6 Best New Movies Coming To Disney+ In May 2026

As a huge movie and TV fan, I’m really excited about what Disney+ has planned for May 2026! It’s not all about massive action movies, which is a nice change. From what I’ve seen, they’re focusing on really good stories with interesting characters, and they’re letting unique filmmakers bring those stories to life on both Disney+ and Hulu. It feels like a month for thoughtful, engaging content, and I’m definitely looking forward to checking it all out.

This collection offers a surprisingly diverse range of stories, from touching and relatable tales to playfully frightening horror. What’s especially appealing is its mix of well-known movies and some hidden gems you might have missed in theaters earlier this year.

Disney+ has a wide range of options, from heartwarming stories starring Matt Damon to thrilling and unpredictable adventures directed by Sam Raimi. Plus, many of these movies have been praised by critics, so you can be confident in choosing them.

If you’re a Disney+ subscriber and want to find something new to watch, here are six great additions to the service this month.

We Bought A Zoo (2011) — May 1

As a total movie fan, I’m excited to see We Bought a Zoo hit Disney+ in May! It’s one of those films that really stays with you, even years later. It’s based on a true story – Matt Damon plays Benjamin Mee, a dad dealing with loss who unexpectedly buys a run-down zoo with his kids. It’s a really heartwarming and emotional story, and I highly recommend it if you’re looking for something feel-good.

The film isn’t really about the day-to-day operations of a zoo; it’s a story about finding healing, making connections, and learning to be happy again after experiencing loss. Matt Damon gives a powerful and moving performance as a man trying to give his family a fresh start, portraying both his doubts and his unwavering resolve.

Let me tell you, while We Bought a Zoo isn’t perfect – the pacing stumbles a bit, and the tone wavers occasionally – it’s a genuinely heartwarming film. What really struck me was how director Cameron Crowe focused on the human element, letting the emotional moments truly resonate. And though the supporting cast, including Scarlett Johansson, is strong, they never steal the spotlight from the central, intimate story. Ultimately, the film’s sincerity is what won me over.

While not perfect, the movie shines thanks to its heartwarming story and inspiring depiction of overcoming challenges, making We Bought a Zoo an ideal feel-good film to start the month with.

Send Help (2026) — May 7

This month on Disney+, be sure to check out Send Help, a thrilling survival horror film from director Sam Raimi. The movie, which came out earlier this year, features Rachel McAdams and Dylan O’Brien as colleagues who find themselves stranded on a deserted island after a plane crash. As they struggle to survive, things get complicated by growing tension and suspicion between them.

Though fundamentally a simple story with only two main characters, director Sam Raimi brings his distinct flair to Send Help. The movie has a playful, slightly unsettling vibe, mixing suspense with Raimi’s characteristic dark and witty humor.

With a playfully unsettling soundtrack by frequent collaborator Danny Elfman and intentionally over-the-top practical effects, Send Help dives into a joyful kind of mayhem that distinguishes it from typical survival thrillers. The film is particularly engaging because of its skillful handling of changing moods and tones.

I was completely captivated by the relationship between McAdams and O’Brien; it shifted so unexpectedly that I honestly didn’t know where their allegiances would land. The whole thing was incredibly tense and unsettling, but also had these moments of dark humor that really worked. It’s a truly twisted story of survival, and it felt like Raimi was letting his creativity run wild – it was just so inventive and entertaining to watch!

We Bury The Dead (2025) — May 8 (Hulu)

The new zombie film, We Bury the Dead, offers a thoughtful and melancholic approach to the genre, debuting on Disney+ through Hulu. Written and directed by Zak Hilditch, it features Daisy Ridley as a woman desperately seeking her husband in a zombie-infested Tasmania. Though the story of a search for a loved one during a zombie outbreak isn’t new, the film handles it in a unique and compelling way.

You know, a lot of post-apocalyptic movies get caught up in just surviving or showing off big explosions. But We Bury the Dead is different. It really struck me as a story about dealing with loss – the grief, the longing, and how heavy that stuff can be. What really makes it work is Ridley’s performance; they’re absolutely captivating. They bring such raw emotion and determination to the role, and honestly, it’s that performance that carries the whole film and makes it so compelling.

