While the box office saw a quieter weekend with The Mandalorian and Grogu on the horizon, streaming is where the action is this week. After Mortal Kombat II took a steep 65% drop in its second weekend, Michael reclaimed the top spot with a solid $26 million. But if you're staying in, Netflix has you covered with a trio of must-watch films. Here are our top picks for the week of May 18.
1. 'Black Phone 2' (2025)
Rotten Tomatoes: 72% | IMDb: 6.0/10
The terrifying sequel to the 2021 horror hit has arrived on Netflix, and it's already giving viewers chills. Based on Joe Hill's short story, the original followed 13-year-old Finney (Mason Thames) as he was abducted by the masked Grabber (Ethan Hawke). Now 17, Finn hears the mysterious black phone ringing again, plunging him back into a nightmare. Hawke's performance as the Grabber remains a fan favorite, and he's joined by Thames, Madeleine McGraw, Jeremy Davies, and Demián Bichir. This sequel cranks up the suspense, making it a perfect pick for horror fans looking for suspenseful movies that keep you on edge.
2. 'GOAT' (2026)
Rotten Tomatoes: 84% | IMDb: 6.7/10
Produced by NBA legend Stephen Curry, this animated gem landed on Netflix on May 14 after a $193 million box office run. Directed by Tyree Dilihay, GOAT follows a small goat named Will Harris (voiced by Caleb McLaughlin) who dreams of becoming a professional roarball player. Despite being the underdog in a kingdom of powerful animals, his journey is a classic zero-to-hero story that inspires. With voice work from Sherry Cola, Eduardo Franco, David Harbour, Nicola Coughlan, and Curry himself, this film blends humor and heart for a wholesome family experience. For more family-friendly options, check out our list of Netflix shows you absolutely must watch.
3. 'The Lost City' (2022)
Rotten Tomatoes: 78% | IMDb: 6.1/10
If you're in the mood for a fun, adrenaline-fueled adventure, The Lost City is your ticket. Directed by Aaron and Adam Nee, the film stars Sandra Bullock as romance novelist Loretta Sage, who is kidnapped by eccentric billionaire Abigail Fairfax (Daniel Radcliffe) to find a lost treasure. Alongside her cover model Alan (Channing Tatum), the duo must navigate the jungle in a hilarious and thrilling escape. With a stellar supporting cast including Brad Pitt, Da'Vine Joy Randolph, and Bowen Yang, this movie delivers laughs, action, and a killer soundtrack. It's a perfect escape for those who love crime thriller shows that are perfect from start to finish.
Whether you're in the mood for horror, animation, or adventure, these three Netflix movies offer something for everyone this week. Happy streaming!
