Top 10 Releases Coming to/Leaving Netflix in May 2018

Few recent kids shows can boast the impact, intelligent writing or critical reception comparable to this Disney Channel animated series. Running from 2007 to 2015, and consisting of 4 memorable seasons, “Phineas and Ferb” followed the exploits and misadventures of the titular step brothers, as well as their unforgettable pet platypus/super secret spy, Perry. The work history of the show’s creators speak for itself - Dan Povenmire and Jeff Marsh had previously collaborated on both “The Simpsons” and “Rocko’s Modern Life” - so you know that this content is worthy of both child and adult viewers alike. For those of you who have yet to check out this modern animated marvel, better move fast!

Thankfully, when one funny, intelligently-written chunk of content disappears from the Netflix library, another one swoops in to take its place. At the end of May, fans of Tina Fey’s Netflix Original Series will be blessed with yet another dose of life lessons and rarely tarnished optimism courtesy of Kimmy Schmidt - as played superbly by the unstoppable Ellie Kemper. If you’ve been sleeping on this one, take the month of May to catch up and bask in the glory of Kimmy and her unforgettable supporting cast of characters so that you can get just as excited as the rest of us about the release of season 4 part 1!

Sorry baseball and Kevin Costner fans, but at least as far as Netflix is concerned… this particular dream is sadly over. Released in 1989, this sports-fantasy charmed the heck out of cinemagoers with its all-American can-do attitude, inspiring an entire generation to follow their dreams - or at least shake off some of the pessimism of adulthood. The film, which follows the story of Ray Kinsella, a farmer who builds a baseball field on his property at the insistence of a disembodied voice, is a moving exploration of faith, interpersonal connection and the ability to heal relationships. It’s the sort of movie that everyone should see at least once, so go watch it before it’s gone!

Released in 1990 to near universal critical acclaim, and directed by the untouchable Martin Scorsese, “Goodfellas” follows Robert De Niro’s James "Jimmy the Gent" Conway, Ray Liotta’s Henry Hill, and Joe Pesci’s Tommy DeVito as they rise up in and navigate the world of organized crime. It boasts the sort of ensemble cast that would make any director drool, with every actor arguably turning in some of their best work. Whether you’re fascinated with mob culture or just a fan of good cinema, you’ll want to watch (or rewatch) this film before it leaves the streaming service May 1st. It’s undeniably one of the greatest crime movies ever made.

A lot of people in the biz are upset with the way in which Netflix has shaken up the film industry. Whatever the downsides of the streaming service’s successes might be, there’s no denying the fact that the concept of “Netflix Original Movies” is helping riskier films get made, and indie films to achieve previously unthinkable levels of exposure. With the zombie genre largely tapped out, and the concept of cerebral, dramatic “infection” movies seeming far too niche, “Cargo” very well could’ve died in the development phase. But instead, countless people will get to experience writer and co-director Yolanda Ramke’s intimate post-apocalyptic thriller. Based on the trailer, it looks like a truly unique ride.

Disney is experiencing a minor renaissance of sorts, and they’ve done it be giving their classic films the live-action treatment. On paper, the idea likely makes Disney fans shudder with horror. But thanks to this wildly successful live-action/CGI feast for the eyes, the concept has gotten a lot easier to swallow. Directed by Jon Favreau and boasting a star-studded voice cast, the 2016 Jungle Book film made nearly $1 billion at the box office, and won over critics. We know there are still some naysayers out there who refuse to watch it based on anti-remake principles, but give it a try! It’s currently just a few clicks away on Netflix, but not for long!

When the first trailer for this series was released, it caused quite the stir online. But the very fact that it earned a second season proves that, despite the detractors, “Dear White People” has found an audience and made an impact. As shown in the trailer for season 2, the show is not interested in playing nice, “dialing it back” or appealing to a wider audience. It’s a series with a strong voice and a clear sense of identity, and on May 4th, Volume 2 lands on Netflix to keep the dialogue going. While the show has a powerful message, it’s also just well-written, funny and wildly entertaining.

This film is more than just a quality movie… it was a landmark release. With this intimate, jarring and tightly woven film, Kathryn Bigelow became not only the first female director to win Best Picture at the Academy Awards, but the first woman to win Best Director as well. Aided by powerful performances from Jeremy Renner and Anthony Mackie, the Hurt Locker’s narrative is one that cuts to the very bone of a soldier’s experience when fighting overseas. It’s an evocative film, and one that will leave you with a lot to think about. Though it might be tough to watch at times, consider it mandatory viewing.




Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions



“The Toys That Made Us” Season 1 Part 2 (2017-)

Coming: May 25th, 2018




“Bridget Jones’s Diary” (2001)

Leaving: May 1st, 2018



“John Mulaney: Kid Gorgeous Live at Radio City” (2018)

Coming: May 1st, 2018

While it is with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to The Jungle Book, it is with sheer delight that we welcome Disney and Pixar’s “Coco”. The film is about family and tradition, as well as life and death, but it’s also just a whole lot of fun! In other words… it’s everything you have come to expect from the good folks over at Pixar. With that being said, by taking a deep dive into Mexican culture, the film boasts a soundtrack and visual vibrancy the likes of which not even Pixar has offered up before, making it a movie that is sure to bring joy into living rooms around the world.