Top 10 Must-Watch Movies on Netflix in May 2025 – Ranked & Reviewed

Streaming on Netflix in 2025 offers a diverse lineup of films, from adrenaline-pumping thrillers to heartwarming comedies and thought-provoking dramas. Whether you're looking for a blockbuster hit or an under-the-radar gem, this list of the top 10 movies trending on Netflix this month has something for everyone. Based on viewership data and critical reception, here are the must-watch movies dominating Netflix’s charts in May 2025.

Fear Street: Prom Queen

In this thrilling installment of the Fear Street series, the stakes are higher than ever as a group of friends uncovers a dark secret that could change their lives forever. With a perfect blend of horror and nostalgia, "Prom Queen" is a must-watch for fans of the genre.

This standalone addition to the Fear Street series delivers chills with its 1988 Shadyside setting. With 10.7 million views in just three days, this slasher flick follows a prom night gone wrong, packed with suspense and a stellar cast including India Fowler and Lili Taylor. Perfect for horror fans craving a nostalgic scare.

Nonnas

A heartfelt story about a man honoring his late mother by opening an Italian restaurant staffed by grandmothers, Nonnas held the No. 1 spot for two weeks with 10.3 million views. This feel-good film is a crowd-pleaser, blending humor and emotion with a side of chicken parm. They're played by film and TV legends Lorraine Bracco, Talia Shire, Brenda Vaccaro, and Susan Sarandon, and they're just a ton of fun to hang out with. You'll want to share a big plate of spaghetti and meatballs with them, family style. [Trailer]

A Widow’s Game

The thrills continued in non-English film, where the Spanish crime thriller A Widow’s Game debuted at No. 1. Based on the true story of a man who was murdered in an apparent crime of passion, the film drew in viewers from around the world for a Top 10 spot in 90 countries (15.4 million views). [Trailer]

Past Lives

Past Lives, a poignant exploration of love and destiny, has captured the hearts of viewers worldwide. This film tells the story of two childhood friends who reunite after years apart, only to discover that their lives have taken very different paths. With its emotional depth and stunning cinematography, Past Lives is a must-watch for anyone who appreciates a beautifully crafted narrative. The film was nominated or Best Picture in 2024, losing to Oppenheimer. [Trailer]

Havoc

Starring Tom Hardy, this high-octane crime thriller racked up 9.1 million views in its second week. Dive into the criminal underworld for a pulse-pounding ride that’s perfect for action enthusiasts. There's not much of a plot — Hardy plays a crooked cop who descends deep into his city's underworld to find a politician's missing son — but plot's not really what it's about. It's about seeing some of the most extreme, bone-crunching action you'll find anywhere. That nightclub scene! The cast also includes Forest Whitaker, Timothy Olyphant, and Jessie Mei Li. -Liam Mathews [Trailer]

Exterritorial

This German thriller follows a former Special Forces operative (Jeanne Goursaud) on a mission to find her missing son, amassing 38.3 million views in its debut week. Its gripping plot and intense action make it a standout. [Trailer]

Pig

When his beloved pig is abducted, a reclusive truffle hunter journeys from his cabin in the Oregon woods to his old haunts in Portland in search of her. Nicolas Cage stars as a onetime prominent chef from Portland who left society to go live in the woods with his beloved truffle-foraging pig. When his pig is stolen, he has to return to the city to look for what matters to him. It's a similar premise to John Wick, with assassin action replaced by tragicomic character study. [Trailer]

Burn After Reading

The Coen Brothers’ hilarious take on espionage, starring Brad Pitt and George Clooney, is a laugh-out-loud classic. Its witty script and all-star cast make it a rewatchable gem added to Netflix in May. Trailer

One of Them Days

This Irish comedy-drama follows a group of friends navigating life’s ups and downs in a small town. With its relatable characters and humorous take on everyday situations, it’s a feel-good film that resonates with audiences. The film is a charming, low-key comedy about a group of friends in a small Irish town who are all at different stages of their lives. It's a sweet, funny movie that will make you feel good. In this uproarious 2025 buddy comedy, multitalented stars Keke Palmer and SZA play struggling roommates in Los Angeles who have until 6 PM to come up with their rent money—or face eviction. The twist? SZA’s character’s boyfriend lost their rent funds in a failed crypto investment, forcing the duo into a chaotic, laugh-filled scramble across the city to make the deadline.[Trailer]

These films topped Netflix’s charts in May 2025 due to their broad appeal, critical acclaim, and strong viewership. From the horror thrills of Fear Street: Prom Queen to the emotional resonance of Past Lives, there’s a movie for every taste. Nonnas and The Wild Robot offer family-friendly warmth, while Havoc and Exterritorial cater to action fans. Classics like Burn After Reading bring nostalgia, and Train to Busan remains a genre-defining masterpiece.