Netflix added several notable films in May, giving subscribers a mix of comedy, drama, biographical storytelling, and true-crime tension to choose from as summer approaches. Using IMDb user ratings as a guide, the standout titles offer different kinds of entertainment while showcasing well-known stars such as Jennifer Garner, Mark Ruffalo, Adam Driver, Bill Skarsgård, Penélope Cruz, Al Pacino, and Shailene Woodley.
One of the most recognizable additions is 13 Going on 30 (2004), starring Jennifer Garner as Jenna Rink, a 13-year-old who suddenly wakes up as a 30-year-old magazine editor after making a wish on a magical dollhouse. The film follows Jenna as she tries to navigate adult life while still thinking like a teenager, leading to humorous and heartfelt moments as she reconnects with her childhood crush and tries to rediscover who she really is. Although it was only a modest box office success when it first came out, the movie has grown into a beloved romantic comedy over time. Its blend of fantasy, humor, and emotion has helped it endure as a fan favorite, and the film’s popularity continues to keep it in conversation among modern rom-com classics.
Another featured title is Ferrari (2023), directed by Michael Mann and centered on automobile pioneer Enzo Ferrari, played by Adam Driver. Set during the summer of 1957, the film explores a difficult period in Enzo’s life, both professionally and personally. His company is under financial pressure, his marriage to Laura, played by Penélope Cruz, is strained by grief and resentment, and his mistress Lina, played by Shailene Woodley, pushes him to acknowledge their illegitimate son. With a major race on the horizon and his business at risk, Enzo must depend on his estranged wife for help. The film combines elements of domestic drama, corporate tension, and racing spectacle, offering a layered portrait of a man whose outward control masks deep emotional pain. While not every part of the movie lands equally, its racing sequences and dramatic performances give it strong cinematic appeal.
The most recent title in the lineup is Dead Man’s Wire (2025), featuring Bill Skarsgård as Tony Kiritsis, a man who kidnaps a wealthy businessman’s son after believing he was cheated in a failed land deal. The film also stars Al Pacino and Dacre Montgomery as members of the Hall family. Based on a real 1977 incident, the story follows Kiritsis as he turns his kidnapping into a public protest and demands that the people he believes wronged him admit their crimes. The movie draws power from the fact that the events actually happened, adding a sense of unpredictability and tension to every scene. Its story becomes even more outrageous as it unfolds, making it one of the more unusual and gripping offerings among Netflix’s May additions.
Together, these films highlight the range of content Netflix is offering this month, from nostalgic romantic comedy to stylish biographical drama to unsettling true crime.
