Beginning with the latest Marvel offering (and the studio’s best in ages) and ending with the newest film from Wes Anderson, May is packed to the rim with must-see films. The summer season starts early with several high-profile films, from new entries in the “Mission: Impossible” franchise to the latest family-friendly live-action adaptation from Disney. 
But among the tentpole films, of which there are many, there are also plenty of smaller, independent films worth your time and energy. From unsettling horror to even more discomforting comedies (courtesy of cringe master Tim Robinson), May has a little bit of everything. And plenty is available for home viewing, from slasher entries to the theatrical directorial debut from the creator of “Succession,” to an action-adventure film starring Natalie Portman, and more. 
READ MORE: 10 Must-Watch TV Shows In May: ‘Poker Face,’ ‘Dept. Q,’ ‘Murderbot’ & More
“Another Simple Favor”Anna Kendrick, Blake Lively, and Henry Golding reprise their roles for the sequel “Another Simple Favor” directed by Paul Feig. The film takes place five years after the first film’s events, when Emily is released from prison and invites Stephanie to travel to Italy to be her maid of honor (read our review).Release Date: Streaming now on Amazon Prime Video. 

“Thunderbolts*”The latest from Marvel brings together a rag-tag group of would-be heroes and once villains to save the day in “Thunderbolts.” Directed by Jake Schreier (“Beef”), Florence Pugh, Sebastian Stan, Wyatt Russell, Hannah John-Kamen, Lewis Pullman, David Harbour, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, and Geraldine Viswanathan star (read our review.) Release Date: In theaters May 2 via Walt Disney Studios. 

“The Surfer”Written by Thomas Martin and directed by Lorcan Finnegan, “The Surfer” stars Nicolas Cage as the locals thwart a man whose idyllic wish to surf with his son as he faces bullies. The film premiered at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival and stars Julian McMahon, Miranda Tapsell, Alexander Bertrand, Justin Rosniak, and more star. Release Date: In theaters May 2 via Stan Madman Films.

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“Pavements”An experimental musical biopic concert film from filmmaker Alex Ross Perry, “Pavements” attempts a documentary/fiction hybrid. The film follows the indie band Pavement, which incorporates scripted scenes with documentary footage of the band and their low-key approach to their version of fame. Along with the original band members, the film also stars Joe Keery, Nat Wolff, Logan Miller, and Griffin Newman as fictional versions. Release Date: In theaters May 2 via Utopia (read our review).