While The Mandalorian and Grogu is set to dominate theaters this weekend, Netflix is quietly serving up a stellar lineup of movies perfect for a cozy night in. Whether you're in the mood for a laugh, a scare, or a good cry, these three picks offer something for every taste. Here's your weekend watchlist for May 22.
1. 'Ladies First' (2026)
If you're tired of big-budget blockbusters and want something fresh, Ladies First is a hilarious gender-swapped comedy that flips the script on traditional power dynamics. Directed by Thea Sharrock, the film stars Sacha Baron Cohen as Damien Sachs, a wealthy male chauvinist on the verge of becoming CEO. After waking up in a parallel universe run by women, he must go head-to-head with the fearless Alex Fox, played by Rosamund Pike.
This remake of the French film Je Ne Suis Pas Un Homme Facile is a breezy 90-minute romp that doesn't take itself too seriously. With a stellar supporting cast including Tom Davis, Charles Dance, and Emily Mortimer, it's the perfect easy-viewing comedy to unwind with after a long week. For more great options, check out our list of the best shows and movies on Netflix.
2. 'Nope' (2022)
Jordan Peele's Nope is one of the most underrated horror films of the decade, and it's finally streaming on Netflix. Starring Daniel Kaluuya and Keke Palmer as siblings who witness a strange sci-fi phenomenon in rural California, the film masterfully blends the tension of Jaws with the wonder of Close Encounters of the Third Kind. With an 83% Rotten Tomatoes score and a 6.8/10 on IMDb, it's a must-watch for fans of smart, genre-bending cinema.
Four years after its release, Nope deserves a second look from those who may have dismissed it. Peele's follow-up to Get Out is a visually stunning and thought-provoking thriller that rewards repeat viewings. If you're in the mood for something that will keep you on the edge of your seat, this is it. For more sci-fi thrills, check out our coverage of The Boroughs.
3. 'Safe Haven' (2013)
Sometimes you just need a feel-good romance to escape into, and Safe Haven delivers exactly that. Based on Nicholas Sparks' novel, the film follows a woman with a mysterious past who finds solace in a small North Carolina town after meeting a widower. It's like The Summer I Turned Pretty meets Colleen Hoover's It Ends With Us, complete with a shocking twist that will leave you speechless.
While the plot may stretch believability, the emotional payoff is worth it. This 2013 box office hit is perfect for a lazy Sunday afternoon when you want something undemanding yet satisfying. For more romantic dramas, don't miss our list of top disaster movies—though this one is far from a disaster.
So grab your popcorn, settle in, and enjoy these three near-perfect Netflix movies this weekend. Whether you're in the mood for comedy, horror, or romance, there's something here for everyone.
