Here's What to Watch as a Family This May
Here comes a new month of fantastic films and series, not to mention new seasons of your favorite shows!
Nicole Kear
Disney+
This May, it’s all about reboots, throwbacks and sequels: expect to see updates of beloved favorites, from Star Wars to Bob’s Burgers, as well as stunning special effects — from Prehistoric Planet to the Dr. Strange sequel. And don’t forget that May is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, making it the perfect time to watch stories celebrating unforgettable characters of Asian and Pacific American descent, including crowd-pleasing picks from Studio Ghibli and Disney. Here are our picks for the best family shows and movies to watch in May!
Moana
It definitely doesn’t have to be AAPI Heritage Month for you to stream Moana, but, hey, any excuse to tune in to the adventures of Disney’s courageous Polynesian princess and her hilarious partner in crime, the demi-god Maui. Warning: you will be singing “How Far I’ll Go” for weeks after watching. As Maui would say: you’re welcome. (Rated G)
Watch on Disney+
Turning Red
Adolescence can get pretty wild – especially for Turning Red’s Mei Lee, a Chinese-Canadian teen who discovers that she can transform into a giant red panda. The touching and hilarious story focuses on the relationship between Mei (voiced by Rosalie Chiang) and her mother (voiced by Sandra Oh), making it a perfect pick for Mother’s Day. (Rated G)
Watch on Disney+
Spirited Away
Spirits and demons and sorceresses, oh yeah! Leave the humdrum world behind and get pulled into this beautifully rendered story of magic and danger by Hayao Miyazaki. When Studio Ghibli released the film in 2003, the film took home four Academy Awards, including Best Animated Feature, making it the first – and so far, only – hand-drawn and non-English-language animated film to win that award! (Rated PG)
Watch on HBO Max
Dr. Strange in the Multiverse of Madness
Holy mother of mind-blowing special effects! Dr. Strange is back and the sequel is bigger, bolder and more action-packed than ever, making it a perfect choice to see on the big screen. (Rated PG-13)
May 6 in theaters
Wild Babies
Severe Cuteness Warning: the following docuseries contains incredibly adorable images of tiny baby lions, elephants, penguins, and pangolins in the wild, which may cause you to feel intense delight and trigger incessant watching. Watch at your own risk.
Coming May 5 to Netflix
Marmaduke
Marmaduke is baaaaaaaack (after a few delays due to Covid). This time, the lovable and enormous Great Dane is voiced by Pete Davidson, and his mission in life is to win the Westminster Dog Show, no matter what his rival Zeus, voiced by J.K. Simmons, throws at him. (Rated TV-Y7)
Coming May 6 to Netflix
Prehistoric Planet
Ever wished you could take a stroll back in time — like 66 million years back, to when dinosaurs roamed the earth? The producers of Planet Earth have made that possible with Prehistoric Planet, a new five-episode docuseries with breathtaking visuals, an original soundtrack by Academy-Award-winner Hans Zimmer, and the mellifluous narration of Sir David Attenborough.
Coming May 20 to Apple TV+
Chip ‘N Dale: Rescue Rangers
It’s Chip and Dale like you’ve never seen them before — in a world populated with humans, cartoons, CGI art, and all sorts of other creations. The old team gets back together again for a no-holds-barred adventure, with voice talent that includes Andy Samberg, John Mulaney, Keegan Michael Key and Seth Rogan. (Rated PG)
Coming May 20 to Disney+
Obi-Wan Kenobi
Star Wars fans, prepare for joyful celebration. At long last, the series Obi-Wan Kenobi will be available for streaming this month, with Ewan McGregor returning to the role of Obi-Wan, and Hayden Christensen back to play a young Darth Vader. A prequel to Star Wars: A New Hope, the series picks up ten years after the end of the last Star Wars movie, and follows Obi-Wan as he watches over Luke in Tatooine. May the wifi be with you. (Rated PG)
Coming May 25 to Disney+
Top Gun: Maverick
Do you feel the need for speed? Then you’re in luck! Tom Cruise is back in the pilot’s seat, only as a teacher this time, in Top Gun: Maverick. Same high-octane flight stunts, same tough-guy banter, only this film adds Jon Hamm and Miles Teller to the mix. In other words, buckle your seat belts. (Rated PG-13)
Coming May 27 to theaters
The Bob’s Burgers Movie
The Belchers are moving to the big screen in the highly-anticipated Bob’s Burgers Movie! From the witty repartee to the punny burgers-of-the-day, the film promises all the hallmarks of the Bob’s Burgers you know and love, as the Belchers contend with a sinkhole that threatens to swallow up the restaurant. (Rated PG-13)
Coming May 27 to theaters
Stranger Things 4, Volume 1
Good things come to those who wait. And Stranger Things fans have been waiting what feels like an eternity for the new season – which is finally here! Chief Hopper is imprisoned in Russia, the Byers have moved to Cali, and the kids in Hawkins are up to their eyeballs (and bloody noses) in danger and drama. (Rated TV-14)
Coming May 27 to Netflix
More Series Seasons and Movies Premiering in May
May 2: Octonauts: Above & Beyond: Season 2 (Netflix)
May 3: American Song Contest, Season 1, New Episode (Peacock)
May 6: Thor (Netflix)
May 6: Dear Evan Hansen (HBO Max)
May 20: Sesame Street Mecha Builders Season 1 (HBO Max)
May 11: Mira, Royal Detective, season 2 (Disney+)
May 13: Sneakerella (Disney+)
May 15: PJ Masks: Season 4 (Netflix)
May 19: The Boss Baby: Back in the Crib (Netflix)
May 23: Teen Titans Go! Season 7 (HBO Max)
May 26: My Little Pony: Make Your Mark (Netflix)
May 26: Pokémon Master Journeys: The Series: Part 3 (Netflix)
May 31: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Season 1 (Netflix)
Coming in June
June 10: Jurassic World Dominion
June 17: Lightyear
June 24: Marcel the Shell with Shoes On