The Watch List: The Best Flicks Hitting The Cinemas This May
*grabs popcorn*
By Grace De Luna | 8th May 2026New month, new lineup of movies to catch in the cinemas. This list is juggling a classic video game sequel soaked in brutality, a sheep-led murder investigation that somehow has one of the best ensemble casts of this year, and a Billie Eilish concert film shot in 3D by the director of Avatar. That’s before we even get to the A24 psychological horror from a twenty-year-old, a grief memoir turned goshawk drama, or the long-overdue debut of Mando and Grogu on the big screen.
This month’s movie roundup is wide, weird, and stacked with the kind of performances that make buying a ticket fee like the obvious choice. Here’s what’s worth your time in May.
Mortal Kombat II
Genre: Adventure, Action Release Date: 7 May Director: Simon McQuoid Cast: Karl Urban, Adeline Rudolph, Jessica McNamee, Josh Lawson, Ludi Lin, Mehcad Brooks, Tati Gabrielle, Lewis Tan, Damon Herriman, Chin Han, Tadanobu Asano, Joe Taslim, Hiroyuki Sanada, Martyn Ford
Five years after the 2021 reboot, Mortal Kombat II returns with a bigger, bloodier sequel. Karl Urban joins the cast as Johnny Cage, teaming up with Earthrealm’s champions to face Shao Kahn (Martyn Ford), a ruthless ruler threatening total domination. Based on the iconic video game series by Ed Boon and John Tobias, the film leans into its brutal tournament lore and fan-favourite characters. Director Simon McQuoid builds on the original’s mythology while amplifying its high-impact action and signature fatalities. Sometimes you just want unapologetic, bone-crunching chaos, and Mortal Kombat II delivers it with zero restraint. Karl Urban as Johnny Cage alone is worth the ticket.
The Sheep Detectives
Genre: Mystery, Comedy Release Date: 7 May Director: Kyle Balda Cast: Hugh Jackman, Nicholas Braun, Nicholas Galitzine, Molly Gordon, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Bryan Cranston, Chris O’Dowd, Regina Hall, Patrick Stewart, Bella Ramsey, Brett Goldstein, Hong Chau, Emma Thompson
When a countryside shepherd is found dead, his flock of mystery-loving sheep suspect murder. Adapted from Leonie Swann’s Three Bags Full, this offbeat mystery-comedy follows the sheep as they attempt to solve the case in a confusing human world. With a star-studded voice cast and a script by Craig Mazin, The Sheep Detectives blends sharp humour with a surprisingly heartfelt whodunit. Why should you watch it? It’s a murder mystery solved by sheep. That’s it. That’s the pitch – and somehow, with this cast, it actually works.
Billie Eilish – Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour
Genre: Concert, Documentary Release Date: 7 May Director: James Cameron, Billie Eilish Cast: Billie Eilish, Finneas O’Connell
Filmed during her sold-out Manchester shows, this 3D concert documentary captures Billie Eilish at the height of her Hit Me Hard and Soft era. Co-directed by Eilish and James Cameron, the film blends large-scale visuals with intimate behind-the-scenes moments. It offers fans a closer look at her creative process, live performances, and emotional connection to her music. It’s not just a concert film – it’s a full-scale visual experience. If you couldn’t get tickets to the actual concert, this is the next best thing (arguably better).
Iron Maiden: Burning Ambition
Genre: Concert, Documentary Release Date: 7 May Director: Malcolm Venville Cast: Steve Harris, Bruce Dickinson, Nicko McBrain, Adrian Smith, Janick Gers
Iron Maiden: Burning Ambition traces the legendary band’s rise from East London pubs to global fame. Featuring rare archival footage and interviews with band members, the documentary explores their influence on heavy metal and music culture. Animated sequences featuring mascot Eddie bring the band’s visual legacy to life. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just metal-curious, this is rock history told at full volume – with Eddie along for the ride.
