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As we bid April farewell and head steadily into summer, streaming platforms continue to gear up for the season and offer the best content available. Netflix knows exactly what’s up when it comes to delivering top-notch content, and this month is no different. With all the titles available to stream this May, it may be difficult to know where to begin. That’s where we come in.
A ton of Netflix original series and favorite flicks are hitting the platform this month, but all this content is understandably overwhelming – so we’re here to help you get started. Whether you’re looking for a high-stakes drama, relatable comedy, or straight-up soapy teen drama, we’ve got you covered. Below we’ve listed the 12 highest rated movies and shows arriving on Netflix this month based on their Rotten Tomatoes Critic Scores.
'Don't Think Twice'
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score: 99
This heartfelt exploration of the friendship, humanity, and the reality of dreams in the world of comedy written by and starring Mike Birbiglia is a total triumph. Keegan-Michael Key, Chris Gethard, Gillian Jacobs, and a slew of other ridiculously funny people star alongside Birbiglia in this fresh, honest take on what happens when one member of a friend group achieves success and the rest of the gang is forced to reevaluate things.
'Anvil! The Story of Anvil'
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score: 98
Despite being incredibly influential within the heavy metal genre, Anvil had never found real commercial success. This 2008 documentary follows the act after a disappointing European tour as they record their thirteenth album and set out to achieve their dreams. Funny,��entertaining, and surprisingly touching, the journey you embark on with the band will make you care more than you ever thought you could about the band’s success.
'Blood on the Mountain'
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score: 90
This enlightening 2016 documentary chronicles the environmental and economic injustices occurring in West Virginia and the effect that the corporate control has on workers across America. The subjects of the film are largely the hard-working, lower-middle class individuals who put in the work and rarely see the results of it, and are unfairly exploited. Blood on the Mountain is thought-provoking and unapologetic in its beliefs; unions are crucial, and the treatment of these people doing these thankless jobs must be greatly improved if we are to progress as a country.
'Doctor Strange'
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score: 90
Benedict Cumberbatch stars as Dr. Stephen Strange in this gorgeous adaptation of the beloved Marvel comic. After a car accident, Strange is forced to set aside his ego and dive into a world of alternate dimensions and mystic arts. To protect New York City and the rest of the worlds from threats across dimensions, he must utilize his newfound abilities and learn lessons about his power along the way. This gorgeous, thrilling flick is bound to appeal to comic lovers and the general public alike.
'Inglourious Basterds'
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score: 89
Quentin Tarantino‘s sweeping imagining of Nazi-occupied France during World War II is bloody, frightening, and occasionally funny, and it’s no surprise that this 2 and 1/2 hour film packs the punch it does. Starring Brad Pitt, Michael Fassbender, and Christoph Waltz in a career-making role, Inglourious Basterds is truly Tarantino at his extravagant best.
'Riverdale': Season One
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 88%
There is nothing on television quite like Riverdale. The CW's Archie Comics-inspired series gets more ridiculous each episode, but the show's soapy, dark nature only adds to its intrigue. No matter whether you've read the Archie comics, you'll find something to love in Riverdale, especially if you're looking for a teen drama of the dark-and-twisty variety.
[Stream Riverdale on Netflix]
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score: 89
Soapy, silly, and ridiculously addicting, The CW’s adaptation of the classic Archie comics is a surprisingly entertaining triumph. A talented cast of young actors fills the shoes of iconic characters who must pick up the pieces after one of their classmates is murdered, and they do a hell of a job. (They’re also all insanely, unrealistically hot. But we’re not complaining.)
'Two Lovers and a Bear'
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 86%
Tatiana Maslany (Orphan Black) and Dane DeHaan (The Amazing Spider-Man) star as two people trying to leave the past behind them in Two Lovers and a Bear, a unique drama that follows the duo as they spend their days near the Arctic Circle and seek out inner peace. Moving, beautifully shot, and well-acted, this surprising love story will touch you in more ways than one.
[Stream Two Lovers and a Bear] Photo: Everett Collection
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score: 86
Tatiana Maslany (Orphan Black) and Dane DeHaan (The Amazing Spider-Man) star as two people trying to leave the past behind them in Two Lovers and a Bear, a unique drama that follows the duo as they spend their days near the Arctic Circle and seek out inner peace. Moving, beautifully shot, and well-acted, this surprising love story will touch you in more ways than one.
'The Place Beyond the Pines'
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score: 80
Starring Ryan Gosling, Bradley Cooper, Eva Mendes, and an incredible ensemble cast, The Place Beyond the Pines follows a motorcycle stunt driver (Gosling) who begins robbing banks to help support his girlfriend (Mendes) and their new baby. This path leads him straight into a rookie cop (Cooper) who is desperate to ascend through his department. The turning point in the middle of the film is a truly breathtaking one, and allows this sweeping film to tell multiple stories with grace and patience. Helmed by Blue Valentine director Derek Cianfrance, The Place Beyond the Pines an absolute marvel of storytelling.
'El Apóstata'
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score: 76
This Spanish-language comedy follows a man in his attempt to apostate from the Catholic church and the existential crises that ensue. Absurd, patient, and surprisingly profound, this marvelously entertaining flick will make you forget you’re even reading subtitles.
'Happy Feet'
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score: 75
This delightful animated film featuring the vocal talents of Elijah Wood, Hugh Jackman, and more, follows a young Emperor Penguin who is born without the talent of song (a skill they all use to find their soulmates) but can instead perform a mean tap dance. Adorable, endearing, and moving in more ways than one, Happy Feet is fun for the whole family.
'Forrest Gump'
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score: 72
America’s sweetheart Tom Hanks is a legend in more ways than one, and Forrest Gump is a showcase of exactly why he is a household name around the world. Forrest may not be traditionally intelligent, but he sure knows how to love – and make others see the beauty in their own lives. This moving modern classic is a must-see.
'Chocolat'
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score: 63
Johnny Depp and Juliette Binoche star in this romantic drama that chronicles the live of a single mother and her 6-year-old daughter when they move to rural France and open a chocolate shop. While they are initially met with skepticism, the townspeople soon come around after enjoying their delectable products. This funny, heartfelt film features a slew of stunning performances and stylistic direction that you won’t soon forget.
