The previous month treated us cinephiles with the likes of Zendaya’s on-court love triangle “Challengers,” A24’s “Civil War,” and the early Chinese film of the year, “Yolo.” May in cinema already kicked off with a bang with the arrival of “The Fall Guy” starring Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt.
But the month is just getting started—from the latest in the “Planet of the Apes” saga to a Garfield flick that melts hearts, these are the 12 best May films coming to cinemas near you.
Read more: ‘Yolo’ for thought: 5 lessons for every struggling soul
“Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” – May 8
The “Planet of the Apes” franchise has always been about reversing the roles between humans and apes while leaving behind hope for the cycle of dominance and subordination to end. “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” is set generations following Caesar’s reign where balance between the two opposing species has become further lopsided.
“As a new tyrannical ape leader builds his empire, one young ape undertakes a harrowing journey that will cause him to question all that he has known about the past and to make choices that will define a future for apes and humans alike,” the film’s synopsis reads.
“Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” is directed by Wes Ball and stars Owen Teague, Freya Allan, Kevin Durand, Peter Macon, and William H. Macy.
“Let it Be” – May 8 (on Disney+)
This May 8, a restored version of the 1970 documentary, “Let it Be,” is coming on Disney+. The film uses a “fly on the wall” perspective and follows the Beatles during the recording and rehearsing of their final studio album—including scenes from the band’s last public performance together.
Read more: ‘Now and Then’ by the Beatles is set to reach number one on the UK singles chart
“IF” – May 15
We all likely once had imaginary friends. And regardless of whether you remember or not, we played and talked with them, until one day, we didn’t. We’re told they never existed and we’ve possibly grown to believe the same. What if we were wrong?
This May film follows “a girl who discovers that she can see everyone’s imaginary friends—and what she does with that superpower—as she embarks on a magical adventure to reconnect forgotten IFs with their kids.”
“IF” is written and directed by John Krasinski and stars Ryan Reynolds, Krasinski, Cailey Fleming, Fiona Shaw, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, the late Louis Gossett Jr., and Steve Carell.
“Monkey Man” – May 15
Dev Patel’s directorial debut features a single man’s quest for vengeance against the oppressive ruling elite—John Wick-style. “Monkey Man” follows an underground fighter with a troubled past as he infiltrates the upper echelons of Mumbai’s high society and exacts revenge against those who have taken everything from him.
“Monkey Man” stars Patel, Sharlto Copley, Sobhita Dhulipala, Pitobash, Vipin Sharma, Ashwini Kalsekar, Adithi Kalkunte, Sikandar Kher, and Makarand Deshpande.
“Back to Black” – May 15
“Back to Black” follows Amy Winehouse’s rise to stardom and the makings of the iconic album that made her a globally renowned talent.
The film’s synopsis reads, “Back to Black honors Amy’s artistry, wit, and honesty as well as trying to understand her demons. An unflinching look at the modern celebrity machine and a powerful tribute to a once-in-a-generation talent.”
This May film stars Marisa Abela as Amy Winehouse and Jack O’Connell as Blake Fielder-Civil, and is directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson.
“Fuchsia Libre” – May 15
Fighting for acceptance, understanding, and love regardless of sexual orientation is a reality many now live through. “Fuchsia Libre” follows a father and son relationship damaged by the revelation of Oliver’s (Paolo Contis) gender, and the battles he must face to not only make ends meet but also reclaim what he once had with his family.
“Fuchsia Libre” is directed by RC Delos Reyes and stars John Arcilla, Paolo Contis, Khalil Ramos, Gian Magdangal, Jon Santos, Jett Pangan, Randy Villarama, Ian Ignacio, Milo Elmido Jr., and Buknoy Gonzales.
“Haikyuu!! The Dumpster Battle” – May 15
For those unfamiliar, “Haikyuu!!,” the hit Japanese volleyball anime will no longer have any follow-up seasons and will finish with two upcoming movies. “Haikyuu!! The Dumpster Battle” follows Karasuno’s long-awaited battle with rival school Nekoma for the chance to advance in the Spring National Tournament.
“Isang Gabi” – May 15
Is time a prerequisite for love? Can a fleeting moment hold up to a relationship built throughout the years? Can a love found within a single night last?
“Isang Gabi” is written by Ricky Lee, directed by McArthur C. Alejandre, DGPI, and stars Coleen Garcia and Diego Loyzaga.
“Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga” – May 22
Nine years after the release of the Oscar-winning “Mad Max: Fury Road” comes the spin-off tale, “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga.”
“As the world fell, young Furiosa is snatched from the Green Place of Many Mothers and falls into the hands of a great Biker Horde led by the Warlord Dementus. Sweeping through the Wasteland, they come across the Citadel presided over by The Immortan Joe. While the two Tyrants war for dominance, Furiosa must survive many trials as she puts together the means to find her way home,” the film’s synopsis reads.
“Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga” is directed and written by George Miller, together with co-writer Nico Lathouris, and stars Anya Taylor-Joy, Chris Hemsworth, Alyla Browne, and Tom Burke.
“My Oni Girl” – May 24 (on Netflix)
They say hiding your true feelings only does more harm than good. But what if those turned into monsters? The fourth feature-length film from Studio Colorido (“Penguin Highway,” “A Whisker Away,” and “Drifting Home”) follows a boy who is occasionally taken advantage of and an oni (demon) girl in search of her mother as they embark on a journey to overcome their pasts.
“Atlas” – May 24 (on Netflix)
Currently, the battle for the ethical use of AI is ongoing. In the far future, this untrusted technology will be helping Jennifer Lopez in an extraterrestrial mission.
This May film follows Atlas Shepherd (Lopez), a data analyst who joins a mission to capture a renegade robot. But when things go wrong and with the fate of humanity resting on her shoulders, she is forced to reevaluate her distrust of artificial intelligence, the only thing keeping her alive.
“The Garfield Movie” – May 29
Chris Pratt follows up on his dazzling performance in “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” with another connection to the Italians—lasagna, but more specifically its biggest and fluffiest consumer, Garfield. “The Garfield Movie” follows the iconic indoor cat during an unexpected reunion with his long-lost father, pushing him alongside his canine friend Odie on a high-stakes heist.
“The Garfield Movie” is directed by Mark Dindal, based on a screenplay by Paul A. Kaplan & Mark Torgove and David Reynolds. The film stars Chris Pratt, Samuel L. Jackson, Hannah Waddingham, Ving Rhames, Nicholas Hoult, Cecily Strong, Harvey Guillén, Brett Goldstein, Bowen Yang, and Snoop Dogg.