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It’s gonna be May. Whether you read that in Justin Timberlake‘s voice or you’re too young to get the reference, one thing is coming for all of us: summer. The hottest months of the year are fast approaching, which means people will soon be heading outside to soak up the sun, make plans, and spend more time anywhere but their couch. But we’re not quite there yet. There’s still a little window left to enjoy staying in, getting comfortable, and pressing play on something you’ve been meaning to watch for ages. And what better way to do that than by diving into some of the best movies currently streaming on Netflix?
Every month, Netflix quietly removes titles from its library, which means some great films can slip through the cracks if you’re not paying attention. That’s where we come in. We’ve rounded up the must-watch movies that are leaving the platform this month, giving you the perfect excuse to finally hit play, or revisit an old favorite. So before your schedule fills up with beach days and outdoor plans, make the most of your screen time now.
‘How to Train Your Dragon’ (2010)
Leaving May 1
Directed by Chris Sanders and Dean DeBlois, How to Train Your Dragon is a beloved animated fantasy based on Cressida Cowell‘s 2003 novel of the same name. Produced by DreamWorks Animation, the film featured an impressive voice cast, including Jay Baruchel, Gerard Butler, America Ferrera, and Jonah Hill, among others. The story follows Hiccup (Baruchel), a short and often overlooked teenager who happens to be the son of the chieftain of Berk, a mythical Viking village constantly at war with dragons. Determined to prove himself as a dragon slayer to his peers, Hiccup manages to injure a rare and mysterious Night Fury. However, when the moment comes, he finds he cannot bring himself to kill it. Instead, he forms an unlikely bond with the dragon he names Toothless. Through their friendship, Hiccup begins to question everything his village believes about dragons, uncovering truths that challenge generations of conflict.
Widely considered one of DreamWorks’ best films, How to Train Your Dragon debuted at the top of the North American box office, earning $43.7 million in its opening weekend, and was praised for its breathtaking animation, action sequences, and heartfelt screenplay. Its success launched a full franchise, including How to Train Your Dragon 2 and How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World, with the second movie also leaving Netflix this month. This story’s enduring popularity even led to a live-action adaptation directed by DeBlois, further cementing its legacy as one of the most cherished animated sagas of our time.
‘Sicario’ (2015)
Leaving May 1
Written by Taylor Sheridan and directed by Denis Villeneuve, Sicario is a crime thriller that dives into the murky world of the war on drugs along the U.S.-Mexico border. The film features a powerhouse cast, including Emily Blunt, Benicio del Toro, and Josh Brolin.
In Sicario, FBI agent Kate Macer (Blunt) is an idealistic and by-the-book operative who is recruited into a covert government task force targeting a powerful drug cartel. As she’s pulled deeper into the operation, Kate finds herself navigating a morally ambiguous terrain where the rules are constantly shifting and the line between right and wrong becomes increasingly blurred. Guided by the mysterious and unsettling Alejandro (Del Toro), she begins to question not only the mission, but the very system she serves. While not a traditional blockbuster, it was a box office success and earned multiple Academy Award nominations, including Best Cinematography. If you’re looking for a tense, thought-provoking watch before it leaves Netflix this month, Sicario is more than worth your time.
‘Hell or High Water’ (2016)
Leaving May 1
Keeping up with the Western vibe, Hell or High Water is another film you need to add to your watchlist if you’re a fan of the genre. Directed by David Mackenzie and also written by Taylor Sheridan, the film blends crime drama with a sharp look at economic desperation in small-town America. Set against the dusty backdrop of West Texas, the story follows brothers Toby (Chris Pine) and Tanner (Ben Foster) as they carry out a series of bank robberies to save their family land. On their trail is a near-retirement Texas Ranger played by Jeff Bridges, whose pursuit turns into a quiet, character-driven game of cat and mouse. As the stakes rise, the film explores themes of justice, survival, and the cost of doing what you believe is right.
Hell or High Water was both a critical and commercial success, earning over $37 million worldwide on a modest budget and becoming one of the most acclaimed films of its year. It received four Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, with Bridges earning a nod for his performance. Critics praised its screenplay, grounded storytelling, and standout performances, cementing its place as one of the best modern Westerns.
