Netflix has recently released its May lineup, and there are countless great options to choose from for every individual. Every month, the streaming giant adds more binge-able content to the site, giving its members an even wider variety of choices.The entire lineup can be found in a three minute video on Netflix's YouTube channel. With so much content available, it can be hard to narrow down what to watch. Below is my list of the five best releases to look forward to on the streaming site next month.
5. 'High School Musical 3: Senior Year' (May 1)
With the "High School Musical" franchise beginning in 2006, this movie was released two years later in 2008, and is the only movie in the series to be theatrically released. Earning over $250 million over its theatrical release, "High School Musical 3" once held the title for biggest opening day release of a musical in film history, until "Les Miserables" took the title in 2012. This movie follows the same group of characters from the first two movies as they navigate (you guessed it) their senior year of high school, having to make decisions about college, relationships, and prom. If you want to binge the whole series, however, it has to be done soon because the first two movies disappear from Netflix on May 2.
4. 'Shrek' (May 1)
"Shrek" is a fan-favorite movie beloved by the whole family. "Shrek" is an animated parody film that takes tropes from many famous fairy tales, and follows an ogre named Shrek as he rescues a princess in the place of a prince. Released in 2001, it has proved its staying power by being the focus of several internet memes.
"Shrek" was so successful upon its release that it spawned three sequels, a spin-off movie, and even a Broadway musical. The title character even has his own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. "Shrek" is perfect to watch with family, with friends, or even by yourself on a night in. However you watch it, you're sure to laugh.
3. 'Mamma Mia' (May 16)
Based on the successful jukebox musical of the same name, "Mamma Mia" the film has become successful in its own right. Upon release, the film garnered positive reviews and even was nominated for two Golden Globes. Fan-favorite actress Meryl Streep shines in this movie about a girl who seeks to find out the truth about her paternity before she gets married. This movie's release on Netflix is perfect if you want to remember all the little details you forgot before the sequel is released in July later this year.
2. 'Phantom of the Opera' (May 14)
This 2004 film is based on the wildly popular Broadway musical of the same name, and stars Emmy Rossum and Gerard Butler. The Broadway show is the longest running show of all-time, having been in production since 1986.
Loosely based on the Gaston Leroux novel, "The Phantom of the Opera" follows the story of an up and coming soprano singer at the fictional Paris Opera House who has caught the attention of a mysterious figure known as the phantom. For this film adaption, Butler recorded an original song not seen in the stage production. This dark, romantic musical is perfect for a movie night with mom.
1. 'Coco' (May 29)
"Coco" is the latest Pixar film, and the winner of two Academy Awards: Best Original Song and Best Animated Feature. This film celebrates Mexican culture, specifically around El Dia de Los Muertos (The Day of the Dead). "Coco" follows a young boy named Miguel who wants to be a singer in a family that forbids any kind of music.
The film was a huge success, earning nearly $800 million worldwide and receiving huge critical acclaim. Notably, "Coco" is now Mexico's most successful film on its currency basis. If that doesn't mark this film as a true celebration of Mexican culture, nothing will. "Coco" is a movie that the whole family can enjoy and sing along to.
