As May arrives, that means summer is here, at least for movies. And it means the theatrical rollout of tentpoles and blockbuster event films, which start out strong this year with the romantic-comedy actioner “The Fall Guy.” It’s a big month for major releases both for the bigger budgeted features but also for indie films that have gained strong word of mouth through festival selections. “I Saw the TV Glow” and “Furiosa” are both worthy of major attention, the former having garnered raves out of its Sundance premieres.
READ MORE: Summer Movie Preview: 50 Must-See Films To Watch
Elsewhere, as always, there’s a bit of something for everyone. From indulgent, sweeping romances to environmental thrillers, biopics, and intimate, female-driven comedies, the film slate is vast in May. It will be a busy month at the theaters, with few streaming titles jumping out as we rush to see new additions to franchises and independent hits.
“The Idea of You”
Anne Hathaway stars in the romantic comedy “The Idea of You” from “The Big Sick” director Michael Showalter. Showalter co-writes the script alongside Jennifer Westfeldt, based on the novel of the same name by Robinne Lee. Drawing clear inspiration from boy bands such as One Direction (namely it’s star, Harry Styles) the film follows Hathaway’s 40-year-old single mom who finds herself in a surprising, globe-trotting romance with a 24-year-old boy band singer. Nicholas Galitzine, Ella Rubin, and Reid Scott also star. [Read our review.]
Release Date: Available to stream Prime Video on May 2.
“Evil Does Not Exist”
“Drive My Car” director Ryusuke Hamaguchi returns with his latest, the ecological thriller “Evil Does Not Exist.” The story follows a rural town faced with urban gentrification in the form of a glamping company looking to set up a new territory. The film competed for the Golden Lion at the 2023 Venice International Film Festival, winning the Grand Jury Prize. Composer Eiko Ishibashi reteams with the filmmaker. [Read our review.]
Release Date: In theaters May 3 via Sideshow/Janus Films.
“I Saw the TV Glow”
Director Jane Schoenbrun returns with her latest following, “We’re All Going to the World’s Fair.” Justice Smith and Brigette Lundy-Paine star in “I Saw the TV Glow,” a psychological horror-thriller that follows two teenagers and their bond over a television series as reality blends. The film premiered at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival, winning raves. [Read our reviewl.]
Release Date: In theaters May 3 via A24.
“The Fall Guy”
The star power of Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt team up in “The Fall Guy” from director David Leitch. Drew Pearce pens the script, following Gosling’s stuntman working on his ex-girlfriends first film. However, it’s not long before he finds himself involved in a conspiracy surrounding the lead actor, played by Aaron Taylor-Johnson. The film also stars Hannah Waddingham, Teresa Palmer, Stephanie Hsu, and Winston Duke. [Read our review.]
Release Date: In theaters May 3 via Universal Pictures.