‘You’ve Got Mail’ (1998)
Leaving May 1
We might be a few months away from fall, but this oldie-but-goodie is a great watch any time of year. Directed by Nora Ephron, You’ve Got Mail is a charming romantic comedy that captures both the magic and the awkward growing pains of early internet romance. Loosely inspired by The Shop Around the Corner, the movie stars Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan, whose undeniable chemistry anchors the story. Set in New York City at the dawn of the digital age, the film follows Kathleen Kelly (Ryan), the owner of a small independent bookstore, and Joe Fox (Hanks), the heir to a massive bookstore chain that threatens to put her out of business. Unbeknownst to them, the two are also anonymously falling for each other through online messages, forming a deep connection that stands in sharp contrast to their real-life rivalry. As their virtual and real worlds begin to collide, they’re forced to confront not only who they are as individuals, but who they want to be with each other.
While the film received mixed reviews upon release, You’ve Got Mail remains one of the most beloved romantic comedies of its era, and it still stands as Ephron’s highest-grossing film. Thanks to her sharp writing and the movie’s cozy, nostalgic atmosphere, it has endured as a comfort watch for generations.
‘Train to Busan’ (2016)
Leaving May 2
Directed by Yeon Sang-ho, Train to Busan is a high-octane zombie thriller that combines relentless tension with a devastating emotional twist. Set almost entirely on a speeding train from Seoul to Busan, the film follows Seok-woo (played by Gong Yoo), a workaholic and distant father who is traveling with his young daughter (Kim Su-an). When a sudden outbreak starts turning passengers into fast-moving zombies, the trip suddenly becomes a desperate fight for survival. As the infection spreads, strangers are forced to work together, while Seok-woo is pushed to reevaluate what is truly important to him.
Beyond its gripping premise, Train to Busan became both a critical and commercial hit. The film grossed over $98 million worldwide, a remarkable feat for a Korean genre film, and was widely praised for its intense pacing, emotional weight, and sharp social commentary. It currently holds an impressive 95% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, cementing its status as one of the best zombie movies of the modern era, so if you’re looking for something intense, emotional, and impossible to look away from before it leaves Netflix this month, this is the one to watch.
‘Sing Street’ (2016)
Leaving May 9
If you’re in the mood for something feel-good with a killer soundtrack, Sing Street is an easy pick. Directed by John Carney, this coming-of-age musical blends young love with a deep affection for ’80s pop, creating a truly irresistible and charming story.
Set in 1980s Dublin, the film follows Conor (Ferdia Walsh-Peelo), a teenager struggling to adjust to a new school and a tense home life. Looking for a way out and a way to impress a mysterious girl named Raphina (Lucy Boynton), he decides to start a band despite having little musical experience. What begins as a simple plan quickly grows into something much bigger, as Conor discovers his voice, builds confidence, and begins to shape his identity through music. While it’s a smaller film compared to some of the others on this list, Sing Street is absolutely worth checking out, and one that’s likely to stick with you long after the credits roll.
‘Joy Ride’ (2023)
Leaving May 1
And to wrap up the list, we’re bringing you something hilarious and a little bit unhinged. Directed by Adele Lim, Joy Ride is a raunchy comedy that delivers big laughs while also telling a surprisingly heartfelt story about friendship, family, and identity. The film follows Audrey (Ashley Park), a successful lawyer who travels to China for a business trip, only for things to spiral wildly out of control. Joined by her chaotic best friend Lolo (Sherry Cola), Lolo’s eccentric cousin Deadeye (Sabrina Wu), and her seemingly perfect college friend Kat (Stephanie Hsu), the trip turns into a no-holds-barred adventure full of unexpected detours and some deeply personal revelations.
Joy Ride was a critical hit, earning praise for its sharp humor, fearless performances, and refreshing take on the modern comedy. While its box office performance was more modest, the film quickly found an audience thanks to strong word of mouth and standout moments that had viewers talking.
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Laura Adams
Almontather Rassoul
