Netflix announced a slate of new additions for May 2025, including several critically acclaimed films and original productions set to debut on the streaming platform.
The service continues to expand its library with a mix of recent award winners and original content despite moving away from its earlier strategy of extensive licensed catalog titles.
Celine Song’s acclaimed 2023 romantic drama Past Lives heads to the platform on May 1. The semi-autobiographical film explores the relationship between two childhood friends who never find the right moment to pursue a romance despite their deep connection.
Jonah Hill’s directorial debut Mid90s also arrives May 1. The coming-of-age film follows 13-year-old Stevie as he escapes his troubled home life by immersing himself in Los Angeles’ 1990s skateboarding culture.
Former CollegeHumor staff member Josh Ruben’s romantic slasher film Heart Eyes debuts May 8. The movie — Ruben’s follow-up to horror comedies Scare Me and Werewolves Within — centers on a serial killer who targets couples on Valentine’s Day.
Netflix original film Nonnas premieres May 9, starring Vince Vaughn as Joe Scaravella, the real-life owner of Staten Island restaurant Enoteca Maria. The film depicts Scaravella’s decision to invite Italian grandmothers (“nonnas”) to work as chefs in his establishment.
Susan Sarandon, Linda Cardellini, and others join Vaughn in the cast.
Parker Finn’s horror hit Smile arrives May 14. The film stars Sosie Bacon as a therapist who witnesses a patient’s suicide and subsequently becomes haunted by disturbing visions involving smiling figures.
The Fear Street franchise returns with a standalone entry on May 23. Fear Street: Prom Queen follows the mysterious disappearances of prom queen candidates at Shadyside High School.
The cast includes India Fowler, Suzanna Son, Fina Strazza, David Iacono, Ella Rubin, Chris Klein, Lili Taylor, and Katherine Waterston.
DreamWorks‘ acclaimed animated feature The Wild Robot joins the service on May 24. The film follows a robot that crash-lands on an island and forms relationships with the local wildlife while adapting to its new environment.
Past Lives and The Wild Robot stand as particular highlights among the May additions — the former having received widespread critical acclaim for its nuanced portrayal of relationships, and the latter continuing DreamWorks‘ recent streak of exceptional animated productions.
