Netflix top 10 movies — here’s the 3 worth watching right now (May 23-24)
These trending Netflix movies are actually worth the hype
It's Memorial Day weekend, which means the best streaming services are bringing the party with new movies to enjoy. If spending the holiday weekend inside relaxing with a nice film sounds like your idea of heaven, then we have you covered with our favorite three movies from the Netflix top 10.
Of course, choosing from the 10 most popular movies on Netflix is no easy task. To help you overcome that problem, I'm here to dig through all 10 and highlight the ones that are most worth your time. Whether you want something for the family, a thriller to keep you on the edge of your seat, or a heartfelt romantic comedy, one of these movies will tickle your fancy.
And don't worry if none of these gems piques your interest. Our guide to everything new on Netflix this month has plenty more top picks for May.
Without further ado, here are my three must-watch movies in Netflix’s top 10 this weekend. Enjoy!
This article is based on Netflix's top 10 movies list in the U.S. as of 12:00 p.m. ET on Saturday, May 23, 2026.
Best movies in the Netflix top 10
'Goat' (2026)
I saw "Goat" with my girlfriend and her son in theaters when it first opened, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. This is surprising for me, as I don't typically enjoy movies targeted at kids. But the sports-themed story, interesting animation, out-of-the-box art style and feel-good story actually grabbed me right out of the gates.
In my opinion, Aaron Pierre absolutely knocks it out of the park as the primary antagonist, Mane Attraction. Even basketball legends Stephen Curry and Angel Reese do great jobs voicing Lenny Williamson and Propp, respectively. If you think back fondly to underdog movies like "Rudy," "The Mighty Ducks," or "Cool Runnings" but would prefer them presented in an animated format, you'll have a great time with "Goat."
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Watch "Goat" on Netflix now
'Apex' (2026)
Tom's Guide Senior Entertainment Editor Rory Melon wrote our "Apex" review and gave it a respectable 3-star rating. While he did say the film is "forgettable," he also noted that "Charlize Theron and a devilishly unhinged Taron Egerton keep you invested until the conclusion."
Personally, I found the movie quite gripping throughout. A lot of movies are described as rollercoaster rides, and I think this one fits the description perfectly. If the idea of a main character employing survival skills and cunning to evade a hunter who’s animalistic and savage, then you'll love "Apex." It's not perfect, but it accomplishes what it sets out to do, and it'll definitely make you feel, even if the feelings don't stick with you as long as some other thrillers.
Watch "Apex" on Netflix now
'Mother's Day' (2016)
For the fifth week, "Mother's Day" has made it into the Netflix top 10. Sure, the popular day for showing our mothers how much we care may have passed, but people are still enjoying the decade-old film starring Jennifer Aniston, Kate Hudson, Julia Roberts, Jason Sudeikis, Britt Robertson, Timothy Olyphant, Héctor Elizondo, and Jack Whitehall. That's a mouthful of big-name celebrities!
The movie is about a group of seemingly unconnected people in Atlanta who come to terms with their relationships with their mothers. Each character has their own compelling story to suck you in and make you root for a positive outcome. And of course, the disconnected characters don't stay strangers forever, as life brings them together and romance (and a bit of comedy) ensues. It has some flaws, but if you can put aside the negative critical reception, you'll find some good romantic fun.
Watch "Mother's Day" on Netflix now
Netflix top 10 movies right now
1. "Goat" (2026)
2. "Remarkably Bright Creatures" (2026)
3. "The Crash" (2026)
4. "Swapped" (2026)
5. "Mother's Day" (2016)
6. "Stolen Baby" (2023)
7. "And So It Goes" (2014)
8. "Home" (2015)
9. "Apex" (2026)
10. "Safe Haven" (2013)
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Dave LeClair is the Managing Editor, News & Engagement for Tom's Guide, keeping his finger on the pulse of all things technology. He loves taking the complicated happenings in the tech world and explaining why they matter. Whether Apple is announcing the next big thing in the mobile space or a small startup advancing generative AI, Dave will apply his experience to help you figure out what's happening and why it's relevant to your life.
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