Thanks to a slew of new releases hitting the service on May 1, there are plenty of new movies to watch on Netflix this weekend. If you’re looking for some highlights, here’s our pick of the best new movies to hit Netflix US over the past seven days.
Please note: These movie releases are specifically for Netflix in the United States. Availability in other regions will vary.
For the full list of what’s new on Netflix this week, visit our new Netflix hub, and for some great TV recommendations, my colleague Jacob Robinson has you covered.
Smooth and Quiet (2022)
Classification: R.
Language: English
Gender: Drama, Horror, Mystery
Director: Beth de Araujo
Cast: Stefanie Estes, Olivia Luccardi, Dana Millican
Writer: Beth de Araujo
Execution time: 91min / 1h 31m
As we first revealed in early April, Blumhouse Smooth and Quiet made its streaming (SVOD) debut on Netflix on May 1st and if you’re familiar with Blumhouse’s work, you probably already know what to expect.
You may have seen some of the tabloid headlines surrounding this new horror movie, either making audiences «sick» or giving critics a hard time.»severe panic attacks.” While those descriptions are a bit extreme, this horror entry does deliver on what it sets out to do, and you’ll be in take-it-or-leave-it camp. Luckily, we’re in the take-it camp!
american graffiti (1973)
Classification: PG
Language: English
Gender: Dramatic comedy
Director: George Lucas
Cast: Richard Dreyfuss Ron Howard Paul Le Mat
Writer: George Lucas, Gloria Katz, Willard Huyck
Execution time: 110min / 1h 50m
Awards: Nominated for 5 Oscars. 9 wins and 13 nominations in total
Truly classic movies are hard to come by on Netflix, and older movie licenses are often hard to come by, but Monday saw the release of a great comedy film from the director of Star Wars: A New HopeGeorge Lucas.
The film tells the story of a group of teenagers in California who spend one last night together after graduating from high school.
A man named Otto (2023)
Classification: PG-13
Language: English
Gender: Dramatic comedy
Director: marc forster
Cast: Tom Hanks, Mariana Trevino, Rachel Keller
Writer: Fredrik Backman, Hannes Holm, David Magee
Execution time: 126min / 2h 6m
Sony’s big new movie opens today (Saturday) in the form of a Tom Hanks comedy-drama, A man named Otto.
This is what you can expect:
Angered by the world and hardened by grief, a cranky retiree plots his own demise, but is thwarted when a lively young family bursts into his life.
The movie did wonders at the box office and did well with audiences as well. kpcc.org he concluded that Hanks «is perfect» for the role of a grumpy old man.
Even more Sony movies are coming to Netflix throughout 2023 with Sixty-five, Missing, The Pope’s Exorcist and big george foreman all are expected to arrive by the end of the year.
Chickens race (2000)
Classification: GRAM
Language: English
Gender: Animation, Adventure, Comedy
Director: Peter LordNick Park
Cast: Mel Gibson, Julia Sawalha, Phil Daniels
Writer: Peter Lord, Nick Park, Karey Kirkpatrick
Execution time: 84min / 1h 24m
Netflix got some major animated movies this week, but the one we’re happily rewatching is Chicken Run, the stop-motion animated feature from Aardman Animations.
With groundbreaking animation (matched only in our opinion by Kubo and the two strings and those of netflix pinocchio) and humor that will make you laugh regardless of age, Chickens race he is still a real great.
Plus, as you’re no doubt aware, Netflix is getting its own Chicken Run entry 23 years after the first film’s debut, with Dawn of the Nugget due out later this year.
the young victory (2009)
Classification: PG
Language: English
Gender: Biography, Drama, History
Director: Jean-Marc Vallee
Cast: Emily Blunt, Rupert Friend, Paul Bettany
Writer: Julian Fellowes
Execution time: 105min / 1h 45m
Today has been a day of celebration with the coronation of King Carlos III. If you’re looking to spend the weekend with royalty on Netflix, you can turn back the clock to see Emily Blunt take on the role of Queen Victoria.
The Oscar-winning film recounts the turbulent early years of the young Queen’s rule and her romance with Prince Albert. If we were to make one last transition, it’s a perfect companion to watch if you’ve also been touring Queen Charlotte.
What has been your favorite new movie added to Netflix this week? Let us know in the comments below.