Don’t Be Prey
Genre: Documentary Release Date: 7 May Director: Jeff Tseng Cast: Mark Sowerby, Tim Denyer, Steven Munatones
This Australian documentary follows entrepreneur Mark Sowerby as he attempts the Oceans Seven challenge after a personal and professional crisis. Directed by Jeff Tseng, the film documents his journey through extreme open-water swims while exploring resilience, mental health, and recovery. It’s a confronting yet deeply human story of rebuilding under pressure. Don’t Be Prey is raw, real, and physically intense in a way most documentaries aren’t. Come for the endurance feat, stay for the emotional payoff.
National Theatre Live: All My Sons
Genre: Theatre, Drama Release Date: 7 May Director: Ivo Van Hove Cast: Bryan Cranston, Marianne Jean-Baptiste, Paapa Essiedu, Tom Glynn-Carney, Hayley Squires
Filmed live in London’s West End, this production of Arthur Miller’s All My Sons explores guilt, family, and the cost of the American dream. Bryan Cranston and Marianne Jean-Baptiste lead as the Keller family, whose past decisions unravel in the aftermath of war. Directed by Ivo Van Hove, the performance brings emotional intensity and clarity to the classic play. It’s a prestige theatre without the London plane ticket. Cranston alone makes this essential viewing.
Obsession
Genre: Horror, Thriller Release Date: 14 May Director: Curry Barker Cast: Michael Johnston, Inde Navarrette, Cooper Tomlinson, Megan Lawless, Andy Richter
In this horror-thriller, a music store employee uses a mysterious object to make his crush fall in love with him – with disturbing consequences. Directed by Curry Barker, Obsession explores control, desire, and the dark side of getting exactly what you want. The film blends psychological tension with moments of dark humour. It turns a simple “what if” into a nightmare you can’t look away from. Twisted, uncomfortable, and just self-aware enough.
A Private Life
Genre: Mystery, Psychological Thriller Release Date: 14 May Director: Rebecca Zlotowski Cast: Jodie Foster, Daniel Auteuil, Virginie Efira
After a woman’s death is ruled a suicide, her psychiatrist begins to question the truth. Set in Paris, this psychological thriller follows her investigation into hidden motives and unreliable memories. Directed by Rebecca Zlotowski, this film combines mystery with character-driven drama, led by Jodie Foster. A Private Life is a slow-burn thriller that trusts your intelligence – and Jodie Foster in full control is always a win.
Mother Mary
Genre: Psychological Drama, Thriller Release Date: 14 May Director: David Lowery Cast: Anne Hathaway, Michaela Coel, Hunter Schafer, Kaia Gerber, Alba Baptista, FKA Twigs
Mother Mary follows a global pop star preparing for a comeback and her complicated reunion with the fashion designer who shaped her image. Directed by David Lowery, the film explores fame, identity, and creative rivalry. Starring Anne Hathaway and Michaela Coel, it blends psychological drama with a striking musical backdrop. Mother Mary is high fashion, higher tension, and two powerhouse performances going head-to-head. It’s messy, glamorous, and a little dangerous.
In The Grey
Genre: Action, Drama Release Date: 14 May Director: Guy Ritchie Cast: Henry Cavill, Jake Gyllenhaal, Eiza González, Rosamund Pike, Kristofer Hivju, Fisher Stevens
A covert team of operatives is tasked with recovering a stolen fortune, but the mission quickly spirals into a high-stakes conflict. Directed by Guy Ritchie, In The Grey delivers fast-paced action, sharp dialogue, and a morally complex storyline. The film stars Henry Cavill, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Eiza González. A movie that’s slick, fast, and stacked with charisma – this is Guy Ritchie doing exactly what he does best.
Pike River
Genre: Drama Release Date: 14 May Director: Robert Sarkies Cast: Melanie Lynskey, Robyn Malcolm
Based on the 2010 Pike River Mine disaster in New Zealand, this drama follows two women fighting for justice after losing loved ones. Starring Melanie Lynskey and Robyn Malcolm, Pike River explores grief, accountability, and resilience. Directed by Robert Sarkies, it highlights one of Australasia’s most significant tragedies. This movie is a deeply human story of grief and resistance that hits harder because it’s true, and unfortunately, still unresolved.
