Last weekend, the box office belonged to the King of Pop. Antoine Fuqua's Michael shattered records with a $210 million global debut, becoming the highest-grossing music biopic opening of all time. But if you're looking to stay in and stream something this week, Netflix has you covered with a trio of standout films that range from terrifying to heartwarming to delightfully weird.
Whether you're prepping for an upcoming sequel, revisiting a cult classic, or discovering a fresh directorial voice, these three movies offer something for every mood. Here's what to add to your queue right now.
1. The Black Phone (2021)
Rotten Tomatoes: 81% | IMDb: 6.9/10
Horror fans, mark your calendars: Black Phone 2 arrives on Netflix on May 16. Before that sequel drops, now is the perfect time to revisit the 2021 original that took audiences by surprise. Directed by Scott Derrickson, the film follows 13-year-old Finney (Mason Thames), who is abducted and locked in a soundproof basement. His only lifeline is a disconnected phone that somehow lets him communicate with the dead.
Based on Joe Hill's short story, The Black Phone became a sleeper hit thanks to its tense atmosphere, clever premise, and standout performances. Thames delivers a breakout turn as the resourceful Finney, while Ethan Hawke is genuinely unsettling as the masked kidnapper. It's a horror film that relies on psychological dread rather than cheap scares, making it a must-watch before the sequel arrives.
2. The Fifth Element (1997)
Rotten Tomatoes: 71% | IMDb: 7.6/10
Bruce Willis may have stepped away from acting, but his legacy lives on in films like this wildly inventive sci-fi adventure. Luc Besson's The Fifth Element stars Willis as Korben Dallas, a former special forces agent turned cab driver who gets swept into a cosmic mission to save Earth from an ancient evil. Along the way, he teams up with Leeloo (Milla Jovovich), a perfect being who holds the key to humanity's survival.
What makes The Fifth Element so enduring is its sheer audacity. Besson blends practical effects with early CGI to create a world that feels both retro and futuristic. The cast is a who's who of '90s talent, including Gary Oldman, Ian Holm, and a scene-stealing Chris Tucker. It's a bonkers, colorful, and endlessly rewatchable gem that defined the genre. For more sci-fi classics, check out our list of the sci-fi movies that defined the genre.
3. Eleanor the Great (2025)
Rotten Tomatoes: 66% | IMDb: 6.7/10
Scarlett Johansson, best known for her role as Black Widow in the MCU, steps behind the camera for her directorial debut with Eleanor the Great. The film stars the wonderful June Squibb as Eleanor Morgenstein, an elderly woman grappling with the death of her best friend Bessie (Rita Zohar). What follows is a heartfelt journey through grief, memory, and unexpected humor.
Johansson shows impressive range as a director, balancing poignant moments with genuine laughs. Squibb delivers a career-highlight performance, proving that age is no barrier to captivating storytelling. While the film has a few rookie missteps, it's a promising start for Johansson behind the lens and a touching drama that will resonate with anyone who has ever lost a loved one. For more on what's coming to the platform, check out Netflix's May 2026 lineup.
Whether you're in the mood for scares, sci-fi, or sincere drama, these three Netflix picks deliver. Stream them this week before the next big thing arrives.
