3 best new to Netflix movies you need to watch this weekend (May 1-3)

Netflix logo on a blue pink film reel background
(Image credit: Netflix; Shutterstock)

If your weekend plan includes kicking back on the couch in front of a new movie, Netflix often feels like the go-to choice streamer. Like all the best streaming services, it keeps things fresh with a steady stream of new releases, and this weekend is no exception.

I've already looked through everything that's new on Netflix this weekend and put together a quickfire list of three new to Netflix movies that I think you might want to check out over the next couple of days.

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Best new to Netflix movies to stream this weekend

'Burn After Reading' (2008)

Burn After Reading Official Trailer #1 - Brad Pitt Movie (2008) HD - YouTube Burn After Reading Official Trailer #1 - Brad Pitt Movie (2008) HD - YouTube
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If you're after hilarity this weekend, you might want to check out the Coen Brothers' 2008 black comedy, "Burn After Reading," this weekend.

The film revolves around two gym employees, Linda (Frances McDormand) and Chad (Brad Pitt), who happen upon a disc containing the misplaced memoirs of an ex-CIA analyst, Osborne Cox (John Malkovich), whose life is going from bad to worse. Seeing it as an opportunity to make some serious cash, the duo decides to try and blackmail — and chaos ensues.

Stream "Burn After Reading" on Netflix now

'Swapped' (2026)

Swapped | Official Trailer | Netflix - YouTube Swapped | Official Trailer | Netflix - YouTube
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Netflix's newest original movie is "Swapped," a new animated adventure/buddy comedy film from Nathan Greno (co-director of Disney's "Tangled") that boasts an all-star voice cast that includes the likes of Michael B. Jordan, Juno Temple, Cedric the Entertainer, Ambika Mod and Tracy Morgan.

The film revolves around two sworn enemies of The Valley — a small woodland creature (Jordan) and a majestic bird (Juno Temple) — who end up body-swapping, "Freaky Friday" style. After the exchange, the pair are forced to team up and walk in one another's feathers or fur on what becomes the wildest adventure of their lives across the animal kingdom. If you're looking for something to entertain viewers of all ages this weekend, this could be the perfect choice.

Stream "Swapped" on Netflix now

'Under the Skin' (2013)

Under The Skin | Official Trailer HD | A24 - YouTube Under The Skin | Official Trailer HD | A24 - YouTube
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I'm rounding out my recommendations with this critically acclaimed, unusual sci-fi/horror feature from Jonathan Glazer ("The Zone of Interest"): "Under the Skin." The film revolves around an alien (Scarlett Johansson) who wanders Scotland disguised as a human woman, preying on lone, unsuspecting men.

It's a cryptic, stripped-back watch with a great lead performance, and while it won't be for everyone, if it works for you, it's likely to be a mesmerising watch that'll linger in your memory.

Stream "Under the Skin" on Netflix now


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Martin Shore
Staff Writer, Streaming

Martin is a Streaming Writer at Tom’s Guide, covering all things movies and TV. If it’s in the theaters or available to stream somewhere, he’s probably watched it… especially if it has a dragon in it. Before joining the team, he was a Staff Writer at What To Watch where he wrote about a broad range of shows that stretched from "Doctor Who" and "The Witcher" to "Bridgerton" and "Love Island". When he’s not watching the next must-see movie or show, he’s probably still in front of a screen playing massive RPGs, reading, spending a fortune on TCGs, or watching the NFL.

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