The movie is visually beautiful, featuring evocative scenery that mirrors the main character’s feelings. The zombies appear infrequently, but their presence is impactful, representing ideas and themes rather than simply being scary monsters.

With its focus on emotional depth and a fresh take on classic zombie themes, We Bury the Dead is a standout horror story. It uses the genre to explore themes of loss and resilience, making it a particularly captivating and well-made release this month.

Alien: Romulus (2024) — May 21 (Hulu)

The new movie Alien: Romulus is now streaming on Disney+ via Hulu and is quickly becoming one of the platform’s most popular releases, and it’s easy to see why. Directed by Fede Álvarez, this latest Alien installment goes back to the series’ scary beginnings, taking place chronologically between the first Alien film and Aliens. What viewers get is a gripping, simple story of survival that feels both familiar and excitingly intense.

I just saw Alien: Romulus, and it was intense! It’s about these young people trying to start a new life in space, and they stumble upon an abandoned station hoping for a fresh start. Cailee Spaeny is amazing – she really carries the film. The director, Álvarez, went back to the roots of the original Alien, focusing on that really tight, scary, and claustrophobic feeling. Seriously, the movie barely gives you a chance to breathe – it’s non-stop dread and tension!

As a huge fan of the Alien franchise, I was really impressed with how Romulus looks. It’s a fantastic blend of old-school practical effects and modern filmmaking, which makes for some truly terrifying and realistic scenes. But what really stood out was that even with all the scares, the movie never forgets about the characters. You really feel their desperation and fear, and that’s what makes the horror so effective.

Sydney Sweeney’s performance is the heart of this chaotic film, providing a strong emotional connection that makes it more than just visually impressive. Combining suspense, horror, and a creepy atmosphere, Alien: Romulus is one of the best films in the Alien series in years, and many would say it’s the most effective since Aliens.

Arco (2025) — May 22 (Hulu)

This May, Disney+ is bringing viewers Arco, a beautifully animated and deeply moving science fantasy film. Originally shown at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, this French production immediately impressed audiences with its unique story and emotional depth.

In the year 2075, Arco tells the story of a girl who sees a boy in a vibrant rainbow suit fall from the sky. She soon learns he’s from a perfect future where traveling through time is possible. As she promises to help him get back to his home, the story becomes a heartwarming adventure about the power of friendship, the meaning of sacrifice, and the mysteries of time.

Arco seamlessly combines different artistic styles, creating a bright and unified look that reflects its ideas about relationships and exploration. The game’s world is thoughtfully designed and welcoming, presenting a vision of the future that is optimistic yet still emotionally resonant.

I absolutely fell in love with the characters in Arco. They’re so well-developed and their connection feels completely real – you genuinely believe in their bond. What really struck me was how the movie blends those big, exciting moments with heartfelt sincerity. It’s a story that’s stayed with me since I finished watching, and honestly, it’s one of the most original things Disney+ has offered in a while.

Descendent (2025) — May 26 (Hulu)

Descendent offers a quieter, yet captivating take on science fiction. The film, written and directed by Peter Cilella and produced by Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead, debuted at South by Southwest in 2025 and immediately stood out for its immersive and atmospheric style.

A security guard in Los Angeles haunted by his past starts seeing bizarre things after a strange light appears in the sky. As he struggles with these visions and growing fear, the upcoming birth of his child adds even more pressure.

I found Descendent really compelling because it uses the idea of time running out to build a constant sense of unease. It’s not your typical sci-fi thriller, though. Instead of jump scares and big action, it’s a much more subtle and atmospheric film. The filmmakers clearly focused on creating a mood and exploring the characters’ inner lives, and they weren’t afraid to leave some questions unanswered, which I actually appreciated. It’s a deliberate, psychological piece that stays with you.

The film feels thoughtfully made and draws you in, though its intentionally unclear story might not satisfy those looking for simple answers. However, its focus on creating a strong mood and developing believable characters helps Descendent truly stand out. It’s a slow-paced sci-fi thriller that stays with you long after it ends, offering Disney+ subscribers a unique viewing experience this May.

2026-05-03 02:31