Life Could Be A Dream
Genre: Drama Release Date: 14 May Director: Jasmine Tarasin Cast: Maeve Dermody, Alexander England
This drama follows a woman and her teenage son as they search for a new beginning. While staying in a luxury home she’s been hired to sell, she begins to imagine a different future. Directed by Jasmine Tarasin, Life Could Be A Dream explores trauma, healing, and hope through an intimate mother-son story. This film is quietly devastating but ultimately hopeful.
Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu
Genre: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi Release Date: 21 May Director: Jon Favreau Cast: Pedro Pascal, Sigourney Weaver, Jeremy Allen White, Martin Scorsese
Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) and Grogu make their big-screen debut in this Star Wars adventure set after the fall of the Empire. As the New Republic struggles to maintain order, they are drawn into a mission to protect the galaxy from emerging threats. Directed by Jon Favreau, the film expands the story of the hit Disney+ series. Seeing Mando and Grogu on the big screen is an event. No notes.
Finding Emily
Genre: Romantic Comedy Release Date: 21 May Director: Alicia MacDonald Cast: Angourie Rice, Spike Fearn, Minnie Driver
A musician accidentally texts the wrong number and teams up with a stranger to find the woman he intended to contact. As they search, an unexpected connection begins to form. Finding Emily is a romantic comedy about chance encounters, modern dating, and emotional growth. It’s charming, self-aware, and just chaotic enough to feel real.
Passenger
Genre: Horror, Thriller Release Date: 21 May Director: André Øvredal Cast: Melissa Leo, Lou Llobell, Jacob Scipio
After witnessing a fatal accident on a road trip, a young couple finds themselves haunted by an unseen presence. Directed by André Øvredal, this horror-thriller builds tension through atmosphere and psychological dread. Passenger explores fear, guilt, and the consequences of a single moment. Minimal setup, maximum dread. Proof that the scariest stories don’t need much – just the right idea.
Franz
Genre: Biography, Drama Release Date: 21 May Director: Agnieszka Holland Cast: Idan Weiss, Jenovéfa Boková, Carol Schuler, Sebastian Schwarz, Katarina Stark, Aaron Friesz
This biographical drama follows the life of writer Franz Kafka, from his early years in Prague to his literary legacy. Directed by Agnieszka Holland, the film explores Kafka’s personal struggles, relationships, and creative process. Franz offers insight into one of the most influential authors of the 20th century. Watch this for a rare biopic that leans into complexity over cliché. Literary, moody, and quietly absorbing.
Backrooms
Genre: Horror, Thriller, Sci-Fi Release Date: 28 May Director: Kane Parsons Cast: Chiwetel Ejiofor, Renate Reinsve, Mark Duplass, Finn Bennett, Lukita Maxwell, Avan Jogia
Based on the viral internet horror concept, Backrooms follows a man who discovers a hidden doorway leading to an endless, unsettling space. Directed by Kane Parsons (the youngest to direct an A24 film in history at twenty years old), the film expands the eerie mythology into a psychological horror story. It explores isolation, reality, and fear of the unknown. If the internet ever genuinely unsettled you, this is that feeling stretched into a full-length nightmare.
H Is For Hawk
Genre: Drama, Biography Release Date: 28 May Director: Philippa Lowthorpe Cast: Claire Foy, Brendan Gleeson, Denise Gough, Sam Spruell, Lindsay Duncan
After the death of her father, a woman turns to falconry as a way to cope with grief. Based on Helen MacDonald’s memoir, the film follows her emotional journey while training a goshawk. Directed by Philippa Lowthorpe, H Is For Hawk blends personal loss with nature and self-discovery. This is grief told differently – meditative, strange, and carried by a performance that does a lot with very little.
Power Ballad
Genre: Dramedy, Musical Release Date: 28 May Director: John Carney Cast: Paul Rudd, Nick Jonas, Havana Rose Liu, Jack Reynor
A struggling musician co-writes a song that becomes a global hit – only for his collaborator to take all the credit. Directed by John Carney, Power Ballad explores fame, friendship, and creative ownership. Starring Paul Rudd and Nick Jonas, the film mixes music, humour, and emotional conflict. This movie is bittersweet, funny, and painfully relatable if you’ve ever missed your moment. Plus, the music hits.
Pick one, pick several, and go see something on the big screen – the way it was meant to be seen. Catch you at the cinemas!
