Kellogg and Post to create a new breakfast treat. Seinfeld stars as a fictional character involved in this quirky, high-stakes race against time and corporate rivals. . Featuring Seinfeld himself as Bob Cabana and a humorously stern Jim Gaffigan, the film is a satirical nod to a bygone era of both earnest ambitions and absurd undertakings. Unfrosted offers a nostalgic glimpse into a time when the future of breakfast was sprinkled with both competition and creativity. It’s a lighthearted portrayal of the absurdity of corporate America.
30 for 30: The Two Escobars intertwines the lives of Andrés Escobar, a beloved Colombian soccer player, and Pablo Escobar, the infamous drug lord, exploring their profound impact on Colombia's national psyche. Directed by Jeff Zimbalist and Michael Zimbalist, this documentary is part of ESPN's acclaimed 30 for 30 series. It delves deep into the intersection of sports and crime, illustrating how the fates of these two men symbolized the high stakes of glory and despair in a nation rife with political turmoil. Through a meticulous compilation of footage and interviews, the film paints a stark portrait of rampant ambition, of uncontrollable pride, of the profound ways in which tragedy can strike.




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