11 Best New Movies on Netflix: May 2023’s Freshest Films to Watch

The Mother

Released May 12

One of the most highly-anticipated May streaming titles is this Netflix Original action-thriller film about a deadly assassin (Jennifer Lopez) who comes out of hiding in order to protect the daughter (Lucy Paez) she’d given up years prior whilst on the run from dangerous assailants. Witness the titular Mother’s immense grit and strength in this brand new title that also features Joseph Fiennes, Omari Hardwick, Gael García Bernal, Paul Raci, Jesse Garcia, and Yvonne Senat Jones alongside stars Lopez and Paez as soon as it drops this month, only on Netflix.

Royalteen: Princess Margrethe

Released May 11

Based on the second book of Randi Fuglehaug and Anne Gunn Halvorsen’s acclaimed young adult Royalteen book series, Royalteen: Princess Margrethe is a Norwegian romantic-drama film that follows Norwegian royal, Princess Margrethe (Elli Rhiannon Müller Osborne) dealing with the drama and fallout from her prom scandal and subsequent hospitalization.

And as if that wasn’t stressful enough, Margrehte is also soon surprised with a visit from the Danish royal family, putting her face-to-dace with handsome Danish prince, Kalle (Mathias Storhøi), with whom she has been chatting for months. Between family, romantic, and personal drama, Princess Margrethe has a lot on her plate, making for a wholly engrossing viewing experience you won’t want you miss.

Hannah Gadsby: Something Special

Released May 9

Hot off the heels of smash-hit stand-up specials Nanette and Douglas comes Something Special, the latest hour of comedy and thoughtful introspection from Emmy and Peabody Award winning comedian Hannah Gadsby. The Australian sensation films their third Netflix Original special at the world-famous Sydney Opera House, where they talk about everything from their own recent wedding to multiple traumatic encounters with a bunny, and plenty more. Grace yourself with the smart, candid, and heartfelt work of Hannah Gadsby by watching Something Special on Netflix early in May.

Anna Nicole Smith: You Don’t Know Me

Released May 16

For those looking to experience a gripping true story, be sure to watch Anna Nicole Smith: You Don’t Know Me this month. The Netflix Original documentary film gives an unflinching and humanizing look at the life, death, and secrets of American model and actress Vickie Lynn Hogan, better known by her stage name Anna Nicole Smith. Following her rise to Playboy centerfold and eventual fall in the form of her untimely passing in 2007, the film utilizes never-before-seen footage, home movies, and exclusive interviews to give brand new insights into the story of Anna Nicole Smith.

Blood & Gold

Released May 26

It’s Spring, 1945, the final days of World War II as we delve into the intertwining stories of German deserter Heinrich (Robert Maaser) and young, courageous farmer Elsa (Marie Hacke). As Heinrich is on his way home from war to reunite with his daughter, he accidentally finds himself in the clutches of a marauding SS troop and their brutal leader (Alexander Scheer).

But just before he can die at their hands, Heinrich is saved by Elsa, leading them to eventually team up as they’re unwillingly dragged into a bloody and thrilling hunt for a hidden golden Jewish treasure in order to to prevent the SS from wrenching it from the local villagers who are also fighting for it. See it all go down in German action comedy-drama Blood & Gold towards the end of May.

Wanda Sykes: I’m An Entertainer

Released May 23

In her second hour-long Netflix comedy special, legendary comedian and actress Wanda Sykes returns to take the stage and split some sides. Wanda Sykes: I’m An Entertainer sees Sykes comment and explore the challenges of raising Gen-Z teens, the challenges with being liberal in an intensely charged political clime, and more, all with her exception social commentary and incisive wit, making for a stand-up experience that it sure to entertain, educate, and delight.

Astérix & Obélix: The Middle Kingdom

Released May 19

This fifth installment of the Asterix live-action film series continues to depict a flesh and blood version of the long-running and beloved French comic book hero, Asterix (Guillaume Canet), as well as his ridiculously strong best bud, Obelix (Gilles Lellouche).

The Netflix Original adventure family comedy film follows the two titular besties as they journey to Imperial China in order to help the only daughter of the Chinese emperor Han Xuandi, Princess Fu Yi (Julie Chen), to save the Empress (Linh-Dan Pham) and her land from a strict and nefarious prince (Tran Vu Tran). You won’t have to speak French or be a wiz at Gallic history to thoroughly enjoy Astérix & Obélix: The Middle Kingdom (which you will)!

Victim/Suspect

Released May 23

For a more serious film involving intense real-life stories and repercussions, there is Victim/Suspect, a true crime documentary led by American journalist Rae de Leon. Join her as she embarks on a nationwide investigation exposing a shocking pattern of the police taking the reports of women who have come to them about being sexually assaulted, only to then charge and arrest the women for filing false reports.

This stunning and revealing documentary shares the stories of women who were betrayed by the authorities who were supposed to help them find justice, and in doing so, sheds light on some flaws in a system meant to protect those they are punishing.

Kathal – A Jackfruit Mystery

Released May 19

Kathal – A Jackfruit Mystery is an Indian Netflix Original investigative satire comedy that follows a spirited young police officer named Mahima (Sanya Malhotra) investigation into the disappearance of two prized jackfruits from a politician’s garden. Determined to prove herself by getting to the bottom of this bizarre case, Mahima’s quest for answers and justice leads her on an unexpected journey that is sure to entertain viewers from all over the world.

Faithfully Yours

Released May 17

Get your heart pounding with this Dutch thriller film about two best friends, Bodil (Bracha van Doesburgh) and Isabel (Elise Schaap), who enable each other to live risky and potentially destructive double lives. While both women appear happily married to their respective spouses, they still sneak away from their families to engages in illicit, secret affairs while using each other as alibis.

But when Isabel is killed at a time where they were supposed to have been together, Bodil gets caught in her own elaborate web of lies, leading to major consequences that will change the lives of all involved forever.

Fanfic

Released May 17

In this moving Polish Netflix Original film, two high school students (Alin Szewczyk and Jan Cięciara) come together to create an intense connection as they take on the challenge of finding, accepting, and expressing their truest selves. Fanfic is a sweet and moving LGBTQ+ story about self-discovery, change, and the incredible, unforgettable bonds that people can make with one another, even (maybe especially) in difficult and confusing times.