Marshall – Picture: Open Road Films
A new month means new titles. Below, we’ll pick our seven favorite or most anticipated movies to be released on the service throughout the month.
Missed our top picks from the last month? You can find our eight movie picks for April 2023 here and if you’re reading this before we get to May, you’ll also want to check out our 11 movie picks coming out May 1.
For a full list of what’s coming to Netflix in May 2023, check out our list of new releases here.
As you may know, we split our articles looking at the best upcoming movies in two. First, we cover the best new Netflix original movies releasing globally and then we’ll take a look at the best new licensed movies headed to Netflix specifically in the US. This month, we’ll switch to three originals and four licensed titles due to the lack of Netflix original movies.
The Best New Netflix Original Movies Coming in May 2023
Mother (2023)
coming to netflix: May 12
Niki Caro (best known for Disney’s 2020 Mulan) is directing this new feature film built around Jennifer Lopez, who serves as producer and main lead star. It’s Netflix’s new major English movie in May and surprisingly the next big movie after this one is Extraction 2, scheduled for June 16.
The film’s story is about a former assassin who was previously out of the game but is forced to return after his estranged daughter puts herself in danger.
Joining López are Joseph Fiennes, Omari Hardwick and Gael García Bernal.
blood and gold
Coming to Netflix: May 26
From Netflix’s international list, specifically, the German movie list for 2023 is blood and golddescribed as a new World War II Spaghetti-Western action film.
Peter Thorwarth, the director of Netflix blood red sky (the second most-watched non-English-language Netflix Original film of all time), sets out to tell us the story of war deserter Henrich. On a quest to locate his daughter, he encounters SS troops and is subsequently hanged from a tree. However, just in time, he is rescued by the brave farmer Elsa. Together, the unlikely couple become allies in their fight for justice and the protection of their loved ones.
Victim/Suspect (2023)
Coming to Netflix: may 23
One of the Netflix titles that debuted a bit earlier this year at the Sundance Film Festival is the documentary feature, Victim/Suspectwhich comes from director Nancy Schwartzman.
According to Netflix, here’s what you can expect:
“The Chronicles journalist Rae de Leon investigates a shocking national pattern: Young women tell police they have been sexually assaulted, but instead of finding justice, they are charged with the crime of making a false report, arrested and imprisoned. even imprisoned by the system they believed would protect them.”
The best licensed movies coming to Netflix in May 2023
Note: These are only scheduled to hit Netflix US; availability in other regions may vary.
A man named Otto (2023)
coming to netflix: May 6th
Image: Sony Images
hailed as a blockbuster, A man named Otto joins Netflix as part of Sony Pictures’ successful first-window deal with Netflix.
The film received generally positive reviews from critics and audiences alike, with Observer ultimately gives the film a 3 out of 4concluding: “A follow-the-points film with a few moments of charm that aims to be a crowd-pleaser to make you feel good, but lacks enough freshness and insight to make it anything special.”
We expect this movie to do some big top 10 numbers in the US, so watch this space.
Marshall (2017)
Coming to Netflix: may 1
Among the first day of the month additions are Marshall, starring the late Chadwick Boseman.
The courtroom drama is a biopic of Thurgood Marshall, the first black justice on the US Supreme Court, and focuses on his pivotal work on a sensational case as an attorney for the NAACP.
The film was a critical success even if it did not attract a huge box office at the time of its release. It’s at 81% with most praising the amazing performance by Boseman and many of his co-stars.
It should be noted that the film enjoyed a recent season on Netflix, having been available between September 2021 and January 2022but it is a welcome return.
Conan the barbarian (1982)
coming to netflix: May 1
Image: Universal Images
Netflix did some strategic licensing in May 2023 and the ones that really stand out is that Netflix is picking up a collection of classic Arnold Schwarzenegger movies like Kindergarten Cop, Last Action Hero and the absolute classic, Conan the barbarian.
This is all before the actor’s new Netflix original series. FUBAR coming to the end of the month. Of course, there is also an additional connection to this film, as Netflix is preparing an adaptation of its own source material in the near future.
Whether it’s the groundbreaking period visuals, memorable soundtrack, or iconic performances, this classic should be on everyone’s bucket list.
Peter Pan (2003)
Coming to Netflix: may 1
And finally, a movie for the whole family and another very strategic license for May is Peter Pan, celebrating his 20th birthday this year.
Why is this strategic?
Disney just released a new Peter Pan entry in the form of peter pan and wendy and the results have been mixed. Getting the 2003 entry while Peter Pan is fresh in people’s minds is pretty smart.
For many, you will feel nostalgic for this entry, which received universal acclaim from critics and audiences. Retells the classic fairy tale story with Jeremy Sumpter, Jason Isaacs and Olivia Williams leading the cast.
What new movies will you see on Netflix in May 2023? Let us know in the comments below.