5 movies you (probably) skipped in theaters but need to stream in May 2026

(L-R) Zendaya as Emma Harwood in "The Drama" and Ian McKellen as Julian Sklar in "The Christophers"
(Image credit: A24 / Neon / Collection Christophel / Pictorial Press Ltd / Claudette Barius / Alamy)

As a dedicated movie theater goer who sees more than 100 movies on the big screen every year (I just crossed over 40 trips to my local multiplex in 2026 so far), one of my additional goals is to shine a spotlight on the great movies I see that don’t necessarily get their much-deserved attention.

Movies you (probably) skipped

Welcome to Movies You (Probably) Skipped, a monthly column where I pick out the best new releases that didn't quite pull in the crowds on the big screen, but deserve a second chance now they've arrived on streaming.

I’m not talking about major blockbusters here, but rather the movies that you might have heard of, but didn’t think were worth paying movie theater prices to watch. And even a few movies that (probably) totally passed you by. To ensure these movies don’t totally fall off the radar, I created this monthly column, “Movies You Skipped.” Welcome to May’s edition!

This month, there’s a darkly funny comedy-drama with two A-list stars, an even darker psychological thriller that haunts my dreams, a refreshing zombie flick with a “Star Wars” cast member, and more. Here are the movies you might have skipped in cinemas, but should circle back to enjoy now that they’re all available to watch at home on streaming services.

Latest Videos From

‘The Drama’ (PVOD)

The Drama | Official Trailer HD | A24 - YouTube The Drama | Official Trailer HD | A24 - YouTube
Watch On

“The Drama” was certainly a big deal on movie social media (FilmTok went wild for it), but outside of dedicated film fan communities, I feel like this darkly funny romantic comedy didn’t quite get the love it deserved. So, I’m championing that it's arrived on premium streaming. You’ve got Robert Pattinson and Zendaya at their best, which should be all you need to give this wild ride a shot. Trust me, you won’t expect how it plays out.

In fact, I find talking about “The Drama” a little tricky as the element of surprise is one of its core strengths. But, if you need a little more convincing before forking over a rental fee, it comes from director Kristoffer Borgli and centers on a seemingly loved-up couple (Pattinson and Zendaya), who are engaged. But just a week before the wedding, an unexpected revelation throws their impending marriage into doubt and might ruin their lives.

Watch "The Drama" on Prime Video (buy/rent) now

‘Hallow Road’ (Hulu)

Hallow Road | Official Trailer - HD - YouTube Hallow Road | Official Trailer - HD - YouTube
Watch On

“Hallow Road” is a movie I’ve been recommending for the best part of 12 months at this point. I adore this psychological horror-thriller. As a huge fan of horror in general, it takes a lot to spook me these days after being desensitised to many of the genre’s tricks, but “Hallow Road” is a rare flick that really freaked me out. My walk home from the theater had me checking over my shoulder in case somebody (or something) was watching.

Rosamund Pike and Matthew Rhys play a husband and wife who receive a distressing late-night call from their daughter. She’s been involved in a road accident while intoxicated, and they must race to the scene of the incident before anybody else can learn what’s happened. But as they travel through the night, the situation becomes something altogether more terrifying. Brilliantly paced and making great use of its minimalist setup, “Hallow Road” is a chiller that will haunt you for weeks afterward.

Watch "Hallow Road" on Hulu now

‘We Bury the Dead’ (Hulu)

We Bury The Dead | Official Trailer (HD) | Vertical - YouTube We Bury The Dead | Official Trailer (HD) | Vertical - YouTube
Watch On

At this point, it’s pretty hard to make a zombie movie feel fresh, so kudos to writer/director Zak Hilditch for breathing some new life into this well-charted subgenre. This movie premiered way back in 2024 in its native Australia, but finally hit U.S. shores in January and is now available to stream on Hulu, which should go some way to expanding its viewership.

Set in the wake of a military disaster, which has caused the dead to rise, Ava Newman (Daisy Ridley) joins an operation to enter the quarantine zone in the hopes of finding her missing husband. The government claims the walking dead are mostly harmless, slow-moving creatures. But upon entering the condemned area, Ava discovers the shocking truth: These zombies aren’t docile, but violent, relentless and growing more dangerous.

Watch "We Bury the Dead" on Hulu now

‘The Christophers’ (PVOD)

THE CHRISTOPHERS - Official Trailer - In Select Theaters April 10 - YouTube THE CHRISTOPHERS - Official Trailer - In Select Theaters April 10 - YouTube
Watch On

Steven Soderbergh’s new movie “The Christophers” isn’t quite what I expected. Due to its setup, which revolves around a crafty con, and because Soderbergh frequently works in the thriller genre, I had expected an intense, twist-fueled movie. Instead, it’s an emotional, charming and thoughtful comedy-drama. It’s also anchored by one of Ian McKellen’s best performances, and Michaela Coel is no less fantastic playing alongside him.

Lori (Coel) is a young artist hired by the children of legendary painter Julian Sklar (McKellen) to work as an assistant. But Sklar’s son (James Corden) and daughter (Jessica Gunning) have more immoral motivations; they want Lori to forge their father’s unfinished paintings so they can sell them off after his death and rake in a fortune. Lori is initially onboard, but as she gets to know the grumpy Julian, she begins to second-guess her involvement.

Watch "The Christophers" on Prime Video (buy/rent) now

‘Goat’ (Netflix)

GOAT – New Trailer (HD) - YouTube GOAT – New Trailer (HD) - YouTube
Watch On

“Goat” was no flop at the box office, but when compared to the likes of "Zootopia 2,” it’s clear that a lot of families decided this animated comedy set in a world inhabited by anthropomorphic animals wasn’t worth the cost of a trip to the movies. Now that it’s arrived on Netflix, I have no doubt it’ll become a family favorite, and a much-appreciated colorful distraction for parents looking to get the kids out of their hair for even just a little while.

Will (McLaughlin) is a small goat that dreams of being just like his hero, a panther named Jett Fillmore (Gabrielle Union), who plays for the Vineland Thorns. However, the sport of Roarball is dominated by the fastest and most ferocious animal in the kingdom. After being given a surprising shot at the big leagues and despite being mocked by teammates, including Jett, Will steps onto the court to prove that animals of all sizes can ball.

Watch "Goat" on Netflix now


Google News

Follow Tom's Guide on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our up-to-date news, analysis, and reviews in your feeds. Subscribe to Tom's Guide on YouTube and follow Tom's Guide Entertainment on TikTok and Instagram. Finally, you can visit our dedicated Tom's Guide Savings Squad hub for expert help on getting the best products for less.


More from Tom's Guide

Rory Mellon
Senior Entertainment Editor (UK)

Rory is a Senior Entertainment Editor at Tom’s Guide based in the UK. He covers a wide range of topics but with a particular focus on gaming and streaming. When he’s not reviewing the latest games, searching for hidden gems on Netflix, or writing hot takes on new gaming hardware, TV shows and movies, he can be found attending music festivals and getting far too emotionally invested in his favorite football team.

You must confirm your public display name before commenting

Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.